It’s not too late to plan an epic end-of-summer escape to Nanaimo and lock in memories your whole crew will be talking about long after the sun sets.

Whether you’re rolling in with the grandparents, little ones, teens, or your favourite friends-turned-family, Nanaimo has something for every age, energy level, and curiosity.

Got a thrill-seeker, a wildlife lover, or a champion treasure-hunter in the mix? No worries. Our Family Adventure Itinerary has you covered with two days of activities guaranteed to keep everyone smiling.

Day 1

Morning

Kick off your family adventure with a serious adrenaline boost at WildPlay Element Park, just south of the city on Nanaimo River Road.

This is where daredevils of all stripes come to play! From bungy jumps that’ll test your courage to zipline tours soaring over the river. The star of the show? The treetop adventure courses, where you’ll need equal parts guts, balance, and a good sense of humour about heights.

Prefer your thrills a little more grounded? Head to the Axe Throwing alley and let everyone channel their inner lumberjack.

Kids will love: Little adventurers (ages 5–12) have their own mini treetop course, low enough to feel safe, but packed with all the challenge and excitement of the big-kid version.

Lunch 

Head back to downtown Nanaimo and refuel with fish ’n’ chips at Trollers, the floating restaurant right in the harbour basin. They’re serving up the local catch fresh every day! Think cod, halibut, and salmon so good you’ll be planning your next visit before you finish the last bite.

Afternoon

This afternoon, round up the gang for some quality beach time.

Nanaimo has no shortage of gorgeous stretches of sand, but Departure Bay is a crowd-pleaser every time. At low tide, you’ll find plenty of soft sand to sprawl out on, plus a roped-off swimming area (just note it’s not monitored) and a flat, accessible walkway perfect for easy strolls. There’s a playground and washrooms at one end, plus coffee shops, a convenience store and food trucks close by when snack time hits.

Kids will love: The Kiwanis Departure Bay Splash Park across the road at Centennial Park, a guaranteed way to keep the little ones cool and happy.

Escape the Sun (or the rain, because hey, it’s the West Coast) with a visit to the Nanaimo Museum.

It’s the perfect spot to dive into the stories that shaped this place, from the traditions of the Snuneymuxw First Nation to the logging roots that built the region. And don’t miss the replica coal mine, it’s a cool step back in time (and bonus: no sunscreen required).

Family Fun Tip: This Summer only, kids of all ages will go wild for Dinosaurs of BC, this year’s feature exhibit. Get up close with prehistoric giants, including ‘Buster,’ the Iron Lizard of the Sustut River!

Dinner

Treat your taste buds (and your eyes) at Gina’s Mexican Café.

You can’t miss this bright pink heritage house perched on Skinner Street, just follow the colour! Inside is just as fun, decked out in vibrant décor and Mexican memorabilia. Dig into heaping plates of classic dishes, with plenty of options for vegetarians and gluten-free folks, too. Come hungry, portions are no joke.

Evening

Head north to Neck Point Park and watch the sun set over the ocean and mountains. Wander the trails, stake out a perch on the rocks, and soak it all in. Kids will love hunting for the hidden fairy village and welcome tree tucked among the trees.

Prefer your evenings with a side of entertainment? The Port Theatre serves up a steady lineup of family-friendly shows, live music, tribute bands, theatre, comedy, you name it. Check the calendar to see what’s lighting up the stage while you’re in town.

Day 2 

Morning 

After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to get out and make the most of the day.

Visiting on a Sunday between May and September? Head south to the lively Cedar Farmers Market, where local growers and artisans serve up fresh produce, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind finds. Perfect for a little laid-back browsing (and maybe a treat or two).

Got an energetic crew? Make tracks to Beban Park in central Nanaimo. Bring your bikes and hit the Stevie Smith Skills Park’s 4,000 square metres of BMX track, pump track, and mountain bike obstacles ready to test your skills.

Keep the momentum going with a stop at the driving range or a friendly round of pitch and putt at Beban Park Golf Club. The 11-hole course is ideal for beginners, families, or anyone who wants to sharpen their short game (clubs and balls are available to rent, so no excuses!).

Kids will love: Showing off their bike tricks and spotting the adorable bunnies that call the golf course home.

Lunch

Fuel up for the afternoon with a hearty lunch at Gabriel’s Café in downtown Nanaimo.

The menu is packed with locally sourced goodness and plenty to keep everyone happy. Kids will love the mini coconut milk pancakes sprinkled with unicorn dust because every meal deserves a little magic.

Afternoon 

Hop over to Bowen Park, an urban oasis perfect for an afternoon of action.

Older kids and adults can test their skills on the disc golf course that weaves through the forest. Grab loaner discs from the park office if you didn’t pack your own! Visiting Monday to Friday? Cool off after your game with a dip in Nanaimo’s open-air Kin Pool (drop in between 1–3 pm).

Feeling more nautical? Head back to Nanaimo Harbour and set sail on a whale watching adventure with Vancouver Island Whale Watch. Choose an open zodiac boat for the thrill-seekers (ages 5+) or a semi-covered option if you’ve got little ones along. Tours run 3–4 hours depending on where the whales and all their ocean pals are hanging out.

Kids will love: Spotting wildlife galore! On these trips, you’ll see orcas, humpbacks, harbour seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles all putting on a show.

Escape the sun (or dodge the rain) and tap into your creative side at the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s Art Lab Sunday programs. Every week in summer, a new art style or theme takes centre stage at these fun drop-in sessions. No experience required, just bring your imagination.

Dinner

Wrap up your trip with a meal you won’t forget at Canada’s only floating pub!

Hop the passenger ferry from the boat basin to the pirate-themed Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. Kids will love the swashbuckling décor, while the grown-ups can soak up the epic views back toward downtown Nanaimo.

Family Fun Tip: Visiting on a Thursday? Swing by the Commercial Street Night Market (every Thursday until the end of August, 5–9 pm). Think local artisan goodies, food trucks, live music, and a Kidz Zone to keep little explorers happy.