Travel & Activities
Basecamp Nanaimo!
Stay a Minimum of 4 nights with us!
Make Nanaimo your first, last or only stop for quality accommodation on Vancouver Island. Nanaimo is centrally located between Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino and Campbell River so you can easily sleep in Nanaimo and take day tours to other favourite Vancouver Island destinations. Plan to stay a minimum of 4 nights to take it all in!
Our Concierge Desk
Whale watching. Vancouver Island scenic tours. Hiking tours. Sailing charters. Bus and train tickets. Car rentals. You name it, we can help you find and book the best of select Vancouver Island activities and travel experiences in Nanaimo, Tofino, Victoria and other Island destinations.
Check out our recommended ‘Vancouver Island Day Tours from Nanaimo’ below for ideas, then request activities at the time of booking and receive a confirmation of availability within 2-4 days, OR visit our concierge desk after you have checked in at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse.
Vancouver Island Day Tours from Nanaimo
To assist you in trip planning for a tour of Vancouver Island, here are our top recommended day tours and activities. Our day tours focus on activities that you can’t do at home, feature the most popular Vancouver Island activities, and in some cases our top local secrets. For more travel, tour and activity ideas, please check out our regional tourism association websites on our Links page.
Day Tour #1 – Whale Watching
Whales watching is the #1 top-rated activity on Vancouver Island for visitors April – October annually. Make whale watching your priority for the day, and choose one of our top whale watching destinations – Victoria, Cowichan Valley or Campbell River.
Click here to download a printable version of our Vancouver Island whale watching itinerary. (PDF format, 724k)
Day Tour #2 – Tofino & Wild West Coast
This is a full but incredible day tour with highlights including Cathedral Grove old-growth forest, waterfalls, bears & eagles at the Wildlife Recovery Centre, Long Beach in Tofino, Ucluelet’s Wild Pacific Trail and a steam train ride in Port Alberni.
Click here to download a printable version of our Wild West Coast itinerary. (PDF format, 800k)
Day Tour #3 – Galleries, Agriculture & Wineries
Experience the wine and culture of Vancouver Island, with highlights including Cowichan Valley wineries, dining on wild salmon overlooking the ocean, tour a cranberry farm, and explore Barton & Leir Gallery.
Day Tour #4 – Victoria & Surrounds
Take a breathtaking drive over the Malahat mountains to Victoria and surrounding area. Highlights include double-decker bus tour of downtown Victoria, Butchart Gardens, and shopping for Native arts and crafts.
Day Tour #5 – Mount Washington & More
Head to Mount Washington for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, or hiking, mountain biking and a gondola in the summer. Additional highlights include buying world famous fresh oysters, sea lions at Fanny Bay & exploring underground caves.
Day Tour #6 – Gulf Island Hopping
While there are 13 major and over 450 small Gulf Islands to choose from, experience the best of Gulf Island hopping by visiting Salt Spring Island. Take BC Ferries, then experience a seaside village, remote beaches, local artisans, organic markets and meet the locals.
