Sightseeing
One of my favorite places in all of British Columbia is in the heart of Nanaimo. Just a 10 min foot ferry ride to amazing trails, beautiful beaches, and a wealth of history. Boat access only allows for no crowds. Rent a kayak and visit the Dingy Dock Pub restaurant- almost connected to NewCastle and the only floating pub in Canada! You catch the foot ferry from downtown area.
90 locals recommend
Newcastle Island
One of my favorite places in all of British Columbia is in the heart of Nanaimo. Just a 10 min foot ferry ride to amazing trails, beautiful beaches, and a wealth of history. Boat access only allows for no crowds. Rent a kayak and visit the Dingy Dock Pub restaurant- almost connected to NewCastle and the only floating pub in Canada! You catch the foot ferry from downtown area.
Just a 6 min drive away from our home you will find beautiful groomed trails and lovely beaches. Famous for Sunset Beach where folks gather to watch the sun set. Well worth the visit!
143 locals recommend
Neck Point Park
1055 Morningside DrJust a 6 min drive away from our home you will find beautiful groomed trails and lovely beaches. Famous for Sunset Beach where folks gather to watch the sun set. Well worth the visit!
You can walk to Pipers from our home- or a 4 min drive. Check out the Lagoon when the tide goes out.
118 locals recommend
Pipers Lagoon Park
3600 Place RdYou can walk to Pipers from our home- or a 4 min drive. Check out the Lagoon when the tide goes out.
Cathedral Grove
British Columbia 4Stroll through old growth forests. Definitely worth the drive!
Qualicum Beach
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
1240 Rath Rd20 mins north of Nanaimo. A gem to visit.
A definite local favorite. The Raptors brings people closer to birds of prey. Our goal is to educate, illuminate and inspire a sense of personal responsibility for the future of both birds of prey and the planet.
59 locals recommend
Pacific Northwest Raptors
1877 Herd RdA definite local favorite. The Raptors brings people closer to birds of prey. Our goal is to educate, illuminate and inspire a sense of personal responsibility for the future of both birds of prey and the planet.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch
90 Front StBook a tour! Go whale watching!
Beautiful hike through the forest.
30 min drive from here.
140 locals recommend
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
2245 Errington RoadBeautiful hike through the forest.
30 min drive from here.
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
3905 Horne Lake Caves RdDo some exploring in our cave systems!
homalco tours out of Campbell River will take you here.
An easy drive from Nanaimo - this will take you into an amazing adventure.
Bute Inlet
homalco tours out of Campbell River will take you here.
An easy drive from Nanaimo - this will take you into an amazing adventure.
A 1/2 mile beach, four minute drive from our home. Sandiest beach in the city. Roped off swimming area, with tidal pools when tide goes out.
Departure Bay Beach
A 1/2 mile beach, four minute drive from our home. Sandiest beach in the city. Roped off swimming area, with tidal pools when tide goes out.
Food scene
The only floating pub in all of Canada.
Jump on the 10 min foot ferry from downtown for fun experience!
86 locals recommend
Dinghy Dock Pub
8 Pirates LnThe only floating pub in all of Canada.
Jump on the 10 min foot ferry from downtown for fun experience!
Local grocery store with $8.99 Chinese buffet served up to you by staff. Large variety of veggies/rices/meats- almost enough for two. A fast fresh economical take out.
11 locals recommend
Fairway Market
4750 Rutherford RdLocal grocery store with $8.99 Chinese buffet served up to you by staff. Large variety of veggies/rices/meats- almost enough for two. A fast fresh economical take out.
Pomme Natural Market Nanaimo
6560 Metral DrOrganic local groceries.
We enjoy a good meal here... nice vibe, fresh hot food.
12 locals recommend
Browns Socialhouse Nanaimo North
6338 Metral DrWe enjoy a good meal here... nice vibe, fresh hot food.
A quaint family run Greek restaurant. The food is great and the family is very friendly.
Katerina’s Taverna
A quaint family run Greek restaurant. The food is great and the family is very friendly.
Longwood Brew Pub
5775 Turner RdGreat local brewery with very decent pub food.
Catch the foot ferry downtown Nanaimo for a 10 min ride to the only floating pub in Canada. Located on Protection Island in the bay of Nanaimo.
86 locals recommend
Dinghy Dock Pub
8 Pirates LnCatch the foot ferry downtown Nanaimo for a 10 min ride to the only floating pub in Canada. Located on Protection Island in the bay of Nanaimo.
Cactus Club Cafe
5800 Turner RdFun place with varied menu.
The Nest Bistro
77 Skinner StFine Dining. We love this place.
Very popular Greek Restaurant in quaint converted heritage house downtown.
84 locals recommend
Asteras
347 Wesley StVery popular Greek Restaurant in quaint converted heritage house downtown.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Nanaimo has banned single use checkout bags
Bring reusable shopping bags if you plan to go shopping and want your own bags! Likewise, we have left a few in your suite for you to borrow.
Customs and culture
Nanaimo Bars- an edible sweet treat.
Hit the streets of Nanaimo hungry and eat your way along the secret trail. It works like a self-guided choose-your-own-treat adventure and there are 39 stops.
Lots of info online re our "Nanaimo Bars"