Location: Nanaimo
Top Things to do in Nanaimo
7 Sights & Landmarks in Nanaimo That You Shouldn't Miss
Vancouver Island's second-largest city is a picturesque oceanfront town with fabulous mountain views and a busy harbor. Home to events like the harbor's Bathtub Race, the city of 75,000 offers outdoor opportunities from full-moon kayaking to golfing. Boat-fresh seafood graces tables at an ever-increasing number of restaurants. This gateway to island adventures is easily reached by fast ferry or floatplane from downtown Vancouver or by scheduled ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.
Restaurants in Nanaimo
1. Harbourfront Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Reviewed By Adventurer303465
The extensive walkway at long the Nanaimo Harbour extends from Port Place Mall and Gabriela Ferry Terminal to The Departure Bay Ferry terminal. It passes th the boa basin with mixture of fishing boats and pleasure yachts. One can purchase ice creams, speciality coffees and wide selection of island gifts. Harbour Air Sewplane terminal is located on walkway. After passing the Bistro pub and restaurant you will come to Mateo-Sutton Park. Continuing on are the Yacht Club and other marine establishments.
2. Swy-a-Lana Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By pennyfor - Nanaimo, Canada
This is Nanaimo's waterfront park. It connects to the waterfront walkway, and has the ferry to Newcastle. (not the ferry to Protection - that's from the nearby harbour). It is not a huge park. there are a lot of events here, often hosted by the City. Lots of music. The kids playground is great, with a zipline as well. Dogs on a leash. there's a small swimming beach which is set up for safety. It's quite wheelchair accessible. It also has a pier.
3. Extension Ridge & The Abyss
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Jules686 - Mississauga, Canada
I was surprised to find that the Abyss is not in any of the Nanaimo guidebooks. Especially as it comes up pretty early in Trip Advisor. But armed with the helpfulness of the reviews here, my husband and our two girls (7 & 11) set off to find the Abyss on a lovely but cool fall afternoon. I followed the advice to follow Harwood Mines Rd and park under the powerlines. We found the trailhead marker, and then soon after the stairs to the right. We were almost deterred by the notices about cougars and bears and the presence of a very large, very fresh poop on the side of the path near the trailhead that was not made by any dog! But we pressed on. The path was fairly straightforward and marked and thanks to the reviews here I knew to stay to the right. The kids had no trouble navigating the path although there were some complaints about the climbing and how long it would take. However, once we got to the Abyss that was forgotten. They were fascinated with the fissure and trying to figure out how deep it was. Definitely worth the climb and we got some interesting pictures. Next time I would like to continue the hike, but we would need to start much earlier in the day.
4. The Bastion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 98 reviews
The Bastion is an enduring local icon in the third oldest city in British Columbia. Built in 1853, the three floors of the Bastion were skillfully crafted using traditional wood working techniques by workers of the Hudson's Bay Company. Over the years, politics and land deals saw this sturdy wooden fort moved twice. Today it is Nanaimo's most recognizable landmark. It is managed by the Nanaimo Museum, and also houses a seasonal Tourism Nanaimo Info Kiosk. While the Bastion's timbers are original, the interior represents activities of the early mining post from 1853 - 1862. Today, this former Hudson's Bay Company building is a symbol of Nanaimo's history. The Bastion is a "must see" destination for visitors to Nanaimo. The Bastion is open 7 days a week from May long weekend through Labour Day. The cannon firing ceremony takes place daily at noon when the Bastion is open. Group tours of the Bastion are available for booking during the off-season.
Reviewed By geroldh582 - Nanaimo, Canada
Incredible heritage here in Nanaimo. Managed by the Nanaimo Museum. The cannon beside the Bastion is fired during the summer months at noon. Bound to impress any youngsters.
5. Old City Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 63 reviews
Nanaimo's Old City Quarter is part of the original economic core of the city. Buildings in the area date from the late 1800s to early 1900s. The map shows the area's boundaries. The Old City Quarter has undergone a revitalization of heritage buildings along with the addition of new developments which complement the period architecture. A revitalization program in the early 1980s attracted upmarket retailers. There are over 20 restaurants and 30 shops in the area, as well as professional services and the historic train station. The success and growth of this area as a destination shopping, business and dining area with the charm of yesterday resulted in the formation of the Old City Quarter Association. The association was incorporated in April,1993. The goal of the association is to collectively administer and coordinate the improvement, promotion and awareness of the Old City Quarter as a unique destination.
6. Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By KandK1208 - Rancho Mirage, United States
This was a little tricky to get to, but very nice. We traversed down to the rocks and river and our golden retriever had a blast. When the signs say "Do not enter".... keep driving (I think those signs have been there for awhile - maybe when they were building something and needed a lay down area. It is all good now though.) Look for the trail - part of transcanada trail - on your left hand side as you travel down the gravel road.
