Community & Activity Centres

The City of Nanaimo is home to many high-quality community and outside activity centres where a wide range of programs, events, meetings, workshops and trade shows take place.

Recreation Centres

Beban Park Social Centre (2300 Bowen Rd)

Beban Park Social Centre is a large community gathering space located within the Beban Park complex. The centre is the site of a City-operated preschool, public meeting rooms and a large auditorium space used for programs and major community and private events.

Public Swimming/Weight Room Schedule

Hours of Operation (subject to change)

Bowen Complex (500 Bowen Rd)

Bowen Park complex is located near downtown Nanaimo, surrounded by the peacefulness of Bowen Park. The complex includes a gymnasium and stage, two kitchens, activity and games rooms, a registration office, a pottery studio and is the location of the Parks and Recreation Department's main administration office. The complex hosts a variety of programs for all ages, including many seniors' programs.

Hours of Operation (subject to change)

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (741 Third St)

The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre is home to one of the largest wave pools in Western Canada. NAC, as it is commonly referred to, is a great destination for all ages and abilities and is the perfect place for families looking for an active outing together. The centre is located within the Larry McNabb Sports Zone near the campus of Vancouver Island University. NAC is also the site of one of two City-managed weight rooms. 

Other amenities include meeting rooms, an on-site cafe, swim wear specialty shop and a physiotherapy clinic.

Public Swimming/Weight Room Schedule

Hours of Operation (subject to change)

Nanaimo Ice Centre (750 Third St)

The Nanaimo Ice Centre or NIC, as it is often called, features two NHL-size ice rinks.

Public Skating Schedule

Oliver Woods Community Centre (6000 Oliver Rd)

Oliver Woods is a multipurpose community centre. This state-of-the-art facility includes a preschool room, fitness studio and a twinned gymnasium. In addition to a full schedule of recreation programs, the centre is also available for public rentals and is a popular location to host birthday parties.

Public Gymnasium Drop-in Sports Schedule

Hours of Operation (subject to change)

For information about public rentals please contact 250-756-5200 or view Facility Rentals.

Activity Centres

• Kin Hut Activity Centre (2730 Departure Bay Rd)
• Rotary Activity Centre (850 Third St)

Other City of Nanaimo facilities and parks

Visit the Nanaimo Facilities Search for information on City facilities.
Visit the Nanaimo Parks Search for information on City parks.

Facility rentals

For information about facility rentals, please contact 250-756-5200 or visit our Facility Rental page.

Want to host a special event in City parks or facilities?

Please see the forms below to learn more about what information is needed to host an event in a City park or facility.

• Indoor Special Event Application Form
• Outdoor Special Event Application Form