Tourism Nanaimo
RV parks abound and many of them accommodate snowbirds all winter.
Article Courtesy Tourism Nanaimo
Located in the heart of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo’s outdoor playground is unparalleled and has one of the most temperate climates in Canada, allowing you to enjoy activities among nature all year. From kayaking and mountain biking to hiking among gorgeous natural spaces, start your next adventure in one of the most popular destinations in the region.
Tourism Nanaimo Ben Giesbrecht
Winding trails and great views of the ocean can be experienced at Pipers Lagoon Park.
Paddle in Protected Waters
Take a multi-day excursion or circle Saysutshun/Newcastle Island in a kayak or canoe. Glide alongside amazing rock formations and observe seals, sea stars, crabs and anemones in the clear water. The Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island is a great paddle-up pit stop.
Climb a Mountain
Stand tall after climbing 1,000 m (3,280 ft) to the peak of Mount Benson and feel the immensity of the full-circle view. Want a quicker rush? Take the five-minute hike up Sugarloaf Mountain in Departure Bay for vast views over the harbour and city.
Tourism Nanaimo Mike Anderson
Gliding along in a kayak in Nanaimo Harbour (Port of Nanaimo)
Feel the Mist of Waterfalls
Knotted ropes help you navigate the steep slope to the cascading Ammonite Falls at the end of a remote 4.5 km (3 mi) forested trail where the spray thunders in spring and fall. Closer to downtown, check out the falls at Beach Estates Park, Bowen Park and Colliery Dam.
Explore the Trails by Bike
With three major trail networks rated for various skill levels, Nanaimo offers a great cross-section of casual routes for a leisurely mountain bike ride. If you prefer a more challenging outing, some have jumps and drops to get your heart rate going.
Tourism Nanaimo
Hiking is always popular and there are many trails for all skill levels and abilities.
Birdwatching at Buttertubs Marsh
At dawn and dusk - especially in summer - the flat gravel 2 km (1.2 mi) trail that encircles a marsh can sound like an aviary. Get a closer look at spotting scopes on observation decks. More birdwatching can be enjoyed at Morrell Nature Sanctuary and Bowen Park.
Go Crabbing and Fishing
Lay down a crab trap at Maffeo Sutton Park’s fishing pier to catch Dungeness crab or go out on a salmon fishing charter. Freshwater anglers can explore Nanaimo’s many lakes (several of which are stocked regularly with trout) and the Nanaimo River.
It all starts here in Nanaimo.
For more information visit www.tourismnanaimo.com and to plan your route try using handy apps like Trailforks at www.trailforks.com or AllTrails at www.alltrails.com.