Welcome to “The Harbour City”, the treasure of Vancouver Island! If you’re dreaming of a destination with natural beauty, history, and immersive experiences, you’ve just found it. Nanaimo offers everything: coastal views, lush parks, and quirky activities like following the famous Nanaimo Bar Trail. Yes, dessert lovers, this one’s for you!
This is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and unconventional travelers like you. Ready to uncover all the incredible things to do in Nanaimo? Keep reading, you won’t want to miss a thing!
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Top Activities to do in Nanaimo
Walk the Nanaimo Waterfront Walkway
Also known as the Harbourfront Walkway, this is a handy trail that stretches along the Newcastle Channel and the downtown waterfront. It connects key areas such as the Gabriola Island ferry terminal, Maffeo Sutton Park, and the Brechin Boat Ramp. In this way, it is very easy to go from one place to another through its roads. Nanaimo Waterfront Walkway is paved, wheelchair accessible, and you can find various amenities, including coffee shops, ice cream stores, and gift shops.
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Other Land-Based Activities
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Hike: If you’re up for a challenge, hike Mount Benson. It’s steep and takes a few hours, but the views of Nanaimo and the Strait of Georgia are worth it. For something more relaxed, explore the trails at Neck Point Park. You might spot sea lions, otters, or even orcas! Also, you can walk or run the groomed trail around Westwood Lake, with shorter loops, a dog off-leash area, and access to fishing floats.
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Biking: If biking’s your thing, Nanaimo has over 600 trails for all skill levels. Self-guided tours are available with GPS maps and itineraries, so select your favorite scenic route.
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Golf & Disc Golf: Golfers, check out Nanaimo Golf Club for ocean views and year-round play. You can join golf instruction, leagues, or tournaments. But if you’re into something different, Nanaimo is a top disc golf destination, featuring three courses with 18+ holes, including Bowen Park and Doumont.
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Go Whale Watching: Whale watching in Nanaimo is fantastic! You get to cruise the Salish Sea, a playground for whales, sea lions, seals, and all sorts of marine life. The tours usually last about 3-5 hours, and the guides are super professional, so you’ll learn about these incredible creatures.
The best time to go whale watching is generally from March to October, and they have a high success rate of spotting whales near Nanaimo and Gabriola Island. Just be sure to bundle up, bring waterproof stuff, and don’t forget your snacks and camera!
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Beaches & Swimming
Soak up the sun and splash around are some things to do in Nanaimo. For saltwater fun, go to Departure Bay Beach. It’s got a playground, picnic tables, and a swimming area, plus you can watch the ferries coming and going. Neck Point Park is another great option: it’s a rocky beach with clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Or, for something more secluded, head to Blueback Beach in north Nanaimo. It’s a bit hike, but you’ll be rewarded with clear water and a great sandy beach at low tide.
Boating & Fishing
If you like boating and fishing, Nanaimo is the perfect place! You can find on a charter trip with local guides who know all the best fishing spots like Five Fingers Island and Hudson Rocks. They’ll help you reel in some tasty Chinook Salmon, Halibut, or Lingcod. If you want to go solo, no worries! Nanaimo has many places to dock your boat, like the Visiting Vessel Pier at the Nanaimo Port Authority and Newcastle Marina.
Freshwater fishing is another activity in Nanaimo, and Westwood Lake is a great place to catch Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. Whether with a guide or alone, you’ll need a BC Tidal Waters sport fishing license. Also, make sure you’re up to speed on any local fishing rules and limits.
Snorkeling & Diving
The underwater scene in Nanaimo is impressive, with marine life and artificial reefs. It’s known for cold-water diving, but don’t let that scare you off; there are spots you can reach from the shore or by boat. HMCS Saskatchewan, HMCS Cape Breton shipwrecks, and The Rivtow Lion are the must-see, homes for all sea creatures, and exploring their chambers is super fun. Head to Snake Island, where a colony of super curious harbor seals will come say “hi” while you’re snorkeling.
Other spots like Neck Point Park and Madrona Point have walls and reefs where you can see octopus, wolf eels, rockfish, and sea lions. In local dive shops like Sundown Diving and Nanaimo Dive Outfitters, you can find equipment, guided tours, or training if you’re starting.
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Adventure Activities in Nanaimo
WildPlay Nanaimo
WildPlay Nanaimo is packed with adventures. Start with a zipline tour that takes you over the Nanaimo River canyon, and talk about the beautiful views! To get your adrenaline pumping, climb the tightropes, log bridges, rope swings, and cargo nets from 2 to 18m up in the air.
Feeling a bit more daring? Try the 45m bungee jump or the primal swing that flings you through the air at crazy speeds, up to 140 km/h! Plus, there’s the “What’s to Fear Jump” from a 40-foot platform if you want to test your limits.
Nanaimo Museum
Learning about the area’s coal mining past, Indigenous culture, and military history is one of the things to do in The Nanaimo Museum. You will find the Coal Mine exhibit very fascinating. It’s set up to look like you’re walking through an underground mine. Listen closely to the lives of miners, local geology, and how coal mining helped shape Nanaimo’s economy.
And if you like military history, you won’t miss the Vancouver Island Military Museum, displaying many artifacts of the War and Canada’s role in Afghanistan. Surely you’ll be amazed by the Christmas card from Adolf Hitler and cool memorabilia from Canadian WWII ace George Beurling. So, swing by if you’re in the area!
Old City Quarter & Diana Krall Plaza
Journey to Nanaimo’s historic roots in the Old City Quarter. Here you’ll find a mix of heritage buildings and modern constructions, including independent boutiques, specialty stores, galleries, and restaurants. If it coincides with your visit, don’t miss the International World Championship Bathtub Races and the Nanaimo Marine Festival. Also, Diana Krall Plaza is located near the city’s cultural hub. It serves as a venue for local markets, public gatherings, and performances. Visit attractions like the Port Theatre and waterfront promenade, making it a focal point for cultural activities.
Seaplane Tours
Joining a Seaplane tour is one of the best things to do in Nanaimo. Fly over the Strait of Georgia and take in the beautiful views of small islands and coastal scenery. The tours can range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the itinerary, including Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, where you’ll have plenty of free time to explore. Companies like Harbour Air Seaplanes and Sunshine Coast Air operate these services from Nanaimo Harbour. Book your tour and get your camera ready!
Nanaimo’s Natural Wonders
Ammonite Falls
Ammonite Falls in Benson Creek Falls Regional Park is a must-see destination on your trip to Nanaimo. It is easy to reach from two parking lots: Weigles Road (a 1.5 km hike) and Creekside Place (a bit longer, 2.5 km). The trail is challenging, taking you through the forest and a few clear-cut areas. Be careful! The last part down to the falls is steep, but don’t worry, there are ropes to help you. The best time to visit is Spring or after a good rain when the water flow is more powerful.
Pipers Lagoon Park
Coastal trails and scenic ocean views make Pipers Lagoon Park a popular spot for outdoor activities. The park is built on an isthmus extending to a rocky headland, offering views of Shack Island and Neck Point Park. It includes twisting trails leading to seaside lookouts, with a dyke walk separating the lagoon from the ocean and a pebbly beach. The park is popular for bird watching, so you can see species like gulls, sandpipers, and great blue herons. If it’s a windy day, bring out your inner child and fly a kite!
Tips for Visitors in Nanaimo
- Stay Connected: If you’re visiting the beautiful Nanaimo, staying connected and informed is essential. One way to easily access real-time local information and stay in touch with friends is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. With it, you won’t need Wi-Fi to stay up-to-date and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
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Explore Downtown Nanaimo: Walk along the harborfront, visit the Nanaimo Museum, and shop at local boutiques and art galleries are must-see activities to do in Nanaimo.
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Nature and Outdoor Activities: Hike at Pipers Lagoon Park, Ammonite Falls, or other trails like those in Neck Point Park. Enjoy water activities like whale watching, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the harbor.
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Island Hopping: Join guided tours and take a ferry to nearby islands like Protection Island or Saysutshun for unique experiences like visiting the floating pub or exploring Indigenous cultural sites.
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Food and Drink: Visit Nanaimo Bar Trail to taste local craft beers at one of the city’s breweries, or go to the weekly summer market for local produce and artisan goods.
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Transportation: Consider using BC Ferries to explore surrounding areas or take the city bus for local travel. Likewise, Yellow Cab Nanaimo provides reliable taxi services with 24/7 door-to-door transportation. It is ideal for quick and flexible travel within the city or to the airport.