Sean’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Excellent beach with vast expanses of sand, room to explore, and swimming void of seaweed. The stairs are well worth the trip up & down! Also, a popular spot for local fitness.
21 locals recommend
Blueback Beach Access
6300 Icarus DrExcellent beach with vast expanses of sand, room to explore, and swimming void of seaweed. The stairs are well worth the trip up & down! Also, a popular spot for local fitness.
Best lake on the island - two separate beaches for swimming (one with a lifeguard), small playground, easy access for paddleboarding with rentals nearby, and a 6km trail around the lake popular with walkers & joggers alike.
82 locals recommend
Westwood Lake
Best lake on the island - two separate beaches for swimming (one with a lifeguard), small playground, easy access for paddleboarding with rentals nearby, and a 6km trail around the lake popular with walkers & joggers alike.
Great beachfront with seawall, Drip Coffee Shop, park/playground, and waterpark across the street. The best place to watch the ferries come and go.
33 locals recommend
Departure Bay Centennial Park
1413 Wingrove StGreat beachfront with seawall, Drip Coffee Shop, park/playground, and waterpark across the street. The best place to watch the ferries come and go.
Beautiful walk through the forest set on the ocean. Equipped with stretches of boardwalk, trails, and beaches it is an excellent way to spend an afternoon or just go for a quick walk. Whales, seal lions, and seals are often spotted here.
143 locals recommend
Neck Point Park
1055 Morningside DrBeautiful walk through the forest set on the ocean. Equipped with stretches of boardwalk, trails, and beaches it is an excellent way to spend an afternoon or just go for a quick walk. Whales, seal lions, and seals are often spotted here.
My kids love to get up close to touch & interact the variety of farm animals here.
Superior Farms Inc aka Superior Growers, Superior Miniatures
7995 Superior RdMy kids love to get up close to touch & interact the variety of farm animals here.
Awesome way to spend the day on foot or bike. Take the ferry from Mafeo Sutton Park.
17 locals recommend
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
668 Centre StreetAwesome way to spend the day on foot or bike. Take the ferry from Mafeo Sutton Park.
Great walk through the forest down to a cute little beach where the ferries come and go. Has a beautiful waterfall and boardwalk.
Beach Estates Park
2140 Departure Bay RdGreat walk through the forest down to a cute little beach where the ferries come and go. Has a beautiful waterfall and boardwalk.
Great beachside park with water park, playground, and food trucks. About 30 minutes away.
40 locals recommend
Transfer Beach Park
Captain Tristan de Konnick WayGreat beachside park with water park, playground, and food trucks. About 30 minutes away.
The most well known island beach; it doesn’t disappoint.
165 locals recommend
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
1240 Rath RdThe most well known island beach; it doesn’t disappoint.
Awesome new attraction that is a great walk and provides panoramic views on a clear day. About an hour drive away, best to plan on a Victoria Day trip.
108 locals recommend
Malahat SkyWalk
901 Trans-Canada HwyAwesome new attraction that is a great walk and provides panoramic views on a clear day. About an hour drive away, best to plan on a Victoria Day trip.
Food scene
Bodhi's Artisan Bakery
5299 Rutherford RdGreat local coffee shop within walking distance.
Departure Bay Pizza
4186 Departure Bay RoadBest pizza in Nanaimo.
Gabriel's Cafe
39 Commercial StreetBest brunch place in town. Also, a tasty lunch/dinner option.