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