The days are cooler, the drinks are warmer, and suddenly you’ve got an excuse to trade flip-flops for fuzzy socks. In Nanaimo, fall is all about leaning into the cozy, whether that’s curling up in a waterfront suite, waking up to mountain views, or retreating to a rustic lodge surrounded by autumn colour.
From bustling downtown hideaways to tucked-away escapes, these stays are ready to wrap you in comfort this season. And if you’d rather skip the guesswork? Take our Accommodations Quiz and let us find your perfect fall nest in seconds.
Campouts & Cabins
If your idea of fall bliss is waking up to the sound of waves and the smell of woodsmoke, we’ve got you. At Snaw-Naw-As Campground, you can pitch a tent or upgrade to one of their cozy cabins, perfect for crisp autumn mornings with coffee on the deck. For the ultimate island escape, hop the ferry to Saysutshun and camp on the peaceful grounds under towering trees. Spend your days hiking through golden forest trails, your evenings gathered around a campfire, and your nights under a canopy of stars.
Waterfront Mornings & Mountain View Nights
There’s nothing like sipping your morning coffee while fog curls over the water or mountains glow gold in the evening light. Snag a room at the Inn on Long Lake or Waterfront Suites & Marina for those glassy water views, or head to The Grand Hotel for refined elegance framed by Nanaimo’s fall landscapes. For a snug, locally loved vibe, curl up at the Castaway Motel, Buccaneer Inn, or The Spot – Boutique Hotel.
Downtown Energy, Autumn Evenings
If your perfect fall getaway comes with a side of live music, local events, and twinkle-lit streets, stay close to the heart of it all. The Best Western Dorchester, Coast Bastion Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Painted Turtle Guesthouse, Quality Inn, and Travelodge Nanaimo keep you just steps from downtown’s autumn buzz.
Paws, Pumpkins, and Pet-Friendly Comfort
Fall strolls along the harbour are even better with a four-legged friend. Check in to Days Inn Nanaimo, Best Western Northgate, Ramada Inn Nanaimo, Value Lodge, Diplomat Motel, Port-O-Call Inn & Suites, Bluebird Motel, or Departure Bay Motel—all ready to welcome wagging tails.
Hideaways Where the Leaves Crunch Underfoot
For those who want the soundtrack of their stay to be wind in the trees and the occasional loon call, Nanaimo’s South End delivers. Kiwi Cove Lodge offers orchard charm, Raven Point Inn & Marina pairs coastal views with crisp sea air, and Yellow Point Lodge surrounds you with forest trails and the smell of woodsmoke.
B&Bs with a Side of Cinnamon and Storytelling
Bed and breakfasts are made for fall—the kind of places where mornings come with homemade muffins and a chat by the fire. Go beachfront at MGM Seashore B&B, Long Lake Waterfront B&B, or Randle House Beachfront B&B, or settle into the cozy charm of Campbell Cottage B&B, Gibraltar Rock B&B, or Ann Arthur Guesthouse.
Crisp Nights Under the Stars
Whether you’re in an RV, camper, or just packing a sleeping bag, fall camping in Nanaimo means cooler nights, quieter trails, and maybe even a cabin upgrade. In the South End, try Living Forest Oceanside Campground, Mountainaire Campground and RV Park, Rondalyn Resort, or Nanaimo Lakes Campsites. North and Central Nanaimo offer Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite, Jinglepot RV Park & Campgrounds, Westwood Lake Campground Resort, and Snaw-Naw-As Campground—complete with a cozy cabin for the ultimate autumn escape.
Island-Hopping for Fall Colour
Take a short, scenic ferry to Gabriola Island, where fall’s slower pace pairs perfectly with a steaming mug of tea and a shoreline walk. Stay at The Surf Lodge or Page’s Resort & Marina, camp at Descanso Bay Regional Park, or tuck into the charm of WurHere B&B or The Haven.
Wrap Yourself in Nanaimo’s Fall Warmth
From cabins and campfires to waterfront suites and boutique stays, Nanaimo’s accommodations are ready to keep you cozy long after the leaves have fallen. So pack your sweater, grab your favourite book, and let the season set the pace. Your fall escape is waiting.
