101
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN
NANAIMO
101
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN
NANAIMO
The number of things to see and do in Nanaimo is probably closer to 1,001 than 101, but whatever the tally is, it’s lot, and we’re lucky to live here or to visit here. We hope these pages offer ideas or reminders, and inspire you to get out and experience more of what the Harbour City has to offer.
101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo is a publication of the Nanaimo News Bulletin and Black Press Media. For advertising inquiries, call 250-753-3707.
Publisher: Sean McCue
Sales: Shirley Deakin, Joanne Iormetti, Luke Winkelmans
Editor: Greg Sakaki
Contributors: Chris Bush, Jessica R. Durling, Karl Yu
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101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo – Mayor’s Welcome
On behalf of council, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the City of Nanaimo, located on the Traditional Territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The Snuneymuxw people have called this area home since time immemorial and we honour the past while moving forward together.
Last year, the City of Nanaimo celebrated its 150th birthday. On Dec. 24, 1874, the City was officially incorporated, making Nanaimo B.C.’s sixth-oldest municipality (and fourth-oldest city). Today, we are a blend of innovation and legacy with a thriving local economy driven by tourism, education,
technology and forestry. Our community, which has more than 110,000 residents and is among the fastest-growing in Canada, is rooted in its history while also growing and evolving. The Nanaimo Museum and other historical locations throughout our community celebrate and preserve our past. You’ll find stories that make the story of Nanaimo come to life, from learning about the early days of Nanaimo to the beginnings of our popular bathtub races.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, connect with others, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Nanaimo has something for everyone. The
city is proud to offer a wide range of recreational amenities, including several hockey arenas, swimming pools, community centres, and outdoor sports courts that serve residents of all ages. A particularly special feature is the Katzberg Hammer Cage at the Nanaimo Rotary Bowl
– a dedicated hammer throw facility named in honour of Olympic gold medallist Ethan Katzberg, who grew up right here in Nanaimo. Our recreational spaces play an important role in fostering community pride, healthy lifestyles, and lifelong connections – all of which are part of what makes Nanaimo such a vibrant place to live. A friendly greeting, a strong sense of place and a distinctively West Coast lifestyle awaits you in Nanaimo. We cordially invite you to experience the charm, culture and beauty that define our vibrant city.
Mayor Leonard Krog City of Nanaimo
1. Share what you see and do
While exploring Nanaimo, take lots of pictures and videos and share them on social media – it’s worth spreading the good word about what the Harbour City has to offer.
A recent tourism meetup called Nanaimo Infusion, promoting friendship between Canadians and Americans during a time of trade and tariff uncertainty, came about mostly through TikTok and Discord. People saw on their social media feeds some of what Nanaimo has to offer, and wanted to experience it.
“It’s been really heart-filling to see Canada through other people’s eyes,” said organizer Tod Maffin. “I think we take for granted what we have here on Vancouver Island and across Canada. Not only the beautiful parts about being on the Island, but just the general safety and security we enjoy.”
So while you’re seeing Nanaimo’s sights, consider capturing the moments and sharing them with friends and followers – you may or may not start a movement, but you will be spreading joy and positivity.
2. Walk along the waterfront
Nanaimo’s waterfront is beautiful, bustling, and a must-see for visitors, and one of the best ways to experience it is by walking
along the Harbourfront Walkway between the Nanaimo Boat Basin and the Nanaimo Yacht Club.
nanaimo.ca/parks-search
3. Have a whale of a time
Orcas often spend time in Nanaimo’s waters and can be seen from shore once in a while if you’re lucky. To improve your chances of seeing the gigantic marine mammals, take a boat ride with Vancouver Island Whale Watch, which guarantees sightings. vancouverislandwhalewatch.com
NEWS BULLETIN PHOTO
4. Taste for yourself –our bars are best
Nanaimo was already home to the world’s best Nanaimo bars – now the community can claim the world’s biggest Nanaimo bar, too.
The iconic Canadian dessert bar with its layers of chocolate and custard over a crumb base is imitated around the world but is best-loved in its hometown.
A team from Vancouver Island University established a new world record this spring, constructing a 1,100-pound (500 kilogram), 70-foot (21-metre) Nanaimo bar.
Representatives of the Baking Association of Canada and the Culinary Federation were on hand to confirm the dimensions of the Nanaimo bar and certify the new world record.
“I can only say that it’s only right and proper that we host the creation of the biggest Nanaimo bar in the history of the planet,” said Mayor Leonard Krog. “Often imitated but never bested, this chocolate and custard layered bar complete with a crumbly bottom has reached international popularity and earned a special place in the hearts and stomachs of dessert lovers all over the world.”
Tourism Nanaimo has compiled a Nanaimo Bar Trail, which offers more than 40 ways to enjoy a Nanaimo bar locally.
tourismnanaimo.com/blog/nanaimo-bar-trail
5. Stop by a floating pub
Take the ferry from the Nanaimo Boat Basin to the Dinghy Dock Pub, which is found floating off the shore of Protection Island.
The business bills itself as Canada’s only registered
floating pub.
“The expansive views, relaxed atmosphere and great pub fare make us a popular destination year after year,” the pub’s website notes.
dinghydockpub.com
NEWS BULLETIN PHOTO
6. Waterfront park is the place to be
Maffeo Sutton Park is the place to be during the summer months in Nanaimo. The downtown waterfront park is festival central, hosting the city’s premier events.
There is also a seawall, a crabbing dock, a peace garden, a playground, and an array of public art, and the ‘Nanaimo’ sign in front of Sway’ A’ Lana Lagoon is a popular attraction.
nanaimo.ca/parks-search
7. Experience Saysutshun
Saysutshun offers a unique natural, historical and cultural experience.
Formerly known as Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, Saysutshun Park was re-named to reflect the area’s Snuneymuxw First Nation heritage.
Snuneymuxw ancestors used Saysutshun as a place to train and prepare themselves physically, mentally and spiritually for hunting and ceremonies.
Saysutshun Park is accessible by a seasonal foot-passenger ferry from Maffeo Sutton Park. There are trails, points of interest, a campsite, areas to kayak and swim and opportunities to try traditional salmon barbecue.
saysutshun.ca
8. Get to the night
market
Downtown Nanaimo is the place to be every Thursday evening during the summer, thanks to the Commercial Street Night Market.
Shopping in the heart of downtown Nanaimo happens Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. through Aug. 28. Vehicle traffic will be blocked off to allow shoppers on foot to peruse and enjoy the sights and sounds and browse, with 200 vendors selling crafts, clothing, food and more.
nanaimochamber.bc.ca/nanaimo-night-market
9. Sign out e-bikes and e-scooters
BCAA’s Evolve bike program was launched as a pilot project last spring with 16 bike stations and about 80 electric bikes, and its bright blue bikes have become part of active transportation around Nanaimo.
The program has had very little trouble with theft or vandalism in the year it’s been operating, and reports 94 per cent bike availability at its Nanaimo stations.
“We really pride ourselves on bringing a safe and reliable program…” said David Holzer, the program’s business development manager. “We developed really strong procedures with our fleet management and we put
our fleet teams into the field quite often to ensure that the bikes are clean, in good shape and are well-maintained and ready to use.”
Downloading the Evo mobile app gives riders access to the bikes by scanning a QR code. Each bike is outfitted with a carry basket and helmet. Evolve is expanding its stations up to north Nanaimo, based on data gathered suggesting riders want to make trips to the north end via the E&N Trail.
The Evolve program is also adding another mode of transportation, with Nanaimo in line to receive 60 e-scooters by the summer. evo.ca/evolve
10. Pause for petroglyphs
Petroglyph Park has the highest concentration of rock carvings of the 14 petroglyph sites around Snuneymuxw First Nation traditional territory. According to B.C. Parks, some of the carvings may date from more than 1,000 years ago and others created as recently as within the last 200 years. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/petroglyph
11. Get a bird’s-eye view
Fly high over the Harbour City in a seaplane or helicopter. Harbour Air Seaplanes and Seair Seaplanes are primarily means of transport, but tour packages are available. Or look into flights with Helijet or West Coast Helicopters.
12. Find a cache
Geocachers can seek out, at last count, 1,372 caches around the city and region. geocaching.com
13. Bird-watch
There are about 300 bird species that make the Nanaimo region home. Buttertubs Marsh, Diver Lake, Pipers Lagoon, Neck Point Park, Morrell Wildlife Sanctuary and Colliery Dam Park are some places to bring your binoculars or camera.
14. Go back in time
Learn about how it all began as the Nanaimo Museum offers a look at the city’s origins as a Snuneymuxw village before the Hudson’s Bay Company set up a trading post in the 1850s. Exhibits detail the city’s transition from coal mining to forestry and beyond, and offer perspectives on Canadian history and culture.
This summer’s feature exhibit, Dinosaurs of B.C., is a travelling exhibit that will be set up at the museum from June 7-Sept. 6, showcasing local paleontological discoveries curated by the Royal B.C. Museum. The museum also operates the Bastion, a trade fort built in 1853. It will be open June 28-Sept. 1 on weekends. nanaimomuseum.ca
15. Walk paths of the past
Follow the footsteps of those who came before. The City of Nanaimo’s Heritage Walks Through Time brochures offer self-guided tours for different areas of the city.
www.nanaimo.ca/about-nanaimo/history-of-nanaimo/heritage-walks-through-time
16. Remember war heroes
The Vancouver Island Military Museum, billed as B.C.’s most significant military museum, has assembled an impressive collection of military memorabilia and artifacts from the War of 1812 through to Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan. There are exhibits on present-day operations in all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces, and examinations of life on the home front, the role of the Merchant Navy, and more. vimilitarymuseum.ca
17. See coal town history
The historic Morden Mine, a more-than-100-yearold concrete coal mining structure at Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park, stands tall in Nanaimo’s South Wellington area. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/morden
There’s more than meets the eye to a geological peculiarity popular with hikers and mountain bikers behind Nanaimo.
Anyone who’s hiked or biked the Extension Ridge Trail will have stumbled upon – or into if not given fair warning – the Abyss. The long, deep crack can be found in otherwise solid sandstone conglomerate bedrock rising about 80 metres above the surrounding landscape to form the Extension Ridge that spans roughly five kilometres from Harewood Mines Road in Nanaimo to Virostko Road in Extension. Extension Ridge Trail is actually a section of the Trans-Canada Trail network.
The trail head to the Abyss is located where the B.C. Hydro power lines cross Harewood Mines Road.
The trail is a moderately easy hike that offers beautiful views of Nanaimo, the Salish Sea and the Coast Mountains, but hikers should tread carefully, especially in the wet fall and winter months, when rain and ice makes exposed roots and rock surfaces slippery.
The Abyss presents as a large, deep fissure about 40 metres long, about half a metre wide and at least eight metres deep, but Tim Stokes, a professor with Vancouver Island University’s Earth sciences department, describes some interesting geology underlying the fractured rock. As to how and when the Abyss came to be, all Stokes can accurately say is, “it depends.”
Extension Ridge is one of a series of ridges behind Nanaimo which share similar characteristics of a gentle slope on their north sides, steep bluffs on their south faces and huge stone blocks that form as fragments from erosion and tumble down to the land below. The age of the conglomerate bedrock itself formed 65-90 million years ago, but when and how the crack appeared hasn’t been determined. “It’s got some unique things about it,” the professor said. “It’s got a really sharp edge, which would suggest to me,
geologically, it’s pretty recent. In the last thousands of years.”
The bedrock layers that were once horizontal were likely tilted by tectonic forces to the angle visitors see today, but sheer mass of kilometre-thick glaciers was a possible contributor. When the ice receded and its weight lifted, the land was able to spring up – a process called isostatic rebound. As the bedrock rose it may have fractured at weak points, creating features like the Abyss. But an earthquake or even coal mining under the ridge could have also contributed. “So I think the ridges formed, obviously, by tectonic forces and then why rocks seem to tumble off is going to be related to the story, whether it’s glaciation, whether it’s isostatic rebound, whether it’s undermining of the coal seams or whether it’s just weathering and toppling over time,” Stokes said. “So, it depends.” tourismnanaimo.com
19. Take a hike
Some recommended places to hike and walk in some natural settings around the region are Westwood Lake Park, Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park, Hemer Park, Haslam Creek and Copley Ridge. Plan and prepare before you set out.
20. Find the falls in the forest
Ammonite Falls are the main attraction of Benson Creek Falls Regional Park. Thanks to recently installed viewing platforms and stairs, as well as other improvements, the hike to the waterfall is accessible for more visitors.
rdn.bc.ca/benson-creek-falls-regional-park
21. What a view
Sugarloaf Mountain, overlooking Departure Bay, offers one of the city’s most sweeping viewpoints after a short but steep flight of steps.
nanaimo.ca/parks-search
Our Chase and Bowen store locations have charming cafes that serve up some amazing home-cooked food!
Whether you’re craving a hearty soup, a classic sandwich, or one of their signature pastries with a cup of locally brewed Creekmore coffee, there’s something for everyone.
22. Climb a mountain
Reaching the top of Nanaimo means climbing Mount Benson. The hike to the top and back down will take three to five hours and is steep in sections. Adventurers are reminded that the weather at the top might not be the same as the weather at the bottom. New educational signage about safe trip planning principles and reflective trail markers have been installed on the trail in collaboration with Nanaimo Search and Rescue. rdn.bc.ca/mount-benson-regional-park
Movingto Vancouver Island?
Be sure to engage a neighbourhood expert.
If you’re relocating to Vancouver Island, make sure your first call is to a local REALTOR®. They know the neighbourhoods, school districts, zoning regulations, and market trends in the area. Local REALTORS® offer insights an outsider simply doesn’t have. So, when you’re ready to make a move, visit vireb.com to find your neighbourhood expert.
23. Enjoy a day at the
dams
At a time when communities were tearing down old dams that served bygone industries, neighbours fought to keep the Colliery Dams and the lakes they created.
Colliery Dam Park contains two original dams that were built in 1910 and 1911 to supply water for washing the coal once mined in Nanaimo.
Multiple trails meander through the woods, and the paths include boardwalks and bridges and are popular with hikers, joggers and mountain bikers.
The lakes are stocked with trout, and the upper lake is an off-leash dog area. nanaimo.ca/parks-search
24. Take the stairs
Blueback Beach and Invermere Beach in Nanaimo’s north end tend to be relatively quiet even on hot summer days. That’s because visitors need to take a long set of stairs down to the seashore, and the climb back up afterward will have anyone breathing hard. nanaimo.ca/parks-search
NEWS BULLETIN PHOTO
25. Knock on fairy doors
A new fairy welcome tree now greets visitors at Neck Point Park.
A “giving tree” at the park that was lost after a windstorm last year has now been replaced by a new fairy tree. In addition, a number of fairy and gnome homes at the park have been rejuvenated with new walking paths made from windstorm debris and interpretive signage to guide visitors. The welcome tree was conceived by artisan Charlie Pickard and carver Cameron Smith, with solar panels by Keith Cook.
More than 45 trees and 300 other plants have been added near the parking lot recently.
Kirsty MacDonald, city manager of park operations, said park improvements have been made with “thoughtful planning and stewardship” so that the park retains its biodiversity and beauty while appealing to visitors. Neck Point Park and Pipers Lagoon
Park are kind of like companion parks in Nanaimo’s Hammond Bay area, both with a mix of beaches and rugged coastline and incredible views over the Strait of Georgia. Pipers Lagoon Park has eight hectares of variegated seaside terrain with trails and lookouts. Neck Point Park is 15 hectares with trails along rocky cliffs and through Garry oak groves. nanaimo.ca/parks-search
26. Seek sanctuary
Morrell Nature Sanctuary is leased by the Morrell Sanctuary Society for Environmental Education, a non-profit organization managed by volunteers who maintain the park and organize educational programs. The 111 hectares feature 11 kilometres of trails, and visitors are asked to stay on the marked trails and keep their dog on a leash. morrellnaturesanctuary.ca
27. Explore an ecoforest
Wildwood Ecoforest, operated by the Ecoforestry Institute Society, promotes sustainable forestry. Walks and workshops are held regularly. facebook.com/wildwoodecoforest
CITY OF NANAIMO PHOTO
28.
Take
a ferry to the ‘Isle of the Arts’
Gabriola Island is best known for its arts and culture scene, but the ‘Isle of the Arts’ is also known for its natural beauty and vibrant community.
Give yourself time to enjoy more than 30 beach access points, dozens of local artists’ studios, and a fine selection of cafés and restaurants.
Some favourite ways to
enjoy Gabriola are to take in the views from Silva Bay or Drumbeg Provincial Park. The Malaspina Galleries limestone formations are one of a kind, and make time too to see Gabriola Sands Provincial Park.
The island is a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo.
hellogabriola.ca
29. Head out to Jack Point
Biggs Park/Jack Point is a 13-hectare park with a twoand-a-half kilometre hike along the Nanaimo River estuary to reach the tip of the point.
There are fantastic views of the city, Protection and Gabriola Islands, backdropped by the Coast Mountains across the Strait of Georgia. nanaimo.ca/parks-search
30. Take the dog for a walk
Colliery Dam Park was voted Best Place to Walk Your Dog in our Best of the City survey. Nanaimo has a dozen off-leash parks including Beban Park dog park and the Westwood Lake power lines. nanaimo.ca
31. Rough it
Pitch a tent at Saysutshun Park, Descanso Bay, Living Forest Oceanside Campground, Mountainaire, Rondalyn Resort, Brannen Lake, Westwood Lake and Zuiderzee campsites. Be sure to book in advance.
32. See if the fish are biting
There are plenty of fish in the sea in the waters around Nanaimo.
Coastal Blue Adventures, Invictus Charters, Unreel Charters and Reel Time Fishing Charters promote fishing opportunities in the area. For something a little simpler, young children might like dropping a line from shore and trying for coarse fish.
Or try lake fishing. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. stocks Westwood, Diver, Green, Brannen and Long lakes and Colliery Dam Park with catchable-size rainbow trout.
33. Find great deals
For those seeking a bargain, Nanaimo is host to an assortment of thrift stores.
Shoppers visiting the Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store might catch a special event, such as Christmas in July or a tea party, held in hopes of clearing out large collections.
Marlene Bell, auxiliary president, said clothes are the most commonly bought items, but some customers follow the store on Facebook to be the first to see its weekly changing window display for unusual finds ahead of opening on Tuesdays.
“Last year we started storing good jackets and then we had a jacket extravaganza, and it was crazy,” Bell said. “It was our first one so we probably put a lower price on them than we should’ve.”
In 2024, the auxiliary raised a record $1 million for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and scored first in the Best of the City survey in the Best Consignment or Thrift Store category. Other thrift stores that readers seem to like include Nanaimo Hospice Shoppe and Deni’s Dynamite Deals, or for consignment, Funk Revival. nrghauxiliary.org/thrift-store
34. Go shopping at Woodgrove, downtown and in the Old City
Woodgrove Centre is a destination mall on the mid Island, home to more than 130 stores and service outlets from boutiques to retail giants. It was the co-winner of Best Place to Shop in the News Bulletin’s Best of the City survey last year. woodgrovecentre.com
Downtown Nanaimo offers a mix of locally owned shops that can’t be found elsewhere in the city. Current upgrades to Commercial, Wharf and Church streets mean some traffic closures, but pedestrian access and all businesses are open. downtownnanaimo.ca
With its vibrant awnings, eclectic nature and preservation of heritage, Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter offers a shopping experience all its own. Just steps from the downtown core, the Old City is home to owner-operated shops, eateries and services. oldcityquarter.com
35. Break for breakfast
Rise and shine with breakfast. Gabriel’s Café is a perennial winner in the Best Breakfasts category in our Best of the City survey, or try Tania’s Restaurant or Kelly’s Kitchen Café. Or get a cinnamon bun at Cobs Bread bakery.
36. Have a mid-day meal
Make sure to have a mid-day meal to keep up your energy for whatever else the day may bring. Nanaimo News Bulletin readers say the Crow and Gate Pub makes the best lunches, and Gabriel’s Café and Delicado’s Deli are other favourite lunch places. Troller’s Fish and Chips is another winner every year in our Best of the City survey.
37. Dine on deliciousness
Tourism Nanaimo’s website suggests Nanaimo isn’t just a place to visit, but also a place to taste.
“Here, dining isn’t merely about eating; it’s about experiencing flavours that are as diverse and unconventional as the city itself. In Nanaimo, chefs are creators, artisans are innovators, and eateries are canvases for culinary artistry.”
The Best of the City survey finds year after year that the best overall restaurant is Asteras Greek Taverna.
If you’re looking for some other ideas, Bin 4 Burger Lounge was the Best of the City winner for Best Burgers, Nori Japanese Restaurant was voted Best Sushi, the Bold Knight was the winner for Best Steakhouse and Best Seafood, Milano’s Ristorante won for Best Pasta, Curry Culture won Best Curry, Mambo Gourmet Pizza was selected Best Pizza, and Gina’s Mexican Café for Best Tacos. nanaimobulletin.com/local-business
Nanaimo bars are your best bet for dessert, but there are many options for finishing your night with something sweet. Red’s Bakery, Burnt Honey Dessert Co. and Asteras Greek Taverna are our readers’ choices.
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39. Hit up a food truck
Food trucks serving up everything from sliders to poutine to doughnuts can be found in the city – especially during summer events. Maffeo Sutton Park is one of the preferred spots for the food trucks to set up, especially on Food Truck Fridays on select dates throughout the summer. The Commercial Street Night Market attracts numerous food trucks to Diana Krall Plaza every Thursday evening throughout the summer.
40. Ask for
a double scoop
Ice cream or gelato are perfect on a summer’s day in Nanaimo.
Try Burnt Honey Dessert Company and Cold Front Gelato. Waterfront Confections also serves up cones.
Fuel up for adventuring in and around Nanaimo by stopping for a cup of coffee.
The News Bulletin’s Best of the
City voters like to meet for coffee at Drip Coffee Social, Serious Coffee, the Bee’s Knees Café and the Vault Café.
42. Take afternoon tea
Enjoy afternoon tea with style and elegance at the Grand Hotel. House-made blackcurrant scones are a specialty, along with a selection of other pastries and miniature sandwiches.
thegrandhotelnanaimo.ca
43. Hop to it44. Uncork
Savour a pint on the B.C. Ale Trail. The self-guided tour recommends Nanaimo, featuring local breweries, beer, establishments and tourist activities. Longwood Brew Pub, Longwood Brewery, White Sails Brewing and Wolf Brewing are some local operations. bcaletrail.ca/about-project
Nanaimo’s Millstone Estate
Winery produces a collection of delightful wines – the pinot noir, pinot grigio, cabernet franc and ortega are recommended. millstonewinery.ca
Another way to soak in the Island’s wine culture is a wine tour of the region.
canadiancrafttours.ca/collections/ nanaimo
45. Keep up with seniors
Seniors visiting Nanaimo and thinking about retiring here should make it a point to visit Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors at the Bowen Park Activity Centre.
Lively and friendly seniors gather there to enjoy arts and crafts, games, exercise, dance, music, woodworking, pottery, book club discussions and trip planning, to name a few of the activities. They make newcomers feel welcomed and are always looking to make new friends. nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/recreationfacilities-schedules
46. Feel rejuvenated at the spa or salon
Make time to get refreshed at a spa. Kiyo Salon and Day Spa was voted Best Beauty Salon or Spa in last year’s Best of the City survey, and some other options are Maffeo Salon and Day Spa, Brows X Sculpt, Peach, the Babe Cave, Foxy Box Laser and Wax Bar, Breze Aveda Concept Salon and Spa, the Nail Lounge, Rich 1 Beauty Salon and MediSpa, Nanaimo Elements Spa, Velvet Body Bar, and Pure Spa.
The Harbour City’s marinas are both a destination and a starting point for sailors and for good reason – the cruising opportunities here are incredible and endless.
For more information about sailing out of Nanaimo Harbour, look up the Nanaimo Yacht Club or the Van Isle Sailing Co-op or take a tour with Island Marine Adventures.
48. Find a place to play
The city’s premier playground is the Maffeo Sutton Park playdock, recently upgraded and made more accessible and safer. The playground at Harewood Centennial Park also received a recent upgrade and other favourite playgrounds are Beban Park’s Altrusa Park and Oliver Woods Community Centre. nanaimo.ca/parks-search
49. Catch a foot ferry
Love sailing across the sea, or hankering for a day trip to Vancouver, or wanting to catch the Vancouver Canucks, B.C. Lions or a concert? Say hello to a Hullo foot passenger ferry and travel from Nanaimo’s waterfront to a convenient stop in downtown Vancouver with easy access to public transit. hullo.com
50. Stretch out at yoga class
Practise yoga for fitness, wellness and peace. Whatever your level of experience and flexibility, there’s a yoga style that will suit you in Nanaimo. Try Red Door Yoga, Bend Over Backwards Yoga, Modo Yoga, and more.
51. Dive below the surface
Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay are great places to take the plunge and see what’s underneath the ocean’s surface. There are three artificial reefs and undersea life that many of us would hardly believe exists at the ocean’s depths.
For more information about diving in and around Nanaimo, seek out Nanaimo Dive Outfitters, Sink or Swim Scuba and Sundown Diving.
52. Make your way to Westwood Lake
Westwood Lake Park, a well-loved and wellused nature park up in the hills, has recently become more accessible with a new parking lot and improved pathways. The City of Nanaimo has also expanded the lake’s first beach and refreshed the playground at the second beach, and more finishing touches will be done by this summer.
Charlotte Davis, city deputy director of parks and natural areas, said she was happy to see the “high-quality outdoor recreation space” nearing completion.
“The redesigned beach offers something for everyone and showcases what’s possible when thoughtful design is paired with Nanaimo’s natural beauty,” she said in a press release. Best of the City votrs say Westwood is the Best Place to Walk, Jog or Hike – the 6.2-kilometre loop trail around the lake is a pristine setting and links to other trails. The lake is popular with swimmers, sunbathers, anglers and paddlers. There is a novice mountain bike trail at the park and an off-leash dog park under the power lines nearby. nanaimo.ca/parks-search
53. Reach the river
The Nanaimo River is a beautiful spot to swim and enjoy the great outdoors, and while some of the popular swimming holes can get packed in the summer, there are some quieter sections. Be careful, as the river can be fast-moving in some areas. rdn.bc.ca/nanaimo-river-regional-park
54. See salmon spawning
Nanaimo River Hatchery has trails that are open year-round. Fall is the best time to see salmon. nanaimoriverhatchery.ca
55. Take in an outdoor show
The City of Nanaimo’s Concerts in the Park series is continuing this summer at various locations through late August. nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parksevents/concertsinthepark
The Old City Quarter puts on its Sounds of Summer concert series at a few different locations in the Old City during noon hour on Fridays during July and August. facebook.com/theoldcityquarter
56. Listen to the symphony
The Vancouver Island Symphony also has outdoor shows planned, though it should be noted that the symphony’s summer pop-up series of concerts are ticketed events. Thirty-six concerts in 12 settings are planned on the central Island. The symphony has also announced its 2025-26 season, which includes 10 concerts, most of them in the fall, winter and spring. vancouverislandsymphony.com
Many of Nanaimo’s premier concerts, plays and dance performances are staged at the city’s signature arts venue, the 800-seat Port Theatre. The theatre has earned a national reputation for its Spotlight Series which presents
Canadian and internationally renowned artists, the theatre’s website notes. On average, more than 250 events are held in the theatre each year, attracting more than 110,000 people.
porttheatre.com
Professional and community theatre companies like the Nanaimo Theatre Group, TheatreOne, Reconciliation Theatre, Yellow Point Drama Group and Western Edge Theatre bring a variety of comedies and drama to the stage year-round. nanaimobulletin.com/local-entertainment
Nanaimo’s pubs each have their own character and charm. The best pubs as voted in Best of the City last year were the Crow and Gate, the Longwood Brew Pub and Carlos O’Bryan’s Neighbourhood Pub.
Stop by a bookstore and pick up your next summer read. Check out Windowseat Books in the Old City Quarter or buy a used book at Literacy Central Vancouver Island’s Well-Read Books.
61. Rock out
Nanaimo has an active local music scene, and appreciative audiences are happy to support hometown acts as well as touring artists. The biggest names tend to play the Port Theatre, and there’s always something on at the Queen’s Hotel, the Nanaimo Bar, the Terminal Bar, Globe Live Studio and the Vault Café. The Lighthouse Bistro, the Lantzville Pub and Simonholt Restaurant are some other places to catch a concert. nanaimobulletin.com/local-entertainment
62. Go to the gallery
The Nanaimo Art Gallery on Commercial Street showcases work by contemporary artists from Canada and beyond, presented through a local lens. The gallery also offers arts programming for people of all ages, and the store sells pieces by artists from Vancouver Island and elsewhere in Canada. nanaimogallery.ca
Also, Art 10 Gallery at Nanaimo North Town Centre features a different artist every month and it’s also worth keeping an eye on what’s being exhibited at the View Gallery on Vancouver Island University campus. Stop by YellowBird Arts Gallery at Country Club Centre, as well.
63. See artists in action
Artists in Nanaimo and on Gabriola Island are keen to open up their work spaces and share their methods during the Nanaimo Art Walk, Gabriola Studio Tour, Cedar-Yellow Point Artisan Tour, Hammond Bay Studio Tour and the Nanoose Bay Studio Tour.
64. Stretch those vocal cords
You don’t need to have all the lyrics memorized to be a star on karaoke nights around the city. Sing at the Quarterway Pub, the Oxy Pub and Corner Lounge.
65. Name that tune
Whether you prefer the oldies or the latest hits, it’s fun to try to name that tune at a music trivia night. Check out music poker at the Landlubber Pub, or play music trivia at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 or the Black Bear Pub.
66. Shall we dance
Even if it’s getting late, the night isn’t over in Nanaimo. The Queen’s Hotel was voted the Best Place to Dance in the Best of the City survey last year, and there’s also LevelTwo Nightclub, the Palace Hotel and Evolve Nightclub.
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67. Break out of an escape room
See if you can break out of an escape room before the clock runs out.
At E-Exit Nanaimo, thrill seekers and puzzlers of all ages team up with friends and family to search for clues, crack codes, find hidden messages, unlock locks and escape.
“Our real-life escape games give visitors a
chance to enter another world, then use their wits, creativity, speed and teamwork to escape…” notes the business’ website.
“With an engaging combination of puzzles, riddles and modern mechanics in each escape room, you’ll experience a new adventure every time you visit Exit.”
e-exit.ca/nanaimo
Aura Arcana Wellbeing Co. in the Old City Quarter provides tarot and oracle readings to curious clients, while Calico Cat Tea House in the south end offers tarot and tea leaf readings. auraarcana.com instagram.com/calicocatteahouse
See blockbusters at their best – on the big screen, with a tub of popcorn – at Galaxy Theatre at Nanaimo North Town Centre and Landmark Cinemas Avalon Theatre at Woodgrove Centre. cineplex.com/theatre/galaxy-cinemas-nanaimo landmarkcinemas.com/showtimes/nanaimo
Try your luck at the casino. Casino Nanaimo downtown, now locally owned by Snuneymuxw First Nation, features
more than 400 slot machines, live and electronic table games and the Well Public House. casinonanaimo.com
Interact with a virtual world at VRcore virtual-reality arcade. The centre aims to be on the cutting edge with its hardware
and experiences, notes the business’ website, and offers singleand multi-player gaming. vrcore.ca
Nanaimo is home to Vancouver Island’s first and only cat lounge, Kitties and Cream, located in the Old City Quarter. Animal lovers can get some much-needed cat therapy, learn about adoptions, and purchase ‘meowchandise’ and drinks. kittiesandcream.ca
73. Find farm-fresh fare
Vegetables from local farmers’ markets just seem to taste better.
Island Roots Market Co-operative’s farmers’ market goes year-round on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. at Beban Park in Nanaimo. There’s also the Cedar Farmers’ Market, which is open Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. until Oct. 26, and Gabriola Agricultural Co-op’s Saturday Farmers Market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. until Oct. 11. Gabriola also holds Wednesday evening markets from 4-7 p.m. until Oct. 8. “Farmers’ markets are a way to support our local food security, especially living on an island…” said Michele Greene, Island Roots market manager. “The more we support the farmers, the more they can grow.”
74. See farmers’ fields75. Everybody loves a fair
Nanaimo’s outskirts have some farms that offer activities and family fun, and of course, farm-fresh products. Superior Farms in Lantzville has miniature animals, plants and more, and Yellow Point Farms also has miniature livestock and produce. Visit Fredrich’s Honey for honey, candles and soap. Or go berry-picking at Dudink’s Garden in South Wellington, Haslam Creek Berry Farm in Cassidy, and Edibles Farm in Nanoose Bay.
The Vancouver Island Exhibition has returned to its roots as a fall fair. The VIEX moved from the third weekend of August to the third weekend of September last year, and the change is now indefinite. “It was originally intended to be a fall fair to celebrate the gathering of all our summer grown products and animals,”
said Michelle Solloway, VIEX social media and marketing director. “It really was about the agriculture and the horticulture and all the cultures.”
Visitors can expect a midway with rides and games, barns packed with livestock, tractor parades, musical acts and more. This year’s event is Sept. 19-21. viex.ca
76. Go for a paddle
Nanaimo is a harbour for all sorts of crafts, including ones powered by paddles. Kayaking, outrigger canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and dragon boating are all popular pastimes on the water.
The most popular place to kayak is Newcastle Channel, accessible from the Brechin Boat Ramp next to Departure Bay ferry terminal. For guided kayak tours, get in touch with Island Römer Adventures. islandromer.com
For paddling on calmer waters, Long Lake and Westwood Lake are great choices. Connect with the Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club for find out about programming. nckc.ca
77. Get soaked
Nanaimo’s parks and rec department has turned on the taps at the city’s four water parks for spring and summer. Water parks are now open at Departure Bay
78. Go wild
Kiwanis Park, Mansfield Park, Deverill Square Park and Harewood Centennial Park. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
nanaimo.ca/parks-search
WildPlay Element Park just south of the city offers adrenaline-pumping activities. The park has a 50metre bungy bridge over the Nanaimo River, a swing and a zipline over the river, an aerial adventure course through the treetops, and more. wildplay.com/nanaimo
79. Hop in the pool
Splash around in one of the city’s pools. At Beban Park, you’ll find a pirate-themed pool with interactive play features. The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre boasts a 50-metre
pool, water slides, a leisure pool and lazy river. Bowen Park’s Kin Pool is an outdoor option. nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/drop-inschedules
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BMXers can take their radical riding to the extreme at a better-than-ever track.
The re-built Marie Davidson BMX Park at Beban Park held its grand re-opening this year.
The track has a re-located five-metre start hill and has been expanded to approximately 4,000 square metres of track surface, 40 per cent larger than before. The track’s all-season stabilized and sealed surface is unique on Van-
couver Island and one of just a few of its kind Canada-wide. Riders have been giving the track rave reviews, and Canadian Olympian Molly Simpson was on hand at the opening ceremony, saying she loves the track and that it’s an “amazing facility.”
The Steve Smith Bike Park, also at Beban Park, features a dirt jump track, a pump track, and a mountain bike skills area. nanaimo.ca/parks-search
World-class mountain biking opportunities fill the forest trails in and around Nanaimo. There’s technical mountain single-track and easy family-friendly terrain. Novices can head to Westwood Lake Park, or for more thrills, go to the Doumont trails. nanaimomountainbikeclub. com
82. Set the pace
The best place to go for a run in Nanaimo is the 6.2-kilometre loop trail at Westwood Lake Park. The Harbourfront Walkway, E&N Trail and the Parkway Trail are some paved routes. Stop by Frontrunners or the Running Room for gear, information and motivation.
83. Do a kickflip
Calling all sk8rs to catch air, carve the bowl and tail slide along the ledge.
Check out the skateparks at Harewood Centennial Park, Nanaimo Skate Bowl on Wall Street, Pioneer Skatepark at May Bennett Pioneer Park, the Cedar Skatepark near Cedar Secondary or the Huxley Community Park skatepark on Gabriola Island.
84. Stay out of the gutter
Try for a strike and try to stay out of the gutters bowling at Splitsville Entertainment’s 10-pin lanes. The facility has 16 lanes, glow-in-the dark bowling, a full-service lounge and an arcade. splitsville.ca
85. Wield an axe
Throw axes and hatchets and try for a bull’s-eye at Island Time, an indoor axe-throwing centre.
Instructors will teach participants how to throw their axes safely.
“When you hear that first thunk in the board, you’re hooked,” notes the business’ website. islandtimeaxethrowing.com
Play tennis at Beban Park, Bowen Park, May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park, Departure Bay Centennial Park or at Westwood Lake Tennis Club.
87. Fire when ready 86. Play court sports
Play pickleball outdoors at Beban Park and catch up with the Nanaimo Pickleball Club to find out where and when to play.
nanaimopickleball.org
The Nanaimo Fish and Game Protective Association grounds on Nanaimo Lakes Road have a rifle range, archery targets and more. Learn about shooting sports in a supportive and safe environment. nanaimofishandgameclub.com
88. Climb the walls
People of all ages and abilities can scale walls as high as eight metres at the Romper Room indoor climbing centre.
Come for fun, fitness, or a challenge – the fully featured facility has over 7,500 square feet of climbing opportunities and state-of-the-art foam flooring. The dedicated boulder cave has more than 100 ‘problems’ to work a climber’s body and imagination. climbromperroom.com
89. Jump for joy
Airhouse trampoline and freestyle training facility offers drop-in sessions daily, as well as lessons and summer camps. Go to jump around and have fun, or learn about training opportunities that can help athletes with mountain biking, parkour, skateboard, gymnastics, ski and snowboard and more. airhouse.ca/nanaimo
90. Tee off – with a disc
An 18-hole disc golf course is located in Bowen Park. Borrow discs from the administration office and try your hand at flinging the Frisbees into the baskets. Or play at Pryde Vista Golf Course.
91. Get a hole in one
Not many places have longer golf seasons than fair-weather Nanaimo. Try for a birdie at one of eight local courses: Nanaimo Golf Club, Fairwinds Golf Club, Cottonwood Golf Course, Gabriola Golf
Club, Winchelsea View Golf Course, Pryde Vista Golf Course, Eaglequest Golf Centre and Beban Pitch and Putt. Or try Prime Golf indoor golf centre. http://prime-golf.ca
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92. Cheer for the home team
Nanaimo teams are usually championship contenders, and always play their best one way or the other. No matter what time of year, there are games going on somewhere in the city.
The junior A Nanaimo Clippers play B.C. Hockey League games at Frank Crane Arena starting in October.
The Nanaimo NightOwls are a collegiate summer baseball team in the West Coast League and have 12 home games this July at Serauxmen Stadium.
The V.I. Raiders junior football team kicks off in late July, and the first home game will be in early August at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium.
The Nanaimo Timbermen play Western Lacrosse Association games at Frank Crane Arena through the end of July.
Harbourside FC, Nanaimo’s B.C. League 1 soccer club, has two more weekend home games in July at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium.
And the Vancouver Island University Mariners play college basketball, volleyball, soccer and hockey starting in September. nanaimobulletin.com/local-sports
Nanaimo is excited about the 55-Plus B.C. Games, which will be happening from Sept. 9-13. The event is considered the biggest annual multi-sport gathering in the province, and is expected to attract more than 2,500 athletes to the city to compete in more than two dozen different sports and games.
“We invite you to ‘gather here and get in the games’ in September for an amazing week of sport and entertainment,” said Diana Johnstone, organizing committee president. 55plusbcgames.org/nanaimo
94. See bathtub racing at its best
Nowhere in the world has faster bathtub racing than Nanaimo. This year’s Great International World Championship Bathtub Race will be held July 27, starting and finishing at Maffeo Sutton Park. Skippers piloting boats made from bathtubs, powered by super-modified motors, will attempt to navigate a 58-kilometre course, often over choppy seas,
then leap out of their tubs to run up the beach on wobbly legs toward the finish-line bell.
The bathtub race is the centrepiece event of the Nanaimo Marine Festival from July 2527, but there will be plenty of other diversions like a sailpast on wheels parade, concerts in the park, and more. bathtubbing.com
95. Roar your support at dragonboat regatta
Nanaimo’s dragon boat race was a scaleddown affair last year, but it’s making a big return this year.
After a one-day event last year, the twoday Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival returns to Maffeo Sutton Park on July 1213, offering a weekend of “all-access guts and glory,” noted the event website. The regatta is also a fundraising event supporting breast cancer research, awareness and treatment.
“It has also become a supportive community for individuals facing health challenges, including multiple sclerosis, cancer survivors, visually impaired and others,” according to a press release.
The Nanaimo Paddling Centre, event organizer, expressed excitement about the return of an expanded format.
“The Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival is the signature event of the year,” said Holly Wylie, Nanaimo Paddling Centre operations manager, in the release. “It’s a chance for the dragon boat community from far and wide to come together and compete in the spirit of the sport.”
www.fgpaddle.com/races
96. See if silly boats stay afloat
There are faster boats in Nanaimo than the ones that race at the Silly Boat Regatta, but there’s no questioning the sailors’ enthusiasm. Teams construct boats on site at the park and race heats and finals the same day, crossing their fingers that their creations are seaworthy. The fundraiser for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre happens July 20 at Maffeo Sutton Park. Tracy Berg, event volunteer and a former fundraising officer with the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, marvels at Nanaimo’s enduring enthusiasm for the regatta.
“After so many years of doing this event, they’re still supporting it. It’s such a great, fun community event,” she said. sillyboat.com
97. Save the date
Dragonboats, silly boats and bathtubs are some of Nanaimo’s signature summer events, and there’s plenty more to look forward to on the calendar:
Canada Day
The City of Nanaimo is hosting Canada Day celebrations July 1 at Maffeo Sutton Park. Music acts booked for the Lions Pavilion stage this year include the Steadies and Turnpike, and there will also be a cultural community stage with dancing, fiddling and even fencing. A kids’ zone will have bouncy castles, arts and crafts, community booths and more. HMCS Nanaimo will be in the harbour for the occasion with ship tours all day. nanaimo.ca
Infringing Dance Festival
Crimson Coast Dance Society’s major annual event is a vibrant celebration of performance and community featuring local and
guest artists.
“Bring your culture, ability, identity and age … the festival welcomes participants to both engage in and witness movement, sound, storytelling and creative exploration,” noted an event press release.
Choreographer Sid Ryan Eilers will be in residence for a week and will perform Kiss the Storm Sky, a moving dance-theatre piece. As well, hip-hop artist and choreographer Spicey will give a solo performance and also judge an all-day rap battle.
This year’s festival is July 3-13. crimsoncoastdance.com
Cultivate Festival
Gabriola Island’s Cultivate Performing and Arts Festival, coming up July 12-13, will feature an eclectic mix of arts and entertainment performances and activities. Indie musician Joel Plaskett is this year’s headliner. artsgabriola.ca
Nanaimo Fringe Festival
Nanaimo Fringe is rolling out the “red, fringe-trimmed carpet” for new and returning stars of the stage at this year’s event Aug. 7-17.
NanFringe is a multi-day, multi-venue arts festival featuring more than 75 performances and events, and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
Shows planned for the week feature everything from improv antics to burlesque whodunits, according to the event website, making for a “dazzling lineup of bold and brilliant creators who’ll light up downtown Nanaimo … Get ready to Fringe like you’ve never Fringed before.”
This year’s Indigenous artist scholarship goes to Misfit Productions for Twenty Saved Calls, directed by Indigenous director Charlie A.H. Lincoln and featuring Max Davis, while the trans artist scholarship was awarded to Evan Shumka and Ouroboros Theatre for their show Theoxenia.
Five shows from Nanaimo-area performers are in the plans this year. nanaimofringe.com
Summertime Blues
The Summertime Blues Festival returns Aug. 8-10 at Maffeo Sutton Park with 17 concerts over three days. Some of the headliners this year will be Shakura S’Aida, Coco Montoya and Vanessa Collier. nanaimoblues.ca
Nanaimo Jazz Festival
A fixture in Nanaimo for nine years, the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival offers music lovers a chance to boogie-woogie as summer draws to a close.
The 2025 festival runs from Sept. 11-14 at various venues across the Harbour City and while the full lineup is being assembled, Juno Award-winning Holly Cole has been announced as the headliner.
All outdoor activities will be at Maffeo Sutton Park, including free concerts Sept. 13-14 and a New Orleans-style jazz parade on Sept. 13 along the waterfront walkway. As for ticketed events, Cole will be on the Port Theatre stage Sept. 13 and Stealing Dan, a Steely Dan tribute band, will perform at the Queen’s Hotel on Sept. 12. The Drag Jazz
Cabaret, with Celeste, also takes place Sept. 12 at Nanaimo Bar. Jazz Jam with Nico Rhodes takes place Sept. 13 at the Vault Café. “We are going to be marketing something called ‘jazz junkets’ to Vancouver and to Victoria, because you can come to Nanaimo and in one weekend, see pretty much as many acts as you could probably handle, no matter what your jazz palate is like,” said Kim Smythe, jazz festival association president.
In addition, he said there will be “appetizer” and “dessert” music events taking place before and after the festival, including a dinner show with the Graham Villette Quintet at the Lighthouse Bistro and Pub on Sept. 6.
“We’re trying to also make sure that we mix the sub-genres of jazz up so it doesn’t sound like the same band eight times over,” Smythe said. nanaimojazzfest.ca
Lantzville Minetown Day
Nanaimo’s nearest neighbour Lantzville celebrates history and community Sept. 13 at Huddlestone Park. lantzville.ca
In case the 101 things in this guide aren’t enough, the City of Nanaimo’s seasonal activity guides are also chock-full with good ideas. Look for information on public skating, drop-in fitness, dancing groups, art and cooking classes, and more. nanaimo.ca/activityguide
99. Start and end in the Hub City
Nanaimo is the Hub City, with a central location on Vancouver Island that makes it the perfect start and end point for day trips to nearby communities. Seeing the sandcastles at Parksville Community Park, the goats on the roof at Coombs, the towering trees at
Cathedral Grove and the boardwalk trail at Strathcona Park are a few ideas. There’s lots to do in Parksville-Qualicum, Port Alberni, Ladysmith, Chemainus and Courtenay-Comox, and even Victoria, Tofino and Campbell River can be day trips. 4vigroup.com
We couldn’t fit everything we wanted on this list, and we’re sorry if we missed any of your favourite things to see and do in Nanaimo. Send an e-mail to editor@nanaimobulletin.com so that we can make our 2026 edition better.
This tourism guide is meant to provide a starting point for ideas, but a lot of activities on this list will require preparation.
Make a plan, stay safe, and stay informed. Heed backcountry/trail closures and any campfire bans or restrictions, watch for weather alerts, and be careful in and around the water. hellobc.com/plan-your-trip/ need-to-know
