Things to do in Nanaimo

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A marina with various boats docked, a large industrial building, and mountains in the background.
A wooden bridge over a flowing river surrounded by dense greenery.
A marina with various boats docked, including sailboats and motorboats, under a clear blue sky.
A waterfall cascading over a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery.
A large sand sculpture of a muscular figure with a beard, surrounded by smaller sand structures.

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 {10 fun activities in Nanaimo fun activities in Nanaimo}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

From Nanaimo: Strait of Georgia Seaplane Experience

Nanaimo: Strait of Georgia Seaplane Tour with a stop at Sechelt

$209
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Nanaimo: Strait of Georgia Seaplane Tour with a stop at Sechelt
Our new semi-covered vessel has warm seating indoors and a viewing platform at the stern.

Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat

$176
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
Tofino to Nanaimo: Private car transfer

Tofino to Nanaimo: Private car transfer

$440
per traveler
Tofino to Nanaimo: Private car transfer
See all activities in Nanaimo
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

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!

 

 

Stay near popular Nanaimo attractions

A calm body of water with a small boat and a large ship in the distance, under a cloudy sky.

Departure Bay Beach

8.6/10 (329 reviews)
This expansive sandy beach offers stunning bay views and the unique spectacle of arriving ferries. Explore tidal pools at low tide or enjoy a leisurely swim in the sheltered waters during summer months.
See properties

Where to stay in Nanaimo

Find the best Nanaimo areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nanaimo
Learn more about Nanaimo
A calm lake with a dock, surrounded by dense forest and mountains in the background.

Departure Bay

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

Central Nanaimo

Central Nanaimo might not have many top sights, but Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Maffeo Sutton Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Downtown Nanaimo

If you're spending some time in Downtown Nanaimo, Bastion and Vancouver Island Military Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Stephenson Point

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

 

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

A calm lake with a person rowing a boat, surrounded by mountains and a rocky shoreline.

Gabriola Island

A coastal landscape with a forested area, a rocky shoreline, and a calm sea.

Lantzville

A calm lake with scattered rocks and a distant shoreline.

Cassidy

An aerial view of a coastal landscape with clear blue waters, a sandy beach, and dense forested areas.

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia