Departure Bay Travel Guide
Nanaimo





Visit Departure Bay
Popular places to visit

Departure Bay Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Departure Bay Beach during your travels in Nanaimo?

Old City Quarter
Learn about the local history of Nanaimo with a stop at Old City Quarter. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Long Lake
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Long Lake during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Pipers Lagoon Park
After visiting Pipers Lagoon Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Neck Point Park
Neck Point Park is just one of the places to see in Nanaimo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Things to do

Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour

Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat

Tofino to Nanaimo: Private car transfer
Top hotels in Departure Bay

THE Beach Club Resort
"We absolutely loved our stay! The resort is in the beach with a beautiful boardwalk along the shoreline. The on-site restaurant had delicious food. Ideally located making it a quick drive to other sites and activities. Walkout room was perfect for teens to go off and have fun!"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
"This is a functional hotel. Pretty dated but served our purpose fine."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Coast Bastion Hotel
"Clean rooms with some great views overlooking the water. Very friendly and helpful staff."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Bayside Resort, an Ascend Collection Resort
"Excellent stay at this property , we'll come back again"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026

Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
"Yes, the breakfast menu was fresh - they have fruits, yogurt, hardboiled eggs, coffee, tea, muffins. Just a simple breakfast to start your day!"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
"Room clean, bedding great, liked the little dove soaps etc in the bathroom. Free safe parking Free breakfast ok but we have had much better. Didn't like it closed off during rest of the day , not like the two other hotels we stayed where always fresh coffee or tea, or water dispenser , the area was ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Departure Bay

Stephenson Point
While Stephenson Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.
