Tourist Attractions

Nanaimo has no end of exciting opportunities

This is a city where you can swim with the seals in an undersea grotto, scuba dive amid a fleet of sunken ships, picnic in a silent bay by moonlight, and hear the symphony play outdoors in the park while fireworks explode high in a summer night’s sky. It’s a place of year-round festivals, pristine ocean parks, thriving arts and culture, fabulous food and endless outdoor adventure.

In Nanaimo, the ocean views are all spectacular from tidal pool close-ups and undersea grottos to sweeping panoramas of the city harbour and scenic islands beyond. There are 588 hectares of parks cared for by the City of Nanaimo and many of these are on the waterfront, which is no surprise considering that Nanaimo’s urban shoreline is one of the longest in the country.

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is a protected and pristine green space, accessible by passenger ferry, with more than 15 km of well-marked interpretive trails that wind through shady forests, past First Nations historic sites, into idyllic bays and around a lake. Some of the trails on the island are especially designated for cyclists, and if you didn’t bring your own bike you can rent one on the island.

The 4-kilometre (2.5 mile) Harbourfront Walkway is one of the city’s main attractions, a public seawall winding from downtown to the Departure Bay ferry terminal, past bistros, pubs and city parks. No matter what part of Nanaimo you're in, you'll find a walking or cycling route nearby, even if it takes a boat ride to get you there first.

Standing 140 feet in the air on a bridge deck over Nanaimo River with a giant elastic band strapped around your ankles, fear and exhilaration course through your veins in equal measures. And before you can think twice, you’re catapulted screaming out into the air and into the thrill of a lifetime bungee jumping over Nanaimo River off the first custom-built bungee bridge in North America. Bungee jumping at Wild Play Element Parks in Nanaimo was named one of the top 100 things to do in Canada and now this is one act of daring-do you can cross off your life list.

The newest additions to the bungee jumping thrills at WildPlay is Monkido − an aerial obstacle course of swings and zip-treks suspended up to 50 feet off the ground in a forest of Douglas firs − and the King Swing, a 140-kilometre an hour free fall that will help you discover the true meaning of G-force.

When it comes to indoor attractions and entertainment, Nanaimo delivers. The city’s two aquatic centres feature plenty of extras that kids love like wave pools, waterslides, a water walk-way and a “lazy river” to float down.

The city’s two large arenas offer public skating times as well as chances to catch a home game of the local junior hockey club. In Nanaimo, you can go 5-pin, 10-pin and glow-in-the-dark bowling or catch the latest blockbuster at the multiplex movie theatres that run nightly shows and regular matinees.

A 7,500 square foot indoor rock climbing gym provides equipment and instruction for climbing enthusiasts of all skill levels, as well as challenges on varied contours from boulders to overhangs.

For people travelling with toddlers and young children, the city’s 8,000 square foot indoor playground offers an ideal diversion, giving parents a welcome opportunity to relax with a snack and cappuccino in the cafe and viewing area.

The best part is Nanaimo attractions are always accessible. It costs less to go out and have fun here, and the city rarely feels crowded because of its long oceanfront layout and pedestrian-friendly downtown. There are always things to do in Nanaimo, and this vibrant city will keep you coming back for more!

Be sure to check out our Calendar of Events page for more information about special events happening around town.