Town and Country
From Departure Bay to Neck Point Park and Saysutshun Island there are many places to stop along the ocean’s edge, or venture inland to one of many parks and trails with an abundance of unique birding opportunities.
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1270-1136 Raines Rd, Nanaimo, BC, Canada1Nanaimo Estuary Natural Area
This short trail on the banks of the Nanaimo River offers a host of birding opportunities, all within view of downtown Nanaimo.
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Nanaimo River Estuary, Island Hwy, Nanaimo, BC, Canada2Nanaimo River Estuary
This diverse area is where the Nanaimo River meets the Salish Sea, creating the largest estuary on Vancouver Island.
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4536+P6 Nanaimo, BC, Canada3Hemer Provincial Park
Just South of Nanaimo, this forested park includes walking trails and a viewing platform over the marsh perfect for easy-access birding.
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1840 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo, BC, Canada1COCO Café
Fresh baked goods made in-house daily, as well as specialty coffees, teas, breakfast, and lunch options to dine-in or take with you into the field.
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2220 Yellow Point Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1W9, Canada1The Crow & Gate Pub
Deep in the quiet rural countryside just south of Nanaimo, this renowned Tudor-style building houses BC’s very first neighbourhood pub.
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Hearthstone Artisan Bakery, Tenth Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada2Hearthstone Artisan Bakery
Early birds can stock up on fresh-baked artisan bread, pastries, and cakes, before hitting the road.
Parks and Recreation
Stretching North along the Island Highway, Nanaimo’s local parks welcome birders of all backgrounds to slow down, and enjoy the scenery.
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Buttertubs Marsh Park, Bird Sanctuary Drive, Nanaimo, BC, Canada1Buttertubs Marsh
A two kilometre looping trail leads the adventurous through Buttertubs Marsh, with observation decks along the way to rest, and view various birds and local wildlife.
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Morrell Nature Sanctuary, 787 Nanaimo Lakes Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3C2, Canada2Morrell Nature Sanctuary
Immerse yourself amongst 278 acres of lush forest dotted with various walking trails, leading past protected Vancouver Island wildlife.
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53Q7+WF Nanaimo, BC, Canada1Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Provincial Park Campground
Engage with local Indigenous community members on this island just a short boat ride from downtown Nanaimo – a picturesque place to explore all day, or spend the night at their serene campground.
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2835 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC, Canada1Drip Coffee Social
Coffee and snacks to go, or sandwiches and pints on the patio – this modern coffee and social house has both.
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120 Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G6, Canada1Mon Petit Choux
This French-inspired cafe can help turn a birdwatching hike into a five-star picnic, with fresh, organic bread, pastries, breakfast, and lunch options.
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426 Fitzwilliam St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3B1, Canada2McLean’s Specialty Foods
Purveyors of imported delicacies and specialty foods, this local favourite boasts over 150 varieties of cheese from around the world.
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1Strong Nations Books
Ordering from this Indigenous-owned online bookstore supports the local community while extending your learning journey through art and literature.
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Backyard Wild Bird & Nature Store The, 6314 Metral Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8, Canada2The Backyard Wild Bird & Nature Store
This community birding hub has all the essentials for making any backyard a bird paradise. In season, they also offer guided bird walks throughout Central Vancouver Island.Â
Eating Well in the Harbour City
We all get peckish after a day, or two, or three, of exploring Super, Natural British Columbia. Thankfully, Nanaimo’s growing farm-to-table food scene has plenty of options that cater to any taste.
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39 B Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G3, Canada1Gabriel’s Café
The fresh, sustainable, seasonally-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes in this cafe support local farmers from Nanaimo and the surrounding region.
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2367 Arbot Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6S9, Canada1Piccadilly Bistro
With a big focus on fresh, local seafood, keen birders can keep an eye out for waterfowl as they dine alongside views of Westwood Lake from the Piccadilly Bistro dining room, lounge, or outdoor patio.
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5 Victoria Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 4R4, Canada2Firehouse Grill
Specializing in Cajun-inspired grilled dishes and modern sushi fusion, lunch or dinner in this restaurant on the upper floor of Nanaimo’s historic Firehall No. 2 is a great respite from the elements.
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221 Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G8, Canada3Melange Restaurant
Share small plates with friends at this cozy restaurant with a large wine list and a diverse menu utilizing seasonal, fresh ingredients.
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Top Notch Burgers, Church Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada4Top Notch Burgers
The place to go for gourmet burgers of all kinds, with views of the harbour and a refreshing and fun cocktail menu.
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77 Skinner Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada5The Nest Bistro
The place to go for gourmet burgers of all kinds, with views of the harbour and a refreshing and fun cocktail menu.
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1577 Stewart Avenue, Nanaimo, BC, Canada1Buccaneer Inn
Just around the corner from the Departure Bay ferry terminal, this Nanaimo motel features nautically-themed rooms with a wide range of amenities all along the water.
Book Now: https://buccaneerinn.com/nanaimo-reservations/request-form.php#main
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4700 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, Canada2Inn on Long Lake
Just north of downtown Nanaimo and close to the Departure Bay ferry terminal, this hotel property features rooms fitted with private balconies or patios offering gorgeous views of Long Lake.