Local teams, loud crowds, and a seat close to it all

Spectator sports in Nanaimo feel close. Close to the water, close to the action, close enough to hear the crowd shift when something big is about to happen. Games here live inside real arenas and community fields, where fans show up early, stay late, and talk to strangers like they’ve known them for years. 

From packed junior hockey nights to weekend tournaments that take over the city, Nanaimo knows how to host a crowd without polishing the edges. The energy is loud, familiar, and proudly local. Grab a seat, grab a snack, and settle in. Around here, watching the game is part of the culture. 

Local Teams

Nanaimo Clippers – Junior Hockey 
A cornerstone of Nanaimo’s sports scene, the Clippers are a junior ice hockey club in the British Columbia Hockey League, playing at Frank Crane Arena since 1972. They’re known for intense home crowds and developing players who go on to college and pro programs. 

• Colours: Orange, black, white 

• Fun fact: The Clippers have a passionate fan base that fills Frank Crane for weekend games and playoff pushes. 

Nanaimo Buccaneers – Junior Hockey (VIJHL) 
The Buccaneers bring a lively atmosphere to junior hockey nights at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. 

• Colours: Yellow and black 

• Fun fact: The Bucs franchise returned to the VIJHL in 2012 after a long absence. 

Nanaimo NightOwls – Summer Baseball 
This collegiate summer baseball club plays at historic Serauxmen Stadium, serving up evenings of baseball and community spirit. 

• Mascot / colours: Ney‑Te the Night Owl; navy blue, gold, white 

• Fun fact: The team uses two names and jerseys: “NightOwls” for night games and “Nanaimo Bars” for day games, celebrating the city’s iconic dessert. 

Nanaimo Hornets Rugby Club – Rugby 
One of the oldest rugby clubs in Western Canada, the Hornets are deeply woven into Nanaimo’s sport culture. They field men’s and women’s teams, masters sides, and strong junior and minis programs, and play out of Pioneer Park. 

• Colours: Black and yellow 

• Fun fact: The club is known for welcoming new players of all ages and often hosts community touch rugby events. 

Nanaimo United FC – Semi‑pro Soccer 
Nanaimo’s semi‑professional soccer club competes in League1 British Columbia, with home games at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium. 

• Colours: Red, white, and navy

• Fun fact: Originally formed in 1903, this club is one of the oldest soccer organizations in Canada. 

Vancouver Island Raiders – Junior Football 
The Raiders are a Canadian Junior Football League team playing at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium, with multiple conference titles over the years. 

• Colours: Red, white, and black

• Fun fact: The Raiders have a strong legacy in junior football. 

Nanaimo Timbermen – Lacrosse 
A beloved part of Nanaimo’s sports fabric, the Timbermen compete in senior and junior lacrosse leagues with strong community support. 

• Colours: Red and white

• Fun fact: Lacrosse has deep roots here, and the Timbermen organization works closely with youth lacrosse programs. 

Is there a sports group that you think should be included on this list? Reach out to sydney@tourismnanaimo.com 

VIU Mariners Sports 

Vancouver Island University’s Mariners are a big part of Nanaimo’s sport scene, bringing competitive college athletics to campus and the community. The Mariners compete across a range of varsity sports and club programs, with both men’s and women’s teams showcasing talent, teamwork, and local pride. They represent VIU in the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), and have a history of success on courts, fields, and rinks. 

Varsity Teams and Success 

• Soccer (Men’s & Women’s): Both squads compete in PACWEST play, with recent seasons featuring conference championships and national tournament appearances. 

• Basketball (Men’s & Women’s): The Mariners have a strong basketball tradition, including multiple provincial titles and deep runs at national championships. Home games at the VIU Gym draw energetic crowds. 

• Volleyball (Men’s & Women’s): A pillar of the Mariners’ program, especially the women’s team, which regularly contends for provincial and national honours. 

• Baseball: Competing in the Canadian Collegiate Baseball Conference, Mariners baseball is a spring highlight and a great showcase for student-athletes balancing competition and studies. 

VIU also has various club sport teams, such as hockey, ultimate frisbee, disc golf, and much more.