Things to do in Nanaimo

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Port Alberni featuring a marina
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park featuring a bridge and a river or creek
Nanaimo which includes a bay or harbor
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park which includes a waterfall
Parksville Beach which includes outdoor art and a beach

Nanaimo Attractions

If you're on the lookout for exciting things to see and do in Nanaimo, plan on being busy. This buzzing city knows how to entertain. No matter what you're into, you'll be wowed by the diverse range of tourist attractions to get stuck into here. Read on to discover a few of our favorites.

Learn what makes Nanaimo tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {5 fun activities in Nanaimo fun activities in Nanaimo}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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What to do in Nanaimo

Free Things to Do in Nanaimo

There's no need to max out your credit card in Nanaimo. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Pipers Lagoon Park - Make this your first choice for a little fun during your escape.

Vancouver Island University - If you're a fan of modern-day architecture, add this landmark to your must-see list.

Beach Estates Park - Enjoy a brisk walk along the shoreline and perhaps even stick a toe in.

Petroglyph Park - Grab your rug, pack some finger food and find a shady area to relish nature.

Things to Do in Nanaimo with Kids

Nanaimo boasts plenty of close by fun things to do for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep everyone entertained for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Nanaimo? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nanaimo

Departure Bay Ferry Terminal

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Nanaimo with a trip to Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Departure Bay Ferry Terminal

Duke Point Ferry Terminal

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Nanaimo with a trip to Duke Point Ferry Terminal. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Duke Point Ferry Terminal

Vancouver Island University

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the campus of Vancouver Island University, during your trip to Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Vancouver Island University

Woodgrove Shopping Centre

4/5(9 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Woodgrove Shopping Centre during your visit to Nanaimo. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Woodgrove Shopping Centre

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Though Nanaimo Regional General Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Nanaimo while you are here.

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy an outing to Nanaimo Aquatic Centre during your stay in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre

Departure Bay Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Departure Bay Beach during your travels in Nanaimo?

Departure Bay Beach

Long Lake

4/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Long Lake during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Long Lake

Old City Quarter

5/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Nanaimo with a stop at Old City Quarter. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Old City Quarter

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Nanaimo

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Departure Bay

While visiting Departure Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Departure Bay Beach.

Departure Bay
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Stephenson Point

Though Stephenson Point might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Departure Bay Beach.

Stephenson Point
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Nanaimo

Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island

Photo by Travel Loafers

Lantzville

Photo by Christie Wilde

Cassidy

Photo by Nathan Friesen

Arrowsmith-Benson

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