Nanaimo Attractions
VIA Rail Victoria -Courtenay train (the Malahat)
1-800-268-9503
On the Malahat you’ll discover some of the most beautiful countryside in Vancouver Island between Victoria, at the southern tip of the island, and Courtenay, at the northern end. A very pleasant way to discover the Pacific coast! With “Comfort Class” ticket you can get off at Chemainus, Nanaimo, Parksville or Qualicum Beach for the price of one ticket to your final destination. The round-trip between Victoria and Courtenay costs only $58 (purchase seven days in advance, taxes extra, some conditions apply). The Malahat offers one departure per day in each direction. The journey time to Courtenay is approximately 4½ hours.

Harbourside Walkway
This 4 km long walkway between Harbour Park Mall and Departure Bay Terminal gives views of Newcastle, Protection and Gabriola Islands. The walkway passes the Bastion and the Nanaimo District Museum as well as several park areas.
The Nanaimo Museum
100 Museum Way
250-753-1821
Discover Nanaimo^s fascinating history & modern day contributions to Canada^s West Coast in our 1,486 sq m (16,000 sq ft) museum located in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Stroll through time in our main gallery to get a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo^s earliest settlers & hear stories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Feel what it was like below the surface in our replica Coal Mine exhibit. The museum also manages the Bastion, an original Hudson^s Bay Company outpost built in 1853.

The Bastion
corner of Bastion and Front Streets
250-754-1631
The Bastion, built in 1853 as an original Hudson’s Bay Company outpost is now a museum that gives great insight into the way of life a century ago. Historic cannons are fired daily at noon throughout the summer.
Historic Buildings
around downtown
250-754-8787
The Nanaimo Courthouse was built in 1896, the Palace Hotel in 1889, and Bygone Books in the 1911-vintage Dakin Building.
Farmers Market
Pioneer Waterfront Plaza
250-753-9900
April – October
Newcastle Island Provincial Park
Newcastle Island became a Provincial Marine Park in 1961, after the city of Nanaimo acquired the island from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1955. Take the hourly paddlewheel passenger-ferry to the 750 acre provincial park on Newscastle Island has 18 km of trails for cycling or walking (inlcuding a 7 km trail following the shoreline). Swimming, bird watching and camping are also activities in this park.
Fares: Adults $7.00, Children & Seniors $6.00, Family (Mom, Dad, Children 12 & under) $20.00, Bikes $2.00,
Children under 4 ride free, and well-bahaved & leashed dogs ride free.

Seaplane Terminal
at the north end of downtown
Along the walkway toward Fisherman’s Wharf. There is also Lighthouse Bistro, which looks like a lighthouse.
Vancouver Island Military Museum
Rutherford Village Mall
250-746-2554
This museum showcases Vancouver Island military traditions, open Monday to Saturday.
Maffeo Sutton Park and Swy-A-Lana Lagoon
This saltwater lagoon creates an interesting marine habitat beside this park, often used for the site of harbourside festivals. The park also has a concert pavillion, playground, and several totem poles, and stunning waterfront views.
Nanaimo Casino
620 Terminal Ave
1-877-GREAT-18
Late-night casino featuring table games & slot machines, plus a restaurant & regular entertainment.