Location: Nanaimo
Top Things to do in Nanaimo
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What to do and see in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island: The Best Free Things to do
Vancouver Island's second-largest city is a picturesque oceanfront town with fabulous mountain views and a busy harbor. Home to events like the harbor's Bathtub Race, the city of 75,000 offers outdoor opportunities from full-moon kayaking to golfing. Boat-fresh seafood graces tables at an ever-increasing number of restaurants. This gateway to island adventures is easily reached by fast ferry or floatplane from downtown Vancouver or by scheduled ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.
Restaurants in Nanaimo
1. Artzi Stuff
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Voyage506860 - Nanaimo, Canada
When in Nanaimo you must visit this wonderful shop featuring items by local/island artists. beautiful selection of:jewellery, carvings, glass work, paintings, clothing, pottery, ceramics and gift cards. A wonderful spot to browse, chat with the knowledgeable owner Tanya, and pick up a unique gift or memento knowing that your money is staying within this island community. A must-see in this harbour town.
2. Newcastle Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Reviewed By sharonNVBC - North Vancouver, Canada
You can take a short ferry ride to Newcastle from downtown Nanaimo. Interesting sandstone rock formations, wildlife, and and easy walking trails make this a great day trip. There are campsites and a small cafeteria near the ferry dock. Return trips can require a short wait, since the foot passenger ferries have limited capacity.
3. Cedar Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
The Cedar Farmers Market runs every Sunday from Mother’s Day until the end of October. We are at our NEW location: Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Road. We are now allowing dogs on the market field, but they must be kept on a SHORT locked leash. Our market features locally grown fruit & vegetables, ethically raised meat, sustainable seafood, potted plants, fresh-cut flowers, pottery, jewelry, food trucks, hot locally-roasted coffee, home-made ice cream, all-natural bath & beauty care, home decor, and so much more!
Reviewed By MarinaS102 - Ladysmith, Canada
This is not your high-priced touristy market. This is where locals shop for the best quality fresh produce and arts and crafts!
4. Pipers Lagoon Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By clifforda530 - Abbotsford, Canada
Pipers Lagoon has an amazing variety of things to see - ocean beach, tidal lagoon, rocks to climb (on trails).
5. Beach Estates Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By TerraformTheWorld - Parksville, Canada
Went for a quick walk bright and early and it was worth it. Waterfalls near the top of the trail, access from Church of Nazarene parking lot. Not too many steps down to the falls but if you head all the way down to the saltwater it is a good short work-out about 60m elevation difference. Path is in good shape and excellent vegitation with the sound of running water, very relaxing.
6. Neck Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By Amandacawley1212 - Nanaimo, Canada
Beautiful! A wonderful view of the water and a lovely walk through the forest.. bats at night and Eagles in the day.. also has fairy doors so fantastic spot for families as well
7. Buttertubs Marsh
8. Harbourfront Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Reviewed By Adventurer303465
The extensive walkway at long the Nanaimo Harbour extends from Port Place Mall and Gabriela Ferry Terminal to The Departure Bay Ferry terminal. It passes th the boa basin with mixture of fishing boats and pleasure yachts. One can purchase ice creams, speciality coffees and wide selection of island gifts. Harbour Air Sewplane terminal is located on walkway. After passing the Bistro pub and restaurant you will come to Mateo-Sutton Park. Continuing on are the Yacht Club and other marine establishments.
9. Westwood Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By Z3830LJjamesy - Nanaimo, Canada
Go for a run every morning on the trail. Great place to unwind with nature. Some nice challenging hills along the trail. A nice walk should take about one hour.
10. Colliery Dam Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By TerraformTheWorld - Parksville, Canada
Dropped by on November 6 since it was nice and sunny. Very nice walk along good trails that were partially covered in the fall leaves. Lots of interesting shaped coniferous trees, next time I will remember my camera. Plan on returning when the rainy season starts since the spillway could be very interesting. Has a washroom near the parking lot. The parking lot was full but there is additional parking on the side streets.
