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