Three-Day
Itinerary
Explore the Outdoors
On Vancouver Island, we’re known for our beautiful beaches, rich green forests, and abundance of fresh and saltwater spots! One of the best things about Nanaimo is that we have all of that and more, rain or shine, there’s plenty to do outside while keeping your distance!
Day One
Start your day off right with a piping hot latte and avocado toast from White Rabbit Coffee Co. Feel free to order online for pickup so you can get your day started right away. Socially distanced seating is in place, so if you do dine-in, make sure you have a peek at some of the local art hanging around!
After grabbing some breakfast and a hot beverage, head on out to Neck Point Park and experience the true character of Nanaimo. Known for its historic, scenic, and natural features, Neck Point Park is an outdoor adventure you won’t soon forget. A stunning walk along the shoreline and through winding trails of Gary Oak groves. Make sure you bring your camera for this one!
Fuel up by grabbing a burger for lunch from Top Notch Burgers on Church Street. Their number one priority is the safety of you and their employees, so you can feel secure eating in, and take out is also always an option! Voted Nanaimo’s best burger, a very well-deserved title.
Next up, cold-water snorkelling, and we have three fantastic diving outfits to choose from Sundown Diving, Sink or Swim Scuba, and Nanaimo Dive Outfitters. All practicing safe social distancing protocols and keeping parties to households only! So slip into a wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a mask and explore the local waters. As you follow your experienced guide, you’ll be able to check out the amazing critters that live under the sea!
After all that hiking and snorkelling, it’s time to relax with a good meal and a cold beverage. Head over to Long Lake Waterfront B&B and take advantage of their contactless check-in and a private entrance so you can put your feet up even sooner. Once you’ve settled in, give New York Style Pizza and Pasta a call for delivery. Make sure you take advantage of one of their combos so you can enjoy an appetizer, meal, and dessert – you’ll certainly have earned it after all that adventure!
Neck Point Park
Scuba dive in Nanaimo
Day Two
Day two starts with a delicious breakfast from Gabriel’s Cafe; find options for everyone from the vegan to the pancake connoisseur.
Any outdoor adventurist is in for a treat with a full day of fun at Wildplay! The 17-acre park along the Nanaimo River is home to an array of scenery and action. Check out the Classic Adventure Course followed by a Zipline Tour.
After a full day of activities, you’ll need a hearty meal to recharge. Check out Skol Pub and grab a burger! Takeout and delivery options are available to suit any plans. If you have room after, make sure you head to Burnt Honey Dessert Company; from ice cream to macarons, they have enough options to make anyone with a sweet tooth happy. Dessert is just over a 5-minute drive back to your suite, so feel free to grab it to go and head back to relax!.
Wildplay Nanaimo
Day Three
Wake up and enjoy breakfast delivered right to your room while taking in the lakeside view. After, take a short 10-minute drive to Drip Coffee Social for a piping hot coffee; you can even order online for contactless pickup!
Once you’re caffeinated and ready to go, head to Island Romer Adventures for a kayaking adventure like no other. Enjoy the beauty and wildness of the Salish Sea from your locally made kayak; drift along, marvelling at the wildlife under and around you. Sea stars, crabs, anemones, eagles, seals, beautiful rock formations, and majestic trees are just some of what you might see!
Once you’re back on shore, take a break at the beach to explore the rich biodiversity of the tidal zone before your stomach lets you know it’s time for lunch. Load up on some legendary grub from Island Romer Adventures, a quirky spot with delicious options! Grab some fish, their famous fries, and house-made coleslaw for a mouth-watering meal. If you have room after, indulge in a deep-fried Nanaimo bar, so good you can’t regret it!
Walk off your meal with a stroll along the Harbourfront Walkway, take your time to see the calm bustle of the marina. Enjoy the views of Protection Island and Saysutshun Island while soaking in that west coast li
Finish off the night with an authentic English pub cuisine experience at Crow and Gate Pub! Relax in front of the fire with Guinness in hand, grab some takeout to enjoy from your room, and the sunset over the lake. The perfect end to a weekend in Nanaimo.
Kayaking in Nanaimo
Crow and Gate Pub
Nanaimo is excited to be welcoming guests back to our beautiful beaches, quiet forests, and friendly businesses, so let’s remember to explore responsibly! Wear a mask indoors and aboard the ferry and adhere to social distance guidelines when necessary. We’re happy to welcome you to Nanaimo!
