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