As we all begin to explore again, there are plenty of ways to discover the West Coast, create tangible moments, and experience Vancouver Island in a whole new way.
Nanaimo is a thriving coastal city with umpteen activities available for everyone, from the family looking for fun to the adventure enthusiasts seeking life-changing outdoor experiences. With a flourishing art and history scene, endless hiking trails, a variety of restaurants, and no shortage of outdoor activities—it’s the perfect place to stay and enjoy.
Art and history live here
If you’re coming to Nanaimo seeking art and history, you won’t be disappointed. The Nanaimo Art Gallery always has an exciting exhibition on the go. For the history buffs, the Nanaimo Museum offers self-guided tours so you can fully immerse yourself in the unique history of Nanaimo. You can further avoid the crowds by downloading the OnThisSpot app and taking a self-guided walking tour.
The Old City Quarter is one of the many treasures of Nanaimo. Take a leisurely walk one afternoon, explore the abundance of unique shops and discover the art, history and culture of this special place. The pace here is laid back, friendly and the perfect atmosphere to grab a coffee and enjoy.
The cuisine of the island
Treat yourself to a sweeter experience by trying out the Nanaimo Bar Trail—dozens of unique takes on the Nanaimo Bar along with a lot of surprises.
Nanaimo is home to some of Vancouver Island’s best fish & chips and fresh, local seafood. Some great options include The Firehouse Grill, Pirate Chips, and Minnoz Restaurant and Lounge.
You can expect to enjoy delicious entrées from local kitchens, seasoned with experience and presented with panache.
Stay for an adventure
The ocean and wooded tapestry of the island in Nanaimo means there is never a shortage of fun things to see and do.
For fishing enthusiasts, Westwood Lake and Colliery Dam Park are both stocked with trout and offer a few great spots to drop a line for an afternoon.
For those looking for fun, WildPlay is the 17-acre park along the Nanaimo River that is home to an array of scenery and adventure. This is the perfect activity for the whole family.
Modern Colliery Historic Provincial Park is a walking trail rich in coal mine history where you’ll be able to see building remnants and the only remaining coal tipple on Vancouver Island. Neck Point Park is known for its historic, scenic and natural features, making it a stunning walk along the shoreline and through winding trails of Garry Oak groves.
