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.
I get it – body mods may not be the first thing you think of when you hear ‘Nanaimo’. You’re probably thinking about the iconic Nanaimo Bar or ferry ride over, but stay with me. This city has a thriving arts, indie retail, and music scene alongside a tasty mix of food and bev options. And that creative energy continues into the world of personal transformation.
While you won’t find providers for more extreme modifications like tongue splitting or subdermal implants, Nanaimo is stacked with high-end jewelry, killer tattoo shops, and piercers who really care about your experience.
Getting here is a breeze, and these artists are ready to help you expand your body art collection or mark a major milestone like your first plane ride, West Coast hike, or whale sighting. Forget the t-shirts and fridge magnets; Nanaimo is the perfect place to take home the ultimate (and permanent) souvenir.
Precise Punctures: Advanced Piercing & Professional Care
Black Flag Body Arts
Located within walking distance of Hullo ferry’s shuttle and the seaplanes, the folks at Black Flag provide a safe, professional piercing experience. They are known for their cleanliness, advanced piercing techniques, and great guest spots. Owner and piercer Jesse Heglin has even provided suspension services in the past.
Black Flag offers a comprehensive menu of piercing services, including
- Standard Piercing: Traditional needle (or cannula) piercing in common areas like the ears, nose, lips, belly button, eyebrows, and tongue.
- Advanced Piercing: Surface piercings put a barbell just under the skin. Dermal anchors use a tiny ‘foot’ implanted at a single point. Dermal punches create a clean, larger hole for your jewelry.
- Stretching/Gauging: Gradually increasing the size of a piercing using tapers or weights, commonly seen in earlobes (tunnels or flesh plugs), but also applicable to lip and septum piercings.
- Post-Mod Treat: Hit up Craft Fare on Commercial Street for small plates, shareables, and one of the best tap lists in town. Looking for a full meal? A few doors up, you’ll find cushy booth seating and west coast-inspired fare at Modern Cafe. For a caffeine and calorie fix, Brix + Mortar SocialHouse has the brew and baked goods you want.
A light-skinned person with a shaved side head and long reddish-brown hair on the opposite side smiles slightly while standing in front of a storefront. They have multiple piercings, including double nose rings and a horizontal lip piercing. They are wearing a black tank top with visible shoulder tattoos and a large, wooden ear gauge. The reflection of stylized, orange leaf decals is visible on the window behind them, and the business name “BLACK FLAG BODY ARTS” is printed on the glass door.
Good Form Piercing & Tattoos
Good Form, located in the beautiful Long Lake area, offers a menu of services and high-level care similar to other top studios, including standard, advanced, and stretching/gauging procedures mentioned above. Beyond the needle, Good Form distinguishes itself through extra safety and inclusivity measures: it is an appointment-only, mask-mandatory space, and the studio is staffed by a diverse team that prioritizes respect by including staff pronouns right on its website.
But what truly sets Good Form apart is its homegrown jewelry partnership:
- Local Flagship: Good Form is the flagship store for Alchemy Adornment, a premier jewelry house located right here in Nanaimo.
- Unmatched Selection: They offer one of the largest selections of high-quality body jewelry in Western Canada, featuring not only Alchemy Adornment but also top brands like Anatometal, Maria Tash, Buddha Jewelry Organics, and Junipurr Jewelry.
- Quality Guarantee: You can shop confidently knowing that every stunning piece, from titanium to gold, is sourced directly and never alloyed with nickel or other toxic metals.
- Post-Mod Treat: After your appointment, head straight to Burnt Honey Dessert Company at Country Club Mall for a small-batch artisanal ice cream or French macarons. How about a quick lunch? Lavender Art Cafe, located in the Country Club Centre, it’s just a few blocks away.
A close-up of a jewelry display on a slate surface. Five white anatomical silicone molds, four ears and one nose/mouth combo, are mounted on clear acrylic stands. They are decorated with an array of intricate piercings, including chains, hoops, and gem-encrusted studs. In the background, rows of rings and additional jewelry are visible on velvet and leather displays.
The Art of the Tattoo: Custom Ink Studios
The Electric Umbrella Tattoo
Found in the historic Old City Quarter, Electric Umbrella isn’t just a shop; it’s a vibe. The studio is decked out with an eclectic mix of vintage paintings, funky dolls, and taxidermy (yes, really), matching the unique styles and high energy of the collective that works there. It is a famously inclusive space where you can be your weirdest self.
- Style: This is the home of illustrative and custom work with personality. We’re talking everything from bold American Traditional (with a nature twist) to “ugly-cute” animals, fine-line florals, and designs that blend the beauty with the dark.
- Artists: The roster here is stacked with unique specialties and styles. Owner Julie Dives is a visual artist who loves “macabre beauty” (think bones, antlers, and soft fur textures), while Sean Anderson nails those bold lines and American Traditional pieces. And the rest of the crew? They bring their own distinct flavours of illustrative whimsy.
- Post-Mod Treat: Stay in the charming Old City Quarter and grab lunch at Bistro Taiyo for delicious Japanese food, or stop by Delicado’s Deli for an epic roll-up! More in the mood for dinner? La Stella Trattoria is a must for Italian and wood-fired pizza.
A picture of a sun-spotted, brick-paved courtyard lined with storefronts, featuring a large, potted Japanese maple tree in the foreground that is showing autumnal red and gold leaves. In the middle of the path is a sandwich board sign for ‘The Electric Umbrella.’
Wander + Whim Tattoo Studio
Wander + Whim is a cool, queer woman-owned shop located on the edge of the Old City Quarter. They focus on hand-poked art, using only high-quality, biodegradable, petroleum-free products and vegan inks, and operating as a single-use and plastic-free studio.
- Style: Hand-poked work is known for its deliberate, often gentle process. These artists create beautiful, bold, and whimsical illustrative tattoos, perfect for a detailed design with a softer, bespoke feel.
- Artists: Wanda Dori is the shop owner and main artist at Wander & Whim, focusing on a trauma-informed approach to client comfort. She provides a cozy setting complete with sensory items and snacks to ensure a relaxed experience.
- Post-Mod Treat: Stop at A Wee Cupcakery or Bocca Cafe up the street for a celebratory coffee and a sweet treat. You deserve it.
A picture of Wander + Whim’s bright, calm, and minimalist studio, bathed in warm, soft light. The walls are pale cream, and the floor is dark hardwood. The room contains two white tattoo tables with light wood legs. On the left, near a window with sheer white curtains, is a light wood desk with a laptop and a wicker-backed office chair. The room is decorated with small potted plants and framed artwork.
Crashing Cadence
Crashing Cadence is the gold standard for care. It’s a private studio built on radical accessibility: think wide doors, high-capacity chairs, and sensory care. Featuring flash, custom designs, custom VIP packages, and the ‘You Get What You Get’ experiences for all levels of body mod bravery.
- Style: Artist Kara Dee Harrison specializes in joyful, illustrative tattoos. With colourful dinosaur, animal, and pop-culture designs, it’s hard not to smile when looking at her portfolio!
- Artists & Ethics: Kara uses vegan ink and has a big focus on eco-friendly practices, including compostable products. The studio is designed for all bodies, featuring wide doorways, an accessible entrance, and high-capacity furniture.
- Post-Mod Treat: As this is a private studio, you won’t find out the address until after you book. But rest assured, there are a ton of great food and beverage options for you to explore nearby once your appointment is over. Or, treat yourself to one of Kara’s Custom VIP Packages to have great Nanaimo eats, treats, and services delivered right to you.
A photo collage showing a grid of two rows of colourful, detailed illustrative tattoos done by Kara Dee Harrison of Crashing Cadence. The collection prominently features cute, colourful, and fun dinosaur designs, including a Pterodactyl, a Velociraptor, a Triceratops, and a Longneck, alongside other pop-culture references.
The Aesthetics of Change: Permanent Makeup
The Babe Cave
The Babe Cave specializes in semi-permanent makeup (PMU). PMU is a growing form of body art that enhances facial features with long-lasting results. This studio provides a focused, one-on-one, highly private treatment experience, ensuring your comfort and the results you want.
- Cosmetic Tattooing: Services include microblading for eyebrows and lip blushing (a semi-permanent lip tattoo). Touch-up appointments for freckles and beauty marks are also available.
- Post-Mod Treat: After your appointment, stick around! If you’re looking for a cozy spot to wind down with great tacos, check out Bar Luna. For a coffee and a quick bite, Vault Cafe is a fantastic downtown hub. And if you’re craving fresh, quality Japanese cuisine, Nana Sushi is a delicious way to end your day.
Terra Derma
Tara Moore is a local legend. She has been a fixture in Nanaimo since 2011. She’s a certified Intradermal Cosmetic Technician and maintains high safety standards.
- Services: Her expertise covers the full spectrum of permanent cosmetics, from classic eyeliner and lip liner to specialized ombré eyebrows and lip blushing. Terra Derma is a one-stop shop if you’re also interested in the less permanent lash extensions or a sunless tan.
- Post-Mod Treat: Since you’re already in the south end for your appointment, stay local for a snack! Head to Southgate Mall and stop by Hearthstone Artisan Bakery for “the best in town” sausage rolls or a famous Nanaimo Bar. Or grab a delicious roll or bento lunch at Sushi Waa, a hidden gem known for its incredibly fresh fish and generous rolls.
A photo of two people sit across from each other at a light wood table in a dimly lit, brewery setting. They are playing Battleship, with the blue game units open between them. One person, on the left, has shoulder-length dark hair and visible, intricate tattoos across their chest, neck, and arms. In the center of the table sits a large, thin-crust pizza topped with a mountain of fresh arugula, alongside a pint of beer and a glass of water with a lime wedge.
Let’s Plan Your Stay!
Make your next mark in Nanaimo! Unforgettable tattoos, high-quality piercings, and fresh new looks are waiting for you. Book your session, book your travel and let the transformation begin!
