Nanaimo Heart-Centered Walking and Wellness Tour

Discover Nanaimo in a way that few do—through a mindful, heart-centered walking experience designed to reconnect you with the land, the stories, and yourself. This gentle day tour blends coastal beauty, local culture, and guided wellness practices as we explore one of Vancouver Island’s most charming seaside cities.
From scenic waterfront paths to quiet forest trails, each step invites presence and reflection. Along the way, your guide will lead grounding rituals, breathwork, storytelling, and moments of stillness that deepen your connection to place. Learn about Nanaimo’s Indigenous roots, ecological richness, and the evolving spirit of this coastal community—all while tuning in to your own pace and perspective.

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking meaning in movement, peace in nature, and a slower, more soulful way to explore.

Meeting Point

Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre

1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4, Canada

Meet your guide outside the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre for the Hullo Ferry. Look for the guide in plaid, holding our company sign. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in, meet your group, and settle in before embarking on this scenic journey.

What's included:

• Rental equipment available upon request (trekking poles).
• Access to our library of online resources and exercises.
• Holistic wellness activities (breathwork, meditation, journaling prompts).
• Guided walking meditation and reflection exercises.
• Snacks and refreshments.
• Interpretive storytelling and cultural education at each stop.
• Supportive group atmosphere with space for solo reflection and exploration.
• Expert local guide, certified in wilderness first aid and interpretive guiding.
• Picnic-style lunch (locally sourced; dietary needs accommodated with advance notice).
• Welcome package of local souvenirs (includes journal and pen).
• Printed and digital wellness reflection guide.
• Round trip ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo.
• Small group experiences (maximum 10-12 participants for comradery and intimacy).

Not included:

• Transportation to/from the meeting point in Vancouver.
• Gratuities for your guide (optional but encouraged).
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional snacks/refreshments not specified in the itinerary).
• Accommodation not included for day tours.

What to expect:

Duration: 10 hours

Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre

1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, V6C 3T4

Begin your day with a scenic ferry ride across the Salish Sea. As you take in the views of the Gulf Islands and the towering Coast Mountains, your guide will introduce the flow of the day and invite a gentle breathwork practice. During this calming session, we’ll connect with the natural rhythm of the sea and take a moment to set our intentions for the day. You’ll be invited to journal on a prompt that encourages you to reflect on what you hope to experience and learn throughout the journey.
Interpretive Focus: Learn about the history and ecological importance of the Salish Sea, including its role in the Indigenous cultures and marine ecosystems of the region.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Maffeo Sutton Park

Harbor Front Walkway, Nanaimo

Upon arrival in Nanaimo, we’ll begin our walk through the heart of downtown, taking in the vibrant atmosphere as we head toward Maffeo Sutton Park, a beloved waterfront spot. At the park, you’ll enjoy fresh coffee and the iconic Nanaimo bar while soaking in the stunning views of Protection Island and the harbor.
Your guide will open our circle with a land acknowledgment and intention-setting ritual to honor the land we are walking on. Afterward, a grounding practice will help you connect with both yourself and the spirit of the land.

Interpretive Focus: Learn about Nanaimo’s Indigenous heritage, including the Snuneymuxw First Nation and their deep spiritual connection to the land and water. Discover how the town evolved from its Indigenous roots to a bustling port city.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Harbourfront Walkway

Front Street, Nanaimo

We’ll continue our exploration with a stroll along the Harbourfront Walkway, a scenic route that offers not just stunning views but also a deep dive into Nanaimo’s cultural landscape. As we walk past public art installations and historical landmarks, your guide will share stories about Nanaimo’s coal-mining history, the role of the sea in the city’s development, and the ongoing preservation of Indigenous culture. Through reflective prompts, you’ll be encouraged to engage with the landscape and reflect on your personal connection to the environment.
Interpretive Focus: Uncover Nanaimo’s transformation from a coal-mining town to a cultural hub and how art and history intersect along this beautiful waterfront. Discuss the role of art in public spaces and its impact on community identity.

Pass by without stopping

Bowen Park

500 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, V9R 1Z7

Next, we’ll head to the tranquil Bowen Park, known for its old-growth trees and peaceful riverside trails. Here, we’ll engage in a forest bathing session (Shinrin-yoku), which involves mindfully immersing ourselves in the forest environment, allowing the sights, sounds, and smells of the trees to awaken our senses. After a silent walk, we’ll gather near the river for a group reflection, followed by an optional visit to a nearby café for tea or light refreshments.
Interpretive Focus: Learn about the ecological importance of Bowen Park and how it serves as a sanctuary for both people and wildlife. Reflect on the practice of forest bathing and its science-backed benefits for mental and physical well-being.

45 minutes

Buttertubs Marsh Park

1780 Jingle Pot Road, Nanaimo, V9R 6G8

We’ll then visit Buttertubs Marsh Park, a lush, birdlife-rich wetland. This is a place where you can experience the sound of nature in its purest form. As we walk the boardwalks and shaded trails, your guide will lead a listening practice to help you tune into the subtle sounds of the land—bird calls, rustling leaves, and the soft murmur of water. Afterward, there will be time for quiet journaling or optional sharing in a group circle.
Interpretive Focus: Understand the significance of wetlands in supporting biodiversity and their role in flood control and carbon sequestration. Discuss the conservation efforts in place to preserve this important habitat.

30 minutes

Colliery Dam Park

Nanaimo Lakes Road, Nanaimo

We’ll arrive at Colliery Dam Park, a beautiful forested area, for a nourishing picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Before eating, we’ll offer a gratitude practice to honour the earth’s abundance and the meal we’re about to enjoy. After lunch, guests will have the choice of finding a peaceful spot for personal reflection or participating in a sharing circle to deepen connection and integrate the experiences of the day.
Interpretive Focus: Discover the history of Colliery Dam Park, from its origins as a coal mining area to its current role as a popular green space. Learn about the reclamation of industrial lands into protected natural spaces and the importance of green spaces in urban areas.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Nanaimo

Nanaimo

As we make our way back toward downtown Nanaimo, we’ll pause for a final journaling prompt and a moment of integration practice. This is your opportunity to reflect on the journey, share any insights, and connect with the land and community one last time. We’ll conclude with a brief closing circle, where guests can share their thoughts, gratitude, or any final reflections before exploring the area or grabbing a final treat.
Interpretive Focus: Reflect on the journey’s themes of connection, mindfulness, and cultural learning, and discuss the role of reflection in personal growth and environmental stewardship.

30 minutes

Nanaimo Port Authority - Marina Office

10 Wharf St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2X3, Canada

As the ferry carries us back to the mainland, you’ll have the chance to reflect on the journey’s experiences while taking in the beauty of the changing sky and sea. Your guide will offer a guided visualization or a final reflection practice to help you integrate the day’s experiences and ground the wisdom of the land.
Interpretive Focus: Reflect on the journey across the Salish Sea, discussing the ocean as a lifeline that connects the diverse cultures and ecosystems of the region.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included