Vancouver to Nanaimo Harbour City Day Tour

Vancouver , Canada

Vancouver to Nanaimo Harbour City Day Tour

Active

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Start your amazing journey by taking an amazing drive through the Lions Gate Bridge. Stop at Horseshoe bay, and take a 90 minute Ferry to the east coast of Vancouver Island.
Visit Nanaimo, a scenic city looking out over the Salish Sea to the Coastal Mountains on mainland British Columbia. In there lies The Harbour, the central focus of Nanaimo where seaplanes take off and land, boats and tours come and go, and walking trails line the shore.
Visit the popular Neck Point Park and Pipers Lagoon Park, and have a relaxing experience.

Available options

Vancouver to Nanaimo Harbour City Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Ferry Admission Tickets

Air-conditioned vehicle

Snaps and Photo Stopped Allowed

Spotify on demand

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

see

fairy terminal

The Nanaimo Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area, from the Snunéymuxw culture through to the Bastion Era, the coal mining history, and much more. The museum also brings in feature exhibits from museums across the country. The museum was started in 1967, Canada's centennial year, but in 2008, the museum moved into a new facility in the Vancouver Island Conference Center in downtown Nanaimo. The museum also has a beautiful gift shop and is attached to "Serious Coffee," a coffee shop on the Nanaimo Bar Trail.

Nanaimo's Harbourfront Walkway is one of the things that makes this city so beautiful. Running all along the waterfront below Front Street, this walkway is suspended above the shore and ocean in some areas and in other parts, it skirts around parks and green spaces. Along the Harbourfront Walkway are tourist shops, restaurants with outdoor patios, docks, boats, and the seaplane base. Whale watching boats dock here. Seaplanes depart from here and take passengers to various destinations, including Vancouver, or on 40-minute Seaplane Tours over the Strait of Georgia, with views over the Sunshine Coast. For a nice meal, head to the Lighthouse Bistro on the walkway overlooking the harbor, in the same building as the seaplane passenger waiting lounge.

For a city of approximately 90,000 people, Nanaimo has a surprisingly small-town feel in the downtown area. Interesting boutiques and retail stores, restaurants, and French pastry shops, and a mix of museums and other attractions are what you'll find along Church Street, Commercial Street, and other streets in the downtown area up behind the Harbourfront Walkway.

This scenic park is a popular place for walking, picnicking, swimming, and scuba diving. You can also sometimes see orcas, sea lions, and other marine life from the lookouts in the park. A beautiful walking trail, just under two kilometers, follows the shoreline of this little peninsula, past beaches and through arbutus trees, Garry oaks, and Douglas fir. Sunset Beach, Last Beach, Indian Beach, and Finn Beach are found in the coves between the headlands and provide opportunities for swimming on every side of the park. At the far end, between Indian Beach and Last Beach, is a lookout point on a high rock. In front of the lookout is a tidal zone, which at low tide is an exposed gravel sandbar that ends at a small rock island. This is the "neck" the park is named for. This is one of the popular dive sites in the park, and divers can walk in from the neck. Divers also leave from Finn Beach, near the parking lot

Just north of downtown Nanaimo, Pipers Lagoon Park juts out into the ocean, creating an interesting tidal flat on the inland side and offering views over the Salish Sea from the outside. Walking trails lead around the small peninsula with high points that look out over cliffs and lower areas where you can get down to the water's edge. The park is popular with locals who come here to walk or relax. If you are staying in the city center, this can be a nice place to come for a nature walk.

see

What's not included

Food and Drinks

All Personal Expense

Available languages

Guide guide

PA HI EN UR

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Vancouver

Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and outdoor activities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and wilderness adventures.

Top Attractions

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a 400-hectare public park that boasts stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and the city skyline. It is one of the largest urban parks in North America and offers a variety of recreational activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free (Vancouver Aquarium has an admission fee)

Granville Island

Granville Island is a bustling hub of activity, known for its public market, artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants. It is a great place to sample local food, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy live performances.

Market/Entertainment Half day Free to explore, costs vary for food and shopping

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a thrilling experience with its suspension bridge, treetop walkways, and cliffwalk. It provides a unique perspective of the lush rainforest and offers educational programs about the local ecosystem.

Adventure/Nature 2-3 hours Moderate (around $55 CAD for adults)

Gastown

Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, known for its Victorian-era architecture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It is a great place to explore the city's history, shop for unique items, and enjoy a variety of dining options.

Historical/Shopping Half day Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining

MuseuM of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a world-renowned museum that showcases the art and culture of the First Nations peoples. It features an impressive collection of totem poles, carvings, and artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $18 CAD for adults)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Vancouver is renowned for its high-quality sushi, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a large Japanese community. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are used to create delicious sushi rolls and sashimi.

Dinner Contains fish, seafood, and sometimes raw ingredients

Poutine

A Canadian classic, poutine consists of crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Vancouver.

Snack Contains dairy and often meat-based gravy

Japadog

A Vancouver street food staple, Japadog is a hot dog with Japanese-inspired toppings such as teriyaki sauce, seaweed, and bonito flakes. It's a unique and delicious snack to try while exploring the city.

Snack Contains meat and sometimes seafood

Bubble Tea

Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea is a popular beverage in Vancouver. It consists of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, served either hot or cold. There are many flavors and variations to choose from.

Drink Varies by flavor, often contains dairy and sugar

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Snowboarding Rock climbing Kayaking Spa Beach Picnic

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's beaches and parks. It's also the peak tourist season with the most crowds.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Punjabi, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

PST (GMT-8) / PDT (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vancouver is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Vancouver International Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Pacific Central Station

By bus

Pacific Central Station, Greyhound Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The SkyTrain is a fast, efficient, and affordable way to get around Vancouver. It consists of three lines: the Expo Line, the Millennium Line, and the Canada Line.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown West End Kitsilano Gastown Mount Pleasant

Day trips

Whistler

120 km from Vancouver • Full day to overnight

Whistler is a world-renowned mountain resort known for its skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor activities. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering stunning mountain views and a variety of recreational opportunities.

Victoria

100 km from Vancouver • Full day to overnight

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, known for its historic architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Steveston Village

25 km from Vancouver • Half day to full day

Steveston Village is a historic fishing village located in Richmond, known for its waterfront views, fresh seafood, and charming shops. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering a taste of coastal life and local flavors.

Festivals

Vancouver International Film Festival • Late September to mid-October Celebration of Light • July to August Vancouver Folk Music Festival • Mid-July

Pro tips

Use the SkyTrain and other public transportation options to get around the city efficiently and affordably
Visit Granville Island Public Market for a taste of local flavors and unique gifts
Explore Stanley Park by bike or on foot to enjoy the stunning views and natural beauty
Try local specialties, such as sushi, poutine, and Japadog, for an authentic Vancouver experience
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons and events