A great variety of scuba-dive spots can be accessed from Nanaimo, including a number of vessels that have been sunk especially for diving enthusiasts— the HMAS Cape Breton and HMAS Saskatchewan are both 120-meter (400-foot) long navy destroyer escorts. The much smaller Rivtow Lion, a rescue tug, was scuttled in the shallow waters of Departure Bay, making it a popular spot for novice divers.

Marinelife is also varied, with divers mixing with harbor seals, anemones, sponges, salmon, and “tame” wolf eels. Near the Departure Bay ferry terminal, Ocean Explorers Diving (1090 Stewart Ave., 250/753-2055) is a well-respected operation, offering equipment rentals, charters, guided tours (from $90 per dive including air), and lessons.

WildPlay (13 km/8 mi south of town, 250/716-7874) is home to North America’s only bridge-based commercial bungee jump. The cost to jump of the 42-meter-high (138-foot) bridge is $109. At the same facility, other adrenaline rushes can be had by taking the King Swing and climbing through the elevated TreeGo obstacle course.