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