Day 1
BREAKFAST
To get ready for this adventure day, try one of these breakfast suggestions.
Coco Café – Not only does this café create delicious food, it’s a cedar opportunities co-operative providing employment and training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
Ironworks Cafe & Creperie – This is your destination for fresh locally roasted coffee & delicious made-from-scratch crepes including keto, gluten free and vegan options.
ACTIVITY
Colliery Dam to Granny Falls – Stroll along boardwalks through a colourful culvert and follow the roar of pouring water. The terrain is kid and dog friendly.
Millstone Falls in Bowen Park – Park in the lower section of Bowen Park and stroll along the river walkway and you’ll come to the falls. There is a duck pond, salmon channel and fallen totems to see as well. The terrain is kid and dog friendly.
LUNCH
After all that walking, it’s time to rest your feet & fill your belly. Here are some lunch suggestions.
Simon Holt – Enjoy delicious food from their mainly “from scratch kitchen” while soaking up the West Coast weather on one of three patios, including a roof top deck.
The Modern Café – A classic taste in modern space and home of the Nanaimo Bar Martini.
Smokin’ George’s BBQ Restaurant – Southern-style barbecue pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches and ribs. Award-winning!
ACTIVITY
Book a Taste of Nanaimo Craft Beverage and Culinary Tour with Vancouver Island Expeditions. Sip by sip and nibble by nibble explore Nanaimo’s family owned vineyards, breweries, distilleries and local food producers.
DINNER
It feels like pub time. Lucky for you, Nanaimo has plenty of pubs for you to choose from!
Longwood Brewpub – Nestle beside a cozy rock fireplace in this beautiful west coast style building sipping on beer brewed in house paired perfectly with delicious menu items.
Old City Station – Tucked into the heart of downtown, this pub is a popular choice for sport enthusiasts to watch the big game and dine on great food.
Crow and Gate – Step into this authentic English style country pub with pegged beam and plaster, massive stonework fireplaces and heavy wood trestle tables for good food and good times.
ACTIVITY
Beach Estates Park falls walk and evening swim at Departure Bay Beach. This is a beautiful little gem of a park hidden in a residential area. If you would like a longer walk, when you get to the bottom you can walk along the beach over to Departure Bay Beach for an evening swim. If you would like a swim without the longer walk, drive down Departure Bay Rd to Departure Bay Beach. You can park directly in front of the swimming area after. If travelling with small kids and beach swimming is too chilly, there is a waterpark located nearby.
Day 2
BREAKFAST
Enjoy a delicious pastry (or two) from one of these fine bakeries before heading to your hike!
Mon Petit Choux – This French-inspired bakery will suit all your needs.
Hearthstone Bakery – Fresh baked bread, cookies & Nanaimo Bars of course!
Bodhis Artisan Bakery – Popular at farmers markets, Bodhis has it all.
ACTIVITY
The hike to Ammonite Falls can take anywhere from 1.5 – 3 hours round trip depending on how long you enjoy soaking up the beauty of the falls. Be sure to follow parking signs to designated parking area. The hike is not strenuous but there are some steep parts to get close to the viewing area for the falls. It can get muddy in the rainy season so please dress for the weather!
LUNCH
Get lunch to go from one of these options and take to White Sails Brewing where you can “dine in” with your take out and sip on a flight.
Mambos Pizza – One of Nanaimo’s most popular pizza joints.
Delicados – Wraps, salads and more to go with a colourful Mexican flair.
ACTIVITY
Across the street from White Sails, take a walk through Maffeo Sutton Park and along Swy-a- lana Lagoon. Look for the art installations around the park, including a huge wooden crab which kids love to crawl on. Also, if time permits, walk out to the crab pier and see if you can spot Lucy, our resident harbour seal who loves to pop her head out and say hello to visitors.
DINNER
Tonight, treat yourself to some delicately prepared dishes in comfortable settings.
Picadilly Bistro – Dine in this gorgeous setting overlooking Westwood Lake.
Eve Olive – Elevated, plant-based meals with comfort
EVENING ACTIVITY
Catch a stunning sunset at Neck Point Park Nanaimo
