Nanaimo

Travel Guide
Port Alberni featuring a marina
Take a ferry to one of British Columbia’s oldest cities and enjoy its cosmopolitan mix of a college town, a waterfront resort and an old mining boomtown.

Nanaimo is Vancouver Island’s second-largest city and a convenient access point for the island’s natural landscape. Located on the east coast, Nanaimo is nestled between island’s mountainous interior and the scenic Strait of Georgia. Explore Nanaimo to experience a perfect balance of Vancouver Island’s history, local culture and beautiful scenery.

Stroll along the Harbourfront Walkway to see the lively city center crowded around Nanaimo’s port. Here, alongside seafood restaurants and delightful teashops, you will find the Bastion, one of the last remaining outposts of the Hudson Bay Company. Visit this mid-19th-century tower at noon to hear the midday cannon. Browse the intriguing exhibits in the nearby Nanaimo Museum to learn about the city’s history as a coal mining boomtown.

Enjoy one of the mildest climates in Canada and swim at Nanaimo’s picturesque beaches. Try diving off the island’s coast and see beautiful multihued reefs growing around the wreck sites of three ships. Spot octopus, sea lions and eels in the clear waters.

Take a passenger ferry to one of the islands around Nanaimo Harbor. Newcastle Island is a small wooded landmass only a 10-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo. Wander the beaches, check out the tide pools at low tide and try local seafood at the island’s bistro. The larger Gabriola Island, known as the “Isle of the Arts,” is a great place to explore Nanaimo’s artisan culture. Tour the small galleries and buy souvenirs at a boutique.

Head inland from Nanaimo to discover the impressive mountains and valleys of Vancouver Island’s interior. Take a wine-tasting tour of the Cowichan Valley south of the city. Explore the forested trails of the western mountains, crowned by Mount Bastion. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a favorite destination due to its beautiful waterfalls among wooded canyons.

Nanaimo is located 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia. Reach Vancouver Island by ferry or plane and make this scenic mining town your first stop.

Where to stay in Nanaimo

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Departure Bay

While visiting Departure Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Departure Bay Beach.

Departure Bay
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Stephenson Point

Though Stephenson Point might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pipers Lagoon Park and Departure Bay Beach.

Stephenson Point
Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
2 out of 5
96 Terminal Avenue North, Nanaimo, BC
The price is CA $102 per night from Nov. 5 to Nov. 6
CA $102
CA $118 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"location is perfect, close to everything"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
Inn On Long Lake
Inn On Long Lake
2 out of 5
4700 North Island Hwy, Nanaimo, BC
The price is CA $141 per night from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2
CA $141
CA $164 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a private beach. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Inn on long lake stay
"Great calm stay and comfortable beds! Nice view of lake and hot tub was good too!"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Inn On Long Lake
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
2.5 out of 5
809 Island Hwy S, Nanaimo, BC
The price is CA $128 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $128
CA $148 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,197 reviews)
"Comfortable"

Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
RELAX, BE INSPIRED HAVE FUN IN THIS SAVVY SEAGULL SUITE RETREAT
RELAX, BE INSPIRED HAVE FUN IN THIS SAVVY SEAGULL SUITE RETREAT
Nanaimo
Stay at this vacation home in Nanaimo. Enjoy a garden, tennis courts, and patios. Popular attractions Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Duke Point Ferry Terminal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
Ocean hikes and family visits
"Seagull suite was perfect for us. Very comfy beds, efficient layout, complete kitchen, cute and well organized. It’s also close to lovely seaside parks and trails. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Sep. 29, 2024

RELAX, BE INSPIRED HAVE FUN IN THIS SAVVY SEAGULL SUITE RETREAT
New Construction Coach House, 10 Minute Walk to Downtown and Ferry
New Construction Coach House, 10 Minute Walk to Downtown and Ferry
Nanaimo
Book a stay at this ski apartment in Nanaimo. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and ski-in/ski-out access. Popular attractions Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
Always enjoy our stay!
"We enjoy staying here - have done so a few times now. Great property, great location. Clean, well stocked with all one needs, comfortable beds, enjoy having our own laundry, good TV for the end of the day relaxation. We will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Sep. 18, 2024

New Construction Coach House, 10 Minute Walk to Downtown and Ferry
This is the life! 2 bedroom oceanfront condo close to everything.
This is the life! 2 bedroom oceanfront condo close to everything.
Nanaimo
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Nanaimo. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Duke Point ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Sleek and modern
"This is a sleek, modern condo well-situated with a nice view of a marina. Our only issue was with hosts’ policy re amenities. Canadians have a reputation for being nicer than we Americans but the “honor system “ re amenities did not work for us. Guests are supposed to replace what they use. Well, ..."

Reviewed on Sep. 25, 2024

This is the life! 2 bedroom oceanfront condo close to everything.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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