Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Cozy Corners & Local Stops in Nanaimo
13
items I love to explore nature, support local businesses, and try delicious snacks in my area. These are hidden gems that I’m obsessed with: the top food, views, and services in and around Nanaimo from an island local born and raised.
Sections
2
My Nanaimo comfort food cravings
Nature that steals your heart: Nanaimo
My Nanaimo comfort food cravings
Fav sushi forever
FIREHOUSE GRILL - Firehouse Grill Nanaimo - Sushi, Grill and Craft Beer!
Ma & Pa bakery open 24 hours most days for late night munchies - cheesecake and Nanaimo bars for the win
Red's Bakery
Gourmet burger joint in the heart of downtown
Top Notch Burgers
This is the all time best pizza place - amazing food, awesome staff, locally owned in Nanaimo for 35 years.
Mambo Gourmet Pizza
So so good - fresh, delicious, and gorgeous brunch place to start the morning (or afternoon) on the right foot.
Home | Le Brunch Cafe - Gourmet brunch, lunch or breakfast in Nanaimo ...
I always get the sweet corn and chipotle chicken burger from here - love the goat cheese and cilantro, and half price after 9pm if you eat in!
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Nature that steals your heart: Nanaimo
This is a great spot to bring furry friends and one of the most beautiful views for photography
NECK POINT PARK (2025) All You MUST Know Before You Go (w/ Reviews)
Cool spot with off leash and on leash dog walking, a trail loop, hiking, and there’s even a little waterfall if you walk through the tunnel
Colliery Dam Park | City of Nanaimo
Love this place to meet a friend for tea and walk through the trees. This is a non-profit nature sanctuary with wild life, educational programs, and allows dogs off leash.
Morrell Nature Sanctuary
Spectacular views, sand, sea, and a playground for kids. Watch the ferries come in, grab a coffee from across the street, or try one of the food trucks on rotation.
Departure Bay Beach | Nanaimo Oceanfront Parks
This is a very short, but steep stair hike up to a gorgeous look out with views of Departure Bay. There’s grass that waves in the wind and a few benches to sit on. At Christmas they usually have a giant tree decoration made of lights you can see sitt...
Sugarloaf Mountain Park | City of Nanaimo
This is a classic camping spot. Lakes (multiple - on a logging road) no cell phone reception, old cabins, trees, lots of sites for tents, trailers, etc, and lots to explore. Also a ton of river spots down the road!
Mosaic Campsites
This is a cute family focused campsite right on the ocean in South Nanaimo. It’s got a really convenient location being so close to downtown, but still tucked away in the trees with beach access and usual camping amenities.
Living Forest Oceanside Campground