By Jamie Moore (Tourism Nanaimo)
Looking for COVID-friendly local fun this spring? Try one of these favourite Nanaimo spring experiences. Take a pic along the way and tag #ExploreNanaimo
- Stroll through a blooming grove at Bowen Park
Blooms from hundreds of massive plants burst with fragrance and colour in Bowen Park’s Hailey Rhododendron Grove each May. Goslings paddle in the river and duck pond nearby.
- Search for sand dollars at Blueback Beach
Want to pretend you’re on holiday? At the bottom of 200ish stairs off Blueback Road, this wide sandy beach is an excellent spot for digging in your toes or finding sand dollars at low tide.
- Listen to the frog chorus at Neck Point
When the spring peepers have emerged from their winter sleep, they join in a fantastic chorus signaling the season’s arrival. Hear them in the wetlands near the parking lot at Neck Point Park.
- Play a quick round at Pitch ‘n Putt
Beban Park’s 3-par golf course and driving range is a great place to spend a sunny spring day with the family. The course is only 11 holes and the fairways are short, so … no pressure.
- Browse a local farmer’s market
You know it’s nearly summer when the farmer’s markets reopen. By Mother’s Day weekend in May, the vendor stalls reappear on the downtown waterfront, at Beban Park, and on Gabriola Island.
- Grab a coffee or cocktail on the waterfront
Spring staycationing is better with a beverage, a friend and an amazing ocean view. Check out the waterfront patios at Lighthouse Bistro, Javawocky, Carlos O’Bryan’s, and Drip Coffee.
- Hit the bike trails at Doumont
There’s nothing like finding a remedy to cabin fever that lets you feel like a kid again … the wind in your face, a little crazy, and free. Find all levels of mountain biking trails off Doumont Road.
- Visit the cutest farm animals
At Yellow Point Farms you can peek over the fence at the adorable baby dwarf goats, babydoll sheep, and chickens. Superior Farms’ petting zoo has mini breeds of pigs, rabbits, donkeys, and cows.