10-Day Family Adventure in Nanaimo, BC

Day 1: Explore Nanaimo

Nanaimo, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Nook

Start your day with a hearty family breakfast featuring their famous blueberry pancakes.
Located on the waterfront, it's just a 10-minute drive from downtown.
CAD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Newcastle Island

Take a ferry ride over to Newcastle Island and explore its beautiful nature trails and picnic areas.
Catch the ferry from Maffeo Sutton Park, a short drive from the breakfast spot.
CAD40 (ferry for a family), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Boomstick

After returning from the island, enjoy delicious burgers and fries at this casual eatery.
Easily reachable from the ferry terminal.
CAD50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Nanaimo Museum

A family-friendly museum showcasing the local history and culture of Nanaimo.
Located downtown, just a 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
CAD20 (family pass), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk the Harbourfront Walkway

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront walkway, ideal for family photos.
The walkway starts near the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Buzz Coffee House

Wind down the day with light snacks and pastries at this cozy café.
A short walk from the walkway.
CAD40, 1 hour
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Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Nanaimo, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Serious Coffee

Enjoy strong coffee and delicious bagels before the day's adventures.
A local favorite just a short drive from downtown.
CAD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Harbour Park

Spend the morning at Harbour Park for picnicking and letting the kids play.
Located right next to the cafe.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Port Place Shopping Centre

Choose from various local eateries such as Sushiyama and Cattleya Thai.
A short walk from Harbour Park.
CAD60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Snuneymuxw First Nation Cultural Centre

Learn about the indigenous culture and art of the region.
Just a short drive away.
CAD20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre

Let the kids splash around in one of the best indoor water parks in BC.
A quick drive from the cultural center.
CAD40 (family admission), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dine By The Sea

Treat the family to a dinner consisting of fresh seafood.
A short drive from the aquatic center.
CAD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Views

Nanaimo, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pantry

Enjoy a classic Canadian breakfast featuring eggs and bacon.
Located about 15 minutes from downtown Nanaimo.
CAD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Cable Bay Trail

Take a family-friendly hike with beautiful coastal views.
About a 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Fish & Chips Shop

Savor local fish & chips perfectly fried to enjoy by the sea.
Close to the Cable Bay trail parking area.
CAD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Nanaimo Bar Trail

Take a relaxing stroll as you visit a variety of local shops and try the iconic Nanaimo bar.
Drive back to downtown; the trail is through the main streets.
CAD10, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Beacon Hill Park

A vibrant park where kids can enjoy the petting zoo and playground.
A short drive from downtown.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mambo's Pizza

End the day with family-friendly pizza options at Mambo's.
Located easily accessible from the park.
CAD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Beach Day

Nanaimo, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fibber Magee's

Enjoy a hearty Irish-style breakfast complete with eggs, sausages, and toast.
Located at a 10-minute drive from downtown.
CAD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Departure Bay Beach

Spend the morning playing in the sand and swimming at one of Nanaimo's most popular beaches.
Just a 5-minute drive from the café.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Beach House Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch right on the beachfront with family-friendly options.
Located right on Departure Bay Beach.
CAD75, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Go for a Whale Watching Tour

Experience an unforgettable short whale-watching trip with your family.
Tours depart from the beach area.
CAD200 (family rate), 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Jacks Brewery

Indulge in a family dinner with local brews and pub fare.
Easily reachable from the whale watching dock.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Parksville

Parksville, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Morning Star

Fuel up with fresh pastries and organic coffee in Nanaimo before heading out.
Close to where you'll be parking for your trip to Parksville.
CAD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Parksville

Travel to Parksville and enjoy the scenic views along the coast.
A quick 30-minute drive via Highway 19.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Enjoy Parksville State Park

A perfect spot for beachcombing and swimming in the warm waters.
Located just past Parksville town center.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Beach Club Resort

Delight in a family-friendly lunch with views of the ocean.
Easily accessible within walking distance from the beach.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Parksville Community Park

Family playgrounds are available for the kids to enjoy.
A quick 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Treetops Tapas & Grill

Dinner with a great selection of tapas to share and sample.
Just a short drive from the park.
CAD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Qualicum Beach Fun

Qualicum Beach, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Qualicum Beach Café

A cozy café offering delicious breakfast sandwiches and great coffee.
Located in Qualicum Beach, a 15-minute drive from Parksville.
CAD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walk at Qualicum Beach

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores of Qualicum Beach.
Directly accessible from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest

Explore this beautiful forest trail with family-friendly paths.
A short drive from the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Shady Rest Waterfront Restaurant

Savor local dishes with scenic oceanfront views.
Located conveniently near the heritage forest.
CAD80, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Milner Gardens and Woodland

An exquisite garden experience for the family to enjoy and explore.
Just a quick drive south on Highway 19A.
CAD20 (family pass), 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Treats at Qualicum Beach Bakery

Grab some baked goods for the road; perfect for snacks.
On the way back to Parksville.
CAD30, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Bistro 101

End your day with a fine-casual dinner option.
Located in Parksville, a quick drive from the bakery.
CAD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Journey to Cowichan Valley

Cowichan Valley, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Blue Room

Enjoy a warm breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup to start your day.
Located in Parksville and a short drive away.
CAD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Cowichan Valley

Take a scenic drive through country roads to Cowichan Valley.
Approximately 30 minutes on Highway 1.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Cowichan Valley Vineyards

Experience a family-friendly tour at local vineyards with stunning views.
Most vineyards are located close to one another in the valley.
CAD50 (family tour), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dungeons and Dragon Brewery

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with a wide variety of food options.
Located about 15 minutes from the vineyards.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Cowichan Valley Regional Park

Go for a family-friendly hike with plenty of paths to follow.
Just a 10-minute drive from the brewery.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Head Back Towards Nanaimo

Drive back to Nanaimo for dinner.
A scenic 40-minute drive.
Free, 40 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The White Spot

Enjoy a family meal with a varied menu of burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Located in Nanaimo and family-friendly.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Capital City Exploration

Victoria, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Diner

A full breakfast served in a cozy setting, just right before the trip.
Located in Nanaimo, near the ferry terminal.
CAD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take Ferry to Victoria

Travel via ferry to the beautiful capital city of Victoria, BC.
Ferry departs from Nanaimo Harbour.
CAD100 (family rate), 1.5 hours including travel and boarding time

11:00AM

Explore Butchart Gardens

Visit the stunning gardens full of vibrant flowers and picturesque paths.
A short drive from the ferry terminal; you can take a bus or taxi.
CAD80 (family pass), 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Dining Room at Butchart Gardens

Enjoy delicious meals with views of the gardens surrounding you.
Located within Butchart Gardens.
CAD100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Royal BC Museum

A fascinating museum showcasing the natural and human history of British Columbia.
A drive back to Victoria's downtown area.
CAD60 (family pass), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Fisherman's Wharf

Relax at Fisherman's Wharf for fresh seafood dining options.
A short drive or walk from the museum.
CAD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Ocean Side Adventures

Sidney, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sidney Bakery

Indulge in freshly baked goods and coffee in charming Sidney.
Located right on Beacon Avenue.
CAD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Beacon Park

A beautiful park with a play area for kids and ocean views.
Just a short walk from the bakery.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Victoria Marine Science Centre

Discover the wonders of marine life with interactive exhibits for the whole family.
A short drive from Sidney.
CAD50 (family admission), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill

Enjoy scenic views of the water while dining on fresh local seafood.
Near the Marine Science Centre.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Sidney Spit National Park

Take a short ferry to this stunning national park with beautiful trails and beaches.
Ferry departs from Sidney.
CAD70 (family ferry), 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Boathouse Restaurant

Delight in dinner offerings with a picturesque waterfront view.
Easily reachable after the ferry back from Sidney Spit.
CAD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Relax and Reflect

Nanaimo, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jolly’s Royal Diner

End your trip with a traditional breakfast in this cozy diner setting.
Located centrally in Nanaimo.
CAD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nanaimo's Harbour Ferry

Take a scenic ride around Nanaimo's harbour on a charming little ferry.
Location near the breakfast diner.
CAD50 (family rate), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Nanaimo's Farmers Market

Discover local artisan goods and fresh produce at this vibrant market.
Located near downtown Nanaimo.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nonna Pia's

Savor some delicious Italian cuisine while reflecting on your adventure.
A short walk from the farmers market.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Final stroll at Swy-A-Lana Lagoon

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lagoon, soaking in the last moments in Nanaimo.
A five-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Departure Dinner at Bee’s Knees Cafe

Enjoy your last meal with cozy ambiance and wonderful home-cooked meals.
Located centrally in Nanaimo.
CAD60, 1.5 hours
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