What to do in Nanaimo BC

[MVPinBoynton]

We will be in Nanaimo BC while on the Infinity in August. Has anyone been at this port before? Was there anything to see? Did anyone use a private guide that they would recommend? Any help or info would be most appreciated, since the two excursions offered by Celebrity are pretty weak and I would really like to see some of the beauty of Vancouver Island.

[BS_Outwest]

Try this link - you might find something of interest

 

http://www.tourism.nanaimo.bc.ca/

[pugsbest]

I would rent a car and check out the some of the island. It is really easy to find your way around since there are only a couple main roads!

 

If your into the cultural stuff and antiques. Try heading south to a cultural village/center with demonstrations, displays and even a daytime salmon bake: thttp://www.quwutsun.ca/

While south you can also check out the walking tour of the totem poles in Duncan:

http://www.duncandowntown.com/totem.htm

 

Going north is Parksville with a couple great beaches with unusually warm water for the Northwest (although not nearly as warm as Florida! area:http://www.vancouverislandaccommodations.com/parksville/index.html

 

I really like spending time at the Butterfly garden and village in Coombs:http://www.vancouverislandaccommodations.com/parksville/coombs.htm

 

Horne Lake Caves are alot of fun if you have the time and your not claustrophobic!

http://www.vancouverislandaccommodations.com/parks/horne/caves.html

 

Another place I always visit is Catherdral Grove, and the Englishman Falls trails. There both an easy walk around with beautiful scenery. http://www.vancouverislandaccommodations.com/parks/cathedralgrove/park.html

http://www.vancouverislandaccommodations.com/parks/englishman/river.html

 

I love Vancouver Island and up until a couple years ago (when I started cruising) I went for a week every summer. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I always did!

 

Julie

[MVPinBoynton]

BS,

Thanks for the info. I had found this one earlier and it does tell alot.

 

Julie,

I had been to some of your links, but hadn't looked at your recommendations. Thanks so much.

[hcat]

We will be there in Sept & agree the two ships offerings are not for us..we plan to just walk around the port, shop & relax--if bored we can alter our plans with a taxi tour--hope there are taxis available there????

[bopa]

Nanaimo has a population of 50,000 or so.

 

Lots of taxis

 

Visit the Bastion Museaum, downtown it is small but will give you a great intro to the History of the area.

 

Walk on the waterfront to the left of the tall apts. very nice, can walk about 2 to 3 km.

 

Take the ferry to Newcastle Island (cheap) about 10 min. It is a Provincial Park

and has lovely trails.

 

You will probably be docked downtown use the tall apts. on the waterfront as reference.

 

You can take a ferry to protection island to the "digny pub", lots of fun

about 10 min (cheap).

 

You can also rent a car and head down Island to Chenenius to see the painted murals on the walls of buildings. Tour buses stop here.

about 45 min. south. a little further south is Duncan with Totem poles and Native cultural centre.

 

Wouldn't bother to shop in Nanaimo

 

:) Bob

[MVPinBoynton]

Bob,

Thanks for the info. Since I started this thread, Celebrity has made available some additional excursions. We were pleased to find out that they have one that goes to Cathedral Grove, which is supposed to be quite nice. We will have some time in town after the excursion and will check out some of your suggestions; as well as get a Nanaimo Bar. :)