Cactus Club in Nanaimo is great. They offer a diverse menu. Fresh local foods. They use ocean wise products and are green table certified. Had an excellent server who told us all about the food and how it's made in house fresh. It's casual fine dining. You can have a top bottle of wine and steak or wings( fresh not frozen) and watch the hockey game. We love the ribs and the flirtini!!! All the staff were friendly and knowledgable as always. Cactus Club is definitely our first choice when we want to either have a night out or just a casual meal. Their food, drinks, and staff have had us coming back for years!! I like how they are always adding new Chef Fenie dishes. Always a treat !! Can't wait for summer to hit the patio for a bellini.

Blue Ginger features a fusion of Asian cuisine. Dishes are Thai, Japanese and Szechuan inspired. This includes a sushi bar and satay grill onsite.

Located in the heart of the old city quarter of downtown Nanaimo, Asteras is an authentic Greek restaurant known for it's traditional, delicious foods, warm Greek atmosphere and a focus on excellent service. Locally owned and operated, with long standing experience preparing traditional Greek foods, we invite you to step into our restaurant, housed in a heritage home over 100 years old, and allow yourself to be embraced by the warmth of traditional Greek hospitality. Choose from sensational, traditional recipies, all originating from Crete, an island renowned for its healthy diet made up of fresh and simple ingredients. Everything in our kitchen is made in house daily, from whole foods and high quality ingredients. Our menu items range from authentic Mezethes (Greek appetizers), fresh seafood dishes, delicious roast lambs and grilled chicken, to vegetarian dishes such a Moussaka and Spanakopita, and amazing homemade deserts. Asteras Taverna offers generous portions, complete with a full selection of wines, and good music late into the night, assuring a fulfilling, fine dining experience.

This prominent and well-known pub, with its distinct pale blue roof, floats leisurely in Nanaimo’s harbour. Boats can easily tie up alongside the pub with a connecting walking pier to the shoreline of small, populated Protection Island. A visible landmark in the harbour, this popular pub and restaurant is a favourite among locals, tourists, and visiting yachtsmen. This energetic, nautically themed pub is packed during the busy summer months. Its popularity is due to the incredibly friendly atmosphere, good service and good food. Seafood and salads are a specialty along with regular pub fare, all moderately priced. A wide selection of beers and ales are available. The only access to the pub is by boat. The Protection Connection ferry, moored in the downtown Nanaimo boat basin, ferries you across (a 10-minute ride) to the pub and Protection Island. The ferry runs daily, on the hour with the last ferry heading back to Nanaimo at 11 pm.

Exceptionally good. by NatoriErk, Calgary (66 reviews) March 25, 2011 - Really likes it I eat a lot of Japanese food, and Nori is among the best places I've been, in Canada or Japan. I've had the sushi/sashimi bento and the spicy chirashi-don, both were amazing. I went with a former English student of mine, now on an exchange out here from Japan, and she ate the unagi-don with more gusto than I have ever seen someone consume a dish. I'm not sure what higher compliment I can pay.

The Nanaimo River site is the testing ground for new spine-tingling adventures, and over five years the 17-acre park has expanded from its world-renowned 150’ Bungy Jump to include the Canyon Zip line, King Swing, and sought-after Monkido Elements. Nanaimo is our most diverse site for guests to play (with a wide variety of comfort levels), and true thrill-seekers can’t resist a visit to earn their standing as an “Ultimate WildPlayer”.

We invite you to join us as we guide you through a fun sea kayaking excursion in the calm tidal Johnstone Strait waterways of Vancouver Island. Kayak amidst breathtaking nature and intimate encounters with wildlife. Experience sea kayaking the waters and wilderness of Northern Vancouver Island and the wonder of the islands and inlets of the South Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Marvel at the site of Killer Whales (Orcas) near Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Witness Black Bear foraging on remote island shorelines. Experience Grizzly Bears feeding on a run of wild salmon. Have an “Augh Moment” watching inquisitive Sea Otters and Harbour Seals. Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons and many other seabirds enhance your paddling experience. For the past 24 seasons Discovery Expeditions has embraced the spirit of wilderness adventures in this unique environment. Choose from Day Trips to 6 Day Discovery Expeditions that include Lodge and Wilderness Camping options.

For Divers and non divers, there is no other experience like snorkeling with the seals. A 15 minute boat ride takes you out to the beautiful Snake Island where on any given day the harbor seals can be found in abundance on the shores resting or playing in the surrounding waters. Some days the seals are very curious and will come up to you to investigate, looking you in the face, brushing by you, or showing you how to catch a meal. Other days they will watch you from the shores, keeping a bit of distance between you and them. There is always more life to be experienced in the water than just the seals, and it is common to see Bald Eagles, Oyster Catchers, Canadian Geese, and Cormorants at Snake Island as well as it is also a natural bird sanctuary. For your comfort, we outfit you in wetsuit, hoods, gloves, boots, fins, mask and snorkel, and weight belt if required The whole process usually takes about 4 hours from your arrival to the shop to get geared up, to your arrival back at the dock after your exciting day. All you need to bring with you is a bathing suit and a towel. Feel free to bring a camera too if you want pictures We offer Snorkeling with the Seals Charter for all ages that can swim, (with parental supervision)

Vancouver Island Whale Watching an Unforgettable Adventure... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you ready for awe-inspiring whale watching memories from Vancouver Island? Ocean EcoVentures' quality whale watching excursions depart daily from the seaside village of Cowichan Bay. Our Whale Watching tours focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour. A small, owner-operated family business, Ocean EcoVentures is committed to providing you with an intimate and informative whale watching tour. Small tour groups ensure personalized service, while your Transport Canada certified captain provides a safe and knowledgeable tour of the scenic Canadian Gulf Islands and U.S. San Juan Islands. Whales are our passion! We love sharing Vancouver Island's marine ecosystem and all that inhabits it. We are dedicated to responsible and ethical whale watching and wildlife viewing. We consider our vessel a floating classroom. Our captains/naturalists have a vast amount of knowledge of Vancouver Island's and the Gulf Islands' local natural history. As well as the most up to date science regarding our local orca whales, humpback whales, gray whales and the rest of marine eco system. The more we learn about our local ecosystem, the harder we’ll work to protect it. Witness Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Porpoises, Bald Eagles and Sea Lions Experience the world-renowned Gulf Islands of coastal British Columbia Relax as your captain guides you through a marine adventure of a lifetime Hydrophone on board to hear the Whales Marine Naturalist on every trip Guaranteed Sightings Committed to responsible Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing Active member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association Yearly Contributions to local marine conservation

British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., or BC Ferries, is known for safety, spectacular scenery and a proud maritime history. What began in 1960 as a two vessel, two terminal operation has grown into one of the largest, most sophisticated ferry transportation systems in the world, with 36 vessels and up to 47 ports of call.

British Columbia Ferry Services Inc., or BC Ferries, is known for safety, spectacular scenery and a proud maritime history. What began in 1960 as a two vessel, two terminal operation has grown into one of the largest, most sophisticated ferry transportation systems in the world, with 36 vessels and up to 47 ports of call.

Tofino air - flights from Nanaimo harbour to Vancouver    tofinoair.ca

OASIS ... blending massage therapy and spa rituals In beautiful Nanaimo, B.C., a Registered Massage Therapist with over twenty years of experience has created an oasis for your tired and aching body to experience a fusion of deep tissue bodywork, healing aromatherapy, and spa rituals in outdoor and indoor treatment rooms inspired by the world’s exotic spas.

NANAIMO GOLF CLUB exceptional golf in the Harbour City Nanaimo Golf Club’s majestic course is located on a ridge above Departure Bay in Nanaimo, BC where tall evergreens, willow and maple trees frame picture perfect views of the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands. Flower gardens on almost every hole add colour, and in the distance the mainland’s Coast Mountains serve as a backdrop to this stunning scene. Is this a special environment? Yes indeed, especially if you consider that Nanaimo Golf Club is located in the heart of a vibrant city of 86,000 people. Welcome to Nanaimo -- The Harbour City. At 6,700 yards from its championship tees, the course is a test for low handicap golfers who must produce long straight drives to reach the greens in regulation. Yet Nanaimo’s four sets of tees on each hole allow middle and high handicap players to find a level of play suited to their game. To score well at Nanaimo, players must keep their ball out of the trees lining the fairways. Also

Fairwinds, a Golf Club that welcomes players of all levels, focuses on the social aspect of golf. Plan a competitive game of golf with your friends or come out on Men’s or Ladies’ Night to meet new people, improve your golf skills or have a great time. Fairwinds constantly keeps golfers entertained with a variety of clubhouse events all year round. Our friendly staff will assist you to make your golf experience comfortable and welcoming. Here at Fairwinds, spectacular ocean views and pristine natural surroundings combine for an unforgettable golfing experience.

Winchelsea View Golf Course located in Lantzville located just north of Naniamo is an executive length par 64 golf course. Total yardage from the blue tournament markers is 4322 yards.

Hi birders, The Tuesday bird walk went to the Englishman River Estuary on the Plummer Road side. The morning was cloudy with a strong biting wind. At the start of the walk we saw a Rufous Hummingbird perched on the top of a short bush on one side of the trail. On the other side of the trail an Anna's Hummingbird was perched on top of a short bush. Just off the Englishman River, we spotted a Northern Shoveler and a Gadwall roosting in among a flock of Mallards, American Wigeon and Northern Pintail. A large flock of Green-winged Teal were feeding on the mud flats. Three Marbled Murrelets flew by just above the water heading down the Strait of Georgia and a Pigeon Guillemot was riding the waves offshore. Large numbers of Brant Geese, Greater Scaup, Harlequin Ducks, Surf Scoters, White-winged Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Mergansers were moving down the Strait throughout the morning, giving us great views. Sixteen birders saw and heard the following fifty-one species of birds: Canada Goose Brant Gadwall Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Mallard Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Greater Scaup Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Red-breasted Merganser California Quail Common Loon Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Black Oystercatcher Mew Gull California Gull Thayer's Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Pigeon Guillemot Marbled Murrelet Anna's Hummingbird Rufous Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Northwestern Crow Common Raven Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet American Robin Varied Thrush Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Purple Finch Good birding Neil Robins Parksville British Columbia

With conservation in mind, William Morrell, a local contractor, donated this land in 1973 for the public's enjoyment. Last logged in the twenties, Morrell Nature Sanctuary is a privately owned nature reserve leased and managed by Morrell Sanctuary Society for Environmental Education, a not-for-profit organization managed by volunteers who maintain the park and organize many programs for school children and the general public and are supported solely by donations, membership fees and, in the past, a gaming grant from the BC Provincial Government. If you are not already a member, please consider joining and helping us to support this lovely property.

Westwood is Nanaimo's most popular lake for swimming, running and walking. The landscape here creates an illusion of being farther from the city, even though Westwood Lake is only 4 km west of downtown (a 7-8 minute drive).

The well-maintained trail around the lake is all forest, beach, and boardwalk – it's a serene place. And if you come on a clear day, you'll get a great close-up of the mountain, and even some views of the ocean.

Pipers Lagoon Park is a great oceanside park . The lagoon itself is the size of three football fields. You park at one end and walk along a narrow, straight dyke between the lagoon and the restless surf. The waves from the open water have created a marvellous pebbly beach .  You will view  Arbutus trees and Garry Oak, eagles, driftwood and views of the Strait.

The park's named for a gravel bar connecting the park to a rocky "head" of igneous rock out in the water. Sea lions and sometimes even orcas pass by here, and from the tops of small cliffs , you can look down and see otters surfacing in the shallows.
A developed trail runs through most of the park, with boardwalks and lookouts.

Newcastle Island is the perfect day trip within Nanaimo.  The ferry terminal, located at Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Park 15 minutes from the B&B.   Newcastle Island was acquired from the CP Railway by the city in 1955, then passed on to the Province in 1961, at which point it was made into a park. It is quite large, especially considering its proximity to downtown Nanaimo; a walk around the circumference covers more than 7.5 kilometers. The hiking is easy.  The island is home to albino raccoons , deer, bald eagles, rabbits, some kind of weasel, mallards, geese, and a host of other kinds of wildlife. You can view the old sandstone quarry on your walk on the west side of the Island.

•walking trails               • a "frolf" (disc golf) course              •    a skate bowl
•seniors centre             •outdoor pool (summer)
•2 picnic shelters with children's playgrounds                    •    tennis courts
•beach volleyball           • horseshoes
•seasonal petting zoo   • duck pond