Your guide to exploring Central Vancouver Island
Our area
Nestled between Lantzville to the north and Cedar to the south, Nanaimo was once a hardworking coal mining town, and to this day, mine shafts are dotted all over the city and neighbouring islands. Now, Nanaimo is the central hub city for the mid-island area, with convenient access and shopping. Its easy to get to with service from two ferry terminals, a regional airport, and the Island Highway. From here, you can explore the wilder west coast of Tofino/Ucluelet, the relaxed and charming Parksville/Qualicum area, and the wineries of the Cowichan Valley.
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Nanaimo
Nestled between Lantzville to the north and Cedar to the south, Nanaimo was once a hardworking coal mining town, and to this day, mine shafts are dotted all over the city and neighbouring islands. Now, Nanaimo is the central hub city for the mid-island area, with convenient access and shopping. Its easy to get to with service from two ferry terminals, a regional airport, and the Island Highway. From here, you can explore the wilder west coast of Tofino/Ucluelet, the relaxed and charming Parksville/Qualicum area, and the wineries of the Cowichan Valley.
Easy walking and sightseeing
Located only 12 minutes away from the house, Neck Point Park is a lovely area to enjoy the beauty of coastline. It's perfect for a short walk and is a favourite with locals and tourists alike.
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Neck Point Park
1055 Morningside DrLocated only 12 minutes away from the house, Neck Point Park is a lovely area to enjoy the beauty of coastline. It's perfect for a short walk and is a favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Maffeo Sutton Park is the heart of the downtown waterfront. Find easy parking in the large parking lot (unless a local event is happening), and enjoy strolling the seawall in either direction. If you turn left, you will find a shorter walk past one of the many local marinas and a beautiful view of Newcastle Island. If you turn right from the parking lot, you will head further into downtown and discover coffee shops, boutique stores, the tiny ferry that will take you to the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island, the historic Hudson's Bay Company Bastion building, and during the summer season, a local farmer's market on Thursday afternoons. Or enjoy one of the two seasonal restaurants located right on the floating wharf of the marina!
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Maffeo Sutton Park
100 Comox RoadMaffeo Sutton Park is the heart of the downtown waterfront. Find easy parking in the large parking lot (unless a local event is happening), and enjoy strolling the seawall in either direction. If you turn left, you will find a shorter walk past one of the many local marinas and a beautiful view of Newcastle Island. If you turn right from the parking lot, you will head further into downtown and discover coffee shops, boutique stores, the tiny ferry that will take you to the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island, the historic Hudson's Bay Company Bastion building, and during the summer season, a local farmer's market on Thursday afternoons. Or enjoy one of the two seasonal restaurants located right on the floating wharf of the marina!
Just a few minutes down the road from the Old Country Market in Coombs, MacMillan Provincial Park is home to Cathedral Grove. A stunning old growth forest preserve with huge Douglas Firs and easy walking trails. This is a must see if you are going to be in the area. Parking is limited during peak season, so pull into the first spot you see when you arrive and enjoy a magnificent walk in the trees.
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MacMillan Provincial Park
452 Alberni HighwayJust a few minutes down the road from the Old Country Market in Coombs, MacMillan Provincial Park is home to Cathedral Grove. A stunning old growth forest preserve with huge Douglas Firs and easy walking trails. This is a must see if you are going to be in the area. Parking is limited during peak season, so pull into the first spot you see when you arrive and enjoy a magnificent walk in the trees.
This lovely stretch of beach is another local favourite. Its the perfect place to sit with a coffee or tea (grab it at Drip across the street) and watch the Departure Bay ferry and seaplane activity.
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Departure Bay Centennial Park
1413 Wingrove StThis lovely stretch of beach is another local favourite. Its the perfect place to sit with a coffee or tea (grab it at Drip across the street) and watch the Departure Bay ferry and seaplane activity.
Restaurants and shops
One of the original features of Coombs, the Old Country Market has been a local favourite for decades. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the farm produce, international novelty items, and bakery or explore the rest of the property which has expanded to include a number of boutique shops and two restaurants - the Cuckoo Trattoria $$$ and the open air Taqueria Cantina $$. This is a perfect location if you like to explore and browse before getting a bite to eat.
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Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
2326 Alberni HwyOne of the original features of Coombs, the Old Country Market has been a local favourite for decades. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the farm produce, international novelty items, and bakery or explore the rest of the property which has expanded to include a number of boutique shops and two restaurants - the Cuckoo Trattoria $$$ and the open air Taqueria Cantina $$. This is a perfect location if you like to explore and browse before getting a bite to eat.
This local restaurant has delicious food and has been my mother's favourite restaurant for decades. Plus, its only a 6 minute drive from the house and is right off the highway if you want to grab a bite to eat on your way to the house.
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Milano's Ristorante
6551 Aulds RdThis local restaurant has delicious food and has been my mother's favourite restaurant for decades. Plus, its only a 6 minute drive from the house and is right off the highway if you want to grab a bite to eat on your way to the house.
Open during the summer season only, this floating restaurant is as close to the water as you can get! The food is delicious. If you are here when it is open, we highly recommend stopping there while exploring the downtown waterfront.
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Penny's Palapa Restaurant
10 Wharf StOpen during the summer season only, this floating restaurant is as close to the water as you can get! The food is delicious. If you are here when it is open, we highly recommend stopping there while exploring the downtown waterfront.
My disclaimer is that I've never actually been here, but it is a favourite with locals. Just hop on the tiny ferry boat at the marina downtown and enjoy pub fare by the water. Open Wed-Sun, I would recommend checking their website for recommendations on parking to catch the ferry and hours of operation.
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Dinghy Dock Pub
8 Pirates LnMy disclaimer is that I've never actually been here, but it is a favourite with locals. Just hop on the tiny ferry boat at the marina downtown and enjoy pub fare by the water. Open Wed-Sun, I would recommend checking their website for recommendations on parking to catch the ferry and hours of operation.
A personal favourite of mine, Umai Sushi is worth checking out. If you aren't a fan of sushi, I would recommend heading there anyway and giving the chicken teriyaki rolls a try. You may find yourself converted!
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Umai Sushi
4575 Uplands DrA personal favourite of mine, Umai Sushi is worth checking out. If you aren't a fan of sushi, I would recommend heading there anyway and giving the chicken teriyaki rolls a try. You may find yourself converted!
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The Nanaimo Bar Trail
Have you ever heard of a Nanaimo Bar? If you haven't, this decadent delight is a must try during your visit. Originally sent by miner's families in care packages from the U.K, Nanaimo has continued the tradition. This sweet dessert bar consists of three layers, a cookie base, a custard filling, and a firm chocolate top. Over the years the recipe has changed and adapted and can be tasted in a variety of forms on The Nanaimo Bar Trail!