Book Your Trip
Book Your Trip

Don't spend your downtime staring at your hotel walls. Conference Over? Nanaimo Awaits.

Whether you've got an hour between sessions, an evening to explore, or a little extra time before heading home, Nanaimo has plenty worth making time for.

Two people stroll past shops on a rainy autumn day in downtown Nanaimo, holding coffee as colourful fall trees line the street.

MORE THAN JUST A HOST CITY

Whether your conference has wrapped up for the day or you've got a few hours to spare between sessions, we're here to help you make the most of your time in Nanaimo. Because let's be honest, a business trip is just a vacation with a few meetings thrown in, right? We've rounded up a few ways to make the most of your downtime. From local eats and entertainment to the perfect spot to catch up on emails over a seasonal latte (on the company card, of course), consider your free time sorted.

A person zip-lining through a forest with fall foliage.

The Top 10? Right This Way.

Person lying on a concrete bench in a forested park.

Get Outside.

One person paddles a kayak while another walks beside a kayak in shallow water along a rocky shoreline.

No Plan? No Problem.

Short on Inspiration?

We've rounded up a few reads to help you make the most of your downtime. Less planning, more exploring. You're welcome.

Your Conference Isn't the Only Event in Town.

From live music and local markets to festivals, performances, and everything in between.

Hundreds of people take part in a Pride parade, filling a sunny Nanaimo street with rainbow colours, flags, and a celebratory atmosphere.
View All
Tourism Nanaimo
info@tourismnanaimo.com (250) 751 1556

Join Our

Newsletter

Industry

Newsletter

Get Our

Visitors Guide

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge with gratitude that our work takes place on the territories of the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-naw-as, and Stzuminus people. Tourism Nanaimo is committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, with a focus on those directly tied to the tourism sector. We support Call to Action 92 by actively seeking meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, ensuring that tourism contributes to economic reconciliation and respects Indigenous rights and protocols. We support Call to Action 79 by ensuring that Indigenous histories and living cultures are shared in close collaboration with First Nation governments, honouring their guidance on how their stories and teachings are shared.

Rainbow Registered British Columbia 2SLGBTQIA+ OWNED

© 2026 Simpleview Inc. All Rights Reserved

Made by Simpleview