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