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