Things to Do in Nanaimo, British Columbia

How to make the most of your trip to Nanaimo, British Columbia and discover its hidden gems.

Nanaimo awaits—just off Vancouver Island’s east coast.

This gem of a city offers unique attractions for everyone.

Uncover its history at the Nanaimo Museum; explore exhibits that highlight the indigenous people, city industries, and cannon firings during the summer months.

Shop in the Old City Quarter or take in Newcastle Island's beach and trail wonders.

Craving adventure? Outdoorsy types enjoy camping and hiking in nearby Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

Appreciate nature without leaving town by visiting Bowen Park for bird watching, boardwalks, and fun gardens.

Check out other avenues of fun, like MacMillan Provincial Park, to revel in stunning mountain views or Wildside Adventures for kayaking tours.

Try your hand at championship golf rounds at False Bay or tackle some waves with ocean kayaking excursions around Protection Island or Neck Point Park.

Gastronomes can whet their palates on Nanaimo’s wide gastronomic perspectives – everything from Chinese fare to Italian dishes and all-day breakfast spots dots this port city’s culinary landscape.

The area also offers fabulous restaurants which cater to vegetarians and more health-conscious folks alike!

Venture into Chinatown for exotic flavours before ending a fantastic day at the Miradoro Restaurant for spectacular sunset views as you dine!

All-in-all, take a one-of-a-kind journey on ferry rides through Georgia Strait and Coastal Ferry Line's Boundary Passage trips; Whatever your pleasure may be - Nanaimo has it all!

Nature trails

Nanaimo has several excellent nature trails for those looking for a relaxing walk. The Bowen Park Nature Trail is a perfect option, as it is close to the downtown core, with various trails and amenities. It also features a bird-watching tower. It is also an easy-level trail, which is perfect for all ages. One thing to note, however, is that dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

If you prefer a shorter hike, try Ammonite Falls. It's a short hike and boasts the largest ammonite fossil on Vancouver Island. Another popular trail is the Colliery Dam Park Trail, which features two lakes.

Disc golf course

If you enjoy disc golf, Nanaimo has two great courses that you can play. Both have cart-friendly layouts and on-site amenities. The most popular course is located at Bowen Park. It is open to the public every day of the year. You can find a large introductory sign at the beginning of the course.

Beaches

Nanaimo has many beaches. Some are located near the downtown core, while others are outside the city. Regardless of the location, Nanaimo has some excellent options for swimming. There are two main types of beaches in Nanaimo: beaches on the oceanfront and lakes. The oceanfront beaches get morning sun, while the lakefront beaches receive afternoon sun.

There is a vast array of activities and sights to see in Nanaimo. Visitors can explore the city's waterfront, enjoy live music and wildlife viewing, and even kayak over to Protection Island. Nanaimo also has plenty of walking trails to explore the rocky west coast beaches. For a spectacular view of Nanaimo and Departure Bay, you can hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The views from here are spectacular, and the sunsets are a must-see.

Museums

One of the most popular Museums in Nanaimo is the Vancouver Island Military Museum, which has over 25 exhibits detailing Canada's proud military history. The museum is housed in the city's Bastion, a wooden tower that stands above the Harbourfront Walkway. Visitors can tour the museum and even watch a replica cannon be fired each day at noon.

The Nanaimo Museum is another popular attraction that highlights the city's history. It displays various artifacts, including those from early pioneers and local artists. During the summer, there is also free admission to the Bastion, which features a towering golden beaver salvaged from a 19th-century tugboat.

Historic buildings

Nanaimo, British Columbia, has a diverse range of historic buildings. The city evolved from a small coal mining community to a thriving port, resulting in various architectural styles. The town has three distinct styles of homes. Victorian-style homes feature fish-scale-like designs and shingled siding, while Edwardian-style homes are simpler. Bungalow homes, popular during the British arts and crafts movement of the 1860s, feature columns supporting the roof, bracketed eaves, and verandas.

The Nanaimo Museum, located downtown, is a great place to begin your Nanaimo exploration. It is located on the traditional territory of Snuneymuxw First Nations and offers a wide range of interpretive programming. The museum encourages visitors to "Make a Discovery" and to explore the city's heritage and history.

Shopping

If you're looking for a variety of shopping experiences, then Nanaimo, BC, is a great place to shop. This picturesque, historical city has many stores, including many brand-name retailers. Shoppers can also find unique treasures at local farmers' markets and other retail establishments.

While shopping, don't forget to grab a bite at the local cafes. You can eat at Bocca, a cozy Italian restaurant, or try a tasty Japanese dish at Bistro Taiyo. Both restaurants serve lunch and dinner and are known for their sushi and bento boxes. There are also plenty of places to stop for a supper, including Gina's Cafe for authentic Mexican food and Pirate Chips for legendary comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is British Columbia's most popular spot?

Vancouver is the most visited spot in British Columbia. Vancouver is an attractive city that offers many things to tourists. Vancouver is a city with many attractions and activities, making it a very popular tourist destination. Vancouver is a fantastic city that has been overgrowing for years now. You will find something for everyone in Vancouver, with its gorgeous beaches, amazing shopping, and top-quality restaurants. Vancouver is the most popular tourist destination in BC.

You can see that Vancouverites love living in Vancouver. Vancouver is home to more expats than residents. So where better to call home than the best Canadian city?

Vancouver is a destination that offers something unique. Vancouver has something for everyone.

The main reason is the abundance of outdoor activities and endless water sports. Vancouver is great for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking or sailing.

Vancouver has something to offer for every occasion, including a romantic getaway, a family vacation and a business trip. It's also close to Seattle, making it easy to take a quick trip across the border for anyone visiting the US.

Let's not forget about tourism while we are on the topic of travel. Statistics Canada estimates that 24 billion dollars was spent by tourists in BC last fiscal year. This accounts for 7% our GDP. It's quite impressive, and it shows how much visitors make.

Vancouver is home to some of Canada's most popular attractions. From Stanley Park to Granville Island, the list goes on and on. Below are some highlights.

1. Stanley Park - Stanley Park is located in Downtown Vancouver and offers stunning views of both the mountains, and the ocean.
2. Granville Island Public Market – A lively public market right downtown, Granville Island has tons of local vendors selling fresh produce.
3. Science World, Vancouver - Science World is Vancouver's science museum. It houses exhibits that deal with astronomy, space exploration and geology.
4. Museum of Anthropology: The Museum of Anthropology boasts collections from across the globe and is considered one of America's best museums. It contains over 150,000 objects, making this one of the most significant anthropology museums anywhere in the world.
5. Hotel Ritz-Carlton - Located Downtown Vancouver, the Hotel Ritz-Carlton can be described as one the most prestigious hotels of the country.
6. Chinatown - Vancouver's Chinatown is located just north of Main Street and Georgia Street. Chinatown is known for its unique blend of cultures and is often called "The Gateway to Asia".
7. Capilano Suspensionbridge - This suspension bridge crosses the Capilano River. It is the longest cable-stayed bridge across Western Canada.

What are some of Vancouver's best-kept secrets?

While Vancouver is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant city life, there are also plenty of hidden gems to be discovered. Here are just a few:

The Capilano Suspension Bridge - A 450-foot-long bridge that spans across a canyon in Capilano Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.

Vancouver Aquarium - A renowned facility located in Stanley Park which is home for over 70,000 marine creatures.

Gastown: A historic neighbourhood featuring cobblestone streets and Victorian style buildings, Gastown has become one of Vancouver’s most trendy areas, with many bars restaurants and shops.

Granville Island - A lively public market located on a small island in False Creek with a wide variety of food, art and entertainment.

The Vancouver Art Gallery - One of the largest art museums in Western Canada, housing a collection of over 10,000 works of art from around the world.

Science World is a hands-on science museum, perfect for both adults and kids.

Vancouver is surrounded mountainous and forest-lined, making it an ideal spot for hikers. Many trails offer breathtaking views of the city, and others of all levels.

Vancouver has over 19km of coastline. Jericho Beach and English Bay Beach are popular spots.

These are just some of the many secrets Vancouver has to offer. Take a look around and discover for yourself.

How many days is enough in Vancouver?

You can never spend too much time exploring a city that has art, culture, history and music.

There are many restaurants, museums, galleries and parks within walking distance.

Perhaps you can even see an open air concert as you wait for the bus to come by.

The best way of seeing the city is to simply walk around it. Walk along the seawall, visit Stanley Park, Granville Island Market, kayak or canoe on English Bay, explore Gastown or Chinatown, climb Grouse Mountain, see a movie at Cineplex Odeon Cinemas or go hiking at Mount Seymour Provincial Park. Wine tastings are available at many nearby vineyards.

Vancouver is so much more than a city to live in. It is a vibrant, diverse community with lots of interesting people. We hope you love Vancouver, no matter how long you stay.

Statistics

• Trends of urbanization mean the Greater Vancouver area now includes 51 percent of the province's population, followed by Greater Victoria with 8 percent. (en.wikipedia.org)
• 75 percent of the province is mountainous (more than 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level); 60 percent is forested; and only about 5 percent is arable. (en.wikipedia.org)
• The CCF's popular vote was high enough in the 1945 election that they were likely to have won three-way contests and could have formed government; however, the coalition prevented that by uniting the anti-socialist vote. (en.wikipedia.org)
• 12.5 percent of the province's area (114,000 km2 or 44,000 sq mi) is considered protected under one of the 14 different designations that includes over 800 distinct areas. (en.wikipedia.org)
• British Columbia has moved from approximately 10 percent of Canada's population in 1971 to approximately 13 percent in 2006. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

hellobc.com

• Vancouver Island
• Cowichan & Southern Vancouver Island

vancouver.ca

• Our city
• Parks, recreation, & culture

cbc.ca

• Road signs along the Sea to Sky Highway provide insight into the history and culture of the Skwxwu7mesh. CBC News
• Temperature record broken in Lower Mainland -- again | CBC News

www2.gov.bc.ca

• Population Estimates - Province of British Columbia
• Ministry of Agriculture and Food - Province of British Columbia

How To

Must-See Vancouver Festivals

Vancouver is one of Canada's most beautiful cities. Vancouver is well-known for its amazing food, arts and culture. Vancouver is home to many festivals that attract people from all walks of the globe. Some of these festivals are

• Winterfest – A winter festival which takes place in February. This festival is famous for the snow sculptures. Each year thousands of people visit this festival.
• Caribana, one of North America's most popular Caribbean festivals. Every July. This festival features music, dancing, food and fashion shows.
• Artwalk - An annual event where artists display their works around town. Artists can exhibit their work wherever they like.
• Pride Week - A week-long celebration including events like parades, parties, concerts, film screenings, etc.
• Viva! Festival - Latin American cultural festival that takes place in June. It's North America's largest Latin American cultural festival.
• New Year's Eve fireworks - This event is celebrated at midnight on 31st of December. The sky is lit up by thousands of fireworks.
• Christmas Market - Held in English Bay near Stanley Park. There are over 200 stalls that sell unique gifts, crafts and local food, as well as other products.
• Sunset Celebration - Each evening in August/September the sun sets over Pacific Ocean. People gather along the shoreline to watch the sunset.
• Halloween Carnival - An outdoor carnival held in October. Costumes must be worn.
• Vancouver International Film Festival - One of most prestigious film festivals in the country. Each September, it takes place.
• Vancouver Fringe Theatre Festival (founded in 2008) - This theatre festival was founded in Vancouver. In the city, there are around 500 performances.
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival -- Founded in 1972 by a group of folk artists, this festival brings together a diverse range of performers from all over the globe.
• BC Day Long Weekend is one of the longest-running celebrations within the province. It attracts tourists across the globe and lasts for five full days.
• Vancouver Jazz Festival: One of Canada's best jazz festivals. Every year, hundreds of musicians attend.
• Vancouver Craft Beer Festival – Founded in 2012, this festival is the first to feature craft beer in Vancouver. More than 50 breweries present their beers.
• Vancouver Pride Parade - One of the biggest pride parades in the world. Tens of thousands of participants marched through downtown streets.
• Vancouver Marathon – Runners race through the streets of Vancouver every April.
• Vancouver Oyster Festivals: In November, oysters can be served with a variety of sauces and toppings.
• Richmond Night Market - One of the largest night markets in North America. It is held every month from May through October.
• Chinatown Lantern Festival - A festival to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It is celebrated every February/March.
• Festival of Lights, an annual celebration of light and life where diverse cultures meet.