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Vancouver Island ToursBritish Columbia, Canada

Floating patio restaurant, Mexican

Penny's Palapa

A Mexican restaurant on a float in Nanaimo's boat basin, all patio and umbrellas, open in the warm months. The most enjoyable lunch on the Nanaimo waterfront, a short walk from the whale-watching offices.

Nanaimo$$Moderate
Official websiteGoogle Maps

Penny's floats on the docks below the Front Street seawall, which means you eat among the boats with the seaplanes taxiing past and Saysutshun across the water. It is an unfussy Mexican menu done well and a genuine local favourite; the queue on a sunny weekend is part of the deal.

It is a summer place only. Outside the season the harbour walkway still has options, but this is the one that makes Nanaimo feel like a holiday.

What it does well

  • Harbour-side setting
  • Fish tacos and enchiladas
  • Margaritas
  • Summer atmosphere

Good for

Location

Boat basin, Nanaimo harbour, off Front Street

Season and booking

Seasonal — open roughly spring to early autumn, entirely outdoors, no reservations. Check the site for the season's dates.

Details checked against the venue's own site on 6 Sept 2026.

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Neighbourhood brasserie

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Brasserie L'École

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Restaurant and bakery

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Agrius Restaurant

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Stay in Nanaimo

Good value, Oceanfront

Mid-range

Coast Bastion Hotel

A straightforward harbour-front hotel on Nanaimo's downtown waterfront, steps from the seaplane dock, the whale boats and the old town. The practical night before an early ferry or a drive north.

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  • Solo
  • Families
  • Short stay / cruise
All hotels in the area