Nanaimo isn’t just a pass-through on the parkway; it’s a destination that deserves your whole weekend. Sure, people love to jet off to vineyard valleys or chase waves up island, but don’t sleep on what’s right here. If you plan your belly, body and soul nourishing escape in Nanaimo, you’ll find a small but growing scene that’s queer-welcoming, delicious, and surprisingly soul-soothing.
Food and wellness are two of my favourite forms of leisure, and as a queer, gender-diverse traveller, I seek out inclusive spaces wherever I go. I’m always on the hunt for spas, personal services, and hospitality spaces that welcome the queer and trans community with affirming language, facilities and vibes.
Whether you want a half-day reset with yoga and a great meal, or a full weekend of spa treatments, forest walks, and decadent snacks, Nanaimo lets you set the pace. You choose your vibe, and this city has just enough gems to leave you refreshed, refuelled, and ready to take on the world. Here are some of my top picks to build your perfect getaway.
Spa, Sauna & Self-Care
Pure Spa Nanaimo
Found right on Commercial Street in Nanaimo’s Downtown, Pure Spa is a solid choice for a self-care afternoon, offering massages, facials, and full-body treatments in a welcoming environment. The team includes several queer staff members, and it shows in their vibe. Pride flags in the window and services for all genders make this an easy option for both locals and visitors. Plus, the downtown location allows you to pop in between other adventures.
Island Sauna & Cold Plunge
Parked lakeside at the Inn on Long Lake, this mobile sauna experience is all about heat, cold, and connection. The 90-minute private sessions in ice tubs and their gorgeous cedar sauna are bound to recharge you, especially after a hike or a long travel day. It’s not specifically queer-oriented, but the serene setting and fabulous staff at the Inn make it a welcoming option.
Tigh-Na-Mara’s Grotto Spa (Parksville)
Tucked away in the trees just a short drive from Nanaimo, the Grotto Spa is one of Vancouver Island’s most luxurious wellness experiences, and it’s open to everyone, even if you’re not staying at the resort. While they don’t yet market themselves as LGBTQ+ inclusive, many local queer and trans folks (myself included) have found the space to be safe, welcoming, and affirming. Many staff members wear name tags with pronouns and pride flag stickers, and romance packages and services are offered without gendered assumptions. The changeroom and washroom facilities are gendered, but they’re spacious, spotless, and provide lots of opportunity for privacy.
The best part? A visit to the Grotto includes access to their private Tree Top Tapas restaurant — an iconic dining experience set high among the boughs, featuring a rotating seasonal menu of endless small plates and optional wine pairings.
Esthetics & Grooming
House of Dandy
A queer-owned, gender-affirming studio offering professional airbrush tanning and esthetics in a warm, body-positive space. Services are for all genders and all bodies, with a strong emphasis on safety, consent, and celebration. Dandy Tan is a local favourite for glow-ups before special events, photo shoots, or just because. Come as you are and leave radiant.
4 Crows Barber Studio
This queer- and trans-friendly barbershop offers sharp cuts, bold styles, and a no-nonsense gender-free pricing model. The team is professional, welcoming, and committed to serving all identities and shearing all hair types. Services range from barbering to scalp treatments in a sleek, laid-back mid-town space.
Myles Does My Hair
Looking for vivid colour, full salon services, or something special for a big event? Myles offers haircuts, styling and vivid hair colour services in a cozy, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming space. The pricing menu is gender-neutral, with no separate pricing options for men or women. Instead, services are charged based on the length of the hair and the duration of the service.
Yoga & Movement
Kind Society
This isn’t your average yoga studio. Kind Society is a community space built on trauma-informed care, inclusivity, and sliding-scale pricing. With gender-inclusive washrooms, welcoming language, and a non-intimidating atmosphere, Kind Society offers movement options for diverse body types. Regardless of your experience level, yogis will find a sweet serving of floor space and affirmations here. Located right downtown on the water, this studio is conveniently close to numerous hotels and transportation options, including Harbour Air and Hullo.
Energy, Healing & Holistic Wellness
Higher Ground Wellness Retreat
Located along the Nanaimo River and guided by values of connection and renewal, this retreat space offers Reiki, meditation, and spiritual energy work in a peaceful setting. Ideal for folks looking to reset their nervous systems or explore gentle, guided practices in a calm, affirming environment.
Sea of Sound
Using tuning forks, singing bowls, and Vibroacoustic Therapy (VAT), Sea of Sound offers immersive sound therapy services in the harbour city, including private studio sessions, workshops, and seasonal sound bath events that blend music and meditation. Their ongoing collaborations reflect a growing commitment to inclusivity and community care in the local wellness space. Visit their website for more information.
Food & Drink
Now that you’re pampered, polished, and freshly spray-tanned – it’s time to refuel. Cozy carbs, signature cocktails, fabulous brunch, or comfort cooking are on the menu, and Nanaimo’s food and drink scene offers plenty of local gems to satisfy your cravings and your curiosity. Here are a few spots worth the trip (or at least the detour).
Breakfast & Brunch
Gabriel’s Café
This downtown staple has been adorned with many community awards and is known for its farm-to-fork flavour and local-first values. This spot is queer-friendly, allergen-aware, and always bustling with locals for a reason. The breakfast bowls are iconic, and the yam wrap is a local legend. Expect a wait, but the food is well worth it. The washrooms are single-user spaces, but unfortunately, they are still gendered.
Modern Café
Housed in a historic building with exposed heritage brick and a menu that’s comforting, creative, and highlights West Coast flavours, the Modern Cafe is a must-stop if you are downtown. The vibe is cozy but elevated, with gender-inclusive washrooms and staff who make everyone feel welcome. Bonus: they offer a fabulous brunch menu seven days a week!
Le Brunch Café
This charming weekend pop-up brings French-inspired brunch to the Old City Quarter. On Saturdays and Sundays, snag a seat inside or on the lovely patio for the stellar standing menu and rotating specials, such as croque madame or sweet and savoury crêpes. Queer folks love the friendly service and flair. Avoid disappointment by making a reservation on their website.
Lunch
Off the Hook
Calling all my GF besties! This 100% gluten-free kitchen doesn’t mess around. From fish tacos to colourful bowls, everything is made with care and packed with flavour. The staff is friendly, the kitchen consistently puts out great food, and the community vibe is strong. Easily one of the best midday bites in town.
Sushi Waa
If you’re in the south end of town, Sushi Waa is known for its generous lunch bento boxes and rotating specials that never miss. Just check the specials board outside! It’s a fast, fresh, and affordable go-to, perfect for a mid-day recharge. With some of the best sashimi, nigiri and rolls in town, you don’t want to skip this Southgate gem.
MGM Restaurant
This eatery, and the family that runs it, have been a pillar of Nanaimo’s south end for decades. With roomy booths, hearty portions, and genuinely kind service, it’s not flashy, but it’s familiar. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need when you’re away from home (or back for a visit). The business is partially LGBTQ+ owned and a proud supporter of the Nanaimo Pride Society. If you’re lucky, time your visit with one of their Drag Bingo Brunch fundraisers.
Dinner
Black Rabbit Kitchen
An intimate, chef-driven spot in a converted train station serving elevated West Coast comfort food with seasonal flair and fabulous local entertainment features. Leaders have received training on inclusive service, the washrooms are gender-inclusive, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet intentional. Black Rabbit is an excellent pick for a casual catch-up with friends or a special night out.
Mahle House
Just a short drive from downtown Nanaimo, Mahle House is well worth the detour. Known for its prix-fixe menus, garden setting, and genuinely caring service, this family-owned restaurant consistently offers one of the best dining experiences in the region. The food is fabulous, and the table is set for everyone.
Horang
Horang in Nanaimo blends authentic Korean flavours with modern flair. Since opening in 2023, Horang has become known for its Galbi jjim, crispy fried chicken, tteokbokki, and over-the-top fusion dishes. The stylish interior and excellent service set the mood as soon as you enter, and after your meal, take home your favourite flavours and ingredients from the attached Horang Market. This is a busy place for lunch and dinner, so reservations are recommended.
Drinks & Treats
The Vault Café
A queer-friendly hub for caffeine, conversation, live music and indie retail! Located in a converted heritage bank building, The Vault offers live music, drag performances, artist showcases, and a solid selection of drinks and small plates, with a few specials offered each week. It’s a space that feels both eclectic and grounded, worn in like your favourite sweater. It’s long been a favourite in the LGBTQ+ community.
White Sails Brewing
This craft brewery is more than just great beer & snacks (but seriously, have you tried their beer and snacks?!) White Sails is a strong community partner that consistently shows up for the Nanaimo Pride Society and 2SLGBTQ+ events. Their staff are trained, the washrooms are gender-inclusive, and the bright, clean and accessible taproom often features fun events and pop-ups, including LGBTQ+ specific events. Easygoing, welcoming, and well worth a visit.
The Nanaimo Bar
Not the dessert (though they’ve got a cocktail that riffs on that too). This bar (and its owner, Sonia) is a cornerstone of the Nanaimo nightlife scene, featuring live music, drag shows, and special events that bring the whole community together. While the shared bathrooms are gendered, the space, staff, and crowd are affirming and inclusive.
Burnt Honey Dessert Company
Family and queer-owned, Burnt Honey serves small-batch, artisanal ice cream and macarons, featuring unique and locally sourced flavours like Almond Brittle Salted Ganache and Honey Lavender. Known for seasonal features like their Mini Egg ice cream and vegan options, this small shop goes above and beyond to create a safe space, both in person and online, for its diverse staff and guests.
Build Your Getaway
With options like this, what’s stopping you from choosing Nanaimo as your next detour to destress? Mix and match from the spots above to create your ideal balance of rest, fun, and flavour for a half day or the whole weekend! Start your day with a morning spa treatment or yoga class, followed by a fresh lunch and a queer-friendly haircut or spray tan. Wrap it up with a cocktail and a drag show. There’s no wrong way to build your Nanaimo foodie and wellness escape, just come as you are and follow what feels good!
About the author:
Lauren Semple (she/they) is a strategist, storyteller, lover of leisure, and the voice behind the queer travel blog, Sounds Gay Let’s Go.
