Nanaimo and the surrounding region are rich with history. From the deep cultural roots and ongoing connections to the land of Snuneymuxw First Nation, to the coal mining days that shaped the city’s early growth, this is a place where stories run layered, meaningful, and anything but boring.
Ready to dig in? Let’s make a weekend of it.
Getting Here and Where to Stay
First things first, you’ve gotta get here. Whether you’re travelling from up Island, down Island, or crossing the Strait, Nanaimo is easy to reach by road, ferry, float plane, or flight. We’ve got all the tips, routes, and insider info to make the journey smooth.
Already dreaming about your stay? From waterfront hotels to cozy downtown spots, we’ve rounded up accommodations to match every travel style. Need help choosing? We’ve got a blog for that. Ready to book? We’ve got you covered there too.
Day 1
Morning
Start strong with breakfast at Gabriel’s Cafe, a local favourite serving up farm-to-fork comfort with plenty of vegan options and a laid-back vibe. Think locally sourced eggs, meats, and produce turned into the kind of breakfast that makes you cancel your mid-morning snack plans.
Once plates are cleared and coffee cups are empty, it’s time to cross the street, literally, to your next stop: Nanaimo Museum.
If you’re expecting dusty display cases and whisper-only vibes, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The museum blends permanent exhibits exploring Nanaimo’s coal mining roots, waterfront beginnings, and community stories with rotating exhibitions that dive into culture, art, and contemporary perspectives. Every visit feels a little different and always engaging.
And before you leave, wander through the gift shop. Local artisan goods, thoughtful souvenirs, and the very real possibility of buying something you didn’t plan on but absolutely needed.
Afternoon
Now that you’ve got the big-picture history, it’s time to see it where it actually happened.
Join a guided walking tour through downtown Nanaimo and watch the city’s past come to life block by block. You’ll learn how the city grew from a coal mining hub into the vibrant coastal community it is today, with plenty of surprising moments along the way. It’s part history lesson, part neighbourhood stroll, and all-around one of the best ways to connect with the city.
Evening
After a full day of exploring, reward yourself with dinner at Melange. Known for its warm atmosphere and crowd-pleasing dishes, Melange puts a big focus on locally sourced ingredients and supporting regional farmers, brewers, bakers, and producers, which somehow makes everything taste even better.
Once dinner wraps up, head back to your hotel, kick your feet up, and rest easy. You’ve earned it.
Tomorrow? More history, more exploring, and a few Nanaimo surprises still waiting.
Day 2
Morning
Another day in Nanaimo, and yes, we’re starting it right. Grab breakfast on the waterfront at Javawocky Coffee House, where strong coffee meets salty sea air and front-row harbour views. Settle in with a latte and something fresh from the bakery case while boats drift by, seagulls do their thing, and the surrounding islands slowly wake up. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seals or other wildlife cruising through the harbour. It’s the kind of morning that makes you forget about emails entirely.
Afternoon
From here, choose your own history adventure.
Hop on the ferry to Saysutshun, a short ride that feels like a true escape. Once on the island, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the deep cultural connections and history of Snuneymuxw First Nation through interpretive signage, cultural experiences, and scenic trails that weave together nature and storytelling. It’s peaceful, powerful, and one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the region.
If you’d rather stay downtown, step inside the Nanaimo Military Museum to explore Canada’s military history through personal stories, artifacts, and exhibits that bring past service and sacrifice into focus.
Visiting in the summer months? Take a quick boat ride over to Protection Island Museum, where small but mighty exhibits share the island’s unique past and tight-knit community stories. It’s a charming, slower-paced stop that feels like discovering a hidden corner of Nanaimo.
Evening
Wrap up your history-filled day with a well-earned dinner and some entertainment. Head back into downtown Nanaimo for a meal at Modern Cafe, a local favourite known for comfort food classics done right. After dinner, catch a live performance, theatre show, or concert nearby to keep the night rolling.
Or, if you’re still soaking up island life on Protection Island, wander down to the iconic Dinghy Dock Pub, Canada’s only floating pub. Order fish and chips, grab a seat on the dock, and watch the sun dip behind the harbour as boats glide past. It’s casual, memorable, and the perfect Nanaimo-style nightcap.
Plan your Nanaimo Stay
From waterfront breakfasts to downtown storytelling and meaningful moments that connect you to the land, a weekend of history in Nanaimo is anything but ordinary. It’s layered, eye-opening, occasionally surprising, and always rooted in the stories that shaped this coastal community.
So if you’re craving a getaway with substance, scenery, and stories worth telling when you get home, Nanaimo is ready for you.
Come curious. Leave connected. And don’t be surprised if you start planning your next visit before this one’s even over.
