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