Nestled between the Salish Sea and Vancouver Island Mountains, the urban and natural setting of Nanaimo gives you access to myriad activities. From exhilarating bungee jumping and mountain biking to serene hikes, ocean kayaking, sailing, and scuba diving. In fact, Jacques Cousteau considered these waters “the best temperate diving in the world, second to only the Red Sea.”

Nanaimo is home to a diverse community of nature-goers. Residents embrace immense recreational opportunities with 180 kilometers of trails, 1000 hectares of city parks, numerous public beaches and playgrounds, and 5km of walkable waterfront. The City also promotes active living activities like ice skating, swimming and more that can be found on City’s Activity Guide! Or to search for all Nanaimo facilities, click here.

And centrally positioned on the east coast of Vancouver Island, you’re a 90-minute drive to alpine and nordic skiing at Mount Washington, within 60 minutes of a dozen golf courses, 45 minutes to Cowichan Valley wineries, 90 minutes to Comox Valley wineries, and a 20-minute float plane or helijet to downtown Vancouver.