Nanaimo Attractions, Downtown and Nanaimo Area
Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Driving / Walking distance from Nanaimo attractions:

Nanaimo Attractions / Sporting Venues :

Nanaimo is well known for its sporting attractions with many facilities very close by the hotel. For more sporting adventures for yourself or the whole family also check out our Nanaimo activities packages

Things to do in Nanaimo

Protection Island and Newcastle Island are only a 10 minute passenger only ferry ride from Nanaimo's downtown harbor. Protection Island is home to North America's only floating pub. Newcastle Island is rich in history, hiking and walking trails, interpretive programs, great beaches, picnic and camping sites. Both of these destination's ferry services are an easy walk from the Howard Johnson Harbourside Hotel. Boxed lunches are available from Millstone Restaurant.

Bowen Park - This 90 acre parkland offers a network of well established trails that meander past a waterfall, a fish ladder and a nature centre. Colourful gardens surround the variety of amenities available in the park from lawn bowling to swimming. (3 minute drive from hotel, 10 minute walk to entrance)

Buttertub Marsh - 4.5 km of comfortable trails through Buttertub Marsh offer superb opportunities for wildlife observation. Surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife species. Trails ramble through 49 acres of natural paradise for the bird viewer enthusiast.

Westwood Lake - Walk or cycle around this 152 acre man-made lake, stocked periodically with Cutthroat Trout. A 5.51 km trail following the contours of Westwood Lake offers beautiful scenic viewing opportunities. It is an excellent swimming and picnicking retreat.

Millstone Trailway - A 2.8 km multi-purpose path starts at the Lion's Great Bridge at Maffeo-Sutton Park and follows the Millstone River ending at the Quarterway Bridge west of Bowen Park. (Adjacent to hotel).

Colliery Dam - 27 acres of natural beauty and a perfect spot for swimmers, cyclists, joggers or hikers. Over 2.5 km of trails wander along the banks of two lakes offering scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Harbourside Walkway - Whether your taste is for a vigorous 8 km run, a quiet nature walk, a step into history, a leisurely stroll to one of the many restaurants and pubs along the way, or simply the best seat in the house for the many harbour activities, the Harbourside Walkway offers it all. (adjacent to hotel)

Nanaimo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with a multitude of trails for hikers and bikers to choose from. Listed are many of the neighborhood trail ways for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Morrell Nature Sanctuary - This 278 acre second growth forest allows a first hand look at the flora and fauna found in the region. Over 11 km of walking trails thread their way through a mixed Douglas Fir forest which surrounds Morrell Lake, a small creek and a beaver pond.

Parkway Trail - the backbone for Nanaimo's trail system, provides 20 kilometers of paved multi-use trail way through Nanaimo. With convenient access points, route maps and distance markers, the Parkway Trial lets you navigate to all of your favourite destinations in Nanaimo.

If you are looking for nanaimo golf courses, look no further. Nanaimo and the surrounding area boast 19 golf courses within a one-hour driving radius.

If shopping is what your after, Nanaimo is the place to be whether your looking for gifts and items that are unique, beautiful, artistic or handcrafted. Nanaimo's harbourside, downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter are home to many charming boutiques, gift shops and galleries. Nanaimo is also home to wonderful malls each with a great mix of brand-name and boutique style stores.