Welcome to Nanaimo, BC
The city of Nanaimo is a classic West Coast community, offering natural beauty at every turn, and vast recreation potential. Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines in Canada, and a forested mountain backdrop just outside downtown. Here, you can go from the wilderness to the city centre in just a few minutes, and spend more time in the places you want to be.
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Nanaimo, BC is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 113 km north of Victoria, and 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver. The city projects out into the strait like a headland, affording waterfront on three sides and spectacular ocean views at every turn. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 metres (3,300 feet) just west of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at the south end of the city.
Know Before You Go
Like you, we’re passionate about exploring Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. But now is not the time for inter-community travel; stay in your community and support your local businesses if you can.
We look forward to welcoming visitors to Nanaimo when the time is right. Do your part now, so we can all explore Vancouver Island again later. In the meantime, find the official links below for the most up-to-date information.
For travel updates in British Columbia, please visit Destination BC’s traveller resource guide here, and read about the current province-wide restrictions here.
For travel updates in Canada, please visit Destination Canada’s traveller resource guide.
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Stay Safe and Support Local Business
Explore Local to rediscover the flavours of Nanaimo! Enjoy a meal on a sunny patio or take it to go and picnic at the beach. There are hundreds of unique, Nanaimo experiences open and ready to welcome you!