Things to do in Nanaimo

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Things to do in Nanaimo, Selected for You!

Aug 30, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
2 adults, 1 room
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Good (90)

Beach Estates Park

Open 24 hours
Park
2140 Departure Bay Rd
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Beach Estates Park in Nanaimo offers scenic beach access with picnic areas, walking trails, and coastal beauty, ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free.

Good (17)
8584 Rumming Rd
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Arbutus Grove Provincial Park in Nanaimo, Canada, offers scenic nature trails and camping amidst lush forests and unique arbutus trees.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Camping fees may apply.

Good (59)
Morden Road Hwy 1
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Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park in Nanaimo, Canada, preserves Vancouver Island’s coal mining history within a 4-hectare landscape.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Good (789)

Westwood Lake Park

Open 24 hours
Park
381 Westwood Rd
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Westwood Lake Park in Nanaimo, Canada features a scenic 5.51-km lake trail, swimming areas, and a wheelchair-accessible fishing float.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free. No entrance fees apply.

Good (140)

Petroglyph Provincial Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Park
Highway 1
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Petroglyph Provincial Park in Nanaimo, Canada, features prehistoric rock art and a hilly, wooded area with interpretive plaques showcasing ancient indigenous carvings.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Access to the park is complimentary.

Good (408)

Colliery Dam Park

Dawn–Dusk
Park
Nanaimo Lakes Road
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Colliery Dam Park in Nanaimo features scenic trails for hiking, jogging, and seasonal activities like swimming, boating, and fishing amid tranquil woods.

Duration: Between 2 to 4 hours.

Free. Some activities may require separate fees for rentals.

Good (417)

Beban Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Park
2300 Bowen Rd
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Beban Park is a prominent recreation center in Nanaimo, British Columbia, featuring sports fields, an indoor pool, a dog park, and playground facilities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some programs and activities may have associated fees.

Good (130)

Hemer Provincial Park

Open year-round, no specific hours.
Park
Hemer Road
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Hemer Provincial Park in Nanaimo, British Columbia features wooded trails and marshland, ideal for birdwatching and outdoor activities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No entry fees are required to access the park.

Good (646)

Bowen Park

Open 24 hours
Park
500 Bowen Rd
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Bowen Park in Nanaimo, Canada features expansive natural areas, a waterfall, duck pond, trails, and recreational facilities including a pool and sports courts.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some facilities may have age or group restrictions.

Good (1042)

Neck Point Park

Open 24 hours
Park
1055 Morningside Dr
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Neck Point Park in Nanaimo, Canada, offers scenic hiking trails and breathtaking views of the waterfront, ideal for photography and scuba diving enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Good (1058)

Maffeo Sutton Park

Open 24 hours
Park
Harbor Front Walkway
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Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo offers lush greenery, waterfront views, playgrounds, and picnic areas, ideal for outdoor enjoyment and community events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Access to the park is complimentary, although some events may have fees.

Good (79)

Vancouver Island Military Museum

We-Fr 10:00-15:00; Sa 11:00-15:00; PH "off"; "by appointment"
Museum
100 Cameron Rd
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Vancouver Island Military Museum in Nanaimo features extensive military artifacts, exhibits, and historical information about the Canadian Armed Forces and local history.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for special events and exhibitions.

Good (388)

Jack Point and Biggs Park

Open 24 hours
Park
Jackson Rd
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Jack Point and Biggs Park is a state park in Nanaimo, British Columbia, featuring scenic waterfront views, walking trails, and diverse wildlife habitats.

Duration: 1 to 3 hours.

Free. Parking may incur a fee.

Good (102)

Cable Bay Trail

Open 24 hours
Park
1709 Wilkinson Rd
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Cable Bay Trail in Nanaimo, Canada offers scenic coastal hiking with beautiful views of the ocean and wildlife, set against a backdrop of rugged nature.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Access to the park and trail is complimentary.

Good (104)
3669 Rock City Rd Lcated Between Departure and Hammond Bay
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Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park is a lakeside park in Nanaimo, BC, featuring forested trails, scenic viewpoints, and picnic areas.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No entrance fee required.

Good (351)

Casino Nanaimo

Mo-Th,Su 10:00-12:00; Fr,Sa 10:00-02:00
Casino
620 Terminal Ave (at Gordon St)
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Casino Nanaimo features a variety of table games, slot machines, and an eatery, providing late-night entertainment in Nanaimo, Canada.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free entry. Costs apply for games played.

Good (47)

Lost Lake Trail

Open 24 Hours
Park
4877 Lost Lake Rd
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Lost Lake Trail, located in Nanaimo, Canada, offers scenic hiking through lush forests and around the picturesque Lost Lake, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Good (46)

Mount Benson Regional Park

Open 24 hours
Park
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Mount Benson Regional Park in Nanaimo offers diverse trails, scenic viewpoints, and rich wildlife. Ideal for hiking, nature walks, and stunning vistas of the region.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours.

Free. No entry fees to the park.

Port Place Shopping Centre

10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Business Center
650 South Terminal
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Port Place Shopping Centre in Nanaimo, Canada, features a variety of shops, restaurants, and services set in a waterfront location, ideal for shoppers and visitors alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee, but individual shops may charge for their goods.

Country Club Centre

9:30 AM–8:00 PM
Mall
2A-3200 Island Hwy N (Bowen Road)
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Country Club Centre in Nanaimo, Canada, provides a diverse shopping experience including retail stores, dining, and entertainment options across a spacious layout.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have a fee for participation.

Galaxy Cinemas Nanaimo

11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Cinema
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Galaxy Cinemas Nanaimo offers a modern movie-watching experience in Nanaimo, British Columbia, featuring the latest films in comfort and style.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Adults: CAD 15.99, Children: CAD 12.99. Discounts available for seniors and matinee showings.

Brechin United Church

10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Church
1998 Estevan Road (Departure Bay)
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Brechin United Church in Nanaimo, Canada, offers a welcoming community space with a history dating back to 1889 and features stunning architecture and vibrant programs.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed to support church programs and community outreach.

4017 Victoria Avenue
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Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Nanaimo features traditional Ukrainian architecture and vibrant community events, showcasing cultural heritage in Canada.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free.

Port Theatre

10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Theater
125 Front St (at Wharf St)
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Port Theatre in Nanaimo, Canada, hosts local and touring live performances, offering a vibrant cultural experience in a community-focused venue.

Duration: 2 hours for a performance.

Prices vary by event. Check the official site for details.

Altrusa Adventure Park @ Beban Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Amusement Park
2300 Bowen Rd
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Altrusa Adventure Park @ Beban Park features ropes courses, zip lines, and play areas amidst nature, designed for family-friendly outdoor activities in Nanaimo, Canada.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some special programs may require a fee.

Loyal Order of Moose Hall

4:00 PM–10:00 PM
Event hall
1356 Cranberry Ave
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Loyal Order of Moose Hall in Nanaimo offers a venue for community events, featuring social activities, meetings, and services supporting charitable initiatives.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Events may have specific pricing.

Malaspina Theatre

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Theater
900 Fifth St
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Malaspina Theatre in Nanaimo hosts various cultural performances and events. An architectural gem, it serves as a community hub for the arts.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Varies by event. Some performances are free; others range from $15 to $40.