departure bay & harbourfront library (nanaimo)

If you ever find yourself with a long ferry wait in Nanaimo, here are some baby- and toddler-approved spots to hit.

what to do during a ferry wait in nanaimo (with a baby or toddler)

nanaimo harbourfront library: the MVP of ferry waits

If there’s one tip I swear by when traveling with a baby or toddler, it’s this: find the nearest library wherever you are. The Nanaimo Harbourfront Library is a short walk from the ferry terminal and an absolute lifesaver.

It’s bright, spacious, and has a stellar children’s area with areas to play, crawl, and reset before boarding. It’s the perfect place to let toddlers burn off energy and babies explore in a quiet, controlled environment — way better than waiting in the car or terminal. Bonus: it’s right by the water, so you can squeeze in a quick harbour stroll too.

Libraries = baby travel MVPs. Always.

This strategy has saved us more than once. On a recent work trip to Port Alberni with my husband, we spent a lot of time at the Port Alberni Library. I wouldn’t recommend being stuck in a hotel room there with a toddler, but between the library, the hotel pool, and a surprising number of solid consignment shops with kids’ clothes, we made it work.

milk jam donuts

If timing works out, Milk Jam Donuts is a must. It’s a cult favourite in Nanaimo and just a short walk from the library. The donuts are worth the hype — named by many as the best donuts in Canada — but definitely note their hours: closed Sunday-Tuesday and open 10am-2pm Wednesday-Saturday. This is a great grab-and-go stop to sweeten the wait for you and your little one.

how to spend the BC ferries sailing (with a baby or toddler)

Once you’re onboard, there are a few things that make ferry time with kids much more manageable:

• Play area: A great way for little ones to move their bodies and break up the trip. They vary boat by boat, but typically have structures to climb and play on.
• Gift shop stroll: Surprisingly entertaining for toddlers — lots to look at, point at, and chat about.
• Family bathrooms: These are clutch. They have space for breastfeeding and diaper changes, but heads up — the non-toilet area doesn’t lock, so it’s more semi-private than fully private.

real-life island travel tips

A few things we’ve learned along the way:

• Bring non-perishable food — especially if you might be stuck in a hotel room without a fridge. We packed cans of tuna and chilli as worst-case meals for our little guy. Hotel restaurants and room service aren’t always toddler-friendly (or open when you need them), so having backup food is key.
• Save your best or newest toys for the long car rides or ferry to keep your little one entertained.
• Do some Google Maps research before you go — find the closest libraries, parks and grocery stores to get you and baby situated. If everything is walkable, bring your stroller.

Ferry delays are inevitable (because… ferries), so this Nanaimo stop makes the wait feel intentional instead of stressful. A calm place to play, a sweet treat and built-in ferry entertainment? That’s a parenting travel win.

📍Nanaimo Harbourfront Library 90 Commercial St Nanaimo BC V9R 5G4 Hours: Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Mon 10am-6pm