Your Two-Day Summer Escape

Staying in Nanaimo is a must over the summer, but we get that not all of us have the time for a week of vacay. Between summer camps, work, and the usual rush of life, sometimes the best we can ask for is two days of fun.

No matter where you come from, Nanaimo is an excellent place to spend a few days in the summer.

Here is how to spend those days to get the most fun out of your summer!

A person walking onto the beach from grass.

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Tents and campers set up along a sunny shoreline with a tall tree and calm ocean in the background.

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Day 1

Morning

Summer is the time for morning activities. Since it’s still cool out, you can be outside without being beaten by the summer heat. Depending on your mood, we have two great options for getting your morning started!

Avid hiker? Or maybe you just want a seriously good view that overlooks the city, the ocean, and the mountains? Head on over to the Mount Benson trailhead and get ready for at least three hours of mountain climbing!

Before you head out, make sure to fuel up at the Breakfast Nook. Bring some snacks and lots of water for the hike!

Not a hiker? Fair enough, let's go for something more relaxing. Book yourself a whale watching tour. See an orca, or maybe a humpback - who knows what the ocean has in store that day! These tours fill up fast; we recommend booking ahead of time to secure your spot.

Since these tours can last for a couple of hours, why not fuel up at the Javawocky Coffee House. Here you can get some good-ol’ coffee, tea, and snacks to go!

Two men looking at a trail sign at Ammonite Falls

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A boat coming into dock at the harbourfront

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Three women and a dog hike to the top of sugarloaf

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Afternoon

Heading into the afternoon, it's time to recharge and refuel. Hiking a mountain and being on the open seas can work up an appetite! Make your way over to Penny’s Palapa for some delicious Mexican cuisine right on the water, or if you're looking to beat the heat and have some great sandwiches and pastries, head over to Brix and Mortar Social House.

After such a busy morning, it is good to keep the afternoon nice and chill. Head over to Maffeo Sutton Park, where you can take a dip in the Swy-a-lana Lagoon or relax in the shade while you listen to Concerts in the Park.

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People gather along a waterfront park in Nanaimo (Maffeo Sutton Park), with children wading in the water and market tents and the ‘Nanaimo’ sign in the background.

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Evening

As the evening breeze sets in, it's time for some shopping! Head on over to the Commercial Street Night Market every Thursday til the end of August to find some amazing locally made treasures!

This market has everything you could ever want: jewellery, clothing, decor, snacks, food trucks, live entertainment. Honestly, what more could you ask for?

You can shop while you eat or sit down and enjoy some live shows and music! Got kids? There is also a kids' zone where they can do crafts, science experiments, and play games!

With plans like this, it's no wonder that the bed is starting to look really comfy!

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Visitors browse a sunny outdoor farmers’ market stall filled with fresh local produce, including leafy greens, carrots, and squash, under white canopy tents.

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