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