Local Attractions
Some of the best our area has to offer
There's so much to see and do on Vancouver Island. Below are just a few highlights for you to consider. Whether you love beaches, adventure, theatre, art, or browsing shops, there's something for everyone.
Outdoor Adventure
If you like a trip on the wild side, Wildplay Adventures, voted Nanaimo's #1 tourist attraction, boasts 5 levels of aerial Adventure Courses, dozens of Ziplines streaking through the trees, 4 lanes of Axe Throwing, a giant swing so fast it blurs your vision, and the legendary 150ft Nanaimo River Bungy Jump. Located along the Nanaimo River, Wildplay Adventures 17-acre Park is home to an array of scenery and fun.
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Goats on the Roof
Goats On Roof’ has become one of the top tourist destinations in British Columbia.The "Ole Country Market" was created in 1973 by Kristian Graaten. Kris and his wife, Solveig, emigrated with their children to Vancouver Island from Norway in the 1950s. Kris, who grew up in the small community of Lillehammer, was inspired to include a sod roof in his design of the market. He was inspired to put goats on the roof to keep the grass down. The market has an amazing gift shop, various eateries, fresh produce and garden centre. It's amazing!
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Cathedral Grove
Breathe in the fresh air and experience the unforgettable sight of some the oldest and tallest trees in Canada. Cathedral Grove - Macmillan Provincial park is a BC Provincial Park preserving a section of lush old-growth forest unique to Vancouver Island. The park’s name will make perfect sense when you see sunlight filtering through the soaring 80-meter-high canopy. Featuring a magnificent temperate rainforest with enormous 800 year old trees, a carpet of ferns and draping moss, Cathedral Grove is an essential stop on any Vancouver Island road trip.
Local Attractions
More to explore!
The waterfront is an excellent place to discover various culinary arts and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. The sights and sounds may just take your breath away. You can even take a boat over to Protection Island and have lunch or dinner at the eclectic Dingy Dock Pub, and/or take the small ferry and hike
Newcastle Island. There are even a few markets if you hit us on the right days. There is literally something in Nanaimo for everyone! Let Ann's Garden Oasis be a part of your wonderful memories!
Chemainus
The town of Chemainus is a must-see and do. A picturesque artisan village nestled between the mountains and ocean directly on the Cowichan coast. Enjoy the 50+ giant murals, the famous Chemainus Theatre, shop trendy boutiques and galleries, dine in amazing locally owned restaurants, browse their public market, and listen to incredible outdoor music in the park performed every week by different musicians.
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Kayaking & Canoeing
Vancouver Island’s vast number of lakes, rivers and ocean inlets are amazing to explore by canoe or kayak. Kayakers glide through BC marine parks into scenic bays and lagoons and go ashore on secluded sandy beaches and uninhabited islands. Popular sea kayaking destinations are the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound (southwest coast), Broughton Archipelago off Port McNeill on the North Island, the Southern Gulf Islands off the southeast tip of the island, the Discovery Islands off Campbell River, and Desolation Sound, which is acessed from Quadra and Cortes Island, or from the BC Sunshine Coast. The kayaking season in British Columbia is from mid-May to September.
Qualicum Beach
The Town of Qualicum Beach has over four kilometers of curving, postcard-perfect sandy beaches. You can keep to dry ground by utilizing the paved promenade that fronts one of Vancouver Island’s and BC’s most storied beaches. The promenade is lined with picnic tables, shade trees, and lots of parking. Centrally located along the waterfront is a privately-run concession as well as a public boat ramp and public washrooms. Picture miles of green tree-lined pathways, studded with magnificent Coastal Douglas-fir.
With 280 hectares of Town-owned parks and greenspace, and 14 kilometres of maintained trails, the Town is a paradise for outdoor recreation.