A ferry ride away: How to spend 48 fantastic hours in Nanaimo B.C. (CONTEST)
If you’ve been craving an oceanside escape, you don’t have to venture far. Nanaimo is the perfect quick and easy getaway from Vancouver.
Simply take a ride with Hullo Ferries from downtown at the ferry terminal behind the Vancouver Convention Centre, and cross the Georgia Strait! This high-speed ferry offers up to 14 sailings daily, reservable seats, Wi-Fi, and your journey takes just 70 minutes.
(Pro tip: BCAA members get travel perks, and teens ride for 50% off all summer long.)
All aboard!
You can grab a light snack, freshly brewed tea and coffee or a cold drink on board, and take in the scenic views before you’re dropped at 100 Port Way, Nanaimo – just a few minutes’ drive from downtown.
But what to explore? From paddleboarding on pristine waters to brunching on farm-fresh food and raising a glass at Canada’s only floating pub, Nanaimo has so much to offer.
So, here’s how you can make the most of a weekend in the “Harbour City.”
Day 1: Saturday
Image via Hullo Ferries
No time to waste! Once we dock, we’re jumping straight into adventure.
Hullo Ferries offers a free shuttle bus to downtown Nanaimo, and car-sharing from Evo, Modo, plus dedicated cars from National, Enterprise, and Budget, all conveniently located at the ferry terminal.
So, start the fun off strong by heading out on one of many outdoor activities.
Hop on a quick passenger ferry over to Saysutshun Island, where you can hike coastal trails, rent a paddleboard or kayak, and soak up the rich Indigenous history of the land.
If that’s not quite adventurous enough for you, WildPlay Adventure Park offers aerial obstacle courses and ziplining — and if you’re really feeling it, there’s even a bungee jump to get the adrenaline going.
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Nanaimo is also known as one of the world’s top cold-water snorkelling and scuba spots, complete with shipwrecks and reefs. You could also book a whale-watching tour and see if any orcas or humpbacks are in the mood to say hi.
If you’re after something more chill, head into wine country instead — the Cowichan Valley, one of the largest wine countries in B.C., is only about an hour away, and it’s filled with charming vineyards that are perfect for an afternoon of sipping.
Whatever you choose, once you get back to the city, you’re going to be hungry! End the day at The Vault Café, an eclectic, cozy spot that opens late on Saturdays. It also transforms into a live music venue on Saturday nights, so grab a drink, check out the rotating menu, and enjoy whatever local talent is taking the stage!
Day 2: Sunday
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Sunday mornings mean slowing down a little. We’re easing into the day at Mon Petit Choux or White Rabbit Coffee Co. — two downtown favourites known for great pastries, strong coffee, and specialty drinks.
Take your coffee to go and explore the Old City Quarter, where heritage buildings house a mix of vintage boutiques, record shops, bookstores, and gift stores. Naturally, you’ll have to stop in for a Nanaimo bar.
If you’ve got time after, take an Evo and take a mini 40-minute road trip out to the community of Coombs to visit the iconic Old Country Market — yes, the one with goats casually grazing on the roof! Say hi to the cute goats and be sure to snap a few pictures before you shop, because this is definitely something you don’t see every day!
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Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Gabriel’s Café for brunch. This laid-back spot serves fresh comfort eats like poke bowls, black bean burgers, curries, and more, all made with ingredients sourced from small local farms.
Once you’ve refuelled, you’ve got options.
If you’re in the mood for something lively, check out Maffeo Sutton Park. It’s a waterfront green space right in town that comes alive every Sunday in the summer with live music and festivals.
Or try a little park-hopping! Take a short drive to Pipers Lagoon or Neck Point Park and spend a little time reconnecting with nature along their scenic oceanside trails.
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Beach on the brain? Just 30 minutes north, Parksville’s sandy, sun-warmed beaches offer the perfect place to stretch and soak up some sun (or nap off brunch!).
When evening rolls around, end your Nanaimo adventure with a visit to the legendary Dinghy Dock Floating Pub. Hop on the short ferry to Protection Island, settle in with a pint and a plate of fish and chips, and watch the sun set over the harbour.
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After that, it’s time to rest up, and catch the ferry back to Vancouver in the morning.
So there you have it, Nanaimo delivers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation — all just a short, scenic Hullo Ferry ride away.
CONTEST: Win an unforgettable trip for 4
Image via Hullo Ferries
Okay, now that you know the best things to see and do in Nanaimo, how about doing some of them for free?!
Hullo Ferries is giving one (1) lucky person the chance to win SIX (6) epic prizes for themselves and three friends.
The lucky winner will receive four free trips in Hullo Ferries’ premium service — which gives you enhanced seating on the upper deck with a view, priority off-boarding, and more perks! Plus, a two-night stay for four at Courtyard Marriott, and a free Evo rental with enough minutes for two action-packed days of exploring.
But that’s not all.
The winner will also receive four Wildplay Adventure Park gift cards, a $50 coffee gift card for White Rabbit, and a $200 dining gift card for Black Rabbit Kitchen!
The contest is open to all B.C. residents. Contest closes on August 25 at 11:59pm. To enter, simply fill out the form below:
In the meantime, head on over to the Hullo Ferries website to book your next ride, check the sailing schedule, and start planning your Nanaimo escape now.
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