Conferences & Events

The world-famous Dragon Boat Festival

Our seaside settlement's name, Nanaimo, was derived from the Snuneymuxw First Nations, meaning 'the gathering place'. Whether you are hosting a meeting or event for 50 or 500 people, Nanaimo is a perfect gathering place. Our central location and transportation links to major centres make us a natural choice for your Vancouver Island event.

Nanaimo offers an excellent mix of accommodation for large and small groups, from luxurious harbourside resorts to campus housing, deluxe kitchenette suites, to charming bed and breakfasts. With over 1000 rooms available, delegates and event attendees will find accommodation options to suit every taste and budget.

Whether you are looking for meeting space for an annual conference, a meeting room for a workshop, or a field for a ball tournament, Nanaimo has a wide range of facilities, from hotel meeting rooms to private and municipally owned facilities.

An array of year round activities in Nanaimo provides an escape from the meeting room.

Nanaimo's trendy restaurants, boat tours, diverse arts performances, unique walking tours, art galleries, and shops entertain delegates, event attendees, companions, and families. Other activities include tennis, golfing, diving, sport fishing, sailing, kayaking, beach combing, rock climbing, caving, bungy jumping, biking, wildlife watching, hiking, swimming, and snorkeling with the seals - the list is endless!