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Tourism Nanaimo
Specialized shots
Aeiral Shot of Nanaimo
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Neil Gaudet
Arts, cultural and heritage experiences
The historical Bastion
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Tourism Nanaimo
Natural sights, parks and wildlife
Family fun in Nanaimo harbor
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Tourism Nanaimo
By Perry Mack
This port city is a boater’s paradise but it’s long ocean front beaches and lakes, surrounded by forests with excellent RV parks and campgrounds and a host fun-filled attractions and quirky events, make Nanaimo an awesome family vacation destination.
Tame your monkeys, aka kids, at Wildplay Element Park. Wildplay has locations throughout BC including this 17 acre park in Nanaimo. Tell the kids you’re going for the them but be honest with yourself – you’re going for you. The Bungy Jump is a 46 m ankle harnessed leap off a bridge over the Nanaimo River, Ziplines fly you across the canyon 30 metres in the air, Primal Swing launches you pendulum-like from the Bungy Bridge in long ‘screaming’ arcs, and Monkido aerial adventure is a series of tree-top obstacles courses matched to your age and ability level. Bring your camera as there are sure to be images you can use to embarrass your kids later in life at their wedding.
Kids can be Junior Archaeologists at the Nanaimo Museum Thursdays in July & August exploring Nanaimo’s ancient history. There are hands on activities including sifting through soil, rebuilding clay pots, handling 1,000-year-old artefacts from the museums collection and making petroglyph rubbings.
Quill Pens and Ink Wells are on Tuesdays in July and August and will finally let you show your kids how tough you had it. No, it won’t. First off they’ll be having too much fun and secondly, they are going to figure out that you’re too young, only grandma and grandpa’s world was black & white. They’ll get to sit at an old fashioned wooden desk, write with quill & ink well, make a magnet using historical photos among other activities.
The museum hosts a number permanent exhibits but the summer favourite for kids is sure to be the HBC Bastion with the daily noon cannon firing.
Westwood Lake Park is one of Nanaimo's best-loved parks. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Benson, Westwood Lake offers lifeguard patrolled swimming June through August, children’s play area, beautiful trails and change facilities. Families with dogs enjoy the off-leash area accessible on the far side of the lake.
Newcastle Island is one of few provincial marine parks and a great place to picnic or camp. A short pickle boat ride across the Nanaimo Harbour, RV’ers can take a bike or kayak around the island; enjoy extensive walking/hiking trails, and historic Snuneymuxw First Nation villages. The campground is open year-round and you can reserve your space for groups or individuals through the BC Parks Discover Camping reservation system (secure.camis.com/Discovercamping/).
Not enjoying a Nanaimo bar in Nanaimo would be like visiting Egypt without seeing the Pyramids! Well almost. The home of the treat with sweet buttercream nestled under a layer of decadent chocolate with a graham cracker base has created the Nanaimo Bar Trail. This self guided calorie-rich tour will take you from Lantzville to Yellow Point, allowing you to sample delicious variations of one of Canada’s best inventions. It features creative incarnations including Nanaimo Bar cupcakes, cheesecake, mousse, martini’s, ice cream, latte, deep fried and of course traditional Nanaimo Bars, all served at an eclectic mix of chocolate factories, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. Pick up a brochure at the Visitor Centre or participating locations.
Some choice family events this summer include the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race July 25th to 27th, the Vancouver Island Exhibition August 15th-17th and the Summertime Blues at Maffeo Sutton park on August 22nd-24th.
Nearby full service RV parks include Qualicum Bay Resort (www.resortbc.com), Rondalyn Resort (www.rondalynresort.com) and Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park (www.livingforest.com).
Having visited at least a dozen times, I assure you that Nanaimo offers something for the entire family. For updated information on attractions and events visit www.tourismnanaimo.com.