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