For Those That Want To Explore Further Afield

Cruisers quickly learn that Nanaimo and region offer infinite possibilities as a central island base camp. Within 20-30 minutes by rental car to the south, Wildplay Elements Park’s Monkido course takes participants into the tree tops and challenges ones mental and physical strength via zip-lines, King swings, and walking on wires.  Travellers will want to stop into the Morden Colliery, an historic stop, that will take guests back a century when this area was a thriving coal-producing mine. Ladysmith, a quaint and friendly strolling town on the highway just to the south. The Cedar/Yellow Point area has a variety of artists working from their home-based studios which are open for tours.  You can find all the stops listed in the Cedar Yellowpoint Artisan Trail brochure.

Have you ever wanted to go spelunking? Situated about 45 minutes north of Nanaimo, Horne Lake Caves offers family friendly or extreme rappelling guided tours into crystal filled caverns on an hourly basis in the summer. Coombs market, where goats graze on the roof, is an absolute favorite stop for artisan shops, ice cream and wholesome west coast food! Near Coombs, North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre offers a natural outdoor setting where you can visit eagles, owls, falcons, hawks and black bear in various stages of recovery. Cathedral Grove showcases 800 year old giant Douglas Fir trees and an awe inspiring walk through the old growth forests. The foodies in the group will want to join a brewery or wine tasting tour and sample appies at the local Pubs and vineyard. There are endless adventures and discoveries that each cruise passenger will enjoy while visiting the Port of Nanaimo.