For the more adventurous, Nanaimo "The Harbour City" has marine activities such as kayaking and scuba diving that attract people from all over the world. Boaters enjoy the protected ports and scenic waters. Moorage is available at the Port's Visiting Vessel Pier, Newcastle Island, The Newcastle Marina, Stones Marina, and the Nanaimo Yacht Club all near to the center of Nanaimo. Whether you choose to paddle through secluded bays, join sailors for their annual S.I.N. Regatta, or watch the annual Bath Tub race, Nanaimo has activities for all boating enthusiasts. The area also has many charter and tour companies to get you out on the water.

Just on the edge of Nanaimo you can climb to the 3000 ft. summit of Mt. Benson. The view from the summit is spectaclar. If that is too tough for you then try hiking or cycling on Newcastle and Gabriola Island, along the Nanaimo Parkway, the ocean side Cable Bay Trail, Pipers Lagoon or Westwood Lake. Nanaimo has a number of stores where you can rent camping, hiking, and biking equipment.

For some real excitement take off at the Bungy Zone. Here you can leap off a foot bridge into the Nanaimo River 500 feet below. You are in good hands here as there have been over 100,000 jumps since it opened over 10 years ago and they have an impecable saftey record.

Scuba divers can dive on the HMCS Saskatchewan, a 366- foot navy destroyer sunk off Nanaimo in June of 1997 creating an artificial reef. The HMCS Cape Breton, a retired Canadian Supply Ship, was sunk in 2001 and currently is recognized as the World's Largest Artificial Reef. Nanaimo waters offer scuba experiences for divers of all levels and experience. Local professional dive shops and charter services will help make your diving holiday in Nanaimo a memory that will last for ever. If scuba is not your bag, then perhaps swimming, windsurfing, kayaking or snorkeling at one of Nanaimo's great beaches will catch your attention.

For family fun or vacation workouts, visit Nanaimo's Beban Park facility, with indoor olympic-size pool, leisure pool with a Pirates theme, the 30-foot water slide, major water play features. The facility also has a steam room, exercise room, sauna, jacuzzi hot tub,toddler pool, ice arenas, a pitch and putt, and beautiful, natural outdoor grounds for picnicing and play.

Nanaimo is also home to a year-round "amusement park", which boasts go-karts, laser tag, batting cages, mini-golf, tunnel-town, and virtual reality arcade.

While visiting Nanaimo you can scuba dive,kayak, sail, swim, play tennis, soccer, hockey, go curling, bowling, golfing, cycling, camping or watch the wild life. Or, you can explore one of the many parks and hiking trails around the city. Maybe taking the kids to the petting zoo and nature centre will fill your day. Like to shop? May we suggest visiting Fisherman's Wharf to buy fresh seafood, shop in the downtown stores and boutiques. Nanaimo is the shopping centre for the Island with shopping ranging from unique art and gift shops in historic buildings, to a host of modern shopping centres.