Nanaimo Island Family-Friendly 1-Day Itinerary from Burnaby

  1. 9:00AM: Depart from Burnaby
    Estimated time to reach Departure Bay Ferry Terminal: 1 hour 50 mins (69.7 miles)

    Start your day early and depart from Burnaby towards the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo. Enjoy the scenic drive through the island's beautiful countryside, dotted with farms, lakes, and forests.

  2. 11:00AM: Woodgrove Centre
    Estimated time from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal: 14 mins (6.7 miles)

    Woodgrove Centre is one of the largest shopping malls in British Columbia, featuring over 150 stores and services. Browse through the shops, grab a bite to eat or catch a movie at the Cineplex.

  3. 12:30PM: Nanaimo Museum
    Estimated time from Woodgrove Centre: 12 mins (6.5 miles)

    Learn about Nanaimo's rich history and culture at the Nanaimo Museum. The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays, illustrating the city's evolution from an Aboriginal settlement to a modern-day city.

  4. 2:00PM: Newcastle Island Provincial Park
    Estimated time from Nanaimo Museum: 10 mins (1.9 miles)

    Take a short ferry ride to Newcastle Island Provincial Park and explore its trails, beaches, and historic sites. The island once served as a coal mining site and has remnants of the past such as a sandstone quarry and coal chutes.

  5. 4:00PM: Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway
    Estimated time from Newcastle Island Provincial Park: 10 mins (2.2 miles)

    End your day by strolling along Nanaimo's picturesque Harbourfront Walkway. The walkway offers stunning views of the harbour and the coastal mountains, and is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Gas (Round trip): 139.4 miles at $0.20/mile (Estimated Cost: $28)
  • Ferry fare (Round trip): $29.50 per adult, $15.75 per child (Estimated Cost: $90)
  • Woodgrove Centre: 2 hours (Free admission)
  • Nanaimo Museum: 1.5 hours ($8 per adult, $4 per child)
  • Newcastle Island Provincial Park: 2 hours (Free admission, $8 ferry fare per adult, $4 per child)
  • Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway: 1.5 hours (Free admission)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $136.50
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