Nanaimo, British Columbia’s Harbour City, boasts a backdrop of gentle mountain peaks and pristine waters all around it. Visitors to the city can reach the mainland via ferry for a day of exploring, or they can remain in the city itself, taking in all the fabulous eateries, amazing adventures, and excellent shopping. City attractions include cultural offerings, like museums and heritage sites, whale watching, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.

While it may not be as well known as Victoria, it’s a tourist destination in its own right. People who plan on visiting during the summer of 2018 won’t be disappointed by this city. If you’re planning a visit during the warmer months, here are the cool things that you’ll find to do.

1. Foodie Tours

This city loves its foodies and the foodies love it, and no wonder. With foodie tours provided by outfits like Vancouver Island Expeditions, food and drink lovers more than get their fill of the excellent wineries, craft breweries, and eateries in the area. A tour that includes wine tastings, vineyard tours, and farm-to-table restaurants ensures that no one ends this tour hungry or unhappy. It’s a joyous experience that honors all the senses, starting with the palate.

2. Whale Watching

Few things inspire awe like a majestic whale jumping and playing in the waters surrounding the city. Whale watching tours here typically include an hour or two of whale watching, with remarks given by marine naturalists. Participants take in the whale’s ocean theatrics while being treated to an educational lecture about how these magnificent animals live and play. Some tours include snacks and other refreshments. All whale tours include unforgettable sightings on whales in their native habitats.

3. Hiking in and Around the City

You don’t go to a place filled with natural beauty and not walk in the midst of it. It is because of the city’s natural beauty that hikers gravitate here from all over. Some summer tours will take hikers to Newcastle Island, where they can smell the richness of the local flora of the island and walk along the beaches.

The island has a local bistro, where hikers can refuel on foods like salmon, bannock, and mussel dishes. Visitors to the island can also spend the day swimming or just hanging out, enjoying their time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

4. Aerial Adventures

Ziplining and treetop adventures have gained popularity in our area, and with good reason. Few summer activities allow visitors to experience the beauty of British Columbia like the birds do – from the tops of the trees. Ziplining adventures here often include sky bridge walkways, ropes activities, forest floor hikes, and of course, an array of ziplines.

Zipline adventures offer an adrenaline rush like few you’ll ever experience. However, more importantly, they offer you a look at the unique ecology of the area, and they help you face some of your biggest internal challenges: How you approach a zipline course is how you face life. You won’t want to miss this adventure!

Photo by Alair Homes EdmontonSearch exterior home pictures

Nanaimo is British Columbia’s Harbour City. As such, it offers visitors amazing adventures, like whale watching and ziplining courses. But it’s also a place for tamer pursuits like food and wine tours and hiking. It’s a thriving seaport that never gets boring to the residents here nor the people who come to visit. If you feel like you’d like to make this Canadian city your home, contact us. Alair Homes Nanaimo designs custom-built homes for people just like you.