Guidebook for Nanaimo
Food Scene
This is our regular and some of the staff have got to know us well. We just love the atmosphere here and the variety of food is great. When the grandkids are in town we can take them into the lounge upstairs and when it is just adults we like the bar downstairs. They have a courtyard patio which is fun downstairs and a veranda patio upstairs.
48 personas locales recomiendan
Longwood Brew Pub
5775 Turner RdThis is our regular and some of the staff have got to know us well. We just love the atmosphere here and the variety of food is great. When the grandkids are in town we can take them into the lounge upstairs and when it is just adults we like the bar downstairs. They have a courtyard patio which is fun downstairs and a veranda patio upstairs.
Good food and wine but it is a chain! Great atmosphere and I particularly like the sun room to sit out on.
12 personas locales recomiendan
Browns Socialhouse Nanaimo North
6338 Metral DrGood food and wine but it is a chain! Great atmosphere and I particularly like the sun room to sit out on.
Quite the happening restaurant. It is always buzzing with people. I love it when I catch 'Happy Hour'! I just love their Bellini's.
26 personas locales recomiendan
Cactus Club Cafe
5800 Turner RdQuite the happening restaurant. It is always buzzing with people. I love it when I catch 'Happy Hour'! I just love their Bellini's.
A cute little coffee shop that John found. It is tucked away but they have the cutest little cups and saucers made for dolls! I cannot wait to take my grand-daughters here when they next come for a visit!
Cafe Today
5771 Turner Rd A cute little coffee shop that John found. It is tucked away but they have the cutest little cups and saucers made for dolls! I cannot wait to take my grand-daughters here when they next come for a visit!
Fresh bread and cakes baked daily. They also have great sandwiches too. A lovely small run business and the owners are up at 3am to do the baking for the day! Now that is what I call customer service!
21 personas locales recomiendan
Bodhi's Artisan Bakery
5299 Rutherford RdFresh bread and cakes baked daily. They also have great sandwiches too. A lovely small run business and the owners are up at 3am to do the baking for the day! Now that is what I call customer service!
I love the vegan items here! I buy their desserts as they are just yummy and good for my health too!
Rawmbas
1850 Northfield RoadI love the vegan items here! I buy their desserts as they are just yummy and good for my health too!
When we take a little drive out during the winter months we like to stop here for a cozy intimate lunch or dinner. They have a lovely fireplace.
18 personas locales recomiendan
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre
1155 Resort Dr When we take a little drive out during the winter months we like to stop here for a cozy intimate lunch or dinner. They have a lovely fireplace.
A lovely Greek restaurant but definitely make a reservation as it is really popular with the locals. They have a lovely sun room here.
84 personas locales recomiendan
Asteras
347 Wesley StA lovely Greek restaurant but definitely make a reservation as it is really popular with the locals. They have a lovely sun room here.
Locals believe this to be the best sushi restaurant on the Island! Make a reservation as this is a very popular place.
64 personas locales recomiendan
Nori Japanese Restaurant
6750 N Island HwyLocals believe this to be the best sushi restaurant on the Island! Make a reservation as this is a very popular place.
Friendly staff and great coffee. My favorite place to buy the famous Nanaimo Bar. John and I love to sit at the window and watch the goings on in the harbor. Love watching the sea planes land and take off too.
9 personas locales recomiendan
Javawocky Coffee House
90 Front StFriendly staff and great coffee. My favorite place to buy the famous Nanaimo Bar. John and I love to sit at the window and watch the goings on in the harbor. Love watching the sea planes land and take off too.
A lovely restaurant with vegan/vegetarian options on the menu. Fresh and tasty. My husband loves the breakfasts here.
86 personas locales recomiendan
Gabriel's Cafe
39 Commercial StreetA lovely restaurant with vegan/vegetarian options on the menu. Fresh and tasty. My husband loves the breakfasts here.
This is the old train station. Good old English food here with a whole vegan/vegetarian options on the reverse of menu. I had vegan sausage and mashed potatoes with caramelized onions. I wanted to lick the plate it was so good!
6 personas locales recomiendan
Coach and Horses
321 Selby StThis is the old train station. Good old English food here with a whole vegan/vegetarian options on the reverse of menu. I had vegan sausage and mashed potatoes with caramelized onions. I wanted to lick the plate it was so good!
Love going here for a great cup of coffee. Fun and vibrant atmosphere.
8 personas locales recomiendan
The Buzz Coffee House
4890 Rutherford RoadLove going here for a great cup of coffee. Fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Starbucks
3200 Island Hwy NGreat coffee and great service.
Love the owners John and Dawn! Yes we share the same names and Dawn shares the same birthday as me! My daughter works there too!
12 personas locales recomiendan
Serious Coffee Parksville
Island Highway EastLove the owners John and Dawn! Yes we share the same names and Dawn shares the same birthday as me! My daughter works there too!
Parks & Nature
Another fun place to take a hike. Great views of Shack Island too.
118 personas locales recomiendan
Pipers Lagoon Park
3600 Place RdAnother fun place to take a hike. Great views of Shack Island too.
Very quiet and peaceful spot. Be warned there are a lot of stairs to walk down.
21 personas locales recomiendan
Blueback Beach Access
6300 Icarus DrVery quiet and peaceful spot. Be warned there are a lot of stairs to walk down.
Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier
Majestic old growth trees, beautiful ocean sunsets and an inviting, wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst mature Douglas fir trees makes Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island.
At low tide the ocean recedes almost a kilometre, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming and salt water fun.
Rathtrevor Beach is ideal for a relaxed family outing. Simply sit back and soak up the seaside atmosphere or take a walk through the wooded uplands.
165 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Provincial de la Playa Rathtrevor
1240 Rath RdMajestic old growth trees, beautiful ocean sunsets and an inviting, wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst mature Douglas fir trees makes Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island.
At low tide the ocean recedes almost a kilometre, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming and salt water fun.
Rathtrevor Beach is ideal for a relaxed family outing. Simply sit back and soak up the seaside atmosphere or take a walk through the wooded uplands.
Sebastian Beach, also known as Lantzville beach, is one of the nicest off-leash beaches in the Nanaimo area on Vancouver Island. We just love to take our grand-daughters here in the evenings for a stroll.
Sebastion Beach
Sebastian Beach, also known as Lantzville beach, is one of the nicest off-leash beaches in the Nanaimo area on Vancouver Island. We just love to take our grand-daughters here in the evenings for a stroll.
Westwood Lake Park is one of Nanaimo's best loved parks. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Benson it is a year round destination. There is a 5.51km trail around the lake, popular with walkers and runners. The trail is well groomed and apart from a steep knoll towards the west end of the lake trail is considered an easy walking trail. There are shorter loops available towards the south end of the trail.
The main beach area near the paved parking lot is Nanaimo's only lifeguard patrolled fresh water swimming spot (June-August). There is a washroom and changeroom building on site. There is a small playground located at the second beach near the gravel parking lot.
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Westwood Lake
Westwood Lake Park is one of Nanaimo's best loved parks. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Benson it is a year round destination. There is a 5.51km trail around the lake, popular with walkers and runners. The trail is well groomed and apart from a steep knoll towards the west end of the lake trail is considered an easy walking trail. There are shorter loops available towards the south end of the trail.
The main beach area near the paved parking lot is Nanaimo's only lifeguard patrolled fresh water swimming spot (June-August). There is a washroom and changeroom building on site. There is a small playground located at the second beach near the gravel parking lot.
Maffeo Sutton Park is Nanaimo's signature park overlooking our world famous harbour. The park is a central point along the Harbour Front Walkway. The park hosts countless community special events. It is a great year round destination for walking, playground playdates and picnics.
Features and amenities include access to the walking trail, Playdock destination playground (limited wheelchair access), Swy-a- Lana lagoon and swimming beach (no lifeguards), Lions Pavillion covered stage, Spirit Square, ferry access to Newcastle Island ferry, and washrooms.
There are a number of public art pieces located throughout the park and along the walking trail.
80 personas locales recomiendan
Maffeo Sutton Park
100 Comox Road Maffeo Sutton Park is Nanaimo's signature park overlooking our world famous harbour. The park is a central point along the Harbour Front Walkway. The park hosts countless community special events. It is a great year round destination for walking, playground playdates and picnics.
Features and amenities include access to the walking trail, Playdock destination playground (limited wheelchair access), Swy-a- Lana lagoon and swimming beach (no lifeguards), Lions Pavillion covered stage, Spirit Square, ferry access to Newcastle Island ferry, and washrooms.
There are a number of public art pieces located throughout the park and along the walking trail.
Bowen Park Complex is located near the downtown surrounded by the peacefulness of Nanaimo's Bowen Park. The complex includes a gymnasium and stage, two kitchens, activity and games rooms, registration office, a preschool, pottery studio, pool room and is the location of the department's administration offices. The complex hosts a variety of programs for all ages including many of the department's senior programs.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Bowen Park Complex
500 Bowen Rd Bowen Park Complex is located near the downtown surrounded by the peacefulness of Nanaimo's Bowen Park. The complex includes a gymnasium and stage, two kitchens, activity and games rooms, registration office, a preschool, pottery studio, pool room and is the location of the department's administration offices. The complex hosts a variety of programs for all ages including many of the department's senior programs.
Experience the magic of 28 hectares (70 acres) of unspoiled natural beauty perched on the edge of an oceanside bluff overlooking the Strait of Georgia.
Stroll the winding pathways and magical surroundings of an ancient coastal Douglas fir forest.
Find peace and tranquility as you meander 4 hectares (10 acres) of woodland gardens lined with rhododendron, cyclamen and trilliums.
Enjoy a traditional English tea service while you contemplate the history of the house where the Queen once stayed.
49 personas locales recomiendan
Milner Gardens & Woodland
2179 W Island Hwy WExperience the magic of 28 hectares (70 acres) of unspoiled natural beauty perched on the edge of an oceanside bluff overlooking the Strait of Georgia.
Stroll the winding pathways and magical surroundings of an ancient coastal Douglas fir forest.
Find peace and tranquility as you meander 4 hectares (10 acres) of woodland gardens lined with rhododendron, cyclamen and trilliums.
Enjoy a traditional English tea service while you contemplate the history of the house where the Queen once stayed.
Fantastic views of Nanaimo from up here. Sugarloaf Mountain Park is a natural viewpoint overlooking picturesque Departure Bay. A perfect spot to watch sunrises. Other than the trail and stairway up to the bluff top there are no official trails within the park.
23 personas locales recomiendan
Sugarloaf Mountain Park
3160 Marion WayFantastic views of Nanaimo from up here. Sugarloaf Mountain Park is a natural viewpoint overlooking picturesque Departure Bay. A perfect spot to watch sunrises. Other than the trail and stairway up to the bluff top there are no official trails within the park.
The park's trail provides access to pristine beaches with excellent views of the Nanaimo River estuary, dowtown Nanaimo, Protection Island and Gabriola Island. Popular for wildlife viewing; bald eagles, sea-lions, seals and even harbour porpoises can be seen from the park. Jack Point is an amazing location to watch the sunset.
Most of the 32 acre park is natural and undeveloped with a trail leading from Biggs Park to Jack Point. The trail is mostly chips but there are some stairs and boardwalks over the bluffs. The loop from the parking lot to the tip of Jack point is 2.5 km. This parcel of parkland runs parallel to the Duke Point ferry highway connector.
30 personas locales recomiendan
Jack Point and Biggs Park
The park's trail provides access to pristine beaches with excellent views of the Nanaimo River estuary, dowtown Nanaimo, Protection Island and Gabriola Island. Popular for wildlife viewing; bald eagles, sea-lions, seals and even harbour porpoises can be seen from the park. Jack Point is an amazing location to watch the sunset.
Most of the 32 acre park is natural and undeveloped with a trail leading from Biggs Park to Jack Point. The trail is mostly chips but there are some stairs and boardwalks over the bluffs. The loop from the parking lot to the tip of Jack point is 2.5 km. This parcel of parkland runs parallel to the Duke Point ferry highway connector.
Located on Holden Lake south of Nanaimo, this forested park is popular with local residents, who mainly come here to explore the extensive trail system. The marsh area at Hemer Provincial Park is also a favourite destination for bird watchers and ornithologists. A viewing platform over the marsh, approximately 1 km from the parking lot, provides the opportunity to observe various types of ducks, Trumpeter swans, Bald eagles and turkey vultures, as well as beavers.
Approximately 11 kilometres of easy walking trails weave through the park along Holden Lake and through the marsh areas. The trails are forested, primarily with mature coastal Douglas fir, red alder and big-leaf maple.
18 personas locales recomiendan
Hemer Provincial Park
Hwy 1Located on Holden Lake south of Nanaimo, this forested park is popular with local residents, who mainly come here to explore the extensive trail system. The marsh area at Hemer Provincial Park is also a favourite destination for bird watchers and ornithologists. A viewing platform over the marsh, approximately 1 km from the parking lot, provides the opportunity to observe various types of ducks, Trumpeter swans, Bald eagles and turkey vultures, as well as beavers.
Approximately 11 kilometres of easy walking trails weave through the park along Holden Lake and through the marsh areas. The trails are forested, primarily with mature coastal Douglas fir, red alder and big-leaf maple.
Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park protects features of Vancouver Island’s rich coal mining history. This small, undeveloped day-use park contains the only remaining coal tipple on the Island. This concrete tipple was built in the early 1900s by the Pacific Coal Company, and was the first of its kind in the region. The tipple is all that remains of the Morden Coal Mine, which once thrived here. The first sod was turned at this mine in 1912; in its first year of operation the mine produced 76,000 tonnes of coal.
Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park
1850 Morden Rd Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park protects features of Vancouver Island’s rich coal mining history. This small, undeveloped day-use park contains the only remaining coal tipple on the Island. This concrete tipple was built in the early 1900s by the Pacific Coal Company, and was the first of its kind in the region. The tipple is all that remains of the Morden Coal Mine, which once thrived here. The first sod was turned at this mine in 1912; in its first year of operation the mine produced 76,000 tonnes of coal.
The high concentration of prehistoric rock carvings is the main attraction at Petroglyph Provincial Park, located at the south end of Nanaimo. Visitors can get a glimpse back to a time more than 1,000 years ago, when First Nations peoples created these traditional carvings. This day-use park offers excellent viewing opportunities of these petroglyphs. Locations for rock art carvings were chosen carefully, and were almost always made at places of power or mystery – places where the forces of nature were believed to be especially strong. These areas are usually marked by natural features such as waterfalls, rock formations or caves, and most are near water.
Petroglyph Provincial Park
Trans-Canada Highway The high concentration of prehistoric rock carvings is the main attraction at Petroglyph Provincial Park, located at the south end of Nanaimo. Visitors can get a glimpse back to a time more than 1,000 years ago, when First Nations peoples created these traditional carvings. This day-use park offers excellent viewing opportunities of these petroglyphs. Locations for rock art carvings were chosen carefully, and were almost always made at places of power or mystery – places where the forces of nature were believed to be especially strong. These areas are usually marked by natural features such as waterfalls, rock formations or caves, and most are near water.
Arts & Culture
A great museum to learn about the history of Nanaimo. Some great exhibits with a well stocked gift shop.
49 personas locales recomiendan
Nanaimo Museum
100 Museum WayA great museum to learn about the history of Nanaimo. Some great exhibits with a well stocked gift shop.
Our very own iconic building. Open during the holiday season and well worth a peek in.
10 personas locales recomiendan
The Bastion
98 Front StOur very own iconic building. Open during the holiday season and well worth a peek in.
Port Theatre
125 Front StVancouver Island Military Museum
100 Cameron RdChemainus Theatre Festival
9574 Bare Point RdShopping
Visit the Old City Quarter with its colorful buildings. Lots of little boutique shops, cafes and specialty stores.
37 personas locales recomiendan
Old City Quarter
418B Fitzwilliam StVisit the Old City Quarter with its colorful buildings. Lots of little boutique shops, cafes and specialty stores.
Walmart N. Battleford Supercentre
601 Carlton TrailSelf explanatory I think!
Woodgrove Centre
6631 Island HwyThe biggest Mall on the Island!
Essentials
Thrifty Foods
280 Island Hwy EThis is one of my grocery shopping haunts!
Shoppers Drug Mart
3200 Island Hwy NShould you need a pharmacy.
Caledonian Clinic
6010 Brickyard RdOur nearest walkin Clinic.
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
1200 Dufferin CrescentJust in case!
Getting Around
Budget Car Rental
33 Terminal AveArrowsmith Bikes
4300 Wellington RdYorkshire Terrace
Yorkshire TerraceThere is a bus stop at the bottom of Yorkshire Terrace.
A C Taxi
835 Old Victoria RdYellow Cab
1005 Farquhar StTofino Bus The Island Bus Co.- Greyhound Package Express
Nanaimo Airport
3350 Spitfire WayBC Ferries Departure Bay Terminal
680 Trans-Canada HwyDuke Point Ferry Terminal station
400 Duke Point HwyNanaimo Harbour station
160 Front StSaysutshun (Newcastle Island) Ferry Terminal
Harbourfront WalkwayProtection Island Ferry
8 Pirates LnHelijet
100 Port WayGreat for getting to downtown Vancouver in a hurry. Fabulous views.
My favorite way to travel back and forth to the mainland. They can take you to the airport or right downtown Vancouver by Canada Place! It is quite a reasonably priced way to travel and the views are spectacular! They also offer tours!
14 personas locales recomiendan
Harbour Air Seaplanes
90 Front StMy favorite way to travel back and forth to the mainland. They can take you to the airport or right downtown Vancouver by Canada Place! It is quite a reasonably priced way to travel and the views are spectacular! They also offer tours!
Entertainment & Activities
Serious Coffee Vancouver Island Conference Centre
60 Commercial StCineplex Entertainment
4750 Rutherford RdNice comfy reclining seats!
Landmark Cinemas 8 Avalon Nanaimo
6631 Island Hwy NWildPlay Nanaimo
35 Nanaimo River RdZipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
I cannot recommend Captain Hans enough! I have been on his tours quite a few times now and just love them. He will throw out the crab traps and cook what you catch. Take you to some secluded beaches and just makes sure you have a fabulous time.
Island Marine Adventures
1000 Stewart AveI cannot recommend Captain Hans enough! I have been on his tours quite a few times now and just love them. He will throw out the crab traps and cook what you catch. Take you to some secluded beaches and just makes sure you have a fabulous time.
If you haven't already seen a pod of whales from the shore then there is nothing like taking a tour boat out to see these amazing creatures up close!
12 personas locales recomiendan
Vancouver Island Whale Watch
90 Front StIf you haven't already seen a pod of whales from the shore then there is nothing like taking a tour boat out to see these amazing creatures up close!
Reel Time Fishing Charters
1956 Zorkin RoadNanaimo Ice Centre
750 Third StNanaimo Golf Club
2800 Highland BlvdCottonwood Golf Course
1975 Haslam RdCoastal Expression
1840 Stewart AveNanaimo Aquatic Centre
741 Third StreetSee some of the best cold water diving. British Columbia Canada is rated among the top ten cold water dive destinations in the world.
Sink or Swim Scuba
4131 Mostar RdSee some of the best cold water diving. British Columbia Canada is rated among the top ten cold water dive destinations in the world.
Nanaimo Dive Outfitters
2205 Northfield RdSundown Diving
22 EsplanadeAlternative Groove
6750 N Island HwyPaddle board rentals