Summer doesn’t have to rush by; take a breath in, relax, and explore a little more. Unwind on the beach, take a walk through nature, and enjoy a vacation that will leave you feeling revived. After all, nothing says refreshment like a cold drink on a hot day. 

Savour all of summer this August by slowing down and taking time to enjoy natural, cultural, and iconic experiences.
 

Starting Slow

Nothing says relaxation like a well-earned spa trip. Get your nails done at Paris Nails and Spa or head up to Kiyo Salon and Day Spa for a fresh haircut or a nice scalp massage! Looking to have a whole spa day? We've got you covered! Check out Pure Spa for skin treatments, hand and foot care, and a relaxation massage! Rather just embrace the heat? Head to Island Sauna Nanaimo for a private or social sauna. Feeling brave? Take a cold plunge while you are there!

The massage bed neatly made.
1
A row of massage chairs.
2
A person getting a facial massage.
3

Grab a Bite

Feeling relaxed yet? Good! Enjoy a meal outside in the sun or covered on a patio (or maybe even on the water!). 

  • The Vault Cafe - Live music and seriously good food with some vintage charm

  • Javawocky Coffee House - Located right on the harbour, grab some coffee, take a seat and watch the tide!

  • White Rabbit - A slice of Nanaimo’s history? Enjoy outdoor seating with excellent cafe food and coffee in Nanaimo’s old railway station!

  • Misty Pines - Freshly made sandwiches and pastries that leave you wanting to take some home for later!

  • Drip Coffee - Located right next to Departure Bay Beach, this cafe is a great place to start your day, grab a lunch, or enjoy an after-work beverage with friends!

  • Embers - Pull up a seat and build your dream charcuterie board, complete with artisan meats, cheeses, seafood, and handcrafted cocktails that highlight the best of the region.

  • Brix and Mortar Social House - Covered patio and an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home!

  • Craft Fare -  Enjoy patio seating right in the heart of downtown as you eat amazing comfort food!

  • Trollers Fish & Chips -  Eat on the water with some of the finest fish and chips in town.

  • Penny's Palapa - This cozy floating restaurant hosts some of the best Mexican food in Nanaimo!

People enjoying their food.
1
Inside of a cafe with people working on their laptops and ordering food.
2

Relax Outside

Nothing says summer like taking a swim at the beach, a walk in the park, or swinging your golf clubs!

 

Wander the winding trails of Bowen Park, or maybe play some disc golf, beach volleyball, or go swimming in the outdoor pool! Looking for the perfect sunset location? Head over to Pipers Lagoon for some of the best views and a good chance at seeing some wildlife! Want some history while you walk? Check out Saysutshun Island to learn more about Snuneymuxw First Nation history! Working up an appetite or picnic in the park more your style? Head over to Maffeo Sutton Park for great food trucks and excellent harbour views!

 

Looking to do some swimming? Or just working on your summer tan? For great lake swimming, check out Westwood Lake; beachy shores and a variety of different paddling rentals are available here. Ocean swim more your thing? Head over to Departure Bay Beach for calm ocean waters and a quick walk to get some coffee! Not much of a swimmer? Visit Blueback Beach for long stretches of beach in every direction that make you think you're in the tropics. Pro tip: we recommend visiting at low tide for the best beach! 

 

Ready to hit some golf balls? Great news, as Nanaimo is home to some of the best greens on the island! Wherever you choose to golf, expect a great time with some stunning views!

  • Eaglequest - This 9-hole golf course weaves through magnificent trees and water features. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat at their restaurant when you're done!

  • Beban Park Golf Course & Driving Range -  With 11 holes and 31 driving range stalls, Beban park is the perfect place to hone your golf skills!

  • Cottonwood - 18-hole golf course designed for everyone to enjoy, restaurant onsite!

  • Nanaimo Golf Club - 18-hole golf course with ocean views and excellent food!

Two people walk their dogs along the shoreline at Pipers Lagoon during sunset with calm water and small islands in the distance.
1
A person walking away from a tree.
2
Ariel Photo of Blueback Beach when the tide is low, and the beach is full of soft sand.
3
A person hitting a golf ball from a driving range.
4

Bags Ready?

Make sure your bags are empty and your wallets are full, as Nanaimo is host to plenty of excellent local markets! 

 

Looking for farm-fresh food, local produce, and freshly made goodies? Check out Island Roots Farmers Market on Wednesday or the Cedars Farmers Market on Sundays from May to October.

 

For a bit of everything, check out the Commercial Street Night Market that occurs every Thursday till the end of August. They have food trucks, handmade goods, and live entertainment!

Commercial Street Night Market 1
1
A vendor hands a basket of strawberries to a customer at a farmers’ market, with fresh produce and jars of preserves on display.
2

All the Festivities!

Summer is the time for festivals and iconic cultural events! Enjoy Nanaimo classics like the Hub City Soap Box Derby, where families race down hills in makeshift cars! 

 

Watch a show during Nanaimo’s Fringe Festival; with so many options, there is a show for everyone to enjoy! Head over to Maffeo Sutton Park and enjoy the Island Summer Theatre Festival; watch live theatre performances throughout the day (and night!).

 

Looking for great music? Check out the Nanaimo Blues Festival taking place from August 6th-9th and the International Jazz Festival from September 19th-27th! 

 

Immerse yourself in art at the Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet dual exhibition! Learn the history of the two iconic painters, and step into a world created as over 700 paintings come to life.

Close up of the Port Theatre entrance
1
A man playing a guitar under a tent at a market.
2

Enjoy the Breathing Room 

Breathe in the fresh ocean air, feel the sand between your toes, and sip on your choice of beverage. 

 

No matter when you visit, there is always time for a little bit of relaxation, a walk in the park, and food meant for savouring.