Hiking, biking and watching goats graze away the grassy roof in Coombs—Nanaimo and environs has it all.
Follow the Nanaimo Bar Trail, play at Venture Land Playground and Splash Park, look waaaayyy up at Cathedral Grove or bike at Top Bridge. There’s something for everyone!
Brush Up on Island History. Nanaimo District Museum offers guided and self-guided tours that encourage visitors to “Make a Discovery” while exploring the history and heritage of the area. The expanded space has allowed the museum to bring top-ranked feature exhibits to the community including the Canadian History Museum, the National Gallery and the Vancouver Art Gallery. nanaimomuseum.ca
Gander at the Goats. Wander Coombs Old Country Market, unique shops, galleries and studios for gifts, groceries and great food. Be sure to look up when you’re outside the market—the goats on the sod roof live there throughout the summer and “mow” the lawn. oldcountrymarket.com
Take Your Best Shot at Mini Golf. Sink some putts at Paradise Mini Golf and Fun Park (paradisefunpark.net) featuring two world-class mini-golf courses complete with a mini lighthouse, pirate ship and Victorian mansion. Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf (riptidelagoon.com) will whisk you away to another land filled with mini mountains, rapids and a research station.
Play in the Park. Lions Venture Land Playground and Splash Park is a landmark in the Parksville Community Park. Kids love the brightly coloured slides and sea creatures, swings, jungle gyms, in-ground trampolines and the ever-popular Zipkrooze. There are also horseshoe pits, a skate park, kite field, lacrosse box, sports field, ball diamonds, picnic shelter and gazebo. parksville.ca
Go Underground at Horne Lake. Explore the beauty and mysteries of Vancouver Island’s Underworld in a subterranean adventure at Horne Lake Caves. A wide variety of tour options offers many levels of experience for families and adventurous park visitors. hornelake.com
Bike at Top Bridge. The Top Bridge Trail in Parksville links Rathtrevor Beach with Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park on the scenic Englishman River. The trail is five kilometres each way and winds through public and private property, with several access points. The Information Centre at the south end of town will provide directions. rdn.bc.ca
Look Waaayyy Up at Cathedral Grove. View some of the largest and oldest trees on Vancouver Island, including over 800-year-old giants and lush vegetation on the interpretive trail system that winds through the park. bcparks.ca
Hike to the Falls. Stamp River Provincial Park near Port Alberni is over 800 acres of forests, rivers and waterfalls. Explore the two kilometres of hiking trails along the river, past fish ladders and crashing waterfalls. Starting in late August, spawning sockeye salmon begin making their way up the Stamp River.
Spend a Day at the Beach. Rathtrevor Beach is a 4km stretch of sandy seaside, perfect for families craving a day at the beach, with water warm enough for wading or swimming. Stick around for the sunsets, often some of the most spectacular on the Island. The nearby BC Parks campground is also a family favourite. bcparks.ca
Be Wowed by Wildlife. North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) in Coombs is a rehabilitation facility, especially for raptors and black bears. The goal: to care for these animals and reintroduce them into their natural environment. See eagles through one-way glass in the largest flight cage of its kind in Canada. View bears, owls, falcons, hawks, swans and ravens. NIWRC offers activities and educational programs for the whole family. niwra.org
Follow the Nanaimo Bar Trail. Looking for the ultimate Nanaimo Bar? Look no further than these top three options: Red’s Bakery, Hearthstone Artisan Bakery or Vault Café. Or follow the self-guided tasting trail where you’ll find everything from the classic Nanaimo Bar, the organic/vegan/raw/gluten-free bar and ice cream versions to maple bacon topped and deep-fried Nanaimo Bars. tourismnanaimo.com
