Departure Bay Travel Guide

Nanaimo

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?
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Things to do

Our open boats comfortably seat 12 passengers and have a washroom onboard!

Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour

฿5,905
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour
Our new semi-covered vessel has warm seating indoors and a viewing platform at the stern.

Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat

฿5,905
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
From Nanaimo: Strait of Georgia Seaplane Experience

Nanaimo: Strait of Georgia Seaplane Tour with a stop at Sechelt

฿6,845
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Nanaimo: Strait of Georgia Seaplane Tour with a stop at Sechelt
See all activities in Nanaimo

Top hotels in Departure Bay

Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo

Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo

2 out of 5
96 Terminal Avenue North Nanaimo BC
The price is ฿3,215 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
฿3,215
per night
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
Coast Bastion Hotel

Coast Bastion Hotel

3.5 out of 5
11 Bastion Street Nanaimo BC
The price is ฿4,172 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
฿4,172
per night
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
Coast Bastion Hotel
Inn On Long Lake

Inn On Long Lake

2 out of 5
4700 North Island Hwy Nanaimo BC
The price is ฿4,693 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿4,693
per night
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Stay at this beach hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a private beach. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,102 reviews)
"NOT for a romantic getaway in July or August...It is a beautiful place but not very quiet in the summer months with kids running about and family barbecues etc...."

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2026

Inn On Long Lake
THE Beach Club Resort

THE Beach Club Resort

3.5 out of 5
181 Beachside Drive Parksville BC
The price is ฿6,837 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
฿6,837
per night
29 Sept - 30 Sept
Stay at this beach hotel in Parksville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
THE Beach Club Resort
Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo

Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo

3 out of 5
100 Gordon Street Nanaimo BC
The price is ฿3,791 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿3,791
per night
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo

Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo

2.5 out of 5
809 Island Hwy S Nanaimo BC
The price is ฿3,753 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
฿3,753
per night
29 Sept - 30 Sept
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very good! (1,528 reviews)
"Fine"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
See all 507 properties in Departure Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Departure Bay

Find the best Departure Bay areas for the activities you enjoy most.
Protected Nanaimo Harbour and The Georgia Straits, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CAN

Central Nanaimo

If you're spending some time in Central Nanaimo, Maffeo Sutton Park and Stones Marina are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Nanaimo

If you're spending some time in Downtown Nanaimo, Bastion and Nanaimo 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