Nanoose Bay

Travel Guide

Nanoose Bay showing rugged coastline and a house
Nanoose Bay showing golf
Nanoose Bay featuring a bay or harbor
Nanoose Bay
Nanoose Bay featuring rugged coastline
Discover a popular wildlife spotting location on the east coast of Vancouver Island and take to the water to explore miles of untouched shoreline.

Nanoose Bay is a coastal community where lakes and sandy beaches are surrounded by forests and snow-covered mountains. This area of great beauty is a popular playground for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hike along woodland trails, row across the bay and go bird and wildlife spotting.

Enjoy a range of recreational activities on the bay's waters. Stop by one of the beaches for a refreshing swim. Rent a kayak or canoe and visit a marina to charter a small boat for a fishing expedition. Cod, perch and flounder are among the species you can hope to catch here.

The bay is also known for its numerous scuba diving sites. Dive down to aquatic depths to see even more marine life, including sponges, scallops and Puget Sound king crabs. There are sites for all ability levels.

Experience more of the bay’s animals with a visit to the Qualicum National Wildlife Area. The 203–acre (82-hectare) lowland expanse encompasses meadows, marshes and mudflats and is home to nearly 200 animal species, including more than 100 different types of birds. Spot bald eagles and Brent geese in the sky, while on the ground you may encounter deer, otters and raccoons. 

Familiarize yourself with some of the native aquatic flora by hiking the trails by Enos Lake and its nearby ponds. Walk up to the top of Notch Hill on the north side of Nanoose Harbour for the excellent views of the bay and estuary.

Sporting types may want to challenge themselves with a round or two at the Fairwinds Golf and Country Club. The course has a scenic setting with ocean and forest views and is open to players of all abilities.

Finish your day by dining on local fish specialties in a cozy restaurant or pub.

Nanoose Bay is situated between the towns of Nanaimo and Parksville and is less than a 30-minute drive from either of these locations.

Where to stay in Nanoose Bay

Lunch stop while sea kayaking in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island. One of my favorite places to have lunch!

Beachcomber

While Beachcomber isn't home to many top sights, Beachcomber Marina and Qualicum National Wildlife Area are some notable places to visit nearby.

Beachcomber
Pacific Shores Resort & Spa
Pacific Shores Resort & Spa
3.5 out of 5
1600 Strougler Road, Nanoose Bay, BC
The price is P6,913 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
P6,913
P8,407 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 26 - Mar 27
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Nanoose Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Parksville Beach and Parksville Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (669 reviews)
Attention to Detail
"This place is better maintained than most brand new places I've stayed at. I found myself scrutinizing things more closely because everywhere I looked nothing was out of place. Beautiful setting. I'll be back"

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Pacific Shores Resort & Spa
THE Beach Club Resort
THE Beach Club Resort
3.5 out of 5
181 Beachside Drive, Parksville, BC
The price is P7,912 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
P7,912
P10,013 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The Beach Club Resort has incredible ocean views from their seaside rooms and a boardwalk. Great staff and handy to other seaside adventures."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

THE Beach Club Resort
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
2.5 out of 5
809 Island Hwy S, Nanaimo, BC
The price is P5,546 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
P5,546
P6,434 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,242 reviews)
"Parking spots too small could not get into my car in morning"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
3 out of 5
1175 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (537 reviews)
"Had to leave one day early due to sickness. Other than this I would go back"

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Ocean Trails Resort
Ocean Trails Resort
3.5 out of 5
1135 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (309 reviews)
"It was a great spot to hang out and do stuff with my sisters. We were able to walk to Rathtrevor beach right from the property. We’ll be back next year. But maybe stay in a unit closer to the hot tub."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Ocean Trails Resort
Riverbend Cottages & RV Resort
Riverbend Cottages & RV Resort
3 out of 5
914 Island Hwy E, Parksville, BC
Stay at this cabin in Regional District of Nanaimo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Parksville Beach and Riptide Lagoon ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Cute cottages, close to Parksville and beaches."

Reviewed on Nov 22, 2024

Riverbend Cottages & RV Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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