Departure Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A calm lake with boats, a forested shoreline, and distant mountains.
Two eagles perched on a snow-covered tree branch overlooking a wintery landscape with buildings and a river.
A waterfront with a sandy beach, large logs, and houses in the background.
A calm lake with a dock, surrounded by dense forest and mountains in the background.
A calm sea with a large cruise ship in the distance, surrounded by forested islands.

Stay near popular Departure Bay attractions

Departure Bay Beach

8.6/10 (329 reviews)
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Departure Bay Beach during your travels in Nanaimo?
See properties

Activities

Our new semi-covered vessel has warm seating indoors and a viewing platform at the stern.

Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat

AU$252
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
Tofino to Nanaimo: Private car transfer

Tofino to Nanaimo: Private car transfer

AU$629
per traveller
Tofino to Nanaimo: Private car transfer
See all activities in Nanaimo

Our guide on where to stay in Departure Bay

Find the best Departure Bay areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Central Nanaimo

Though Central Nanaimo may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Maffeo Sutton Park.

Downtown Nanaimo

If you're spending some time in Downtown Nanaimo, Bastion and Vancouver Island Military Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Stephenson Point

While Stephenson Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.

Departure Bay Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: