There is no shortage of enticing activities to enjoy on the land adjoining Nanaimo's waterfront.

From relaxing seaside walks to dining, shopping or enjoying an evening of theatre, life on the seaside of the 'Harbour City' offers point of interest at every turn. The Port of Nanaimo has been an active player in the planning, development, and management of most of these foreshore amenities and highlights.

Harbourside Walkway

A 4 kilometre walkway that shows off many of Nanaimo's Harbourside attractions.

Built in 1987, the Walkway has become one of the best-used recreational facilities in the city.

A stroll along its landscaped path reveals many of the projects the Port Authority has encouraged and promoted to boost recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Close-up views of Gabriola, Protection and Newcastle Islands with access to their connecting ferries are also part of the Walkway's many features.

Pioneer Waterfront Plaza

This jewel in the harbour's crown was completed in 1993 and provides a focal point for the downtown waterfront.

Shops, restaurants and public facilities and meeting spaces all come together at the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza.

This Plaza provides access to the Inner Harbour and Boat Basin so that visitors who arrive by sea can be found mingling with shoppers, diners and walkers.

Public parking is concealed beneath the Plaza deck and the Wharfinger and Harbourmaster's office, as well as the Seaplane Terminal are located nearby.

Inner Harbour

Nanaimo's heart and soul was born on this waterfront and it is preserved with the support of the Nanaimo Port Authority.

Nanaimo's past, present and future is tied closely to this stretch of waterfront. Site of major transportation connections, industry, entertainment, recreation and culture, the heart of the community keeps beat with the rhythm of the sea.

Nanaimo's Port Theatre, shown above, was named in recognition of the Port Authority's leading role in the development of this performing arts centre.

W.E. Mills Landing & Marina

The 600 foot pier off Cameron Island provides moorage for short and long-term users.

Originally designed to attract "pocket" cruise ships and other vessels too large to use other docking facilities in the harbour, the Visiting Vessel Pier has become a favourite with visitors to the Harbourside Walkway.

Dockside visitors are afforded the possibility of giving a casual inspection to moored naval vessels, yachts and other ocean-going visitors close-up while they brush shoulders with the crews of these worldly visitors.

Fishing & Walking Pier

Construction of this popular highlight of the harbour was completed by Nanaimo Port Authority in 1993.

Adjoining Maffeo Sutton Park beside Swy-a-Lana Lagoon, the Fishing and Walking Pier is accessed via the Harbourside Walkway. The pier serves as a breakwater for the Inner Harbour and Boat Basin and has become a popular spot for crab fishers, as well as a destination for tourists and strollers out to enjoy the waterfront.

Swy-a-Lana Lagoon

At the center of downtown Nanaimo's Maffeo Sutton Park, the Lagoon is a popular stopping-off point for walkers.

Built in 1984, the man-made lagoon provides the community with a year-round children's playground and beach. Swy-a-Lana lagoon uses the natural ebb and flow of tides to create a marine habitat and, at low tide, a series of waterfalls.

Its location makes it the centre of attention during the Marine Festival, world-famous Bathtub Races and other annual celebrations.

Seaplane Terminal

The Port of Nanaimo Seaplane Terminal opened in 1985. Daily scheduled float plane service from Nanaimo harbour to downtown Vancouver harbour, Richmond (Airport) and Sechelt is provided by West Coast Air and Harbour Air. Charters and scenic flights are also available.

The Terminal also has a Marine Pub and Bistro with a large patio deck and outdoor BBQ.

For more information please contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Manager of Marketing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Manager of Property