Day Trips from Nanaimo
Get away to your ideal coastal destination for the day, and return to the city for a good night's rest. With Nanaimo as your base, you can go almost anywhere on Vancouver Island, and many spots on the mainland, without having to pack for an overnight stay.
Pacific Rim National Park is one of the biggest tourist attractions in B.C., and a perfect full-day trip from Nanaimo. A three hour drive from downtown Nanaimo will land you on Vancouver Island's breathtaking west coast, where you can spend the day surfing, hiking coastal trails, or shopping in the charming beach communities of Ucluelet or Tofino.
If you're in Nanaimo between December and April, consider heading up to Mount Washington Alpine Resort for a day of skiing and snowboarding. The mountain has dozens of runs for all experience levels, and a picturesque village with restaurants, equipment and apparel shops, a general store, and a pub. Chalets and condos are also available for extended stays. In the summer months, Mount Washington is also home to many challenging hiking trails and a world-class mountain bike park.
Other popular day trip destinations from Nanaimo include Victoria, Vancouver, the Gulf Islands, and the Cowichan Valley.
Be sure to stop by our Visitor Centre to learn more about these and other day trip destinations from Nanaimo, or call toll free: 1-800-663-7337.