A long weekend is the perfect excuse to slow down, reconnect, and explore a little closer to home, and Nanaimo offers no shortage of ways to do just that. Whether you're into nature, food, culture, or just need a change of scenery, here’s a roundup of things to do this weekend around town.
🌿 Explore the Outdoors
• Walk the Harbourfront WalkwayStroll along the waterfront, grab a coffee, and take in the views of boats, planes, and island life. Stop by Maffeo Sutton Park for a picnic or just a moment to relax.
• Hike at Neck Point Park or Pipers Lagoon
If you’re craving a bit more nature, these oceanfront parks offer gentle trails, tide pools, and stunning views, especially at sunset.
If you’re craving a bit more nature, these oceanfront parks offer gentle trails, tide pools, and stunning views, especially at sunset.
• Visit Saysutshun (Newcastle Island)
Take the short passenger ferry and enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and even bike rentals. It’s a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown.
Take the short passenger ferry and enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and even bike rentals. It’s a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown.
• Try WildPlay for Ziplining or Bungee Jumping
Looking for something a little more adventurous? WildPlay offers a zipline course, bungee jumps, and high ropes challenges surrounded by trees and river views.
Looking for something a little more adventurous? WildPlay offers a zipline course, bungee jumps, and high ropes challenges surrounded by trees and river views.
• Summit Mount Benson
If you’re up for a workout and a reward, hiking Mount Benson gives you one of the best panoramic views in the area.
Learn about the city’s coal mining history, early settlers, and Indigenous heritage. Don’t miss the daily cannon firing at The Bastion, a unique downtown tradition.
If you’re up for a workout and a reward, hiking Mount Benson gives you one of the best panoramic views in the area.
🎭 Dive into Arts & Culture
• Visit the Nanaimo Museum & The BastionLearn about the city’s coal mining history, early settlers, and Indigenous heritage. Don’t miss the daily cannon firing at The Bastion, a unique downtown tradition.
• Catch a Show or Explore Local Art
Check out the Port Theatre for live performances, or pop into local galleries and artisan shops downtown. Keep an eye out for street performers and pop-up markets, especially during the long weekend.
A quick ride across the harbour brings you to a laid-back island full of character. Walk the quiet roads or grab a pint at the Dinghy Dock Pub, Canada’s only floating pub.
Check out the Port Theatre for live performances, or pop into local galleries and artisan shops downtown. Keep an eye out for street performers and pop-up markets, especially during the long weekend.
🏝 Island Hopping (Yes, Really)
• Take the Ferry to Protection IslandA quick ride across the harbour brings you to a laid-back island full of character. Walk the quiet roads or grab a pint at the Dinghy Dock Pub, Canada’s only floating pub.
• Kayak or Paddleboard Around the Harbour
Rental shops make it easy to get on the water. A calm morning paddle is a perfect way to experience the city from a new angle.
From traditional squares to wild spins (think Nanaimo bar cheesecake or cocktails), local cafés have gotten creative with this iconic treat.
Rental shops make it easy to get on the water. A calm morning paddle is a perfect way to experience the city from a new angle.
🍽 Eat, Sip, and Snack Your Way Through Town
• Try the Nanaimo Bar TrailFrom traditional squares to wild spins (think Nanaimo bar cheesecake or cocktails), local cafés have gotten creative with this iconic treat.
• Explore Local Restaurants & Breweries
Whether it’s brunch, sushi, wood-fired pizza, or craft beer, Nanaimo’s food scene has grown a lot in recent years. Try places like La Stella Trattoria, Crow & Gate Pub, Craft fare, or Asteras.
Whether it’s brunch, sushi, wood-fired pizza, or craft beer, Nanaimo’s food scene has grown a lot in recent years. Try places like La Stella Trattoria, Crow & Gate Pub, Craft fare, or Asteras.
• Support a Farmers’ Market
Stop by a local market for fresh produce, handmade goods, and a chance to support small vendors in your own backyard.
A quiet loop that’s great for birdwatching and slowing down. It’s one of those hidden spots right in the city that feels miles away.
Stop by a local market for fresh produce, handmade goods, and a chance to support small vendors in your own backyard.
🧘♂️ Rest & Recharge
• Walk Buttertubs MarshA quiet loop that’s great for birdwatching and slowing down. It’s one of those hidden spots right in the city that feels miles away.
• Take a Yoga Class or Stretch Outdoors
Whether you’re a regular on the mat or just want to breathe deeper, there are plenty of yoga studios offering drop-ins. Or bring your mat to the park and stretch under the sun.
Whether you’re a regular on the mat or just want to breathe deeper, there are plenty of yoga studios offering drop-ins. Or bring your mat to the park and stretch under the sun.