Horseshoe Bay is best known as the home of the ferry terminal that connects the Lower Mainland with the city of Nanaimo, but it's a charming little village that's worth a visit in its own right. There are plenty of excellent restaurants in town, but when the weather's nice, most visitors opt to get take-out fish and chips and bring it to the waterfront park. If you have time to spare after strolling through the village, you can rent a boat at the local marina and get out on the water to fish or to simply explore the surrounding area.