The Vancouver Island Military Museum is one of the most famous museums in Nanaimo. In the museum, you have the opportunity to see more than 25 exhibits. It displays showcasing that gives you an insight into Canada's proud Military History and Traditions.
For more than 25 years, the museum has offered visitors comprehensive military memorabilia collections and artifacts from all periods. Among them is Canada's involvement in Afghanistan in the war of 1812. You have the chance to see how life was on the home front and how the Red Cross helped save lives, St John's Ambulance, the Salvation Army, RCMP, and the Merchant Navy's critical role in wartime. See pictures that show the evolution of the women's role in the armed forces, starting from nursing sisters during the Boer War to operations in all army branches present day.
The Vancouver Island Military Museum's advantage is the enthusiastic and informed staff, willing to answer your questions from the war of 1812 to today's events. The museum features many models, uniforms, medals, decommissioned firearms, and Dam Busters from different eras.
The Vancouver Island Military Museum is located at 100 Cameron Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 0C8, Canada. You can find the museum in downtown right by Nanaimo's dynamic waterfront. This unique position allows you to be close to everything that downtown offers, like Port Theatre, the Nanaimo Museum, the Inner Harbour Boat Basin, Cruise Ship Facility, the Nanaimo Conference Centre, and Tourism Office. These places are within walking distance of the museum, and there are many significant hotels close by that you can choose for staying. Among these accommodations are Coast Bastion Hotel, one of Nanaimo's luxury hotels, and HI Nanaimo - Painted Turtle Guesthouse.
You can find several parks nearby, such as McGregor Park or Piper Park, and both are close enough for a short walk. Steve Smith Bike Park is another well-known park in Nanaimo, northwest of the Vancouver Island Military Museum. It is a well-designed biking pump track also great for skateboarders and scooter riders. With its beautiful Beach Estates Falls, Beach Estates Park is a hidden gem that connects from Departure Bay Road down to the beach near the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Having an adventure in Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is possible by going to the north, toward Maffeo Sutton Park, and taking a boat. There is a waterfall nearby. Ammonite Falls is placed in Benson Creek Falls Regional Park, about 11.8 km (7.3 miles) to the northwest. Going 5.8 km (3.6 miles) to the west, you reach Westwood Lake. It is a freshwater lake with a sandy beach near Westwood Lake Park.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo downtown to the Vancouver Island Military Museum is via Wallace St and Bastion St. It is 950 m (3116.8 ft) and takes about 4 minutes.
Head to the north for 23 m (75.4 ft) and turn left toward Wallace St. After 34 m (111.5 ft), turn left onto Wallace St and continue for 290 m (291.4 ft) with a slight left onto Bastion St. After 300 m (984.2 ft), turn right onto Front St and go on for 140 m (459.3 ft), then turn right onto Museum Way. After 110 m (360.8 ft), turn right and continue for 27 m (88.5 ft) more to reach the Vancouver Island Military Museum.
From Victoria:
The fastest route from Victoria to the Vancouver Island Military Museum is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 111 km (68.9 mi) and takes about an hour and 27 minutes.
Head to the west on Pandora Ave toward Government St for 99 m (324.8 ft), then turn right onto Government Street. After 1.0 km (0.68 mi), continue with a slight right toward Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Go on for 72 m (236.2 ft) and use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 109 km (67.7 mi), and turn right onto Gordon St. After 120 m (393.7 ft), turn right onto Museum Way. Continue for 8 m (26.2 ft) and turn left. After 27 m (88.5 ft), you will reach the Vancouver Island Military Museum.
There are several parking lots near the Vancouver Island Military Museum. If you don't like the idea of getting charged for parking on the street, all of these parking lots are within walking distance. The closest parking lot is 81-91 Front St Parking on Bastion; it is 5 minutes away. Another parking lot close by is 298-300 Trans-Canada Hwy Garage, just beside 81-91 Front St Parking. The walk from the mentioned parking lots is short, but if you want to walk a little bit longer in the beautiful city of Nanaimo, the nearby parks give you the opportunity.
Before the arrival of the European people in 1720, the Snuneymuxw First Nation was the only inhabitants. Spanish were the first to arrive in this area, and since then, keeping the Snuneymuxw people's heritage has been challenging, especially through injustices, colonial oppression, diseases, and prejudice.
The downtown of Nanaimo is fun and full of possibilities for having a good time. Breakout Nanaimo Escape Rooms is a very exciting choice, and it's only 650 m (2132.5 ft) away. If you crave good music and drinks, go to The Queen's, a live music bar 350 m (1148.2 ft) away. In case you are fond of plays and theatres, the good news is Port Theatre. It has only 110 m (360.8 ft) distance from the Vancouver Island Military Museum, so that you can walk there after your visit. If you want to see the docks and boats and enjoy an adequate green space, walk to McGregor Park. For those who enjoy a good meal and drink like nothing else, I suggest The Vault Café, which is close and one of the best in Nanaimo.
Are you a fan of one-of-a-kind art pieces? Artzi Stuff is a place where you can get such things. Since 2008, the gallery has been selling locally made art, jewelry, and craft. It presents photo exhibits, photos that are more up-to-date than the ones you can found on Facebook or Instagram and other artifacts. The place hosts birthdays, marriages, retirements, and other celebrations.
Founded in 1976, Art 10 Gallery is an old place with good reputes among the region's artists. It features original artifacts and paintings in different styles and mediums, functional and decorative pottery, fused glass, carving, jewelry, and art cards. The gallery hosts many exciting and glamorous events with well-known artists as a guest over the years.
Gallery Merrick is home to many native artists. The purpose of the gallery is to appreciate beauty everywhere we look. The priority of the gallery is to help working artists who make their livings out of their art. Many artists from Vancouver Island, surrounding islands, and across the country exhibit their talents here.
Some people take the best moments in life and imagination to bring them into art pieces. Yellow Bird Arts Gallery is where you can find such artworks. It is famous for its picture framing. Having so many different framings that will cause your head to spin makes it hard to choose one. The gallery has a large and impressive collection of original art, limited edition prints, pottery, and gifts.
Want to know facts about animals and plants in their natural environment? Don't miss the opportunity offers by Vancouver Island University and take a visit to the Museum of Natural History. Learn about animals and plants and discover their impact on ecosystems. Here you can find various landscapes of the island and other places and samples of organisms that live or have lived in BC.
Art is the deepest yearning of a people's souls, and art galleries keep the connection. Nanaimo has a lot to offer as art galleries, and Nanaimo Art Gallery is one of the best. Push yourself in art by the exhibits of contemporary professional artists and curated modern art pieces. Be part of workshops and activities and buy some artistic gifts from the store.
The desire for seeking facts, knowledge, and history, with the subject of battles, made Vancouver Island Military Museum one of the most visited attractions in Nanaimo. Have a tour of more than 25 exhibits and get to know Canada's Military History and Traditions until today. It features many models, uniforms, medals, decommissioned firearms, and Dam Busters.
If you are a history enthusiast and in love with the language of museums talking in silence, visit Nanaimo Museum. Nanaimo is a historic port, and the Nanaimo Museum opens its door for everyone excited to find out about the city's history. Improve your knowledge about indigenous people of the area and get the most out of your visit. The nice staff warms your heart towards this little museum.
Hiking on Bowen Park Loop is a lovely urban walk along a river with stunningly beautiful nature that promotes a rich forest, a waterfall, and a scenic pond. This easy hiking trail is so well maintained with lots of facilities. Spend hours hiking on this loop as part of the Trans Canada Trail and have a memorable day in the park, great for different kinds of activities.
Westwood Lake Trail is not super challenging, but it is a lovely well maintained and well-marked hiking trail around Westwood Lake with beautiful viewpoints and greenery. The forest and lake are full-on herons, eagles and deer with lots of opportunities to have a great time, so bringing your family with you is a decision you will not regret!
Don't hike alone! It is an excellent hike for the whole family and pets. Cable Bay Nature Trail is scenic, easy, clean, and wide enough as a family trail. Not only your family but your pet can accompany you. Get the most out of incredible viewpoints. Hike through the forest near the coast and find a nice rock to take a break, grab a snack, and watch the marine wildlife.
Wear your hiking boots! It is going to be a challenging hike that may take about 4 to 5 hours. The lovely amount of elevation with fantastic views is what you can get hiking on the Mount Benson Loop near Nanaimo. As it is located in a reach environment, take lots of breaks to enjoy the area and get enough energy. If you are not ready for wet terrains, try it on a dry and cool day. You would be satisfied as an experienced hiker.
About 10 kilometres away from downtown Nanaimo, find yourself on an easy and well-marked hiking trail along the Nanaimo River with a smile on your face! It is a great short walk that impresses you differently at each section. Take your dog with you and get it some exercises too, as it is dog off-leash-friendly. You can find such energy there in the area with the Douglas fir plantation.
Ranked as the best cold-water diving destination in BC, Nanaimo waters are saturated with new diving experiences. BC Ferries, dive shops, accessible shores, and the chance to observe cute beaches have made Nanaimo an ideal destination for visitors. Diving enthusiasts find themselves in the heavens when they come to Nanaimo, for it is home to spotless diving spots.
For those marine life lovers, Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching is a great opportunity. Participants can ride boats and surf the surrounding waters with the chance to explore the area and observe whales living near Nanaimo due to the high population of orcas and whales around there.
Protection Island Ferry provides its participants with high chances of watching whales and other marine creatures, along with the scenic view of three spectacular islands. You may also rent a boat to surf the water, and if you are in luck, encounter these gigantic marine beasts.
On Vancouver Island, you can spend every single day arriving in a new city comprising magnificent adventures. While you stay in the second-largest city on the island, you may enjoy several incredible activities, including whale watching. Whale watching in Nanaimo gives you the chance to explore the Salish Sea ecosystem and observe marine life from April-October.
If you are trying to get away from your lethal daily routine and your adventure flow has been stopped, why don't you plan a trip to the only multi-functional port city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo? An assemblage of several distinguished bodies of water has made Nanaimo one of the best paddling locations in the world. You are provided with tons of other activities on both land and the sea.
Exceptional opportunities to explore the water while enjoying the scenic view of a city with a hundred years of history and culture preserved within the realms of Ladysmith. as an ideal kayaking destination, Ladysmith has several offerings to make your stay even more joyful. So, pack your bags and hit the road to this beautiful old city.
Get out of your comfort zone and go diving in one extraordinary place with quite a history behind it. The wreck of the Robert Kerr is the graveyard of a ship that sank about 200 years ago. Still, now it is a habitat for several marine creatures and offers excellent opportunities to dive deep and explore the underwater world.
Make your time on Vancouver Island count and go diving in Elliot's Beach Park. It is a pristine diving location for professional diving, but it has opportunities to discover underwater for ordinary folks.
You cannot believe your ears are hearing a diving place made after a Jet Plane was sunk. But, there is only one way to find out, especially for divers who like abnormal experiences. While you are in Chemainus, you can rent a boat and paddle till you reach this place, offering you unbelievable diving opportunities.
Looking for a daring diving experience? Hop on and drive to Alcala Point in Porlier Pass diving site. There is a fantastic diving place where you may need a diving guide during winter due to enormous waves. Also, plenty of marine life is living there, so employing safety is mandatory.
Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.
It takes a short drive to Nanaimo Lakes south of Nanaimo. The pristine nature gives you a chance to stay away from technology. It is tranquil and peaceful around the lakes with scenic spots in the forest, great for a long walk or camping. The warm lake water makes it a fantastic spot for swimming and kayaking. Mountain climbing, hiking, and fishing are other possibilities.
Colliery Dam Park with Chase River, huge trees, Granny Falls, and two small ponds is a tranquil and wooded park. The spectacular views with some nice bridges make the park a good choice for photographers. It is possible to walk your dog off-leash at the upper dam. You can go hiking, seasonal swimming, boating, and fishing for rainbow trout.
Maffeo Sutton Park is a waterfront park with a perfect view of Nanaimo Harbour. It is a family park mainly known for its nice walking trails, playground, and picnicking areas. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is a nice spot located southeast of the park for fishing and swimming. This scenic oceanside park's Lions Pavilion Stage hosts community and musical events.
The Nanaimo River, with warm water and deep pools, is an excellent choice for swimming. It has lagoons for a family picnic or day trail and a rocky beach for kids to play in, and for you to lay on some large rocks. From April to June, and in September or October, test your fishing skill in the river for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Have the pleasure of hiking in trails and take some pictures.
Beaufort Park is a year-round destination in Nanaimo. Each season's nature and wildlife diversity make eye-catching scenery for visitors, so take a camera with you. A multi-purpose court suitable for sports like basketball and pickleball, and a tennis court are available. There are also a community garden and a food forest, and a dog off-leash area.
Pipers Lagoon Park is a waterfront park with Shack Island, the ocean, and Neck Point Park views. Stay there for sunrise and sunset, and don't miss watching the scene. The park is home to bird species and other animals, making it a perfect destination for wildlife photographers. Hiking and jogging, beachcombing, flying a kite, and doing water sports are other options.
It seems that all you need is available at Bowen Park; a waterfall, duck pond, wilderness and picnic areas, and lots of facilities and sports fields. The Millstone River passes through the park, where can be considered as your hiking trail. The duck pond and a beautiful rhododendron grove with more than 350 species are amusing. Be there for some exercise or relaxation in the woods.
Nanoose Bay is known as a place to relax with its large pebble beach, somewhere between Nanaimo and Parksville. The scene is stunning, specifically in the evening when the sun meets the ocean. No matters how many times you visited the beach, it is always peaceful and attractive. Nanoose Bay is home to many sea animals, and the beach is perfect for digging up some clams.
Walking from the ferry terminal to downtown Nanaimo, you can find a beautiful small garden, Chinese Memorial Gardens Park. A small public park with full-grown shrubs and trees and gracious lawns performs as a relaxing spot. The painted, formed pagoda structure and carved stones decorated it. The scenery is eye-catching and is mainly used for the background of family portraits.
Neck Point Park is a beachfront park with some lookout spots where land meets the ocean. It is a popular choice for photography, hiking, scuba diving, and historic and scenic features. Fishing, paddling, and swimming are other options you have to entertain yourself. This waterfront park has awesome sea life; also, you can see bunnies very commonly.
An excellent picnicking area and sunny weather attract many families in summer to relax on Qualicum Beach. This sandy beach is placed in an area with many facilities and attractions to enjoy your day. Let life lead you to the beach with the incredible landscape of Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve hills, blue sky and the ocean. Choose kinds of water activities which you delight in doing.
If you plan to be away from urban life and spend hours in the woods watching wildlife and get relaxed, take a visit to Beach Estates Park, west of Departure Bay. With a beautiful designated hiking trail, Beach Estates Park is interesting for hikers and runners. The park's nature includes a lush forest with magnificent tall trees, a small river, a rocky beach, and Beach Estates Falls.
Silence is wiser than speech in nature. To get this atmosphere with a scenic view near Nanaimo and to have an excellent family time, Westwood Lake Park is a smart year-round choice. It is a perfect place with a playground for kids, an off-leash area, and a lifeguard patrolled freshwater swimming site. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating are other adventures to take.
Kanaka Bay is a gem on top of Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park. It has the best of what summer has to offer, a beautiful place to spend hours with your family. The beach is accessible by a short walk from the dock. The extensive picnic area and playground of Kanaka Bay are the sweet spots for children. Don't forget about water sports, and watching wildlife like raccoons.