Departure Bay
Nanaimo
Visit Departure Bay
Popular places to visit
Departure Bay Beach
Why not spend a carefree 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 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 lakeside.
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.
Maffeo Sutton Park
You can learn about the history of Nanaimo with a trip to Maffeo Sutton Park.
Things to do
Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour
Top hotels in Departure Bay
THE Beach Club Resort
"We loved our stay! Such an easy check in with a friendly person, our beach front room was beautiful with the opportunity to take our chairs out onto the grass in the sun to watch the tide come in from an endless beach, dinner in the restaurant was so delicious…it was prime rib night! And then a very ..."
Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026
Hotel Feng, BW Signature Collection
"Bathroom needs remodeling. Mould in shower, crooked shelf mount in shower, towel tack loose/damaged, toilet mounted loose on floor, exterior door to parking lot not secure, jammed open. Did not feel safe in 136 beside faulty exterior door a nd no creamers for coffee. Overall very disappointed."
Reviewed on Jun 22, 2026
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
"Making renovations. The manager takes care , the air con was a bit noisy."
Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026
Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
"Was in a good location close to the Ferry terminal. Looks a bit rundown on the outside but inside was nice and clean and they had a nice continental breakfast too."
Reviewed on Jun 22, 2026
Coast Bastion Hotel
"Decent hotel, nice views of the harbor. One drawback is the location. Quite a few transient and drug users in the are"
Reviewed on Jun 20, 2026
Bayside Resort, an Ascend Collection Resort
"A great place for a pet friendly stay! We always love the rooms, the restaurant and the beautiful ocean view. It's just the best location. We did have construction materials that were in our view this time (discarded cardboard) but I alerted the desk and hopefully this is a temporary thing. :)"
Reviewed on Jun 21, 2026
Where to stay in Departure Bay
Downtown Nanaimo
If you're spending some time in Downtown Nanaimo, Bastion and Vancouver Island Military Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Central Nanaimo
Central Nanaimo might not have many top sights, but Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Maffeo Sutton Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Stephenson Point
Though Stephenson Point might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.
