If you're looking for a charming spot in Canada, Nanaimo is a must-visit! This coastal city on Vancouver Island offers stunning waterfront views, inviting parks, and a rich maritime history. Explore the famous Harbourfront Walkway, indulge in local seafood at the bustling Nanaimo Harbour, and don’t miss the iconic Nanaimo Bar dessert. With a laid-back vibe and a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, Nanaimo is perfect for anyone seeking a refreshing getaway!
Nanaimo, Canada
Top things to do in Nanaimo
15 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.
Park & nature
Petroglyph Provincial Park
A small park protecting ancient Indigenous rock carvings, with a short interpretive boardwalk trail.
Landmark
Nanaimo Bastion
A restored wooden bastion from the 1850s, now a museum with exhibits on Nanaimo's early history.
Neighborhood
Protection Island (Nanaimo)
A car-free island community with a sandy beach and Canada's only floating pub, reachable by passenger ferry from Nanaimo.
Sight
Nanaimo Harbour
A busy waterfront hub with ferry terminals, a seaplane base, and sweeping views of the Strait of Georgia.
Museum
Nanaimo Museum
An interactive museum showcasing Nanaimo's coal mining history and Coast Salish culture through hands-on exhibits.
Entertainment
Port Theatre
Downtown Nanaimo's premier performing arts venue hosting concerts, plays, and films in an intimate setting.
Outdoor & fun
Mount Benson (British Columbia)
Popular hiking destination with panoramic views of Nanaimo and the Strait of Georgia from its summit.
Park & nature
Buttertubs Marsh
Protected wetland with walking trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities in a peaceful natural setting.
Sight
Departure Bay
Departure Bay offers a sandy beach, a busy ferry terminal, and stunning views of the Gulf Islands, making it a popular spot for both travelers and locals.
Park & nature
Gabriola Sands Provincial Park
Gabriola Sands Provincial Park features twin sandy beaches connected by a sandbar, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and exploring tidal pools.
Park & nature
Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park
Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park preserves the concrete tipple and other remains of a coal mine, with interpretive trails that tell the story of Vancouver Island's mining past.
Outdoor & fun
Cable Bay Trail
A scenic coastal hike along the Strait of Georgia with panoramic ocean views and old-growth forest.
Park & nature
Sandwell Provincial Park
A peaceful coastal park with a pebble beach, forest trails, and views of the Strait of Georgia.
Religious site
Christian Science Society (Nanaimo)
A historic church building in downtown Nanaimo, known for its classic architecture and quiet presence.
Park & nature
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Park
A marine park on an island in Nanaimo's harbor, reachable only by ferry, with forest trails and a rich Indigenous and industrial past.
Tickets & tours
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