NANAIMO SIGHTSEEING DAY TRIPS

Nanaimo is located in the center of Vancouver Island and has wonderful FOUR SEASON activities for a relaxing, yet invigorating holiday! Hammond Bayside Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of it all, and is the perfect launching point for exciting and entertaining day trips and sightseeing adventures.

North or South of Nanaimo there is much to see and do on Supernatural Vancouver Island

NORTH of Nanaimo

NANOOSE ART LOOP AND SCENIC DRIVE

Get ready to explore numerous show rooms and studios. Paintings, sculptures, pottery, handmade crafts and photography abound. But first we recommend you pick up your copy of their brochures from the Nanaimo Tourist Info Centre as addresses and driving instructions are a must.

RATHTREVOR Park - This provincial park has one of the greatest beaches in the area. It also sports an excellent programme of interpretive nature walks. For the bird-loving enthusiast, Springtime Brant geese stop on their annual migration. In August, Rathtrevor Farm Days, demonstrate what the area used to be historically when it was a working farm.

PARKSVILLE AND QUALICUM OFFER MUCH TO SEE AND DO

1. PARKSVILLE'S PUBLIC BEACH AND CHILDREN'S TOT PARK
The sandy beach seemingly goes out for miles at low tide times allowing you to observe shell and marine-life treasures. Warm tidal pools delight the little ones to splash about and watch little bullhead fish. A well-designed children's playground offers fun for them and rest for the adults.

2. SPECIAL EVENTS
Every summer, Parksville hosts the International Sand Castle Competition. Check it out if you're fortunate to be here during this event. Mid July - the Vintage Car Clubs meet here. In April - the Brant Festival - see migrating Brant geese.

3. GOLF COURSES!!! You're in the area of golf courses galore between Parksville and Qualicum.

4. DOWNTOWN VILLAGE OF QUALICUM - QUAINT AND PRETTY.
Live theater attractions. Check them out at the Village tourist stop. Neat specialty shops, and bakeries

5. LITTLE QUALICUM RIVER FALLS - a GREAT place to view and picnic!
Beauty captivates you as you traverse over a system of bridges across the river and see the falls. Hike or picnic there. A wonderfully supernatural scenic place any time of year.

BUTTERFLY WORLD and BOTANICAL GARDEN

Where colorful butterflies flitter everywhere and visit with you. It is an amazing place to observe so many different species and enjoy their unique beauty. Near Coombs…

PARROT / BIRD WORLD - A riot of color and sounds. Near Coombs.

CATHEDRAL GROVE toward Alberni

Macmillan Park-Cathedral Grove comes quickly after you pass Cameron Lake. Old-growth forests contain trees ranging up to 800 years or older. These wonderful giants have weathered many difficult forces, but they still prevail to be enjoyed by you. The largest tree in the grove measure over 30 feet around, so bring you camera! The trails are dotted with small signs that explain the habitat you are observing. A must to see and enjoy!

COOMBS - OLD COUNTRY MARKET & MORE, MUCH MORE!

On top of the Old Country Market lives a family of goats! They will entertain you with their presence and antics as they munch on the grass roof of this unique Market. OCM offers local produce, specialty foods from many corners of the world, and interesting items for sale. Inside it a restaurant and bakery flourish, and an ice-cream counter offers a myriad of flavors.
Indulge, enjoy!

Numerous boutique and specialty shops offer an array of items for sale. Local artists display and sell wonderful treasures and souvenirs. It's a spot to explore, relax and enjoy the vast offerings and pick up unusual items.

HORNE LAKE CAVES

A great place to see a wonder of nature. This Spelunking experience is considered on of the finest in North America, so some restrictions apply in order to protect the fragile ecosystem. During July and August, between 9-4, tours are offered on a first come / serve basis. Warmer clothing and good footwear are needed. Located about half way between Nanaimo and Courtney.

MOUNT WASHINGTON

Summer of winter, Mount Washington is a winner! The winter skiing is fantastic, and summer hiking is spectacular! Mountaintop dining is available though out the year. AND the Mt. Washington Resort rents llamas! Now that's the way to sight see! (See Sports - Skiing)

DENMAN AND HORNBY ISLANDS

Another great daytrip to consider! Short ferry rides transport you into the laid-back world of the residents where artisans flourish, and the scenery is wonderful. Beaches are great! Biking, hiking, or just poking around makes for an interesting side trip / daytime adventure

PORT ALBERNI and AREA

The picturesque town built on the forestry and fishing industries. It has also focused on developing an inner port area worth viewing and enjoying. Pretty. Unique. Interesting. Educational. Mill tours available - Macmillan Bloedel Forestry Center. Check out Stamp Falls, very near Port Alberni.

WEST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND - see the internet for the Pacific Rim Park and Tourism. You may need more than a day away to explore this area.

SOUTH of Nanaimo

GABRIOLA ISLAND

Visit the most northern Gulf Island by boarding the car ferry from Down Town Nanaimo for a 20-minute ride. The island has three provincial parks, all with beaches. One of the most wonderful sights is the Gabriola Sandstone Galleries and Cliffs- marvously sculptured from wind, rain and sea over the years. Eagles Bluff is home to thousand of cormorants and Bald Eagles. SCUBA diving is superb - clear cuts nearby abound. Kayaking available. Artists and artisans thrive on Gabriola, and you will find numerous studios and galleries.

YELLOW POINT

Rolling hills, rural living, and a myriad of small lakes are found in the Cedar / Yellow Point area. The area is just minutes south of Nanaimo and is a Cottage industry and artisan haven.

CASSIDY

Cassidy sports 3 major attractions - the BUNGY JUMP @ Nanaimo River, the Nanaimo Salmon Hatchery, and the Collishaw Airport - with its commercial and charter air services. There you can book an aerial tour of Nanaimo and area.

LADYSMITH

"Heritage" is the focus of this charming town and Ladysmith is a delight to visit. Ladysmith won the "Western Canada Award for Excellence" when they restored and revitalized their town. Stroll its main avenue. Enjoy its little bakery's and cafes and unique shops. Relax. Explore. Good Beach. In December, see the greatest little town's Christmas light up. Spectacular.

CHEMAINUS

The "Little Town that DID" did wonders after it's lumber mill (one of the largest on the continent) was forced to close / cut back. Tourism has replaced this industry, and you will not be disappointed as you stroll through the colorful streets. Chemainus has become Canada's largest permanent outdoor art gallery. Huge murals (over 30) cover public buildings and depict the early life of the area. A wonderful dinner theatre and numerous shops and galleries are a treat to see. Don't forget to stop for tea and homemade desserts in the quaint tea houses along the main street.

DUNCAN

City of Totem Poles is proud of its First Nations Heritage. Forty-one Poles are erected throughout the area. Learn more about them from the Native Heritage Center. Ride the BC Forestry Museums' steam train and see numerous exhibits.

LAKE COWICHAN & Area

See the village of Lake Cowichan and visit its Kaatza Station, an Award winning museum in an old railway station. Visit nearby Youbou, and experience the mind-boggling technology at eh Satellite Earth Station operated by Teleglobe Canada. Take the south road from the village of L.Cowichan, to the B.C. Forest Research Station at Mesachie Lake. A self-guided tour shows 33 species of trees. They were imported from around the world. Hiking trail, picnic areas, campsites are found along the lake.

SOUTH TO VICTORIA and Area - Check greater Victoria areas tourist attractions on line.