Nanoose Bay

Explore spots and destinations for an action-packed day in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island, Canada. Located at the south end of the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, this area is 15 km south of Parksville and 26 km north of Nanaimo. Take the scenic route on Northwest Bay Road into the heart of the community. The quaint Red Gap commercial hub is a great place to stop for a coffee break or some grocery shopping.

Parks

Nanoose Bay boasts bucolic views and vast greenery in scenic parks. Whether you're looking for a place to picnic or try a new outdoor hobby, you'll find an abundance of wildlife and a tranquil atmosphere in these natural environments.

Moorecroft Regional Park

Ranked as the #1 Thing to Do in Nanoose Bay according to TripAdvisor, this 35-hectare park is a breathtaking forest found along a 1-kilometer stretch of rocky shoreline. A prime destination for bird-watching (look for bald eagles, yellow-rumped warblers and brown creepers), there are also a number of trails to explore, a central lake and several points along the shore with views of the Salish Sea. Dive into the waters at Arab Cove, or refuel with a seaside picnic.

Beachcomber Regional Park

Located on the end of Nanoose Bay's Beachcomber peninsula, Beachcomber Regional Park is a small, one hectare park that contains a surprising number of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Navigate a collection of manageable, tree-lined trails and ascend to the lookout to gaze out across the Strait of Georgia and observe the mainland mountains off in the distance. Along the shore, look for small tide pools to investigate or enjoy a swim just off the stone beach.

Gerald Island Provincial Park

An additional park awaits just off the shores of Nanoose Bay. Accessed via recreational boats, such as kayaks or canoes, the unpopulated park is home to wildlife such as sea lions, bald eagles and other species of birds.

Water-Based Activities

This coastal community offers plenty of on-water experiences for visitors and locals alike. Explore water-focused sports and activities, featuring relaxing day-long ventures and chances to spot special sea creatures.

Kayaking & Canoeing

Rent a kayak or canoe, or set out on guided explorations with Adventuress Sea Kayaking. The outfitter's tours range from shorter island paddles, sunset expeditions or wildlife tours, to multi-day kayaking and camping excursions to nearby parks and islands.

Fishing

Seafarers seeking a less strenuous water-based adventure could join Haida Gold Ocean Adventures for a day of fishing or exploration by boat. Relax on a sunset cruise, reel in Pacific salmon, explore area islands and keep your eyes open for whales, dolphins and other marine life. Anglers can also cast a line on one of several fishing charters in the area.

Scuba Diving

Nanoose Bay is also home to a number of diving sites that allow adventurers to submerge themselves in the waters off Vancouver Island. In fact, Madrona Point is considered one of the best dive sites on Vancouver Island, with three distinct dives that accommodate divers of multiple skill levels and depths ranging from 18 to 27 meters.

Both Madrona Point and the nearby Wall Beach diving site — near Beachcomber Marina — present divers with the high likelihood and memorable experience of encountering sea lions during their dive. Additional Nanoose Bay diving sites include Tyee Cove, Dolphin Beach, Cottam Point, The Jib and Yeo Islands.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy taking in the fresh air and lush environments in Nanoose Bay. Discover exciting ways to dive into new sports in the area, swinging a golf club and descending through powerful winds.

Horseback Riding

Over 50 hectares in size, Paradise Acres Ranch invites you to enjoy picturesque, panoramic views of Mount Arrowsmith and Mount Moriarty by horseback. In addition to riding lessons offered year-round, Paradise Acres also offers trail rides through a blend of woods and fields that range from one to four hours in length.

Golfing

Golf players of all skill levels can drive, wedge and putt their way through well-manicured greens as they dodge the more than 70 sand bunkers throughout the 18-hole waterfront course at Fairwinds Golf Club. Novice golfers can improve their game with lessons at the on-site Learning Centre.

Skydiving

Thrill-seekers can take their exploration of Nanoose Bay to new heights — 3 kilometres above the ground to be specific — with a tandem skydiving experience offered by Skydive Vancouver Island. Feel the rush of falling 200 kilometres per hour and marvel at the landscape of British Columbia and Vancouver Island as an expert skydiver guides you to a soft landing below.

Hiking

Nanoose Bay has some incredible day hikes among towering old growth fir and twisted red arbutus trees. At Powder Point Road you can take a short hike up the Notch Hill to admire Garry Oak and Arbutus meadows, with spectacular views of the Strait of Georgia and across to the mainland.

Hikers can also explore the more than 5 kilometers of rustic, mossy trails that surround Enos Lake. The loop is home to a diverse mix of plant life and beautiful views of the lake, with a vista of the Sailish Sea and southern mountains at the trail's highest elevation.

Eating & Drinking

Explore Nanoose Bay's thriving culinary scene with a variety of restaurants and eateries. Looking to pair your meal with a refreshing drink? Find craft brews and exceptional beverages for your next meal.

Nanoose Bay Cafe

With charming sights and a scrumptious Asian-fusion menu, Nanoose Bay Cafe offers a flavorsome dining experience for all paletes. Enter a chic and modern space with an outdoor patio, overlooking an array of boats at the docks and glimmering blue waters. Must-try dishes include mushroom dumplings and sockeye salmon.

Pacific Moon Rising Bar and Grill

Make your way to locally sourced ingredients and seasonal bites at the Pacific Moon Rising Bar and Grill. Located in Pacific Shores Resort, this seafood-centered restaurant blends classic and modern spins on meals such as the grilled chicken breast and portobello stack.

Rusted Rake Brewing

This farm-to-tap craft brewery and gourmet eatery in Nanoose Bay is a fun spot where the vibes run high and the beer runs cold. The Rake is a good-for-the-soul kind of place, and at the heart of it all is their beautiful farm. They grow the barley for their delicious beer where they dream up and create their gourmet local fare.

The 19th Hole Café

After a round of golf at Fairwinds Golf Club, enjoy a meal at this casual dining spot. Golfers and non-golfers alike can enjoy a menu of locally sourced ingredients, with special dining experiences for holidays throughout the year as well as occasional live music and dances.

The Rocking Horse Pub

Located in the lush countryside of Nanoose Bay, The Rocking Horse Pub's cozy decor and menu evokes the charm of a traditional English pub. The menu includes classic pub fare, such as Shepherds pie and fish and chips, as well as an assortment of "Burgers from around the World" that can be savoured outside on their sun-soaked patio or inside beside a fireplace.

Local Markets

Nanoose Bay is also home to several markets perfect for those looking to procure fresh produce. Springford Farm Market provides farm-raised beef, eggs, and seasonal produce, in addition to an expanding collection of products from Vancouver Island artisans such as bakeries and cheesemakers.

Lodgings

Whether you're seeking luxurious amenities or waterfront views, create a memorable stay in Nanoose Bay. With highly rated lodgings, you'll find traveling and engaging in nearby activities with ease.

Fairwinds Residences

Looking for a home-away-from-home experience for a short-term stay? Fairwinds Residences feature stylish interiors with sweeping views of the water. With a focus on premier-rated conveniences and amenities, you'll find a comfortable stay at these condo-style rentals.

Pacific Shores Resort

Located on Craig Bay, this oceanfront resort is a 6-hectare waterfront resort with comfy accommodations, gardens, trails and pools. The resort not only offers stunning views, but provides guests with multiple ways to set out onto the water, including stand-up paddle boards and kayaks, as well as numerous dry-land activities such as pickle ball courts, ping pong tables and cruiser bikes.

Paradise Acres Ranch

The aforementioned Paradise Acres Ranch also doubles as a lodging option, perfect for equestrian aficionados looking for a ranch vacation. The ranch operates as a bed and breakfast with a kitchen helmed by Chef de Cuisine Gerd Voigt while also offering treed campsites for tents and RVs.