Nestled in Nanaimo’s lush, rainy forests lies a place where adrenaline meets adventure. Think ziplines through towering evergreens, heart-pounding freefalls, and swings that’ll have you questioning your life choices in the best way possible. Welcome to WildPlay Nanaimo.
What’s So Wild About Wildplay?
WildPlay isn’t just a park. It’s a rite of passage for anyone ready to swap comfort zones for forest-flung thrills. Tucked just south of Nanaimo, this outdoor adventure park has been fueling daredevils (and aspiring daredevils) for years.
Whether you’re here for the view, the rush, or a little bit of both, WildPlay’s mantra is simple: life’s better when you step off the ground.
Open rain or shine because West Coast adventures don’t wait.
What’s Waiting?
There’s no shortage of ways to test your courage here. Choose your own level of wild:
- Adventure Courses – Rope bridges, swinging logs, wobbly ladders, basically a giant jungle gym for grown-ups (and kids, too).
- Ziplines – Fly through the forest canopy with wind in your hair and trees beneath your feet.
- Freefall Jumps – Step off the edge and let gravity do its thing.
- Bungy Jump – One of Canada’s first and still one of its best. Scream optional, but highly encouraged.
- Primal Swing – Not your backyard swing. Imagine being launched across the river on a giant pendulum.
- Axe Throwing – Channel your inner lumberjack and aim for bullseyes. Plaid optional.
A Day in the Wild
Need a little inspo for how to tackle your WildPlay day? Here’s a sample itinerary that pairs thrills with bites, because adventure is always better with good food.
Morning Fuel
Kick things off in South Nanaimo with a breakfast that will keep you energized for a full day of climbing, leaping, and swinging. Coco Café in Cedar is a local favourite, not just for its hearty meals and great coffee, but also for its community-driven mission. You’ll walk away feeling good in more ways than one. If pastries and breads are more your style, Hearthstone Artisan Bakery has the kind of sourdough and flaky croissants worth writing home about. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more quirky and cozy, the Calico Cat Tea House offers breakfast classics and warm vibes that set the tone for an adventurous day ahead. Whatever your pick, the goal is simple: fuel up and get ready to trade your fork for a harness.
Midday Thrills
Once you’ve got breakfast behind you, it’s time to step straight into the forest playground at WildPlay Nanaimo. With towering trees, the sound of the river rushing below, and the occasional squeal of someone taking the plunge on the bungy, the energy here is electric. Spend your afternoon zigzagging through adventure courses, zipping high above the canopy, or psyching yourself up for the iconic bungy jump. Don’t worry if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Rain is part of the Nanaimo package and only makes the forest more atmospheric. Whether you stay for just a couple of hours or let the whole day slip away, WildPlay has a way of pulling you in and keeping you laughing, screaming, and grinning ear to ear.
Evening Eats
After hours of climbing, swinging, and pushing your limits, it’s safe to say you’ll have worked up an appetite. Lucky for you, Nanaimo’s dining scene has no shortage of options to wrap up your adventure day. For something bright, eclectic, and packed with flavour, Gina’s Mexican Café is a long-time local gem perched on the hill near downtown. If Italian is calling your name, La Stella Trattoria serves up wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for reliving your day’s highlights. Craving Mediterranean instead? Astera’s Greek Taverna delivers hearty comfort food in a character home that feels like stepping into someone’s kitchen. And if all you really want is to sink into a booth with a gooey slice of pizza, Bastion Pizza Company has you covered.
Bonus: Got a 19+ crew? Stop in at The Crow and Gate Pub, an English-style pub tucked just minutes from WildPlay, perfect for swapping “did you see my face?!” stories over a pint.
Let’s Get Your Trip Planned
Forget souvenir T-shirts. This is the kind of adventure you take home in stories and a grin you can’t wipe off. Bungy jump on a Tuesday? Why not. Axe throwing in the rain? Obviously. In Nanaimo, we’re all about play.
