Weather looking like the classic West Coast experience? Fear not, we have you covered (no pun intended)!

 

Nanaimo is full of fun and exciting indoor activities to keep you out of the rain! No matter what you're looking for. Local art galleries, we've got em. Sports day? We've got that too!

 

Need a way to get to your activities without getting soaked? We have a plan for that too!

Two people pointing at old items for sale in the Nanaimo Museum
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Inside the Frank Crane Arena with a hockey game going on
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Discover Nanaimo’s Arts and Culture

Looking to discover something new or maybe appreciate some local artists? Check out some of Nanaimo's art galleries! 

 

Located in the heart of downtown, The Nanaimo Art Gallery offers educational workshops, permanent pieces, and rotating exhibitions. Here you can learn about pottery, do some painting, and immerse yourself in the arts!

 

Looking to support local artists? Check out the Art 10 Gallery and the Pacific Arts Market and Gallery. Both galleries support local artists and offer visitors the chance to take home one-of-a-kind pieces! 

 

Wanting to get gifts for those at home (or maybe even yourself), visit Artzi Stuff to buy locally made jewellery, clothing, and other artworks! In the mood for ceramics? Visit the Nanaimo Ceramic Arts Studio to buy some ceramics or take a class and make your own! 

 

Rather have a seated arts experience? Check out the Port Theatre for live performances, music, and shows! Want more local productions? Check out the Malaspina Theatre and the OV Arts Centre for live theatre. More of a comedy kind of person? Visit the Nanaimo Theatre Group for stand-up comedy, poetry slams, and local dramas!

 

History more of your jam? Check out the Nanaimo Museum! With permanent galleries featuring Nanaimo’s coal mining history, discovering Nanaimo’s Chinatowns, and exploring the Snuneymuxw living culture. They also have a rotating gallery that changes every few months! So make sure to come back and discover something new!

 

Nanaimo is also home to the Vancouver Island Military Museum. Discover scrapbooks from soldiers, and a collection of military memorabilia since the War of 1812!

Two people walking through the Nanaimo Museum
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Close-up of a painting of a sunset.
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Close up of the Port Theatre entrance
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Inside the Nanaimo Art Gallery gift shop
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Sports Day

Still wanting to burn off some energy on a rainy day? Nanaimo has plenty of indoor sporting activities for you to enjoy!

 

Looking for a swim that won't freeze your toes off? Check out the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre or the Beban Park Pool. Both have slides, hot tubs, and a dive tank!

 

Jump into the action at AirHouse Nanaimo's trampoline park! Here, people of all ages can take a bounce on trampolines, hone their parkour skills, and even skateboard indoors!

 

Interested in rock climbing or bouldering? Check out WIP Climbing and the Romper Room. Both offer bouldering for all skill levels, while the Romper Room also has belay rock climbing.

 

Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Nanaimo has great year-round ice skating options for you! Check out the Nanaimo Ice Centre, Frank Crane Arena, or the Cliff McNabb Arena for open skating! Make sure you check out their schedules as they often have skating events or even free skates!

A group of people skating on an ice rink
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Indoor pool with a swimming block.
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Inside of the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre pool, showing a statue of an orca jumping out of the water
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Shop Til You Drop

Looking to maintain your shopping spree inside? Nanaimo is ready for rainy weather shopping! Old City Quarters has a covered area where you can shop local, sip a hot beverage at a cute cafe, and read a book by the windowsill.

 

Looking for the classic mall experience? Visit the Woodgrove Mall or Country Club Centre. Both have a range of local stores and standard big brands. They also host events like markets or seasonal activities!

Inside the Old City Quarter
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The Entrance of the Old City Quarter
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Ride Dry

No car? Stay out of the rain even while you travel. After all, nothing is worse than the rain spoiling your goodies!

 

On the main routes? Take the Route 40 bus that goes between downtown and Woodgrove Mall. All buses are equipped with tap-to-pay; no app or printed pass required! For more routes and how to get around Nanaimo by bus, check out our Bus Navigation Blog.

 

Going to specific places? Take an Uber or a U-ride for direct pickup and drop-off, getting you to your destination quickly.

 

Stay Dry! 

With all these indoor activities, a rainy day won't get in the way of your trip to Nanaimo!

 

So no matter how you choose to spend the day- doing tricks on a trampoline or cozying up in a cafe- it’ll never be a wasted day!