20 Greatest Issues to do in Nanaimo, British Columbia

Positioned on the east coast of British Columbia’s picturesque Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is an oceanside gem. The Harbour Metropolis has countless climbing, paddling, and diving alternatives, together with a rising providing of locations to sip and dine.

Nanaimo is the hub of Vancouver Island and is a launch level to all of the superb issues that the Island has to supply. From climbing to a rainforest waterfall to having fun with a beer at a floating pub, Nanaimo, British Columbia, is dwelling to pure magnificence and lots of distinctive points of interest. Whether or not it’s a cease on a street journey or a weekend vacation spot, there’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do whereas visiting Nanaimo.

Listed below are a number of the high issues to do in Nanaimo for journey seekers, espresso aficionados, and everybody in-between.

Photograph credit score: Harbour Air Seaplanes

Indulge on the Nanaimo Bar Path

You actually can’t go to Nanaimo with out having a Nanaimo bar. For namesake alone, among the finest issues to do in Nanaimo, BC, is to eat your means across the metropolis on the Nanaimo Bar Path. With over 40 stops on the route, you’ll discover every thing from the classics to extra adventurous spins like Nanaimo bar gelato and cheesecake. There are even vegan and gluten-free choices to take pleasure in as nicely. You’ll find the entire record of places serving Nanaimo bars right here.

Go to Newcastle Island (Saysutshun)

Newcastle Island, or Saysutshun as historically identified by the Snuneymuxw individuals, is dwelling to the attractive Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park. Visiting the island is likely one of the high Nanaimo points of interest for climbing, hen watching, and tenting.

Catch the ferry from Maffeo Sutton Park and embark on a peaceable retreat to a spot that has been particular to the Snuneymuxw individuals for years. If you happen to’re fascinated with tenting in Nanaimo, the park is the proper place. There are 18 tent campsites and choices for boaters to tie on and luxuriate in a night on the Salish Sea.

Visiting the island is a summer time exercise, with the ferry working every day from Could to September. Campsites can be found with a reservation or on a first-come-first-served foundation for a small nightly price of CAD $18 (USD $14).

Shores of Newcastle Island

Hit the Seaside at Pipers Lagoon Park

Probably the greatest seashores in Nanaimo is at Pipers Lagoon Park. Positioned about 12 minutes north of downtown Nanaimo, the waterfront park has many scenic climbing trails and driftwood-laden seashores excellent for a sundown stroll. Plan to go to at low tide and stroll over to Shack Island, a small slice of land dotted with rustic fishing cabins.

Pipers Lagoon is nice for birdwatching. Seagulls, sandpipers, and nice blue herons are only a few species you’ll see right here.

Pipers Lagoon

Float on the Dinghy Dock Pub

Take a brief ferry experience to Safety Island from the Nanaimo Harbour on Entrance Road to go to Canada’s solely floating pub! The Dinghy Dock is likely one of the most unusual locations to go to in Nanaimo. Seize some pub grub and benefit from the view of Vancouver Island from the water.

There’s usually reside music within the night and gorgeous wildlife viewing from the patio. If the ferry isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to even hire a kayak and paddle over from downtown. After your meal, take a stroll round Safety Island. You’ll discover loads of strolling trails, a group backyard, and rocky west coast seashores to discover.

Uncover The Abyss

One of the vital attention-grabbing issues to see in Nanaimo is the 50 cm (20”) crack within the earth, coined “The Abyss.” Though its origins are unclear, the fissure is a pure surprise alongside the Extension Ridge Path. The crack appears to be like bottomless and is simply sufficiently big to fall into so be further cautious if climbing with a pup.

Extension Ridge Path is about 8 km (5 miles) out and again, and it’s simply 1km to the Abyss. Past the Abyss, there’s a fairy circle and a beautiful labyrinth marks the top of the path. There are a number of viewpoints alongside the best way, the place you’ll be able to look down on the metropolis and surrounding panorama. The trailhead is about 10 minutes south of downtown Nanaimo and begins in a gravel parking zone.

Photograph Credit score: Tourism Vancouver Island / The Nice Path

Go for a Stroll at Neck Level Park

With its many spectacular nature parks, there are many free issues to do in Nanaimo. Visiting Neck Level is a favorite amongst vacationers and locals alike. Encompassing 36 acres of waterfront setting, the park is a chosen pure space that draws photographers. The park can also be dwelling to 4 Nanaimo seashores – Sundown Seaside, Final Seaside, Indian Seaside, and Finn Seaside.

Guests can hike the winding trails by Garry Oak groves and alongside the rugged shoreline. Lined by rocky bluffs and pebble seashores, the headland space within the north part of the park is understood to be frequented by sea lions, orcas, and otters.

Positioned about quarter-hour north of downtown Nanaimo, Neck Level Park can also be a hotspot for scuba diving. Divers inform of a incredible number of marine life that reside off the rocky headlands and a deep water rock wall face that’s enjoyable to discover. Nanaimo provides world-class diving alternatives, particularly within the winter—with a thick wetsuit, in fact!

Have a Pint at a Native Brewery

With 5 native breweries on the town, you’ll don’t have any scarcity of nice locations to seize a pint. Cease into White Sails Brewing for a Mount Benson IPA or Longwood Brewery for an Island Time Lager. Plan your journey with the BC Ale Path in thoughts to find a number of the greatest craft beers that Vancouver Island has to supply. Whether or not you’re craving the complete taproom expertise or want to take a growler to go, Nanaimo breweries have you ever lined.

White Sails Brewery
Quite a lot of beers at White Sails Brewery
Photograph Credit score: BC Ale Path

Search for Fossils at Ammonite Falls

Enterprise down the 4.8 km (3 miles) path to Ammonite Falls, the place you’ll be surrounded by lush forests and ocean fossils. The Ammonite Falls Regional Path is a well-maintained strolling path that leads into Benson Creek Falls Regional Park, opening as much as a view of the cliffside falls on the finish.

If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, climb down the steep rope-lined hill to the foot of the falls for an incredible view. The ropes are particularly useful when the path will get muddy—which is commonly—so bear in mind to put on good boots!

The falls are an important place to chill off in the summertime that looks like a rainforest oasis. Stroll alongside the riverbed and pay shut consideration to the rock-studded partitions. You may simply discover an ammonite, which is an ocean fossil of an extinct mollusk.

Ammonite Falls, Nanaimo

Take within the Views from Sugarloaf Mountain

Take a brief climb as much as Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic view of Departure Bay and town of Nanaimo. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming road entrance; the rocky steps will lead you as much as a spectacular lookout level. It’s the proper spot to observe the ferries are available or catch a sundown within the night.

One other hidden gem is the Seaside Estates Park Path. This 1.7 km (1.1 mile) path begins at Departure Bay Highway and continues to the seaside close to the ferry terminal. You’ll go alongside stairs and a path that follows Northfield Creek all the best way to the ocean.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Watch the Seals at Dodd Narrows

Examine the tide charts and stroll by Joan Level Park for a vantage level of Dodd Narrows. At excessive tide, this passage of narrows between Vancouver Island and Mudge Island places on fairly a present. Watch the rapids hit the coast, and preserve an eye fixed out for seals taking part in within the currents.

To achieve Joan Level, stroll the Cable Bay Park path and observe the shoreline south. You’ll come to a waterfront park the place you’ll discover the proper vantage level to settle in and watch the water beneath. The Cable Bay Park trailhead is a few 15-minute drive from downtown Nanaimo.

Have a Espresso at Regard Espresso Roasters

Regard Espresso Roasters is Nanaimo’s solely native espresso roaster. If you happen to’re on the lookout for issues to do in Nanaimo in winter or wish to cozy up with a cup year-round, Regard is your spot. Have a seat within the shiny and ethereal café, or take a bag of freshly roasted beans dwelling with you. If you happen to like what you style, you’ll be able to join their espresso subscription service and luxuriate in a style of Nanaimo from anyplace in Canada!

Regard Espresso

Soak in Canadian Historical past on the Bastion

Deemed one in every of Nanaimo’s most iconic landmarks, the Bastion was constructed by Hudson’s Bay Firm within the 1850s. Now maintained by the Nanaimo Museum, you’ll be able to go to for summer time excursions to be taught extra about Island coal mining. If you happen to plan your go to at noon, you’ll be able to even catch a cannon firing!

Admission is free, however examine the Nanaimo Museum web site for hours of operation, as they do range by season.

Seize Breakfast at The Vault Café

Brighten up a gray Vancouver Island day on the shiny pink Vault Café. Have a number of the greatest breakfast in Nanaimo whereas being surrounded by greenery and romantic structure. The café is positioned in an previous financial institution constructing the place charming character is the backdrop for scrumptious meals and reside music.

Vault Cafe

Watch the Bathtub Race

Surely, the last word Nanaimo vacationer attraction is the annual Bathtub Race. Yearly hosted in July since 1967 (aside from 2020, in fact), a whole bunch of “tubbers” race motorized bathtub boats across the coastal islands for an opportunity at victory. The race initially went throughout the Strait from Nanaimo to Vancouver however has since been rerouted.

Although issues have modified through the years, former mayor Frank Ney continues to be an icon of the race. He used to decorate up as a pirate and promote the race across the Island—what a solution to put Nanaimo on the map! The race turns into the month-long Nanaimo Marine Pageant, with numerous actions and occasions throughout town. If you happen to’re bored of normal sports activities, remember to go to Nanaimo in July and add a tub race to your agenda!

Statue of Frank Ney, creator of the Bathtub Race

Go on a Whale Watching Tour

The west coast of British Columbia is spoiled in terms of majestic wildlife. Occurring a whale watching tour is an superior solution to spend a day and see marine life in motion. Orcas, humpback whales, and seals are all residents of the Salish Sea that hugs Nanaimo’s coast.

Occurring a tour with Vancouver Island Whale Watch is a good way to discover the ocean sustainably. Excursions solely observe wholesome rising whale populations as an alternative of the endangered orcas generally seen additional south. The truth is, Vancouver Island Whale Watch advocated for the moratorium on watching endangered orcas, which has now been written into Canadian legislation. Fares begin at CAD $179 (USD $134) for a 4-hour tour, with a portion of that donated to marine conservation efforts.

Mixing the most effective elements of seaside and metropolis residing is what Nanaimo tourism is all about. From quirky sporting occasions to postcard-worthy views, Nanaimo boasts a great deal of actions to take pleasure in year-round. Come really feel the salty air for your self and expertise the eating places, waterfalls, and seashores that make Nanaimo a travel-worthy vacation spot.

Take the Ferry to Gabriola Island

Get away from town and go to the humanities and tradition group on Gabriola Island. House to a excessive density of artists, the island has a various group and hosts festivals, workshops, and outside adventures.

Browse the 70+ artist studios, take a yoga class, or hike the mossy trails of Descanso Bay Regional Park – this can be a place to decelerate and take every thing in. There are additionally nice swimming spots on the island’s coast, with family-friendly sandy seashores in Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, or the gorgeous Malaspina Galleries with its sandstone cliffs.

Regionally sourced meals is one other necessary a part of the island’s tradition. You’ll discover Gabriola-grown produce, meat, and eggs on the island’s eating places, farm stands, and farmers markets. The island is only a 25-minute ferry experience from Nanaimo Harbour, with sailings from early morning to late night.

Gabriola Island, Nanaimo

Discover Petroglyph Provincial Park

Positioned on a hill overlooking Nanaimo Harbour, this park is dwelling to a big focus of prehistoric rock carvings created by First Nations peoples over 1,000 years in the past. A brief interpretive path leads from the parking zone to a sandstone gallery, the place you’ll see sea creatures, human figures, and symbolic designs etched into the rock floor.

Only a 10-minute drive south from downtown Nanaimo, Petroglyph Provincial Park has no admission charges and is strictly day-use.

Go to the Vancouver Island Army Museum

See a formidable assortment of army memorabilia and artifacts courting all the best way again to the Struggle of 1812 on the Vancouver Island Army Museum. You’ll see over 25 displays honoring Canada’s army historical past and Service provider Navy.

Positioned on Nanaimo’s historic waterfront, the Vancouver Island Army Museum is open Tuesday by Friday from 10am-3pm, and on Saturday from 11am-3am. Admission is $4 CAD per particular person.

Storm Riders characteristic of Vancouver Island Army Museum. Credit score: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck / Vancouver Island Army Museum

Watch the Boats from the Harbourfront Walkway

Take a stroll alongside the downtown harbourfront on this paved path. The Harbourfront Walkway passes by marinas, parks, and a seaside. It is a good spot to observe the dawn, or simply go for a leisurely stroll to benefit from the sights and sounds of the harbour.

Play Disc Golf at Bowen Park

Positioned within the coronary heart of town, this park is dwelling to a collection of interpretive trails, the scenic Bowel Park Waterfall, and a stunning rhododendron grove with over 350 totally different species. There’s additionally an outside swimming pool, a garden bowling inexperienced, and the Bowen Park Disc Golf course. Don’t fear for those who didn’t carry discs – you’ll be able to borrow them on the registration counter.