Take the ferry from Vancouver to visit Nanaimo—the second-largest city on Vancouver Island, with plenty of outdoor activities and adventures for everyone, situated along one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Canada.
Enjoy water activities
Kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, swim, fish or sail in the surrounding waters, or relax along the Nanaimo waterfront.
Explore natural wonders
Descend deep beneath the Earth into the dark caves of Horne Lakes Provincial Park, visit Little Qualicum Falls and stroll through Cathedral Grove on an all-day tour.
Hike or bike local trails
Hike or bike one of the many nearby trails, or visit Neck Point Park, Beban Park, Westwood Lake Park, Pipers Lagoon Park or Mount Benson Regional Park.
Experience local culture
Try an authentic Nanaimo Bar at a café in the Old City Quarter, check out the Nanaimo District Museum or the Nanaimo Art Gallery, or attend a show at the Port Theatre.
Play a round of golf
Golf at your choice of 20 different golf courses, all within an hour’s drive.
Experience the craft brewing and distilling scene in Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley region! Join Explore Vancouver Island on an 8-hour guided tour with a knowledgeable guide who will take you through Cowichan Valley’s ever-growing craft beer and spirits scene. Enjoy a tasting flights at two breweries, a taphouse, and a local distillery. Lunch is included on the tour, so you can sit back and relax, soaking in some of the stunning views of the Salish sea as you are driven around in the comfort of a private bus.
Highlights:
With stunning natural beauty and a variety of different trails for every experience level, Vancouver Island is the perfect place to explore with an afternoon hike. Join Explore Vancouver Island on a approx.. 4-hour hiking tour for people of every fitness and ability. Choose the best option for your hiking level, whether it’s an easy, gentle stroll, on a well maintained trail, or a hike for those who are moderately active with some inclines and elevation changes, or a difficult trail that is bound to get the blood pumping with many inclines or stairs, and more technical terrain. Whichever path you choose, the views and sights are sure to be worth the effort.
Highlights:
Drive 30 minutes north from Nanaimo to visit Parksville, offering long sandy beaches, lots of water sports, and plenty of arts and crafts to suit all tastes. Known as Canada's Riviera, Parksville is the perfect destination for romantic getaways and family fun.
Just 20 minutes south of Nanaimo sits the picturesque town of Ladysmith, on the 49th Parallel, where you can take part in a variety of outdoor pursuits or simply relax at a café or restaurant on the harbour, or browse local shops and art galleries. One of the oldest settlements on Vancouver Island, today the attractive little town still has an Edwardian feel.
Drive to Port Alberni for a variety of activities and attractions. Close to Barkley Sound, Clayoquot Sound and the Pacific Rim National Park, Port Alberni is the perfect base for exploring the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Chemainus has won international acclaim for its successful revitalization project, which began in 1982 with the unveiling of five large murals, all professionally painted onto existing downtown buildings. It is also home to great theatre, restaurants and natural beauty.
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