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Activities for a Long Term Stay in Nanaimo

There are a great deal of exciting activities in Nanaimo that will keep you busy during your long term stay in the area. From children to seniors, there are things to do for everyone in the Harbour City. Peruse the list below, and visit the Tourism Nanaimo Visitor Centre for more Nanaimo activities.

  1. Visit Nanaimo’s Harbourfront Walkway - Spend a day on Nanaimo’s harbourfront walkway taking in the beautiful scenery and exploring the various shops, cafés and restaurants along the walk.

  2. Take a Day Trip To Newcastle Island - Take a picnic over and spend the day at beautiful Newcastle Island taking in some of the great nature the island has to offer. For parks information and ferry schedules contact (250) 754-7894.

  3. Visit Nanaimo’s Arts District - Visit one of Nanaimo’s various galleries in our downtown Nanaimo Art’s District or visit the Campus Gallery located at Malaspina University-College.

  4. Nanaimo Parks and Trails - Take a walk at Piper’s Lagoon, Westwood Lake, or any other of Nanaimo’s beautiful parks and trails. Come by Tourism Nanaimo and pick up a Parks and Trails brochure at 2290 Bowen Road.

  5. Go to Nanaimo’s Downtown Farmers’ Market - Open between April, 13 to October 5 every Friday from 10am to 2pm the market features a wide variety of fruits and vegetables fresh to you each week on Front Street in downtown Nanaimo. For more information contact (250) 754-1998 or www.NanaimoFarmersMarket.com

  6. Visit the Nanaimo District Museum - Located at 100 Cameron Road, the Nanaimo Museum is a great opportunity to get in touch with some of the great history of the city. Also visit the Nanaimo Bastion located off-site on Front Street which is Nanaimo’s oldest building and the 3rd oldest in Canada.

  7. Golf - Nanaimo is home to some of the best golfing on Vancouver Island. The Nanaimo Golf Club, Cottonwood Golf Club, Winchelsea View Golf Club, Pryde Vista, and Beban Park Pitch and Putt are all open year round and offer some great golfing for the golfer of any skill level. Fairwinds Golf Club, just a quick 20 minute drive north of Nanaimo in Nanoose is also a great option for local golfers.

  8. Nanaimo’s Port Theatre - Located on Nanaimo’s waterfront; take in a concert, play, or cultural event at the Port Theatre. For information on shows and schedules contact the Port Theatre at (250) 754-8550 or www.PortTheatre.com

  9. Great Canadian Casino - Located on 620 Terminal Avenue at Port Place Shopping Center, the casino features a variety of slots and table games. Open from 10am to 2am daily. Casual dining and coffee bar available and free parking.

  10. Take in a Movie - Take in the latest blockbuster movie at one of Nanaimo’s 2 theatres. Galaxy Theatre at North Nanaimo Centre and Avalon Theatre at Woodgrove Centre both feature daily showings including matinees.

  11. Bowling - Try your hand at 5pin bowling at Brechin Lanes, 1870 East Wellington Road (250) 753-2341, or 10-pin bowling at Splitsville Entertainment, 171 Calder Road (250) 754-2442. Both offer Senior nights and days each week.

  12. Watch local sports teams - Catch a hockey, lacrosse, football, or curling match at various venues throughout Nanaimo and support the local teams.

  13. Curling - The Nanaimo curling club, located at 106 Wall Street in Nanaimo, is a great way to meet people and stay active. Call (250) 753-3474 or visit www.NanaimoCurlingClub.ca for more information on Seniors leagues and drop-in times.

  14. Harbour City Bingo - Located on 501-530 5th Street. Open daily from 11am to 11pm. (250) 754-1421.

  15. Fitness Classes - Fitness level 1 and 2 classes are offered on Mondays and Thursdays at Bowen Park Complex and the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Bowen Heart Fitness is on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Bowen Complex. For more information call (250) 756-5200.

  16. Walking Club - Go for a walk in Nanaimo and meet some new people. The Bastion City Wanderers Volkssport Club provides Nanaimoites with various walking opportunities, for more information contact (250) 758-3071.

  17. Lawn Bowling at Beban Park - Located at Beban Park on Bowen Road, seniors can try their hand at the exciting sport of lawn bowling for exercise and a comfortable social setting. For more information contact Harvey Hodgins at (250) 758-2718.

  18. Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club - Offering fun for all ages and skill levels, the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club has a variety of leagues to join, as well as tournaments and events to participate in from April to September. Visit their site at NanaimoLawnBowling.com, or call (250) 756-5200, ext. 7556 for more information.

  19. Go For a Seniors Swim - Both the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Beban Park Pool offer seniors swims. For schedules and more information contact (250) 756-5200.

  20. Volunteer - Volunteer for an organization within the city and help support your community. For more information on volunteering contact Volunteer Nanaimo at (250) 758-7121.

  21. Cribbage - Bowen Park seniors offers cribbage on Tuesdays from 1-4pm at the Bowen Park Complex, for more information contact (250) 756-5200.

  22. Join Bowen Park Seniors - The Bowen Park Senior Center, located at Bowen Park on Bowen Road offers seniors the chance to participate in various special events, seminars, services, Thursday night dances, programs, trips, fitness classes, and other activities. Office hours are 8:45am to 4:30 pm. Learn about activities for seniors that are currently being offered at Bowen Park (fall/winter 2007/2008).