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