Things to do in Nanaimo

Your day begins by checking in at our office 45 minutes before your departure time and then you'll head down to the boat as a group. You'll then be introduced to the Salish Sea ecosystem and wildlife as you cruise through the Gulf Islands archipelago in search of whales and other marine life. You'll learn about the different types of whales that use the Salish Sea, including their natural history, and their roles in the marine food web. Throughout your adventure, your captain will be in touch with other whale-watching companies over VHF radio and will plan your route to maximize the area covered between vessels. You'll spend an hour viewing whales, and your marine naturalist will provide real-time insights into their behaviors. Onboard catalogs are used to identify individual whales, and this data will be collected throughout the season and sent to the Centre for Whale Research, Keta Coastal Conservation, and the BC Cetacean Sightings Network. Your tour will wrap up with an educational talk on marine conservation focusing on threats to BC orca, and conservation initiatives will be discussed.

Explore the highlights of Victoria, the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia, on a full-day tour from Vancouver. Benefit from included roundtrip tickets on the BC ferry and entry to the Butchart Gardens. After meeting your driver-guide at one of the meeting points in Vancouver, board your transportation for the day and head toward the ferry dock to take the ferry to Victoria. During the ferry ride to Victoria, which is located on Vancouver Island's southern tip off Canada's Pacific coast, take in views of the surrounding island and look out for dolphins, seagulls, and more. Upon arrival, prepare to tour the large number of historic buildings and famous landmarks, such as the Parliament Buildings, in this old city. Enjoy a 1-hour visit to the Butchart Gardens to admire the stunning floral displays. Next, pass by Victoria's Chinatown on the way to Victoria Inner Harbour. See the Parliament Buildings and stop to take photos at the Victoria Mile Zero Monument. Afterward, take the return ferry to Vancouver and get dropped off at your starting point.

Your day begins by checking in at our office 45 minutes before your departure time and then you'll head down to the boat as a group. You'll then be introduced to the Salish Sea ecosystem and wildlife as you cruise through the Gulf Islands archipelago in search of whales and other marine life. You'll learn about the different types of whales that use the Salish Sea, including their natural history, and their roles in the marine food web. Throughout your adventure, your captain will be in touch with other whale-watching companies over VHF radio and will plan your route to maximize the area covered between vessels. You'll spend an hour viewing whales, and your marine naturalist will provide real-time insights into their behaviours. Onboard catalogues are used to identify individual whales, and this data will be collected throughout the season and sent to the Centre for Whale Research, Keta Coastal Conservation, and the BC Cetacean Sightings Network. Your tour will wrap up with an educational talk on marine conservation focusing on threats to BC orca, and conservation initiatives will be discussed.

Explore the beauty of Vancouver on a bus tour to many of its iconic locations. Hop on your bus and head to Queen Elizabeth Park, sitting at 125 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in Vancouver. This makes the park perfect for taking pictures. Continue your tour to see Granville Island. Once there, the biggest attraction on Granville Island is its Public Market. Housed indoors, there are endless rows of stalls that feature fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, and seafood. For the food-focused, a walking tour of the market can be a great way to get an insider’s insight. Then, walk through Vancouver’s Chinatown, a place of culture that is known for its authentic food scene. Millennium Gate is the landmark most visitors look for upon entering the Chinatown. It is also one of the largest historic Chinatown in all of North America. Carry on to Gastown to see its most famous landmark: the steam-powered clock that was built in 1977 and was Vancouver's first downtown core. This Gastown will make you will feel like you are in the 19th century while passing through the red brick and cobbled streets. Get back in your bus and make your way to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The bridge is 140 meters long and 70 meters above the river. It was originally built in 1889 and completely rebuilt in 1956. While you walk along the bridge, feel the weightless suspension as you walk high up over the valley and marvel at the breathtaking nature. Head over to Canada Place as your next stop. This building is located on the Burrard Inlet waterfront of Vancouver. It is the home of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver's World Trade Centre, and the virtual flight ride FlyOver Canada. Finally, get close with nature at Stanley Park, your final stop. It is North America’s third largest park and a perfect place to explore nature. Approximately eight million people visit Stanley Park each and every year. Make your way back to your starting point at the end of your tour.

If you’re looking to explore Vancouver Island’s wild west coast without the hustle and bustle of Tofino, consider visiting Port Renfrew. Once we pick you up at 8 am, it’s off to the West Coast for some invigorating hikes and coastal exploration. We will make a stop at the awe-inspiring Jurassic Grove. There, you can witness 1000-year-old Western Red Cedars, including 3.6m large trees! On our way back down, we will go to 2 more beautiful beaches that are suitable for your group's needs. We will stop at Mystic Beach, Sancut Beach or Muir Creek Beach. They all have beautiful sandstone features and you could also witness whales crossing the strait, sea lions, seals and otters cruising by the beach or basking in the sun, millions of year-old fossils and waterfalls! This tour can also be extended to an overnight trip with an amazing yurt stay and we will circle back through the complete Pacific Marine Circle through Duncan, stopping at the amazing Malahat Skywalk and more!

Join us for a hike to see two of Vancouver Island's most amazing Waterfalls. These 2 very different and wild falls are part of salmon-bearing rivers and are not only impressive but also a crucial part of our ecosystem. While in the Mid Island, you wouldn't want to miss the Island's most popular sight; Cathedral Grove. Your guide will lead you through the Old Growth giant trees and share their knowledge of our local ancient Rainforest. Finish off the day with an amazing and fun underground 1h30 caving tour at Horne Lake Caves. These are wild and natural caves, meaning no boardwalk, handrails or overhead lights. You will be equipped with a headlamp to explore the underground caverns following professional caving guides and marvelling at the beautiful karst formation featuring calcite stalactites and waterfalls. This tour includes complimentary lunch at a local coffee roastery, snacks and drinks. We will have water with us all day but you must bring your own bottle. You will need to wear closed toe comfortable shoes. This tour is suitable for all ages, but be aware of your physical limitations as we will be outdoors, active and caving over variable terrain.

Begin your unforgettable adventure at Coal Harbour, nestled in the heart of Vancouver, right by Canada Place. This is the perfect launch point for your Harbour Air journey, where the beauty of the city meets the vast expanse of the Pacific Northwest. Our terminal, situated along Vancouver's iconic seawall, offers a scenic and relaxing start to your trip. Take in breathtaking views of Stanley Park and the majestic North Shore mountains from the lounge, browse our unique gift shop, or unwind at the fully licensed Cockpit Café before boarding your seaplane. Once you're on board, get ready to soar into the skies for an experience unlike any other. As the seaplane takes off, you'll be treated to stunning bird’s-eye views of Vancouver’s landmarks, including the lush green towers of the Lion’s Gate Bridge and the rugged Brockton Peninsula of Stanley Park. The Salish Sea stretches out before you, offering magnificent views of its sparkling waters and the picturesque Gulf Islands, with their beaches, forests, and vibrant landscapes. In just 20 minutes, you’ll arrive gracefully at Nanaimo’s serene harbor, where the adventure truly begins. At Harbour Air, we pride ourselves on providing not only fast and efficient service but also an exceptional travel experience. Our commitment to customer care is reflected in our Harbour Air Promise. We ensure every passenger enjoys a smooth, safe, and welcoming journey, with a focus on sustainability and respect. Whether it’s a bright, sunny day or a little cloudier, you’ll always be greeted with a smile, ensuring that your experience is enjoyable and stress-free from start to finish. Once you touch down in Nanaimo, you’ll find yourself in a city brimming with charm and natural beauty. The waterfront is a perfect place to start, where you can stroll along the shore, explore the historic Bastion, or take a short boat ride to Newcastle Island, a haven for outdoor adventures. For those seeking something more thrilling, Nanaimo offers kayaking and diving experiences that let you dive deeper into its coastal wonderland. Explore the vibrant arts scene and indulge in local culinary delights—don’t miss trying the famous Nanaimo bar, a true West Coast treat. With lively annual festivals and a welcoming atmosphere, Nanaimo offers something for everyone, making it an ideal getaway destination. Whether you’re traveling from Vancouver to Nanaimo or vice versa, Harbour Air ensures that your journey is more than just transportation—it’s part of the experience. With a focus on speed, comfort, and sustainability, we provide an exceptional way to explore the best of the West Coast. Let Harbour Air elevate your travel experience with a flight that is as memorable as the destination itself.

Our exclusive service ensures a relaxed and stress-free travel experience, tailored to your schedule and preferences. You will be booked for pickup at one of the Ferry Terminals in Nanaimo, a local hotel or any location in the Nanaimo area and dropped off at your requested location in Tofino or Ucluelet. Drivers will greet you at the curb as they must stay with their vehicle. Our private car transfer service from Nanaimo to Tofino is designed to offer you the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Whether you’re traveling for a relaxing getaway, an adventure, or a special occasion, we ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey. Book now to experience the best way to travel across Vancouver Island!

Our exclusive service ensures a relaxed and stress-free travel experience, tailored to your schedule and preferences. You will be booked for pickup at your accommodation or other location in Tofino or Ucluelet. Drop off at the one of the ferry terminals or other accommodation in the Nanaimo area. Our private car transfer service from Nanaimo to Tofino is designed to offer you the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Whether you’re traveling for a relaxing getaway, an adventure, or a special occasion, we ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey. Book now to experience the best way to travel across Vancouver Island!