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