What to do and see in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Nanaimo Dive Outfitters and Shepherd Charters provide scuba diving and snorkeling lessons, tours, charters, sales and service to people from all over the world. Dive and stay packages are available. BC has the best cold water diving in the world with unique sealife. Nanaimo offers some of the best shore access as well as boat trips. NDO can provide equipment and a guide to help you enjoy whatever underwater experience you desire. From shore snorkel trips and scuba diving to boat charters to go snorkeling with the seals or scuba diving, there is something for everyone. The Shepherd is our 33ft aluminum dive boat that can take you to some great dive spots including walls, reefs, and artificial reefs or wrecks. She has a large covered deck, storage space below the benches and over head nets for dry storage, an awesome dive ladder, and a marine head.

Breakout Nanaimo is Nanaimo's original live escape room provider, hosting escape fun since 2016! With 60 minutes on the clock, your team will find clues, solve riddles and puzzles, and try to escape a uniquely themed room. Great for any age, escaping is a unique and fun experience for families, friends, & coworkers!

The Board Game House is a unique venture in the core of downtown Nanaimo. We’re kind of a board game store, kind of a café, and just a really cool place to hang out. This new attraction will be a hit for all ages. Bring your friends, hang out, and play a board game or two while enjoying a delicious snack or beverage. Drop fee is $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids 12 and younger but time to play is unlimited.

A unique collection of decor, gifts, clothing and accessories, featuring local, handmade and fair trade.

Explore Vancouver Island is a tour company based in Central Vancouver Island. We collaborate with like-minded locals to offer unforgettable experiences. There is a certain feeling people get when they arrive on Vancouver Island, we like to call that “Island Time”. You will have the option to choose your own adventure and experience for yourself why Vancouver Island is such a tourism destination!

Nanaimo Museum: Discover Nanaimo’s fascinating history in our museum located in the VI Conference Centre. The main gallery offers a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Our award winning replica coal mine is a special treat. The museum also manages the Bastion, an original Hudson's Bay Company post built in 1853. Don’t miss the gift shop! Museum Hours (Fall/Winter/Spring): 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday Summer 2020 Hours: Open Wens-Sun 10am-4pm See our website for up-to-date COVID-19 modifications to hours and admission!

At Brechin Lanes we are proud to offer 16 State-of-the-Art 5 Pin bowling lanes. We also feature: automatic scoring, bumper bowling, glow bowling, Youth & Adult & 55+ leagues, a Pro Shop for both 5 Pin needs as well as lawn bowling supplies, party facilities and a great snack bar. We also have special group and family combos. Our friendly staff are ready to help you have a great time. Brechin Lanes -- Nanaimo's Place For Family Fun -- Since 1956!

Cherub Chocolate is a small batch chocolatier in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. We pride ourselves in using the finest ingredients and hand crafting our chocolates from the ground up. Cherub uses predominantly single origin Belgian chocolate to create exciting and mouthwatering truffles, pralines and many other creations.