Image by Alexander Stickel 
Image by Andrew Nixon 
Image by Andrew Nixon 
Image by Mike Anderson
Day 1
BREAKFAST
You’ll need a hearty breakfast, of farm-fresh and whole ingredients including eggs, Canadian bacon and fresh homemade bread. Find these and more at Mon Petit Choux, downtown Nanaimo.
ACTIVITY
Explore Nanaimo’s history with a trip to our two Downtown Museums:
Nanaimo Museum – Learn about the history of Nanaimo, including the culture and history of the Snuneymuxw First Nations, on whose traditional territories we live and work. You will also learn about Nanaimo’s history as a Coal Mining town.
Vancouver Island Military Museum – Browse through the more than 25 exhibits and displays showcasing Canada’s proud Military History and Traditions. For more than a quarter century, the museum has assembled a truly impressive collection of military memorabilia and artifacts from the War of 1812 right through to Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan.
LUNCH
Take the ferry over to a floating pub! Dinghy Dock Pub is located on Protection Island, a short ferry ride away.
ACTIVITY
Nanaimo is home to three craft breweries and one brew pub. Spend the afternoon exploring Nanaimo’s portion of the BC Ale trail. You can enjoy a self-guided tour, or if you don’t want to designate a driver, book a guided tour with Vancouver Island Expeditions.
940 Old Victoria Road, Nanaimo
125 Comox Road, Nanaimo
101A-20416 Boxwood Road, Nanaimo
DINNER
Longwood Brew Pub – With their own brew on tap, plus others, and a delicious menu, you’ll be in culinary heaven at this favourite Nanaimo hotspot.
ACTIVITY
Enjoy a walk along the beach at Neck Point, a waterfront park. Visitors will find rugged rock cliffs, with pebble bay beaches, and winding trails through Gary Oak groves.
Day 2
BREAKFAST
Enjoy an early morning breakfast at your hotel, before heading out on the water for an early morning fishing trip.
ACTIVITY
Time to head out on the water and fish the pacific for salmon. Book your trip with Invictus Charters, and let Captain Gerry guide you through one of the richest marine environments in North America.
LUNCH
Cold pack your catch and head to the harbour. Grab a fish taco at Penny’s Palapa or fish and chips from Trollers. Take out and picnic at Maffeo Sutton Park, or stay in and enjoy either of these floating restaurants.
ACTIVITY
After lunch, head to St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse and bring your catch! They will smoke or can it for you, and can even mail it home so you don’t have to worry about transporting it. Browse the gift shop while you are there. St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse has been producing Pacific seafood for more than 50 years in Nanaimo.
DINNER
Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter is a collection of shops and restaurants with the integrity of the city’s historical architecture. Choose from one of many restaurants located in the Old City Quarter for your dinner.
Bistro Taiyo – Japanese
Asteras Taverna – Greek
Pho A Dong – Vietnamese