Things to do in Nanaimo

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Port Alberni featuring a marina
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park featuring a bridge and a river or creek
Nanaimo which includes a bay or harbor
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park which includes a waterfall
Parksville Beach which includes outdoor art and a beach

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 {6 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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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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nanaimo

Beautiful British Columbia

Maffeo Sutton Park

Learn about the local history of Nanaimo when you take a trip to Maffeo Sutton Park. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Maffeo Sutton Park
This small park has a variety of shoreline and different forested types of areas. Great for a stroll. Also known as one of the best places to scuba dive in North America.

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park is just one of the places to see in Nanaimo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Neck Point Park

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.

Departure Bay Ferry Terminal

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.

Duke Point Ferry Terminal

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 waterfront.

Vancouver Island University

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.

Woodgrove Shopping Centre

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.

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Departure Bay Beach

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

Departure Bay Beach

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.

Nanaimo Museum

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Nanaimo

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Departure Bay

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

Departure Bay
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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 Departure Bay Beach.

Stephenson Point
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Nanaimo

Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island

Photo by Travel Loafers

Lantzville

Photo by Christie Wilde

Cassidy

Photo by Nathan Friesen

Arrowsmith-Benson

Frequently asked questions

Is Nanaimo worth visiting?
Offering a blend of nature and festivals, there are plenty of things to do in Nanaimo. When you're here, visit Departure Bay Beach, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nanaimo?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Departure Bay Beach and Nanaimo Museum. Then, explore other parts of Nanaimo for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nanaimo?
Departure Bay Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Nanaimo and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Nanaimo?
Three days in Nanaimo is more than enough to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many travelers book for two days on average. Departure Bay Beach, Nanaimo Museum and Old City Quarter are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Parksville.
Is Nanaimo a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Nanaimo. Several key attractions, like Departure Bay Beach, are accessible on foot. If you feel like a wander around one of Nanaimo's cool neighborhoods, Departure Bay is 3 miles away from the city center.
What are some activities to do in Nanaimo with kids?
Planning what to do in Nanaimo with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're vacationing with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Nanaimo for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Nanaimo, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Old City Quarter.
Are there free things to do in Nanaimo?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Nanaimo is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Departure Bay Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.