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
Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant
Wildwood – Ecoforestry Institute Society
Gabriola Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre
Vancouver Island Watersports
Miracle Mile Limousine and Sight Seeing Tours
Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
Silva Bay Resort & Marina
Ride the Glide Segway Tours
Living Forest Oceanside RV & Campground
Coastal Blue Adventures Ltd.
Silva Bay Kayak Adventures
Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant
City of Nanaimo Parks & Recreation
Fredrich’s Honey Farm & Shop
Saysutshun Island (Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park)
Nanaimo NightOwls Baseball Team
Burnt Honey Dessert Company
Lighthouse Bistro and Pub
Brechin Lanes and Escapism Escape Rooms
Westwood Lake RV Camping & Cabins
Newfoundland to Nanaimo Canadian Gift & Souvenir Store
Neck Point Röming Game – Island Römer Adventures
Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC
Kool & Child: Kool Toys & Teaching Tools!
Wheatsheaf Pub & Liquor Store
Zen Revolution Yoga & Spin
St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse
Penny’s Palapa Floating Mexican Restaurant
Vancouver Island Whale Watch – Nanaimo, BC
Milton Street Public House
Eve Olive Vegan Restaurant
Hearthstone Artisan Bakery
Chateau Wolff Estate Winery & Vineyard
Noodlebox Metral Station (North Nanaimo)
Vancouver Island Symphony
Old City Quarter Association
Waterfront Suites & Marina
Vancouver Island Expeditions
Kleijn Nurseries and Garden Centre
The Shoppes at Gallery Row
Lobelia’s Lair Metaphysical Treasures
The Bold Knight Restaurant
Nanaimo Noodlebox – Port Place
Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge
Wild Heart Adventures Sea Kayak Tours
Descanso Bay Regional Park
New York Style Pizza & Pasta
Delicados (North Nanaimo)
Serious Coffee Commercial Street
Yonder Wood Country Store
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Regional District of Nanaimo
The Surf Restaurant & Pub
Horne Lake Caves & Outdoor Centre
Bees Knees Community Café
Nanaimo North Town Centre
Ground Up Cafe and Catering
Vancouver Island Military Museum
McNabs Corn Maze & Produce Farm
Island Roots Farmers’ Market
GERTIE – Gabriola’s Community Bus
Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market
