Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Diving
A great variety of dives can be accessed from Nanaimo, including several vessels that
have been sunk especially for diving enthusiasts, such as the HMCS
Cape Breton
and
HMCS
Saskatchewan,
both120-meter(400-foot)Navydestroyerescorts.Themuchsmal-
ler
Rivtow Lion,
a rescue tug, was scuttled in the shallow waters of Departure Bay,
making it a popular spot for novice divers. Marinelife is also varied, with divers mixing
with harbor seals, anemones, sponges, salmon, and “tame” wolf eels. Near the Departure
Bay ferry terminal,
Ocean Explorers Diving
(1090 Stewart Ave., 250/753-2055,
www.divenanaimo.travel
)
is a well-respected island operation, offering equipment rentals,
charters,guidedtours(from$85perdiveincludingair),lessons,andaccommodationpack-
ages.
Bungee Jumping
Nanaimo is home to
WildPlay
(35 Nanaimo River Rd., 250/716-7874, 8am-5:30pm daily
in summer), North America's only bridge-based commercial bungee jump. People flock
herefromafartohavetheiranklestiedandconnectedto“BungeeBridge”byalongelastic
rope.Nexttheydiveheadfirst42meters(138feet)downalmosttothesurfaceofNanaimo
River, rebounding until momentum dissipates. To receive this thrill of a lifetime you have
to part with $100, and if you have any cash left over, you'll find must-have T-shirts, hats,
posters,videos,stickers,andothersouvenirstoprovetotheworldthatyoureallydidit.At
the same facility, other adrenaline rushes can be had by taking the Primal Swing ($90 per
person) or the Zip Line ($25). All of the above are thoroughly entertaining to watch, with
good viewing areas and plenty of parking provided. The site is 13 kilometers (8 miles)
south of downtown.
Nightlife
The best place in Nanaimo for a quiet drink in a relaxing atmosphere is upstairs in the
Lighthouse Pub
(50 Anchor Way, 250/754-3212), built out over the water in front of
downtown. This casual pub gets busy in summer, with nightly drink specials, a pool table,
and a good selection of pub food. For nautical atmosphere, head over to the
Dinghy Dock
Pub
(250/753-2373, 11am-11pm daily), moored at Protection Island; ferries depart regu-
larly from Nanaimo Boat Basin.
