TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Carleigh Petersen | University of Winnipeg 
| Photo by Lucia & Earnest Light
If you have never had a Nanaimo bar before, this is the place to try it! If you want to try the Nanaimo bar in many different forms, this is also the place to come!
The Nanaimo bar is a delicious dessert made with graham crumbs, cocoa & coconut, a custard middle, and a layer of chocolate on top!
There is a Nanaimo bar trail brochure and map that gives many locations and variations of the classic take on a Nanaimo bar. You have to try it!
Photo: Craig Dugas, Wikimedia Commons
Diana Krall is a jazz pianist and singer, known for her contralto vocals.
Diana was born and raised in Nanaimo. She started performing professionally at the age of fifteen.
Since then, she has sold more than fifteen million albums worldwide, won three Grammy Awards, and won eight Juno Awards.
In the year 2000, she received the Order of British Columbia for being a good-will ambassador for British Columbia. Krall often acknowledges her hometown and is known as an outstanding citizen.
Diana Krall Plaza, named after Diana, is a public open space consisting of access to the Nanaimo Public Library and is the home of the live site screen.
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Westwood Lake Park is a year-round destination. There are numerous beaches with swimming spots and wheelchair-accessible fishing floats. The park has a main trail that is 5.51 km and various shorter loops giving you different options.
Bring your furry friend because there is an off-leash dog area as well.
Roots Market Co-op is one of Nanaimo’s year-round farmers’ markets.
The market features a broad variety of farm-grown, fresh-baked, and handmade products. The market runs every Wednesday and Saturday which is located inside the Centennial Building at Beban Park.
This is a great stop finishing your day off right with some nourishing food and heartfelt products.
Photo: tourismnanaimo.com
Lighthouse Bistro & Pub is located on the waterfront in Nanaimo giving an incredible view while enjoying food and company.
There is a very wide variety of fresh local seafood, craft beers, and wines all from around Vancouver Island and British Columbia.
Wild Play has amazing thrilling adventures packed into one place.
Wild Play has an adventure course (with 3 different levels), a bungee jump, a primal swing, zipline tour, axe throwing, and a jump named “what’s to fear jump”.
Wild Play has so much more than just the activities though! There are also walking trails, fire pits, a patio area, and more. If you are looking for something exciting and thrilling to do you have to go to Wild Play.
If you want to dive into Nanaimo and get to know the area/community, the Nanaimo Clippers is a great place to start.
The Nanaimo Clippers hockey team is very popular for their involvement within the community and is loved by the locals.
If you go on a game night, it is a guaranteed good time which would include great drink specials, entertainment, and giveaways/prizes. The arena can seat up to 2,400+ guests and includes memorabilia from current and past Nanaimo sports teams giving more history behind the community.
Photo: facebook.com/nanaimoclippers _Corey Shaw Images
Whale watching is a must when you are surrounded by waters filled with them.
The waters surrounding Nanaimo have an endless amount of sea life and on this whale watching tour, you are most likely to see transient orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, harbour seals, porpoises, eagles, and more.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch prides itself on avoiding endangered species and makes it known that the transient orcas like to put on a show. Spend the day floating on a boat and whale watching!
Artzi Stuff is a gallery/shop that has several local artists’ work located in the downtown area.
The shop consists of jewelry, gifts, and original art. All of the items are created locally and handmade which makes for beautiful and unique pieces of art. This is a great place if you’re wanting more than just an average souvenir or looking for something new and original!
Here you can take a little piece of Nanaimo home with you.
Englishman River Falls is located just outside of Nanaimo with only a 40-minute drive to see the two amazing waterfalls and more.
Day-use areas are surrounding as well as many hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the river. The views are incredible throughout and especially on the bridges that cross the river. The lower falls create a swimming hole in the summer.
When you realize you need more time there you can stay the night or a few in the campground.
Photo: th0rstenhell, Wikimedia Commons
The Nanaimo Concert Band is the oldest continuous community band in Canada. It was established in 1872.
The band is recognized in the musical community as one of the finest such groups in the country. The band has won numerous awards over the years.
The Nanaimo Concert Band, known as the oldest continuous community band in Canada, was established in 1872. They maintain a regular schedule of concerts
