A Local's Guide to the Best Things to Do in Nanaimo on a Weekend Getaway
Nanaimo's revitalized downtown core beckons with boutique shopping, delectable dining options, scenic trails, and unique attractions, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.
As your local guide, let me unveil the hidden gems that make Nanaimo more than just a pit stop. 48 hours might seem fleeting, but I'm here to assure you that every moment will be well spent.
Now, let's be real – trying to squeeze in everything in a short timeframe can be overwhelming. Relax! Your time away should be a delightful escape, not a frantic marathon.
Feel like trading a restaurant dinner for a beachside picnic? Go for it! Fancy skipping a walk for a cozy nap under the trees? Absolutely allowed! This is your holiday – savour it at your own pace.
And to my fellow locals, this isn't just a guide for visitors; it might unveil a spot you've been longing to rediscover. Let's dive into the Nanaimo magic!
This article contains a few affiliate links. This means that if you happen to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
48 Hours in Nanaimo: Day 1
Spend day one in and around the downtown core. So, find a parking spot in one of the many parkades and purchase a ticket for the day (don't worry, it's extremely reasonable). Before you do anything else, start your day off right with a great cup of coffee!
The area has several coffee shops, but I recommend Javawocky Coffee House, located at 90 Front Street. This hidden gem on the boardwalk of downtown Nanaimo offers a delightful coffee experience for locals and visitors alike. With its prime location, you can enjoy your coffee while soaking in the scenic views. It's conveniently open seven days a week from 8 am to 4 pm.
Maffeo Sutton Park and Harbour Front Walkway
With coffee in hand, head down the Harbour Front Walkway. This multi-use paved trail follows the Newcastle Channel and downtown waterfront, leading to Maffeo Sutton Park. Along the way, you will pass by a few trendy shops and eateries (feel free to pop in and explore). This small shopping and dining area is considered the Waterfront District.
Maffeo Sutton Park is a great year-round destination for all types of activities. Many of Nanaimo's festivities and community events are held here, and locals use it for playground playdates and picnics.
Some of the great features of this park include several public art pieces to ogle, a huge playground, a salt-water swimming lagoon (called Swy-A-Lana), a covered stage, washrooms, and ferry access to Newcastle Island.
If time allows, and you are up for more walking, I highly recommend taking the ferry passage over to Newcastle.
Best Places to Eat in Nanaimo's Downtown Core
Depending on how long you stay at Maffeo Sutton Park, and especially if you made the trip over to Newcastle, you might be a tad hungry by now. Several great lunch (and dinner) options are within walking distance of the park.
Gina's Mexican Cafe
Serving delicious classic Mexican dishes and equally good margaritas. If the weather is nice, they have a patio to sit at to enjoy the view.
Gina's Mexican Cafe is a four-minute walk from Maffeo Sutton Park. It's located at 47 Skinner Street. (Head back up Front Street and then walk up Chappel. Look for a pink and blue building).
White Sails Brewing
If you are just looking for snacks and a place to wet your whistle, then check out White Sails Brewing. This award-winning brewery has a fantastic taproom and is located across the street from Maffeo Sutton Park at 125 Comox Road.
Firehouse Grill
Firehouse Grill in Nanaimo offers a unique dining experience with a west-coast-inspired cajun grill and fusion sushi (my favourite!). The menu is crafted to satisfy various tastes, making it a go-to spot for those seeking culinary variety.
This one is located at 75 Front Street (a 4-minute walk from Maffeo Sutton Park.
History Lesson in Downtown Nanaimo
Next up is a bit of a history lesson. Stroll along Front Street until you come to the structure shown above.
The Bastion
The Bastion was built in 1853 by Hudson's Bay Company workers. This famous Nanaimo landmark was restored in 2010; however, most of the timbers and other components are original. It's North America's last remaining wooden Hudson's Bay Company Bastion.
When open to the public, there are three floors to explore. The first floor represents the sales and trade operations of the 1850s. The second floor depicts what the Bastion was like as a defensive structure. The third floor showcases many artifacts from that era. Hours of operation are sporadic and typically only during the summer. However, it's still a neat structure to view and snap a pic of.
Nanaimo Museum
To explore Nanaimo's history and heritage further, visit the Nanaimo Museum. This museum offers many exhibits, including the popular award-winning Coal Mine exhibit. You will also be able to take a look at the historical impact of the local forest industry, see what life was like in a traditional longhouse, and view a replicated mid-1920s schoolroom (to name a few highlights).
From mid-May to the beginning of September, the Museum is open 7 days a week. At any other time of year, it is open Tuesday – Saturday.
The Nanaimo Museum is located at 100 Museum Way.
Vancouver Island Military Museum
You may want to stop at British Columbia's most significant Military Museum if you are a military buff. The Vancouver Island Military Museum showcases over 25 displays and exhibits depicting Canada's Military history and traditions.
You will find a collection of artifacts dating back to the War of 1812 up to Canada's involvement in Afghanistan. Admission is extremely cheap at only $4.00 per adult and $2.00 for students and seniors.
This Military Museum is located at 100 Cameron Road.
Shopping in Downtown Nanaimo
Perhaps shopping is more your style. Well, you are in luck! Nanaimo's downtown core has a great selection of unique shops to peruse. The area offers three distinct shopping districts.
The Arts District
The Arts District is located in the city core (in and around the Nanaimo Museum and Conference Centre). This is where you will find a good selection of art galleries, cozy bookstores, boutique clothing shops, and plenty of dining options.
The Old City Quarter
The Old City Quarter starts at the corner of Wallace and Fitzwilliam Street. This area is home to some of Nanaimo's best shops and restaurants. Here, you will find an eclectic mix of businesses, including many boutiques, home decor stores, and metaphysical/new-age shops. And with options that include everything from cupcakes to craft beer, there is also something for every palette.
The Waterfront District
As mentioned above, this area follows along the Harbourfront Walkway. This small area offers a row of trendy shops and dining options.
Need a Place to Stay in Downtown Nanaimo?
Here are my top two recommendations for places to stay in Nanaimo.
Coast Bastion Hotel – This recently updated hotel is located in a prime location and offers well-appointed rooms with city and ocean views. It also has an onsite restaurant that serves quite delicious food and drinks. This hotel is within walking distance of all of the above-mentioned activities.
Courtyard by Marriott – This is Nanaimo's newest hotel (opened March 2023). Although I haven't had a chance to stay here yet, I've heard nothing but good things about it. Featuring a shared lounge, bar and views of the city, this well-appointed hotel offers an onsite restaurant, fitness centre, indoor pool and hot tub. It's conveniently located at 100 Gordon Street.
48 Hours in Nanaimo – Day Two: South Nanaimo
There are plenty of options for you for your second day. So this part of the post will be divided into two sections: South Nanaimo and North-Mid Nanaimo.
If you travel home on the Duke Point Ferry (or live South of Nanaimo), use the following suggestions.
Best Things to Do in South Nanaimo
Cedar Farmers Market
If you happen to be in Nanaimo on a Sunday, make sure to take a drive out to the Cedar Farmers Market. You will find over 70 vendors selling meat, fish, honey, baked goods, crafts and handmade wares (plus so much more!). There is always live music to enjoy too.
The market is open every Sunday (mid-May to the end of October) from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. This is a really popular market, so for the best selection, arrive early in the day. It's located at 1984 Woobank Road in the village of Cedar.
Great Eateries in the Area
The Crow & Gate Pub
This English-style pub serves pints and classic grub in a
This is a true pub, and only licensed to searve people 19 years of age or older.
Open 7 days a week from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm. Located at 2313 Yellow Point Road.
The COCO Cafe
This cafe is a project of the Cedar Opportunities Co-Operative. Their mission is to operate a successful social enterprise that provides employment, training, and socialization opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. They also happen to have delicious food and coffee! Menu options include specialty coffees and teas, breakfast items, sandwiches and wraps, soups and salads, and daily features.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 am – 3:00 pm. Located at 4A – 1840 Cedar Road
The Mahle House
Set in a historic home, this upscale (yet casual setting) eatery serves farm-fresh European-style plates. The regular menu is an ever-changing dish collection that showcases seasonal offerings from local farms and suppliers. Every Wednesday, they offer an adventurous multi-course menu, which is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
They are open for dinner (starting at 5:00 pm) from Wednesday – Sunday. Reservations are strongly recommended.
The Mahle House is located at 2104 Hemer Road.
South Nanaimo Trails to Explore
There are many great trails in the South Nanaimo area to walk off all that fantastic food. My favourites have been detailed in subsequent articles, so I will leave you with links instead of details.
- Hemer Park – located in Cedar
- Morden Colliery Historic Provincial Park – located in Cedar
- Roberts Memorial Park – in Yellow Point
- Jack Point – located on the way to the Duke Point Ferry
- The Abyss and Hidden Labyrinth – South Nanaimo
For a Bit of Fear Factor
If you want to check off one of your bucket list items while visiting Nanaimo, I highly suggest heading to WildPlay Element Park. This park allows you to take a 150-foot plunge towards the Nanaimo River, traverse obstacles at 60 feet off the ground, and soar through the trees on a zipline (to name a few of the options).
This place is not for the faint of heart, but it IS an exhilarating experience one will never forget! Even if you aren't interested in facing your fears, WildPlay is located on a stunning section of the Nanaimo River that's worth seeing.
WildPlay is located at 35 Nanaimo River Road.
48 Hours in Nanaimo – Day Two: Mid to North Nanaimo
If you live North of Nanaimo or are travelling home on the Departure Bay Ferry, use the Mid-North Nanaimo suggestions.
This area of Nanaimo has many amazing trails and beaches to explore. So, if you want to stretch your legs, this is the place to do so.
Departure Bay Area
One area of mid-Nanaimo that doesn't get enough attention is Departure Bay. It is such a great area to explore. There is a short walkway that runs alongside the beach and there are benches to sit and enjoy the view. The beach provides great beachcombing opportunities, and there are some cute shops and eateries to peruse through just across the street.
Neck Point Park
Among my top favourite north-Nanaimo parks is Neck Point. Named for a gravel bar connecting the park to a large rock out in the water, Neck Point Park offers stunning ocean views. The park offers plenty of locations to sit and watch sea lions and, if you are lucky, sometimes even orcas as they pass by. The trail that runs through the park is mostly developed and consists of a few beautiful boardwalks (with stairs), lookouts, and information boards. The shoreline and rocky bluffs offer many nooks and crannies to explore.
To discover many more of our favourites, read Top 10 Nanaimo Walks.
Indoor Entertainment
If you happen to be visiting during less-than-ideal weather, don't fret. Nanaimo has many indoor attractions to help you stay warm and dry, especially when travelling with kids.
My top three favourite Nanaimo indoor attractions are:
- The Romper Room offers a state-of-the-art climbing center with over 7500 square feet of climbing surfaces. This facility is great for the whole family. It's located at 4385-B Boban Drive.
- Airhouse is an indoor trampoline centre that offers so much more. They also offer drop-in for mountain biking, parkour, skateboarding, gymnastics, and high-performance ski/snowboarding training. It's a great spot to burn off some energy and is located at 4381 Boban Drive.
- EXIT Nanaimo is a great place to have fun for an hour or two with friends and family. They have five unique and exciting escape experiences, and each room offers original storylines and incredible mysteries waiting for you to unlock. Choose your favourite theme, then do your best to escape!
Recommended Restaurants in North Nanaimo
Nori Japanese Restaurant is one of my personal favourites, but also a favourite among most locals. So you absolutely need to make a reservation for this one. However, if you plan ahead, you can be sure to have a delicious authentic Japanese meal with amazing service. Located near Costco at 6750 North Island Highway.
For Korean-inspired food, head to Horang. This newer restaurant (opened in 2022) offers a delightful fusion for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to Korean cuisine. This one is located at 6367 Hammond Bay Rd.
Eve Olive is a vegan restaurant that offers the most tasty 100% plant-based dishes. Cozy up by candlelight in the quaint interior or enjoy the patio on a sunny summer evening. They are open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner, from 3:00 – 9:00 pm. Located at 5281 Rutherford Road.
48-Hours in Nanaimo Summary
As you plan your weekend escape to Nanaimo, anticipate a perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights.
Explore downtown's charm and historic delights and embark on outdoor adventures in scenic parks. Then move further north to explore diverse landscapes, enjoy indoor entertainment, and experience ethnic cuisine.
Nanaimo promises not just a getaway but a captivating journey into its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant community. Prepare to make memories at this Vancouver Island gem, where every moment invites you to discover something new and extraordinary.
Your Nanaimo weekend awaits!
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Hi Kim> Thank you for listing the Vancouver Island Military Museum on you site. Could I ask you to correct two items.
We have a new web site address. http://www.vimilitarymuseum.ca The old site (vimm) is no longer the contact. Due to COVID our hours of operation have changed. New opening times (until further notice) Wednesday to Friday 10am-3pm Saturday 11am-3pm.
Thanks and Regards. Brian McFadden. Vice President.
Hi Brian, thank you so much for the new information. I will update the article ASAP!
Regard Coffee on Bowen Road has the best coffee in Nanaimo. Also The Buzz Coffee House on Dufferin Crescent 🙂
Day one is centered around the downtown core, which is why Regard and the Buzz weren’t mentioned. But they are definitely great suggestions. Thank you, Marianne!
Gabriel’s cafe on commercial is very tasty food. Amazing lattes and french pastries at mon petit choux. Top floor of the VIU library for an epic view. BMX track in Beban to help your little people burn off some steam. Riso for a nice dinner in lantzville. Nellie’s Dutch deli for a great sandwich and import food.
All fantastic suggestions! Thank you so much!