Whether it be on land or sea, with two thousand seven hundred acres of parkland and one in four residents owning a boat there is a lot to do in Nanaimo. Swimming, hiking, kayaking, diving, archery, golf and bungy jumping are among the recreational activities that you may take time to enjoy.

Nanaimo Fishing

Fishing is a year-round adventure and you don't even need a boat. From April to June small Silvers or Coho, known as Bluebacks, are a good challenge. Chinook or Kings or Springs run from late October to March. If you don't have a boat there a plenty of charters available or you could try your hand at catching one from the Fishing Pier on the Harbourfront Walkway.

Nanaimo Diving, Kayaking

With over 300 species of sea life Gabriola Pass and the surrounding area is considered among the best diving spots in Canada, if not the world. You might consider off-season diving as November to April offer the clearest waters. Kayaking is another is another popular pastime. Lessons and guides are available for both diving and kayaking and if you just want to get out on the water there are several sightseeing charters available.

Nanaimo Golfing

Golf is a popular year-round sport and with 19 courses within a one hour drive there is a course for every level. The courses range from a 7018 yard, par 72 track which is a regular stop on the Canadian Tour to one of the neatest mini-golf courses in the world. Club and cart rentals are available at all the facilities and many have excellent restaurants and lounges.

Nanaimo Wildlife Viewing

Take your time and visit one of Nanaimo's many parks. Some have wilderness areas that make you forget the city while others have every recreational facility you'll ever need. Several parks surround lakes and have trails taking you to waterfalls, lakes, rivers and creeks where you can find swimming and fishing holes. Some parks offer excellent bird watching while Pipers' Lagoon Park is a perfect spot to watch a sunrise or sunset. At Morrell Nature Sanctuary there is a beaver pond and one of the 12 kilometres of trails is wheelchair accessible.

Nanaimo Indoor Archery

Among other facilities available is Western Canada's largest indoor archery range and a speedway open from April until the end of October with competitors coming from as far away as California.

Nanaimo Bungy Jumping

If you really want to get your adrenalin going go to the first legal bungy jumping bridge in North America. Over fifty thousand have gone off the edge of the 140 foot high bridge since it opened in 1991.

These are just a few of the activities you can enjoy on your visit to Nanaimo but as you can see Nanaimo is a year round adventure land.

Return to Nanaimo Page

Visits: 16887