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