Dinghy Dock Pub
story by Kathy Eccles, photo by Tom Kuzemski
What’s a landlubber to do in seaside Nanaimo? This central Vancouver Island city is built on a headland extending into the Strait of Georgia and is surrounded by ocean on three sides. Not only that, the “Harbour City” is fronted by one of the longest, most scenic shorelines in Canada. For those who hail from land-locked locales, here are five sure ways to earn your sea legs in Nanaimo:
1. Rent a kayak (single or double) and paddle into Swy-a-Lana Lagoon at high tide or take an ocean-going kayak for an extended spin around Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park. Stop for a picnic lunch on the white sandstone beaches in Kanaka Bay. Guided group kayak tours are coming up on Family Days, June 17 and 24, and September 20. (www.albernioutpost.com)
2. Snorkel with the seals on Snake Island, a bird sanctuary—and home to a resident colony of playful harbour seals— just 15 minutes from Nanaimo’s harbour. Local dive operators provide everything from snorkels, masks and fins to 7mm wetsuits. Note: must be able to swim. (www.sundowndiving.com; www.divingbccanada.com/seals.htm; www.justdiveinadventures.com)
3. Take a harbour tour of marine hot spots aboard a pickle-green Nanaimo Harbour Ferry (www.nanaimoharbourferry.com) or book a two-hour adventure cruise from the Nanaimo Boat Basin through Dodds Narrows to the quaint town of Ladysmith (www.nanaimoboatadventure.ca).
4. Beachcomb for sea glass on the pebbled shores alongside the “spit” of land at Piper’s Lagoon or count starfish among the multiple bays of Neck Point Park. (www.parksgo.ca/nanaimo)
5. Go fishing with the locals for fresh crab off the pier or wade in to go saltwater fly fishing for steelhead right downtown at Maffeo-Sutton Park. Book a chartered fishing trip for crab, prawns, salmon or halibut and you might be lucky enough to spot whales or dolphins on the way. (www.invictuscharters.com).
For more on what to do and see around Nanaimo’s waterfront, visit www.tourismnanaimo.com.