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