What to do in Nanaimo

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Nanaimo Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Nanaimo has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Nanaimo is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Nanaimo to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Nanaimo Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Nanaimo.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Nanaimo attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Nanaimo

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nanaimo

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park is just one of the places to see in Nanaimo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Neck Point Park
Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Learn about the local history of Nanaimo when you take a trip to Maffeo Sutton Park. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Maffeo Sutton Park

Departure Bay Ferry Terminal

4/5(397 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(223 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

Woodgrove Shopping Centre

4.5/5(224 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

Vancouver Island University

4/5(70 reviews)

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

Vancouver Island University

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

4/5(40 reviews)

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

Departure Bay Beach

4/5(1 review)

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

Departure Bay Beach

Old City Quarter

4.5/5(8 reviews)

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

Explore areas of 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

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Nanaimo

Gabriola Island

Gabriola Island

Photo by Travel Loafers

Lantzville

Photo by Christie Wilde

Cassidy

Photo by Nathan Friesen

Arrowsmith-Benson

Frequently asked questions

Is Nanaimo worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Nanaimo is visit Departure Bay Beach. Check this major sight off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's nature and festivals.
How do I spend a day in Nanaimo?
Departure Bay Beach and Nanaimo Museum are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Nanaimo while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nanaimo?
Departure Bay Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Nanaimo and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Nanaimo?
Three days will give you time to check out some popular city sights, such as Departure Bay Beach, Nanaimo Museum and Old City Quarter. The average stay in Nanaimo is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Parksville isn't far away.
Is Nanaimo a walkable city?
If exploring on foot sounds like your style of vacation, Nanaimo is an ideal place to visit. Find top attractions, such as Departure Bay Beach, a walkable distance from downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Departure Bay, a vibrant neighbourhood located about 5 kilometres from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Nanaimo with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Nanaimo with kids.

What to do in Nanaimo for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Nanaimo for adults including Old City Quarter.
Are there free things to do in Nanaimo?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Nanaimo is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Departure Bay Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.