City of Nanaimo, BC
The city of Nanaimo is a classic West Coast community, offering natural beauty at every turn, and vast recreation potential. Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines in Canada, and a forested mountain backdrop just outside downtown. Here, you can go from the wilderness to the city center in just a few minutes, and spend more time in the places you want to be.
As the second largest city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo promises a lively and unique urban experience. Downtown along Commercial Street, Victoria Crescent, and Fitzwilliam Street is a thriving mix of restaurants, music venues, shops, galleries, and exciting nightspots. A new conference center set in the heart of the city is already attracting another wave of retail and service businesses that cater to visitors. Nanaimo is also home to Woodgrove Mall, the largest shopping center on Vancouver Island, and several other attractive malls throughout the city.
What's special about Nanaimo is that it has it all, in a surprisingly affordable package. From hotel room rates to restaurant menus, things are generally less expensive and more accessible here than in Vancouver and Victoria. The city of Nanaimo's comparatively low cost of living has also boosted its economy in recent quarters, and made it a top destination for businesses relocating to Vancouver Island.
Nanaimo's status as a university town also makes it attractive to businesses, and enhances its cultural profile. Malaspina University-College, a comprehensive post-secondary institution located near the city's south end, regularly hosts art exhibitions, academic forums, and sporting events, and serves approximately 20,000 students per year.
To learn more about Nanaimo, be sure to explore the Tourism Nanaimo website, or stop by our Visitor Centre on Bowen Rd.