If you’ve ever wanted to learn to paddle board or have been wanting to take some kayaks out on the water, see below for a couple of great places to rent some water toys!
Nanaimo River: One of Nanaimo’s most refreshing playgrounds, abundant in swimming holes, cliff jumping, small beaches, and lagoons, perfect for a family picnic or day trip. Many hiking trails around the river take you through the gorgeous rainforest. The water is amazingly clear, allowing you to see right to the bottom in many spots.
Departure Bay Beach: A beautiful, rocky, sandy beach, with more sand as the tide goes out. Around departure bay, there’s the Drip coffee shop, which has really great coffees and refreshments, as well as their liquor licence, which is worth a visit. Food trucks also pass through, and nearby is a short walk up to sugarloaf mountain Park with stunning views of the ocean, beach and part of the city. 
Westwood Lake: Non-motorized lake surrounded by trees and a lovely shaded walking path which loops the lake or leads up to further trails mountain bike and trail running and hiking trails connecting to mount Benson. West wood lake has two great beaches and to the left of the parking lot, there are rock bluffs to swim off.
Have you ever wanted to swim in a waterfall? In Nanaimo, there are a few places where you can have this experience. One that I would recommend would be Ammonite Falls, shaded in the forest, where you can park nearby and take a quick walk to the falls or go for a long walk through the trails on an adventure.
Kayak + Paddle Board shops for rentals:
Coastal Expression – Great place to check out downtown Nanaimo to grab some kayaks, Kanoos or rent camping gear!
On the Hunt for paddle boards? Wavy Rentals steps away from beautiful Long Lake
Gillette&Associates hope you have a very lovely long weekend and manage to stay cool during the heat! Please let us know if you have any other recommendations that you would like us to include!
Disclaimer* We don’t recommend one activity over the other and always be careful and monitor the local rules.