Location: Nanaimo
Top Things to do in Nanaimo
What to do and see in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island: The Best Museums
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. Nanaimo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Nanaimo Museum: Discover Nanaimo’s fascinating history in our museum located in the VI Conference Centre. The main gallery offers a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Our award winning replica coal mine is a special treat. The museum also manages the Bastion, an original Hudson's Bay Company post built in 1853. Don’t miss the gift shop! Museum Hours (Fall/Winter/Spring): 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday Summer 2020 Hours: Open Wens-Sun 10am-4pm See our website for up-to-date COVID-19 modifications to hours and admission!
Reviewed By IrmaNova - Ottawa, Canada
I was sceptical but this small museum was well-curated and charming. This stop is a must while in Nanaimo for an overview of the city’s history (including a walk-through model of a coal mine) and a rotating exhibit. While we visited, the featured exhibit was on refugees, which was very well done. Local volunteers such as Les, will happily share knowledge and stories about Nanaimo to enrich your visit.
2. Nanaimo Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Nanaimo Art Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The Gallery enhances the cultural environment of Vancouver Island, serving a regional population base of approximately 225,000, through exhibitions, education, and outreach that encourages active public involvement with the visual arts. The Gallery presents a program of excellent exhibitions by professional contemporary artists and dynamic public programs that explore exhibition themes in the gallery and in the community. The Gallery maintains a growing collection of art and holds works by significant artists from British Columbia. We connect with over 12,500 children across three school districts each year through TD Artists in the Schools, and operate The Gallery Store which features unique, high-quality, locally made objects, and contributes to the livelihood of artists in our region.
3. Vancouver Island Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By wilsonc332
I was extremely impressed with this museum. Greg is the keeper and a knowledgeable tour guide that will take his time to bestow his knowledge of our military, our role in the famous wars and it’s history, as well as all of the items on display. The items are a collection of post-war artifacts from both sides of the battle. You will find Japanese, German and of course, weapons of the Allied forces. There is a massive collection of medals that were once the possession of the heroes of our nation. Don’t rush through and set more time aside to look at the displays in detail. There’s a story behind each display.
4. Golden Otter Gallery
Golden Otter Gallery features a curated collection of art that reflects our shared Island values of conservation and respect for nature. Here one can find a place where they can support local artists in the acquisition of original, locally made artwork for their homes. The owners’ love and respect for nature comes across in their pieces, designed to be appealing to all manner of animal enthusiasts, from hikers to hunters to conservationists. Featured artists Nicholas McMaster and Kara Dee Harrison both enjoy painting animals, and recently completed a series of 1.5 by 8 feet tall pieces that greet visitors as they enter the gallery. Nick’s paintings are complimented by three dimensional busts of land and aquatic animals, some with their habitats sculpted right into the piece. Kara explores the third dimension with collage pieces featuring hand cut wooden figures, and enjoys using thick glossy finishes. She is currently preparing a series of pieces featuring sharks, fish, and other marine animals. Agnes Gnutek's insect and bone displays capture natural scenes in glass frames and globes. Watching her meticulously prepare and present her pieces is unlike anything you’ve seen.
5. Yellow Bird Arts Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
