Things to do in Nanaimo, BC
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nanaimo
on central Vancouver Island in British Columbia
is a community with a heavy marine influence. Nanaimo has
many things to do in the area. The shorelines are filled with marinas
so there is charter tours, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking
and wildlife watching tours. On land Nanaimo
enjoys activities like the golf courses, hiking and caving.
The Horne Lakes Provincial Park
is a cavers dream with many caves to explore on a
tour or self guided. A visit to Nanaimo is not complete
without taking advantage of a shopping trip in any of the hundreds
of stores and galleries in the city.
Refer to Parks and Trails List and/or the Eco-Tourism
Tour and Guides Business Listings.
- Shopping: Nanaimo has the largest shopping
mall on Vancouver Island complimented by many other large shopping
malls decorated among the many unique boutiques, strip malls,
bistros and kiosks. You might wonder... what this all means to
you shoppers out there? Well it means... wear good shoes and good
luck seeing it all.
- Port Theatre: Nanaimo has a large arts
and cultural following producing quality plays and performing
arts. This charming 800 seat theatre draws quality local, national,
and international talent to perform. The Port Theatre along with
the Arts Centre and Art Gallery blend in nicely with the downtown
waterfront.
- Downtown Nanaimo: The oldest remaining
Hudson Bay fort in North America, cannons going off at noon in
Pioneer Plaza, architecturally charming historic buildings, marinas
and floating piers, seagulls in the distance and boats coming
and going. The 'Harbour City' keeps it's marine feel and historic
past intact.
- Protection Island Ferry: 10 minute passenger-only
Ferry Ride to Protection Island. The home of 'Sally' the seal
and the floating Dingy Dock Restaurant. Take a short stroll around
the Island and enjoy the quiet little bays and rocky beaches.
Views of Nanamo Harbour, sail boats, and NewCastle Island is right
next door.
- Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway: Right in
the hub of the 'Harbour City' is a 4.4 km ocean side walk starting
from Departure Bay, strolling by marinas following the yachts
and sailboats to Swy-A-Lana Lagoon and Maffeo-Sutton Park. Finishing
up your ocean stroll with harbour front piers, marinas, patio
cafe's and cultural boutiques.
- Scuba Diving: Wreck divers love the coastal
waters off of Snake Island, located east of Nanaimo's harbour,
because of the sunken 366' naval destroyer HMCS Saskatchewan and
the 441' 'Victory' HMCS Cape Brenton. Creating an internationally
recognized, expanding ecosystem and hypnotic marine environment.
- New Castle Island Ferry: A provincial park
with no vehicles, just trails. Yup, pure wall to wall nature and
it is only a 15 minute ferry ride. Dirt trails take you in and
about forest trees and around the many beaches and bays around
the Island. Ocean views, fresh clean west coast air and no cars...
just soaring eagles!
- Ocean Kayaking: The bays of the neighboring
Islands of Protection and Newcastle make for good kayaking and
scenery. Pack a camera, and some energy and paddle off to explore
the many coves and inlets of the area.
- Parkway Trail: 20 km trail in between the
lower banks of Mount Benson's tree lines and the newly constructed
Parkway Hwy over looking the city of Nanaimo. Strap on your running
shoes, roller blades, hop on a bike, pull on a walkman, or grab
the shades and go for a walk. Mountain and city views galore.
- Scenic Drives: Departure Bay-Hammond
Bay Rd ocean views, Jinglepot Loop Drive pass farmers fields and
trees, Northwest Bay-Dolphin Drive scenic loop in Nanoose Bay,
and the Yellow Point Rd-Cedar Rd. loop just south of Nanaimo.
A vast assortment of scenery, nature parks, and areas to pull
over and take in the views.
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