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Escaping the Rush: Vancouver to Nanaimo Day Trip

Looking to escape the rush of the big city? Nanaimo is closer than you think, with waterfront views, fresh ocean air, and a day trip that feels like a true getaway.

Whether you're shopping, exploring Nanaimo’s galleries, or spending the day in the great outdoors, all you need is your ticket over and you're set for a day of adventure!

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Getting Here

We’re sure the first question you’re asking is “how do I get to Nanaimo?” Fear not, there are plenty of ways to travel from Vancouver to Nanaimo and still leave room for a day of relaxation. 

The most popular way to get here? By sea, of course. Here you have two great options, BC Ferries or the Hullo.

BC Ferries has daily sailings that allow you to bring your car or travel on foot. There are two different routes you can take: Tsawwassen Terminal in Vancouver to Duke Point in Nanaimo or Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver to Departure Bay in Nanaimo. The Hullo ferry is for foot passengers only and departs from Vancouver near Canada Place and arrives near downtown Nanaimo with free shuttles to downtown destinations. 

Starting June 5th, those travelling by foot can also take the BC Ferries Connector coach bus service between Metro Vancouver and Nanaimo via Duke Point (Route 30). This Friday-to-Monday service will offer two round-trips per day with multiple stops across Metro Vancouver and Nanaimo.

Short on time? Coming by air is the fastest way to get here. These flights are approximately 20 minutes, getting you here and back fast! Flights from Harbour Air and Seair Seaplanes are regularly scheduled from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport South Terminal arriving at the Nanaimo harbour and Departure Bay .

Always wanted to ride on a helicopter? We know we have. Well, now is a perfect time to do so! Helijet travels from Vancouver Harbour to Nanaimo Harbour just as fast as taking a flight!

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Morning

Whether you come at 7:00 AM or 10:00 AM, we all need to fuel up for our adventures. Take a look at some of the best cafes for breakfast, brunch, and quick coffee stops. 

Arriving directly downtown? We got you covered. Check out Misty Pine’s for excellent sandwiches, pastries, and bread you’ll end up taking home because it's that good. Got a sweet tooth? Go for Ironworks Cafe & Creperie, where you can get both sweet and savoury crepes. Looking for a locally sourced breakfast? Head on over to Gaberiel’s Cafe for food from farm to fork.

Take a walk in the park along the water at Maffeo Sutton Park. As you walk, take a look at some of the art displays from local artists. As you gaze across the water, you might get lucky and see some otters, or maybe even a whale in the distance!
 

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Afternoon

Now that you’re fueled up and got the body moving, it's time to skip into the afternoon.

Feel free to continue enjoying your time at Maffeo Sutton Park, maybe even take a dip in the water or do some fishing. 

But, if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to hit the streets and start shopping!

Downtown Nanaimo is full of local wonders, fun gifts or local thrifts. You want it? We got it!

Funk Revival, Rumours, and Lucky Cloud. Closet already full? Check out Sound Heritage or Flying Fish for unique souvenirs and gifts.

Need a quick refuel? Take a stop at The Vault Cafe or the Mon Petit Choux for some excellent coffee and food!

Now that your bags are full of local treasures, it’s time to take a breather and enjoy some local history at the Nanaimo Museum! Discover what makes Nanaimo unique, learn about local Indigenous cultures, or wander through the Coal Mine exhibit (it’s as close to an actual mine as most people will ever visit). If you have a little extra room in your bags, make sure to stop by the gift shop full of locally made goodies!

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Evening

After a long day of shopping, exploring, and learning, it's time for a seriously good dinner. 

Downtown Nanaimo has some seriously good restaurants… like seriously good. We’re talking about ones that you’ll be writing home about, and sending pictures to all of your friends to brag about how good the food is. 

So let’s take a look at some local legends:

  • Bar Luna - A modern and authentic take on Mexican cuisine with bold flavours and handcrafted cocktails.

  • Minnoz Restaurant and Lounge - Serving up everything from homemade breakfasts to tempting appies, this spot has something to satisfy every craving.

  • Mambos Pizza - Classic handcrafted pizzas made with local ingredients.

  • Melange - Global fusion done right, with flavour combos that’ll keep you guessing (in the best way).

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

  • Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar - 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.


Have some time before you leave? End the evening with a show at the Port Theatre or a stroll along the waterfront.

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Book your Stay

Fair warning: one trip is rarely enough. Between the coastal views, local eats, unique experiences, and hidden gems around every corner, you'll be planning your return visit before you've even left town.

Maybe it's the trail you didn't have time to hike. The restaurant everyone told you to try. The gallery you meant to stop into. Or the sunset that convinced you to stay just a little longer.

Whatever brings you here the first time, there's a good chance you'll already be thinking about your next Nanaimo adventure before you head home.
 

Tourism Nanaimo
info@tourismnanaimo.com (250) 751 1556

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Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge with gratitude that our work takes place on the territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as, and Stzuminus people. Tourism Nanaimo is committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, with a focus on those directly tied to the tourism sector. We support Call to Action 92 by actively seeking meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, ensuring that tourism contributes to economic reconciliation and respects Indigenous rights and protocols. We support Call to Action 79 by ensuring that Indigenous histories and living cultures are shared in close collaboration with First Nation governments, honouring their guidance on how their stories and teachings are shared.

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