(Last updated on November 2022.)
Nanaimo is a vibrant urban center found on the east side of Vancouver Island, its filled with serveral hiking trails, beaches, little resturaunts and so much more. I have lived here my entire life and know where all the good spots to go are. So let's dive in.
First let's start off by where to stay in Nanaimo. I've had the opportunity to stay in Nanaimo's BEST AirBNB that's called The Bayview Rental. The Bayview Rental is a cozy two-story loft suite that has everything from a fully equipped kitchen, a back patio with a two person hot-tub and it's only a 5 minute walk from Departure Bay Beach.
The loft suite has self-check in, very private and the hosts are absolutely wonderful to deal with. You will hardly see or hear from them unless you need something, in which they are very responsive that way. It is the perfect place for a quiet couple or single person who are spending some time to get to know Nanaimo for a few days. The Bayview has a bright living room, a Serta 5 hotel queen size bed (which is so comfortable), high ceilings, has a bathtub-shower with heated tile floor and comes with a full size washer & dryer.
This is certainly a place you won't want to miss while you stay in Nanaimo, because it isn't intended for families, I have a ton of other AirBNBs I can recommend on the Island that I have personally stayed at as well. Click here. Be sure to follow them on Instagram @thebayviewrental and add them to your future AirBNB Wishlist ♡ Be sure to send them a message inquiring about prices, they are very easy going and it can be negotiated potentially, doesn't hurt to ask!
Another great one to visit is the Westwood Lake Tiny Homes, it offers a loft bed which is super comfortable for two people, has a kitchen with a hot place, shower, lounge-dining area and an outdoor patio that features a fire pit. This is an incredible place to go that offers a ton of things do to around the area such as hiking, biking, swimming & more. The Jingle Pot Pub is right nearby for food and a beverage as well as bowling at Splitsville.
There are a ton of activities to do while you are visiting Nanaimo, and this is a good idea of where to start!
BEST HIKES & WALKS:
Mt. Benson, reaching the summit will provide 360 degree views of mountains and the city of Nanaimo. This hike is challenging and not recommended for beginners. Personally for how difficult this hike really is, the views could be better. But I guess I've done alot of Alpine to think this.
Roberts Roost, I'm not sure if this hike is closed at the moment due to one of the access points is near a gun range but it offers incredible views of Nanaimo and is less busy which is my favourite. Make sure to grab an AllTrails for this one, the directions can be confusing.
Ammonite Falls, a very popular hike now. Nanaimo's biggest waterfall. They have recently built stairs down to the base of the falls and they did a stunning job with it. It was finished right before summer 2022.
Colliery Dam, for sure visit Granny Falls in the area. The waterfall can easily be missed, this entire area has tons of little trails and is popular for dog-walking.
Morrell Sanctuary, there are several hiking trails in here. My favourite trails are the Rocky Knoll and the Alder trail. There's also cool little fairy doors, which makes a great walk for kids.
Westwood Lake & Ridge, so many beautiful trails in here. The ridges are a less busy area to hike in. Make sure you have maps as there's quite a few network of biking trails back there. A great spot for summer as well.
Rutherford & Radar Ridge, a small little hill that will provide beautiful views of Nanaimo, Mt. Arrowsmith and the Nanoose Inlet.
Lantzille Lookout, lots of trails back in here as well. A few different access points. Make sure to look these ones up for directions. A lot of consuction and new buildings going up around here now. Beautiful views for not as much effort, but a great workout nonetheless.
Neck Point & Pipers, one of Nanaimo's really beautiful boardwalks and beaches. There is also a great path for cute little fairy doors for kids.
Newcastle Island, grab a ferry from downtown and make a day out of this or camp there!
Cable Bay located out in Cedar, this is a really beautiful little hike towards the stewart channel.
Nanaimo Fish Hatchery, this is a great place to see the salmon running as well the falls colours are amazing during the right times. Great walk for kids too!
Jack Point & Biggs Park, this has to be on of the nicest trails for sunset and ocean views.
The Abyss via Extentions Ridge - this hike features a large fissure which is super cool!
Blueback Beach - want to get a good workout plus epic beach views? This is the spot, some locals when the season is right - is a popular spot to have a fire. If you do catch this at the right time bring the right things for putting it out please. LNT (leave no trace.)
BEST BREWERIES:
White Sails, Cody and I had our first date here! Perfect location for an evening stroll along the waterfront and beer afterwards.
Craft Fare, a cool hip little place right in the heart of Nanaimo.
Longwood Brew Pub, great restaurant and brews.
Wolf Brewering, the wolf den is open for flights, filling up a growler or pick up your favourite 4-pack.
BEST PLACE TO GRAB A TEA OR COFFEE:
Drip Coffee Social, hands down my favourite place. Salted Caramal Latte to go please.
Cafe Today, the best ice coffee and really great service. Jennifer is awesome!
Serious Coffee - My favourite is the Frappe Mocha, so good.
Buzz Coffee House, really great vibe and deserts.
Regard Coffee, SO good in here as well.
White Rabbit Coffee - local and fresh & they offer vegan home made gluten-free treats.
BEST PLACES TO GRAB DESSERT:
Burnt Honey Dessert Company - Definitely my favourite they have the BEST ice cream & macrons. The Nanaimo bar has to be the best one.
Nanaimo Bakery & Cafe - The pastries here are so delicious, definitely hit this place up.
Columbia Bakery LTD - They have really great and reasonable prices for lunch as well as pastries that are delicious.
Cobs Bread - this place smells wonderful, they have amazing treats and obviously a whole choice of differnt breads. The cinnamon raisin though. chefs kiss*
BEST RESTAURANTS:
Dingy Dock Pub, Nanaimo's floating pub. You can take the 15 minute ferry from downtown to head towards Protection Island which will be where the pub sits infront of. Such a cool experience. Walk around on Protection Island too - if you have time.
Ginas Mexican, best strawberry margaritas ever! Best salsa too.
Original Joes, really great menu. The jalapeno Mac-N-Cheese is my favourite.
Browns Social House, they have the best Bellinis there.
Driftwood, really great chinese food.
Nori Sushi, everything is so good here.
Umai Sushi, also a really great sushi place.
Tandoori Junction, great indian food.
Mambos Pizza, a downtown favourite
Fork & Pork, omg their pulled pork poutine is so delicious. YUM
Carlos O'Briens, go there on your birthday and you get a free meal! Plus it overlooks the ocean.
BarBurrito, SO GOOD, need I say more.
Gabriel's Gourmet Cafe, from farm to table. They have an excellent eggs benny.
Ironworks Creperie, if you haven't had a crepe you are missing out. This place has everything from savorie to sweet.
Delicados Deli, the best wraps ever (Southwest Chicken FTW.) They also have really great cold salads.
Jucee Health Bar - Nanaimo's best açai bowl, seriously this place is AMAZING. They have breakfast and lunch options.
Smokin Georges BBQ Restaurant - this place honestly has the best pulled pork. They have amazing poutines, sandwiches & more. The owner is always so welcoming too. Great customer service.
Nesvogs Meats & Sausage Co - not so much a restaurant but if your wanting to take something back to wherever is home to make, they have a wide variety of quality meats, they are voted #1 for best meat & deli for a reason.
BEST PLAYGROUNDS:
Oliver Woods, this has to be Nanaimo's best playground. It offers a huge wooden platform with tons of slides and has a duck pond.
Kin Hut Park near Depature Bay, a park nearby drip coffee sounds like a win-win for a parent and a child. Play at the beach afterwards!
Maffeo Sutton Waterfront Park - This has to be another great one as well, just beware of that huge slide for little kids, I always think someone is going to get extremely hurt one day as there is no siding most of the way up.
Groveland Gyro Park - another fun park and you would never know its there!
BEST CAMPGROUNDS:
Four All Seasons (Cedar), this campground has a ocean front with sites available to camp on and a beautiful saltwater pool.
Living Forests, lots of great camping spots here and RV hookups with tons of trails nearby.
Mermaid Cove (Cedar), stay in a unique cabin and the nice part is they are fully equipped.
Newcastle Island, you will have to take the Newcastle Ferry located near Maffeo Sutton park or kayak there but it's a stunning campground.
Brennan Lake RV & Campground, this is a great campground that offers a lake as well as fun dances in the summer to attend on the weekends.
Nanaimo Lakes Windy Point Campground, more of a drive to get too however the sites are really beautiful, with tons of swimming areas.
BEST PLACES TO SWIM:
Nanaimo River such as Red Gate, Sandy Beach, The Highway Bridge, Cedar Bridge, The Trestle & More.
Westwood Lake Bluffs - Personally I would swim here before I swam at the busy beachfronts but if you have small kids I would recommend the two beaches by the parking lots.
The Backside of Long Lake - located along Woodhaven Dr. Park and you will find access points.
Neck Point, there is also a little beach called Morningside Park on the right hand side where you will see a parking area right as you turn onto this road for Neck Point Park. It's a little gem most don't know about and less busy.
Pipers Lagoon - lots of beach here to swim at.
Departure Bay Beach - one of my all times favourites and most convenient.
Stephenson Point - A little gem not many know about!
Sebastian Beach (Lanztville) - this is an epic place to also bring a propane fire Pitt and watch the sunset.
OTHER THINGS TO DO:
The Nanaimo Museum, located in downtown Nanaimo on the traditional territory of the Sunnymuxw First Nation. The museum offers award winning exhibits with tons of history and culture.
The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, this is the best pool facility in Nanaimo, it has a wave pool, two length swimming pools, a hot tub and a lazy river.
The Port Theatre, is a venue for performing arts, it is located near the waterfront. Check out the events happening on the website!
The Romper Room, experience Nanaimo's indoor rock climbing gym, they have a ton of different courses or self-belaying options which is fun for the whole family.
Explore Vancouver Island Tour Company, book an adventure tour with this one of a kind tour bus, wether it's a cool hiking spot or winery tour - this is the company to do it with!
Nanaimo bar Trail - Take a sweet self guided tour adventure through the streets of Nanaimo that the city has put together to experience our famous treat the Nanaimo bar.
WildPlay Nanaimo - Nanaimo's infamous element, they have everything from bungee jumping, ziplines, a giant swing & more. Great for the whole family and never ending fun!
There are so many places to go to and this is just some of the best ones. Please remember to Leave No Trace. Please pack out what you pack in and be respectful to any wildlife. Have fun and I really hope you enjoy the special amenities Nanaimo has to offer. This place is my home and will always be. Let's keep her pretty.
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