2025 Nanaimo F Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

🏕 Jordan River The first stop is Jordan River, a quiet and pleasant driving destination. It’s an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area, and it’s refreshing to sit by the beach and watch surfers at China Beach and Mystic Beach showing off their skills, as if watching an autumn surf party. . 🏕 Cowichan Bay Then head to Cowichan Bay, a little gem tucked between Victoria and Nanaimo that exudes a strong fishing village feel. Artist studios and handicraft shops can be found everywhere in the town. It feels like stepping into a secret garden away from the hustle and bustle, and the soul is completely healed. . 🏕 Ucluelet If Tofino feels too crowded for you, head to Ucluelet, a low-key yet charming place just two and a half hours from Nanaimo. The pristine coastline makes people feel like they are in the embrace of nature. Every beautiful scene along the way makes you unable to help but click the shutter to record the tranquility. . 🏕Parksville Parksville is still charming in the fall, with its vast sandy beaches sparkling golden in the sun. Don’t forget to drop by Coombs Old Country Market to see the adorable goats basking in the sun on the rooftop and experience the town’s unique quirkiness. . 🏕Ladysmith Sandwiched between Victoria and Nanaimo, Ladysmith is a fitting rest stop on your road trip. Stroll through the center of the town, breathe in the fresh air, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of history, and rediscover your inner peace. . 🏕Campbell River Finally, drive north to Campbell River, an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Here, the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is a place not to be missed. Standing on the suspension bridge and overlooking the magnificent natural landscape, you can't help but be shocked.

#mytraveldiary Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, is a majestic old-growth forest famed for its towering Douglas firs, red cedars, and serene woodland atmosphere. The grove offers a rare opportunity to walk among some of Canada’s oldest and tallest trees, providing a sense of timeless natural beauty. ⸻ Ambience & Setting The forest features massive trees rising dramatically from the forest floor, with moss-covered trunks, ferns, and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. The trails meander through this cathedral-like setting, creating a tranquil and awe-inspiring environment. Seasonal changes bring vibrant greens in spring and summer, golden tones in autumn, and a peaceful quiet in winter. ⸻ Highlights of the Visit • Ancient Trees: Towering Douglas firs and red cedars, some over 800 years old, create an impressive and humbling natural spectacle. • Walking Trails: Accessible trails of varying lengths allow visitors to explore the forest at their own pace. • Boardwalks and Viewing Platforms: Protect sensitive areas while offering excellent vantage points for photography and observation. • Educational Signage: Informative boards detail the ecology, history, and significance of the old-growth forest. • Photography Opportunities: The scale, light, and natural textures of the trees make Cathedral Grove a photographer’s paradise. ⸻ Practical Info • Location: MacMillan Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. • Access: Accessible by car from Parksville or Nanaimo; parking available on-site. • Visiting Hours: Open year-round; daylight hours recommended for the best experience. • Best Season: Spring and summer for lush greenery; autumn for fall colors; winter for a quiet, reflective atmosphere. • Facilities: Walking trails, boardwalks, picnic areas, restrooms, and informational signage. ⸻ Why It’s Worth Visiting • Offers a rare glimpse of ancient Canadian old-growth forest. • Combines serene natural beauty with educational and recreational opportunities. • Ideal for hikers, nature lovers, photographers, and families. • Provides a peaceful and reflective outdoor experience accessible to all visitors. ⸻ Cathedral Grove is a breathtaking forest sanctuary where towering ancient trees, lush greenery, and tranquil trails converge, offering visitors an inspiring and timeless experience on Vancouver Island.

#mytraveldiary Walking through Cathedral Grove was a deeply peaceful and humbling experience. This protected stand of ancient Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island feels like stepping into a prehistoric world. The trees are absolutely massive, some of them over 800 years old, and they tower over you, creating a natural canopy. The air is cool and smells of damp earth and old growth. The path is a simple boardwalk, making it easy to wander and take in the silent grandeur of the forest. My travel diary notes for this place are all about a sense of quiet reverence and wonder. It's not a place for fast-paced activity, but for quiet reflection and appreciation of nature's timeless beauty.

This guide focuses on food and attractions in Victoria and its surrounding areas. Here are some great spots to check out: ✅Red Fish Blue Fish A truly iconic eatery in Victoria. Their BC Halibut fish & chips, salmon tacos, and chipotle chowder are generously portioned. The salmon taco features tender fish with excellent black pepper seasoning, while the chowder has a sweet-sour coconut flavor—definitely worth trying. ✅Yua Bistro A Japanese restaurant near Chinatown with great lunch specials. Their nigiri sushi 🍣 is fresh and delicious. The pork tenderloin oju box features incredibly tender pork marinated in yuzu vinegar, which cuts through the richness. The eel rice bowl is decent but small in portion. The meal comes with many side dishes, and prices are reasonable—around $30 per person for a filling meal. ✅Murchie’s Fine Tea & Coffee A century-old tea shop established in 1894, said to be Canada’s oldest tea company. We recommend their Tieguanyin tea and lychee coconut milk tea—perfect as souvenirs. They also serve coffee and desserts, making it a great spot for afternoon tea. ✅Parliament Buildings One of Victoria’s landmarks, open to the public for free. Inside, you’ll find historical photos from its early days and a glimpse into the real legislative chamber. ✅Clover Point Park A great spot to spot otters! It’s quiet and surrounded by residential areas, perfect for a leisurely stroll. ✅Abbeymoore Manor If you want to experience Victoria from the last century, this B&B is a must! Originally a wealthy merchant’s home during the gold rush era, the furniture and decor are full of historical charm. Breakfast is included. Near Nanaimo: ✅Old Country Market This market’s unique feature is the goats on its roof! Inside, you’ll find international souvenirs and plenty of food options. Their most famous item is the German-style Bee Sting Cake. They also sell dried sausages, beef jerky, homemade goat cheese, and even have a British-style pastry shop. ✅Cathedral Grove The easiest way to experience Vancouver Island’s temperate rainforest. The loop takes less than 20 minutes to walk, suitable for all ages.

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #stunningview Nestled on Vancouver Island's east coast, Parksville is a charming seaside town renowned for its expansive sandy beaches, vibrant arts scene, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Parksville has something for everyone. What to See & Do: Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: Spanning 347 hectares, this park offers a two-kilometre stretch of sandy beach, old-growth Douglas fir trees, and over 250 camping spaces. At low tide, the ocean recedes nearly a kilometre, creating vast tidal flats perfect for exploration. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park: Located west of Parksville, this park features short year-round access hiking trails and bridges that lead to both upper and lower falls on the Englishman River. It's a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and observing salmon spawning in season. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: Encompassing the southern shore of Cameron Lake, this park offers swimming, fishing, and campgrounds, along with 6 km of walking trails. The surrounding mountains create a wind funnel, making it a unique spot for sailboarding. Coombs Old Country Market ("Goats on the Roof"): Just a short drive from Parksville, this quirky market is famous for its goats grazing atop the building. It's a must-visit for unique shopping and photo opportunities. Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park: A hidden gem offering guided cave tours suitable for all ages. Explore underground formations and learn about the area's geology. Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall offers pleasant weather and a plethora of outdoor activities. Location: Parksville, British Columbia, Canada #ParksvilleBC #VancouverIsland #RathtrevorBeach #EnglishmanRiverFalls #LittleQualicumFalls #GoatsOnTheRoof #HorneLakeCaves #ExploreBC #FamilyTravel #NatureLovers

On our road trip up Vancouver Island, Cathedral Grove stood as a majestic sanctuary, a timeless witness to nature's grandeur. As we wandered through this ancient forest, colossal trees towered above, their whispers echoing centuries of history. The scent of damp earth and the symphony of bird songs enveloped us, transporting us to a realm untouched by time. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, painting intricate patterns on the forest floor. Moss-covered trunks stood like sentinels, their gnarled roots intertwining with the earth below. In this sacred grove, we found solace and inspiration, a reminder of the intricate beauty of the natural world. Cathedral Grove's quiet majesty left an indelible mark on our journey, a place where the past meets the present, and where the soul finds peace amidst towering giants.#familytrip #historicallandmarks #localguides

Such a cool local market! Also goats on a roof, if you are lucky enough to see them please be nice and take photos! The market inside is very cool! We found many souvenirs! Also picked up some lunch on our island road trip! There is also a store with many statues that you can take photos with. You cannot miss it on the highway. There is a small old castle before the turn for the parking. Be careful of people looking at the goats, they might be blocking the parking area. #localguides #historicallandmarks #familytrip