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