JoJo’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Get to know this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near Nanaimo C, British Columbia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 46 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
37 moradores locais recomendam
Ammonite Falls
Get to know this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near Nanaimo C, British Columbia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 46 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Maffeo Sutton Park is Nanaimo's signature park overlooking our world famous harbour. The park is a central point along the Harbour Front Walkway. The park hosts countless community special events. It is a great year round destination for walking, playground playdates and picnics.
Features and amenities include access to the walking trail, Playdock destination playground (limited wheelchair access), Swy-a- Lana lagoon and swimming beach (no lifeguards), Lions Pavillion covered stage, Spirit Square, ferry access to Newcastle Island ferry, and washrooms.
There are a number of public art pieces located throughout the park and along the walking trail.
A planning process is currently under-way for phase two of updates to the park.
The name remembers two individuals: Pete Maffeo and Joe Sutton. Pete Maffeo was a popular mayor and ice cream shop owner who was admired for community service and sport involvement. Joe Sutton was the caretaker of Deverill Square Park for many years.
80 moradores locais recomendam
Maffeo Sutton Park
100 Comox RoadMaffeo Sutton Park is Nanaimo's signature park overlooking our world famous harbour. The park is a central point along the Harbour Front Walkway. The park hosts countless community special events. It is a great year round destination for walking, playground playdates and picnics.
Features and amenities include access to the walking trail, Playdock destination playground (limited wheelchair access), Swy-a- Lana lagoon and swimming beach (no lifeguards), Lions Pavillion covered stage, Spirit Square, ferry access to Newcastle Island ferry, and washrooms.
There are a number of public art pieces located throughout the park and along the walking trail.
A planning process is currently under-way for phase two of updates to the park.
The name remembers two individuals: Pete Maffeo and Joe Sutton. Pete Maffeo was a popular mayor and ice cream shop owner who was admired for community service and sport involvement. Joe Sutton was the caretaker of Deverill Square Park for many years.
Westwood Lake Park is one of Nanaimo's best loved parks. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Benson it is a year round destination. There is a 5.51km trail around the lake, popular with walkers and runners. The trail is well groomed and apart from a steep knoll towards the west end of the lake trail is considered an easy walking trail. There are shorter loops available towards the south end of the trail.
The main beach area near the paved parking lot is Nanaimo's only lifeguard patrolled fresh water swimming spot (June-August). There is a washroom and change room building on site (not wheelchair accessible). There is a small playground located at the second beach near the gravel parking lot.
The dog off leash area can be accessed from the far side of the lake. The area runs along the hydro lines easement lands. Dogs must be leashed along the main chip trail within the park.
There is a wheelchair accessible fishing float towards the south side of the park past the second beach. Electric motors and non powered boats are welcome on the lake.
The gates into the park open at approximately 6 am and are locked at 11 pm.
82 moradores locais recomendam
Westwood Lake
Westwood Lake Park is one of Nanaimo's best loved parks. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Benson it is a year round destination. There is a 5.51km trail around the lake, popular with walkers and runners. The trail is well groomed and apart from a steep knoll towards the west end of the lake trail is considered an easy walking trail. There are shorter loops available towards the south end of the trail.
The main beach area near the paved parking lot is Nanaimo's only lifeguard patrolled fresh water swimming spot (June-August). There is a washroom and change room building on site (not wheelchair accessible). There is a small playground located at the second beach near the gravel parking lot.
The dog off leash area can be accessed from the far side of the lake. The area runs along the hydro lines easement lands. Dogs must be leashed along the main chip trail within the park.
There is a wheelchair accessible fishing float towards the south side of the park past the second beach. Electric motors and non powered boats are welcome on the lake.
The gates into the park open at approximately 6 am and are locked at 11 pm.
This park is one of Nanaimo's larger destination parks popular especially in the summer as a fresh water swimming spot (no lifeguards on duty). It is also a dog walking destination as the trail around the upper dam is a designated dog off leash area- open during regular park hours. There are some steep trails and narrow bridge crossings along the upper dam trail.
There are two parking lots one along Nanaimo Lakes road which will lead you directly out to a bridge between the two dams. The second is at bend in the road where Wakesiah becomes Sixth Street.
Accessibility notes: Best wheelchair access is main entrance off of Sixth Street within paved parking lot. Hard-packed and level asphalt path takes visitors to the first lake. Access to upper lake requires crossing a gravel parking lot. Trails range from easy to quite steep. Washroom doors are 86 cm wide.
Colliery Dams are a rare link with Nanaimo’s industrial heritage. Built in 1910-11 by the Western Fuel Company to supply water for coal washing and for use by miners, mules and horses in the mines, the water system quickly developed an important secondary use. Homes near the pipeline were allowed to tap the line for domestic uses and eventually this water was carried to most of the homes in South Harewood.
34 moradores locais recomendam
Colliery Dam Park
635 Wakesiah AveThis park is one of Nanaimo's larger destination parks popular especially in the summer as a fresh water swimming spot (no lifeguards on duty). It is also a dog walking destination as the trail around the upper dam is a designated dog off leash area- open during regular park hours. There are some steep trails and narrow bridge crossings along the upper dam trail.
There are two parking lots one along Nanaimo Lakes road which will lead you directly out to a bridge between the two dams. The second is at bend in the road where Wakesiah becomes Sixth Street.
Accessibility notes: Best wheelchair access is main entrance off of Sixth Street within paved parking lot. Hard-packed and level asphalt path takes visitors to the first lake. Access to upper lake requires crossing a gravel parking lot. Trails range from easy to quite steep. Washroom doors are 86 cm wide.
Colliery Dams are a rare link with Nanaimo’s industrial heritage. Built in 1910-11 by the Western Fuel Company to supply water for coal washing and for use by miners, mules and horses in the mines, the water system quickly developed an important secondary use. Homes near the pipeline were allowed to tap the line for domestic uses and eventually this water was carried to most of the homes in South Harewood.
Food scene
Join Troller’s Fish & Chips for the finest and freshest seafood Vancouver Island has to offer!
Our downtown Nanaimo floating restaurant serves up fresh, local and wild-caught seafood. Whether you choose ling cod, sockeye salmon or the delectable fresh halibut, you’re in for a real treat!
There’s a lot to love around here! Our unique harbour location offers incredible ocean front views. If the west coast clouds bring a few showers, relax and sit back in our indoor sections.
We use compostable cutlery, accept credit and debit cards, provide take-out for the perfect seafront picnic and welcome phone-in orders.
29 moradores locais recomendam
Trollers Fish & Chips
Join Troller’s Fish & Chips for the finest and freshest seafood Vancouver Island has to offer!
Our downtown Nanaimo floating restaurant serves up fresh, local and wild-caught seafood. Whether you choose ling cod, sockeye salmon or the delectable fresh halibut, you’re in for a real treat!
There’s a lot to love around here! Our unique harbour location offers incredible ocean front views. If the west coast clouds bring a few showers, relax and sit back in our indoor sections.
We use compostable cutlery, accept credit and debit cards, provide take-out for the perfect seafront picnic and welcome phone-in orders.
Family owned and operated since 1998, Lan Authentic Vietnamese is where Islanders go to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine on Vancouver Island. Below, you can find our original restaurant which started in Nanaimo, our Express takeout store located in Parksville, and our take-home products available at local grocery stores around the island.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Huong Lan Vietnamese Restaurant
19-1925 Bowen RdFamily owned and operated since 1998, Lan Authentic Vietnamese is where Islanders go to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine on Vancouver Island. Below, you can find our original restaurant which started in Nanaimo, our Express takeout store located in Parksville, and our take-home products available at local grocery stores around the island.
Local Favourite
Mambo Pizza first opened in Nanaimo, in 1995, by two guys originally from Quebec. They arrived on Vancouver Island after travelling through Costa Rica and stumbling on a favourite local eatery there called Mambo Grill. Inspired by the experience, they opened Mambo Pizza here in town.
18 moradores locais recomendam
Mambo Gourmet Pizza
238 C Victoria CrescentLocal Favourite
Mambo Pizza first opened in Nanaimo, in 1995, by two guys originally from Quebec. They arrived on Vancouver Island after travelling through Costa Rica and stumbling on a favourite local eatery there called Mambo Grill. Inspired by the experience, they opened Mambo Pizza here in town.
activites
Airhouse is a progressive, freestyle training centre offering a wide range of trampoline and action sport programs for everyone.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Airhouse Nanaimo
4381 Boban DrAirhouse is a progressive, freestyle training centre offering a wide range of trampoline and action sport programs for everyone.
Located in beautiful Vancouver Island, Horne Lake Caves feature some of the best caving opportunities anywhere in Canada. With options for many ages and abilities, our knowledgeable and friendly team will guide your group through an exciting and educational adventure you won't soon forget!
102 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Provincial das Cavernas de Horne Lake
3905 Horne Lake Caves Rd
Located in beautiful Vancouver Island, Horne Lake Caves feature some of the best caving opportunities anywhere in Canada. With options for many ages and abilities, our knowledgeable and friendly team will guide your group through an exciting and educational adventure you won't soon forget!
Check the website for details on booking, require belay certification or book intro with instructor.
Since 1996 the Romper Room has been Vancouver Islands Premier Indoor Rock Climbing destination ...For Fun ...For Fitness ...To Challenge Your Mind! We are dedicated to providing a safe and fun climbing experience for everyone!
State of the art climbing facility with over 7,500 square feet of climbing surface.
The many different climbing angles, from gentle slabs to a huge overhanging lead cave, provide something for everyone.
The dedicated bouldering cave has hundreds of "problems" to work both your body and imagination.
The balcony is a great place to watch the action or just relax. We have a party room for any special event.
8 moradores locais recomendam
Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing Centre
4385 Boban DrCheck the website for details on booking, require belay certification or book intro with instructor.
Since 1996 the Romper Room has been Vancouver Islands Premier Indoor Rock Climbing destination ...For Fun ...For Fitness ...To Challenge Your Mind! We are dedicated to providing a safe and fun climbing experience for everyone!
State of the art climbing facility with over 7,500 square feet of climbing surface.
The many different climbing angles, from gentle slabs to a huge overhanging lead cave, provide something for everyone.
The dedicated bouldering cave has hundreds of "problems" to work both your body and imagination.
The balcony is a great place to watch the action or just relax. We have a party room for any special event.
Ever imagined jumping off a bridge? Now imagine it in the pitch black of night. You won’t know where you’re going, how far you’ve fallen, how far you still have to go. If that doesn’t get your pulse going, we have no idea what will. Do you have the guts to take on the 150ft Bungy Jump or 700ft Canyon Zipline in complete darkness?
95 moradores locais recomendam
WildPlay Nanaimo
35 Nanaimo River RdEver imagined jumping off a bridge? Now imagine it in the pitch black of night. You won’t know where you’re going, how far you’ve fallen, how far you still have to go. If that doesn’t get your pulse going, we have no idea what will. Do you have the guts to take on the 150ft Bungy Jump or 700ft Canyon Zipline in complete darkness?
City/town information
Nanaimo, BC is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 113 km north of Victoria, and 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver. The city projects out into the strait like a headland, affording waterfront on three sides and spectacular ocean views at every turn. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 metres (3,300 feet) just west of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at the south end of the city.
49 moradores locais recomendam
Nanaimo
Nanaimo, BC is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 113 km north of Victoria, and 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver. The city projects out into the strait like a headland, affording waterfront on three sides and spectacular ocean views at every turn. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 metres (3,300 feet) just west of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at the south end of the city.
Pubs / Drinks
A fresh, cool place to hang out, meet great people, listen to some live music and enjoy some eats
11 moradores locais recomendam
The Nanaimo Bar
2-75 Front StA fresh, cool place to hang out, meet great people, listen to some live music and enjoy some eats
Your Neighbourhood Pub With Something For Everyone
The Landlubber Pub on Vancouver Island has been serving up high-quality food and drinks for over 30 years. We are the only pub in the area that has wing night four nights a week. We always feature daily lunch specials, dinner specials, and drink specials.
Entertainment
Friday: Music Trivia 9 pm
Saturday Afternoon: Open Mic on 1st & 3rd week 2-6 pm
Saturday: Music Poker 8 pm
Landlubber Pub
2220 Bowen Rd
Your Neighbourhood Pub With Something For Everyone
The Landlubber Pub on Vancouver Island has been serving up high-quality food and drinks for over 30 years. We are the only pub in the area that has wing night four nights a week. We always feature daily lunch specials, dinner specials, and drink specials.
Entertainment
Friday: Music Trivia 9 pm
Saturday Afternoon: Open Mic on 1st & 3rd week 2-6 pm
Saturday: Music Poker 8 pm
The Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant has been an attraction in Nanaimo, British Columbia since 1989. The expansive views, relaxed atmosphere and great pub fare make us a popular destination year round. We are the only registered floating pub in Canada making your experience a unique one. We’re moored off beautiful Protection Island originally known as Douglas Island. The ramp that connects the pub to the island allows visitors to walk the rock beaches, visit the parks or check out the community garden, making it feel like you’re on vacation. Whether you arrive by ferry, kayak or private boat it’s our goal to make your trip to The Dinghy Dock Pub and Protection Island a memorable one!
86 moradores locais recomendam
Dinghy Dock Pub
8 Pirates Ln
The Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant has been an attraction in Nanaimo, British Columbia since 1989. The expansive views, relaxed atmosphere and great pub fare make us a popular destination year round. We are the only registered floating pub in Canada making your experience a unique one. We’re moored off beautiful Protection Island originally known as Douglas Island. The ramp that connects the pub to the island allows visitors to walk the rock beaches, visit the parks or check out the community garden, making it feel like you’re on vacation. Whether you arrive by ferry, kayak or private boat it’s our goal to make your trip to The Dinghy Dock Pub and Protection Island a memorable one!