Things to Do in Nanaimo in 2024

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Nanaimo Attractions

If you're on the lookout for exciting things to see and do in Nanaimo, plan on being busy. This buzzing city knows how to entertain. No matter what you're into, you'll be wowed by the diverse range of tourist attractions to get stuck into here. Read on to discover a few of our favorites.

Learn what makes Nanaimo tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {7 fun activities in Nanaimo fun activities in Nanaimo}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Recommended things to do in Nanaimo

Number of things to do	7
Things to do from	$10
Cheapest thing to do	Nanaimo: Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game
Top 5 things to do	Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour Nanaimo: Vancouver Island Waterfalls, Vistas, Hikes & Caves Nanaimo: Whale Watching Open Boat Tour Nanaimo: Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
Under $25	Nanaimo: Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game
With kids	Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour Nanaimo: Whale Watching Open Boat Tour Nanaimo: Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat Full-Day Tour, Waterfalls, Caves, Old Growth on Vancouver Island

What to do in Nanaimo

Free Things to Do in Nanaimo

There's no need to max out your credit card in Nanaimo. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Pipers Lagoon Park - Make this your first choice for a little fun during your escape.

Vancouver Island University - If you're a fan of modern-day architecture, add this landmark to your must-see list.

Beach Estates Park - Enjoy a brisk walk along the shoreline and perhaps even stick a toe in.

Petroglyph Park - Grab your rug, pack some finger food and find a shady area to relish nature.

Things to Do in Nanaimo with Kids

Nanaimo boasts plenty of close by fun things to do for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep everyone entertained for days.

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Nanaimo? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Nanaimo on a sunny day?

Get your daily vitamin C fix with one or two of these outdoor experiences:

What to do in Nanaimo on a rainy day?

A Plaza Premium Lounge at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a perfect indoor activity if the weather forecast isn’t great.

What can you do in Nanaimo for free?

Your break in Nanaimo needn’t break the bank with free attractions like these on offer:

Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
Vancouver Island University
Woodgrove Shopping Centre
Parksville Community Park

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nanaimo

Departure Bay Ferry Terminal

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Nanaimo with a trip to Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Duke Point Ferry Terminal

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Nanaimo with a trip to Duke Point Ferry Terminal. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Vancouver Island University

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the campus of Vancouver Island University, during your trip to Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Woodgrove Shopping Centre

4/5(9 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Woodgrove Shopping Centre during your visit to Nanaimo. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy an outing to Nanaimo Aquatic Centre during your stay in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Though Nanaimo Regional General Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Nanaimo while you are here.

Departure Bay Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Departure Bay Beach during your travels in Nanaimo?

Nanaimo Museum

4/5(4 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Nanaimo Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Long Lake

4/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Long Lake during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Nanaimo

Departure Bay

While visiting Departure Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Departure Bay Beach.

Stephenson Point

Though Stephenson Point might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Pipers Lagoon Park.

See our Where To Stay guide

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Things to do in Nanaimo

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