Uncover Nanaimo’s layers.
It’s the many options from sea to sky that attract visitors to Nanaimo, where pedals push you over trails and the soles of your boots take you down to the base of rainforest waterfalls. And yet all will find the stillness to rejuvenate when kicking back on the beach to watch the ferry dock, or enjoying a cold handmade beverage at one of 4 craft breweries.
When you’re ready to feel the ocean air, set sail from Nanaimo’s harbour—one of Vancouver Island’s most industrious and beautiful ports—on a catamaran, fishing boat or hovercraft. It’s just one of the ways to catch a glimpse of Nanaimo’s locals—the wildlife of British Columbia who call the Salish Sea home. Get up close and personal with the harbour seals when you dive off Snake Island with a knowledgeable guide.
Top 10 Things to Do
Our ten classic must-dos while visiting Nanaimo: think biting into our signature treat or sailing down our single-track!
Plan Your Trip
Our curated itineraries will kick start your vacation planning.
Nanaimo Stories
Meet our locals & hear their stories.
What to Do
Serious Coffee Commercial Street
Delicados (North Nanaimo)
City of Nanaimo Parks & Recreation
Newfoundland to Nanaimo Canadian Gift & Souvenir Store
Vancouver Island Expeditions
Nanaimo NightOwls Baseball Team
Nanaimo Noodlebox – Port Place
Black Rabbit Kitchen & Attic
Yonder Wood Country Store
Ground Up Cafe and Catering
Wheatsheaf Pub & Liquor Store
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Vancouver Island Symphony
Zen Revolution Yoga & Spin
Island Roots Farmers’ Market
Brechin Lanes and Escapism Escape Rooms
Wild Heart Adventures Sea Kayak Tours
Regional District of Nanaimo
Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge
Old City Quarter Association
Vancouver Island Whale Watch – Nanaimo, BC
Eve Olive Vegan Restaurant
Kool & Child: Kool Toys & Teaching Tools!
Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant
Saysutshun Island (Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park)
Westwood Lake RV Camping & Cabins
The Bold Knight Restaurant
The Shoppes at Gallery Row
Kleijn Nurseries and Garden Centre
The Surf Restaurant & Pub
GERTIE – Gabriola’s Community Bus
Ride the Glide Segway Tours
Silva Bay Resort & Marina
Bees Knees Community Café
Lighthouse Bistro and Pub
Fredrich’s Honey Farm & Shop
Burnt Honey Dessert Company
New York Style Pizza & Pasta
Neck Point Röming Game – Island Römer Adventures
Wildwood – Ecoforestry Institute Society
Miracle Mile Limousine and Sight Seeing Tours
McNabs Corn Maze & Produce Farm
St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse
Penny’s Palapa Floating Mexican Restaurant
Horne Lake Caves & Outdoor Centre
Lobelia’s Lair Metaphysical Treasures
Nanaimo North Town Centre
Vancouver Island Military Museum
Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
Descanso Bay Regional Park
Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant
Gabriola Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre
Noodlebox Metral Station (North Nanaimo)
Living Forest Oceanside RV & Campground
Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market
Coastal Blue Adventures Ltd.
Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC
Milton Street Public House
Silva Bay Kayak Adventures
Waterfront Suites & Marina
Chateau Wolff Estate Winery & Vineyard
Hearthstone Artisan Bakery
