Things to do in Nanaimo

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Nanaimo

Things to Do in Nanaimo

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Neck Point Park, Harbourfront Walkway, Multi-day Tours, Nature & Wildlife Areas. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Nanaimo

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Coastal ferry route featuring serene views and onboard café, with a scenic deck for lounging and appreciating the landscape during transit.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • digitalroc
    Calgary, Canada2,134 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I drove to Neck Point Park as my last Nanaimo attraction to visit prior to taking the ferry to end my trip of the island. Neck Point Peak has it all, from hiking trails, beaches, and fantastic views, it was a fun and easy hike along the wide trails before saying goodbye to the city of Nanaimo.
    Written September 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jocelyne W
    Ontario, Canada7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Walked from our hotel to walkway late afternoon on Sunday. Not busy but not deserted either. View of entire bay and several marinas. Clean, wide, relaxing. leads to a lovely pond and park. Easy to get back on track to hotel. Stairs to get down to walk. Unsure if there are ramps or elevators.
    Written January 13, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linda M
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a lovely park with great views, old giant trees and lots of walking trails. The main washroom is a disaster. Dirty floors with dirt around the edges that looks like it’s been there for years. Showers filthy (and hairy); paper towels spilled all over. Should be cleaned daily and it looks like it must be annually.
    Written September 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • digitalroc
    Calgary, Canada2,134 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I made a visit to Pipers Lagoon which is nestled in Hammond Bay. Pipers Lagoon Park has good parking and turned out to be a nice walk along the shore in the morning before I needed to head back to the hotel to clean up and check out at 11AM.
    Written September 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jjstars
    38 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We decided to reserve the ferry on the way back off the island as the long weekend was coming up.
    We paid 20.00 with the agreement on the site, and we had to pay the rest at the ticket booth. We thought we were there on time, but it turned out the clock on my car was 4 minutes slow. So... we still got charged the reservation fee, but we're not able to go in the reserved line. It worked out, but we still had to pay the reservation fee. Also, it is free for seniors to take BC ferries during the week , Mon to Thurs but still cost us 87.00 for reservation and the vehicle charge.

    Written August 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We have family in Nanaimo and every time we come to town we visit Westwood Lake. We really enjoy walking the trail around the lake. The scenery is very nice and the 6km walk is quite manageable for us ( in our 60s)
    Written November 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Summer L
    Nanaimo, Canada4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I live on Protection Island! It is such a nice little island with a huge sense of community and security. It has a lot of incredible beaches and a few things to do too! If you’re one of those people that just go to the dinghy dock pub and say there is nothing to do on the island, think again. We have events at our community centre, a basketball court for entertainment of the little ones (and maybe you), next to that is a community garden that you can stroll around, a museum and liabrary both open on Sundays, a fire station with ambulance and firetruck, and many other activities!
    Written November 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joanna C
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This small museum showcases the history of Nanaimo and includes a walk through a recreated coal mine. It is full of interesting artifacts that are beautifully displayed and described. I was especially taken by the Coast Salish peoples exhibits. Cedar was used to make not only canoes, but woven water-tight baskets, blankets and waterproof clothing. Everyday items were made artisitcally and the geometric patterns are beautiful. The staff member was very knowledgeable about the exhibits and we enjoyed our conversation with her. I would highly recommend this museum.
    Written August 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • digitalroc
    Calgary, Canada2,134 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After having my first dinner in Nanaimo, I wanted to walk the Harbourfront Walkway, so I drove down to Maffeo Sutton Park. The city park was quite nice, from ample parking to the Nanaimo sign. I didn’t see any signs of graffiti and homelessness, but I wasn’t looking for it either. There are some sculptures in the park, and overall, a nice part of town.
    Written September 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nell H
    Ingersoll, Canada79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This trail is not handicapped…it is a moderate hike…stairs and ups and downs and roots..
    Beautiful scenery and some carvings.
    Well worth the views overlooking Nanaimo..
    Written March 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrew B
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Starting from the south parking lot, the well marked dirt trail wound its way through 80 year old replanted forest. It's not old growth for most of it, but it's old enough that the biodiversity has generally returned. I saw 47 different bird species! Took about an hour to get to the falls.... which were SPECTACULAR. The pictures simply don't do it justice. I think the ratings aren't higher because they don't include all the improvements the municipality has made: safe trails, large sturdy steps and bridges..... I'm sure this space was downright dangerous for novice hikers before. But now? It's beautifully done with wide sturdy steps with grip on them, railings, lookout points, and proper bridges over the river when required. Plan to spend 1hr or so at the falls. Just soak in the deep forest/river vibe. 5/5 will hike again soon! Not to be missed!
    Written May 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kirk
    Nelson, Canada4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a great walk through and around this lovely park. We extended ours through to Granny Falls which was worth the extra. Some steep sections so challenged walkers may have trouble.
    Written July 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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