A closer look at Nanaimo begins with the Bastion: this municipally designated heritage site is also listed in the Canadian Register of Heritage Properties. Bastion Square Park is in the heart of downtown. Cannon firings take place there daily at noon during the summer months; the Bastion itself is also open to the public only during the summer months.
History, Culture and City Life
The Nanaimo Museum has an exhibit dedicated to coal mining and also shares the living culture and oral traditions of the Snuneymuxw. A specific historical topic and living culture sit side by side. Nanaimo’s history can also be explored beyond exhibitions: self-guided walks and bike tours pass through some of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods.
The Nanaimo Art Gallery at 150 Commercial Street houses a permanent art collection and presents temporary exhibitions. The collection and changing exhibitions offer different perspectives on art. Check the current exhibition schedule before your visit, as temporary exhibitions change.
Coastal Parks and Trails
Neck Point Park offers 36 acres of waterfront landscape. Rugged rocky cliffs, pebble beaches along coves and winding trails through Garry oak groves define the scenery. Divers can access shore diving via an access road. As operating conditions may change, check access before your visit.
At Bowen Park, interpretive and themed trails follow the Millstone River. A walk leads to a scenic waterfall and a fish ladder. The riverbank, waterfall and fish ladder provide several distinct landmarks along the way. Buttertubs Marsh offers opportunities to watch waterfowl and learn about the local ecosystem.
For a loop with a specific distance, Westwood Lake Park offers a 5.51-kilometre trail around the lake. Westwood Lake also has nine connected mountain biking trails, including Nanaimo’s first approved mountain bike trail, “Legalize it!” Beyond that, Nanaimo’s range of trails extends from backcountry hikes to urban and beachfront trails, as well as rocky routes. The loop around the lake gives you a specific distance; the other trail types pass through different landscapes.
Water and Local Treats
Nanaimo’s water-based activities range from boating and fishing in sheltered bays to quick access to the open waters of the Georgia Strait. The HMCS Saskatchewan was sunk off Nanaimo in 1997 to create an artificial dive reef.
At W.E. Mills Landing & Marina, berths are assigned to vessels over 50 feet, subject to availability. Check availability before arrival.
The Nanaimo Bar Trail is a self-guided tasting route through cafés, bakeries, restaurants, breweries and boutiques. This lets you discover the Nanaimo Bar at different kinds of establishments. As participating businesses may change, check in advance which stops are available during your visit.
Discover more destinations: Nanaimo, Parksville, Nanoose Bay, Qualicum Beach, Gabriola, Cassidy, Bowser, Central Kootenay.
For the broader travel overview: British Columbia.
