Top 3 Places to Visit in Nanaimo, BC
Though most tourists visiting Vancouver Island head straight to Victoria or Tofino, Nanaimo is an underrated destination with a lot to offer. The city has a thriving art scene, excellent restaurants, adventurous hiking trails, and fun outdoor activities. At Nissan of Nanaimo in Nanaimo, BC, we give you the lowdown on the top 3 places to visit in Nanaimo, BC!
The Bastion
As the enduring local icon in the third-oldest city of British Columbia, The Bastion is supremely prolific and has a rich history. Built way back in 1853, The Bastion is built from the ground up with traditional woodworking techniques. Due to politics and land deals, this sturdy wooden fort was moved twice. While the timbers of The Bastion are original, the interior has been modified to keep with the times. Today it’s the most recognizable landmark in Nanaimo and a must-see tourist destination.
Ammonite Falls
The Nanaimo area offers many waterfalls. One of the most well-known is the Ammonite Falls in Benson Creek Park. You’ll have to hike the 4.8-km Ammonite Falls Trail to reach this stunning waterfall. The trail features a lovely forest with massive fir trees. It is easy and has minimal elevation change. The best time to visit these falls is winter, as well as late fall or early spring. The Ammonite Falls themselves are magical. They cascade off a rock-studded sheet with oceanic Ammonite fossils; hence, they are named Ammonite Falls.
Colliery Dam Park
With three lakes separated by two dams, the Colliery Dam Park is one of the largest destination parks in Nanaimo, with steep trails and narrow bridge crossings along the upper dam trail. It is popular as a freshwater swimming spot in the summer and a dog-walking destination. Apart from that, you can visit the Colliery Dam Park to view the breathtaking vistas, jog, boat, see wildlife, fish, and hike.