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Things To Do Within 2 Hours

  • The Bastion – Every day at noon from mid-May through Labour Day you’ll hear the sound of bagpipes and the blast of the cannon at the Bastion.
  • Nanaimo Museum – The new expanded exhibit gallery portrays the unique aspects of Nanaimo’s location, nature and character featuring unique citizens, First Nations, a coal tunnel replica, and the mining, industrial and social development of the community.
  • The Art Gallery – Attracting art lovers and artists alike, the Nanaimo art scene has undergone a revolution.
  • Pipers Lagoon Park – is the best, most exotic oceanside park in Nanaimo (aside from Newcastle Island)
  • Outdoor markets –  Sample delicious prepared foods from a variety of vendors, products and services for the mind, body and spirit.
  • Nanaimo Bar Trail – Taste the chocolatey decadence of our famous sweet treat at some of the 34 stops stretching from Lantzville to Yellow Point.
  • The Dinghy Dock – is Canada’s only registered floating pub. This unique venue enjoys a vast variety of wildlife, sea life and the most amazing views.
  • Newcastle Island – Spend an afternoon exploring beaches, hiking trails or viewing wildlife in this marine provincial park.
  • Maffeo Sutton Park – A prime viewing area for free summer concerts in the bandshell.
  • Shopping – Downtown Nanaimo features three distinct shopping districts: The Arts District in the city core, the Old City Quarter up the hill, and the Waterfront District along the Harbourfront Walkway, each offering distinctive shops and services.
  • Experience Saysutshun on Newcastle Island – the Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park. Known as Saysutshun by the Snuneymuxw First Nation people, this family friendly park is accessible only by foot passenger ferry or boat. With breathtaking views of the Coastal Mountains and the Harbour City, the island offers a unique natural, historical and cultural experience for visitors.  Discover for yourself why the island has had a special place in the hearts of the Snuneymuxw people and captured the imaginations of visitors for generations.
  • Vancouver Island Military Museum – We invite you to browse through the more than 25 exhibits and displays showcasing Canada’s proud Military History and Traditions.  For more than a quarter century, the museum has assembled a truly impressive collection of military memorabilia and artifacts from the War of 1812 right through to Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan.
  • Harbourside Walkway – Built in 1987, the Walkway has become one of the best-used recreational facilities in the city stretching from Cameron Island in the South to Departure Bay (BC Ferries Terminal).  A stroll along its landscaped path reveals many of the projects the Port Authority has encouraged and promoted to boost recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Close-up views of Gabriola, Protection and Newcastle Islands with access to their connecting ferries are also part of the Walkway’s many features.
  • Pioneer Waterfront Plaza – This jewel in the harbour’s crown was completed in 1993 and provides a focal point for the downtown waterfront. Shops, restaurants and public facilities and meeting spaces all come together at the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza.  This Plaza provides access to the Inner Harbour and Boat Basin so that visitors who arrive by sea and Seaplane can be found mingling with shoppers, diners and walkers.