Nanaimo Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in beautiful Nanaimo, British Columbia with our comprehensive travel guide.


Nanaimo is a picturesque city located in Central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and exciting outdoor activities, Nanaimo offers endless opportunities for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. In this travel guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to see, do, and eat in Nanaimo to help you plan your perfect trip to this beautiful Canadian city.

Introduction to Nanaimo

Named after the local indigenous word for “big and strong,” Nanaimo is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. The city is located on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and has been inhabited for thousands of years. Nanaimo is a bustling harbor town that offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Nanaimo

Nanaimo is a city that is rich in history and natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions you should consider visiting:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Nanaimo Museum: Take a step back in time and learn about the rich history of Nanaimo at this museum. The museum features exhibits about the city’s coal mining past, local indigenous cultures, and also showcase the city’s modern cultural scene.

  • Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park: This beautiful park is located just ten minutes from downtown Nanaimo and offers plenty of opportunities to explore the archipelago, take a nature walk, and visit the historic coal-mining ruins on the island.

  • The Bastion: A National Historic Site of Canada, the Bastion is a 19th-century fortification that overlooks the harbor and serves as a gateway to the city. The fortress offers a window into the city’s frontier past and is a must-see for history buffs.

Natural Attractions of Nanaimo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Neck Point Park: This spectacular park has something for everyone, including rocky beaches, picturesque walking trails, and stunning views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and offers plenty of opportunities for photography and nature walks.

  • Ammonite Falls: Located in a hidden valley, this spectacular waterfall is worth the hike up. The waterfall is surrounded by verdant greenery, making it a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

  • Pipers Lagoon Park: This park is one of the crown jewels of Nanaimo’s parks. It’s a perfect vantage point to enjoy the views of Bradfield Canal and Duke Point, and it offers a great opportunity to take a stroll in the park and enjoy the scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nanaimo

Nanaimo is renowned for its hiking and biking trails that offer spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. Here are some of the top routes that you should explore:

  • The Parkway Trail: This trail is known as one of the best cycling routes in the city, stretching for over 17 kilometers between Nanaimo and Oyster Bay. The trail also features stunning forest vistas, stunning waterfalls and depictions of wildlife species.

  • Westwood Lake Trail: This trail offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city and offers an excellent opportunity to hike or bike around the lake’s rugged shorelines and verdant forest trails.

  • Morell Sanctuary Trail: Morell Sanctuary Trail offers visitors a chance to encounter over 70 different species of birds and other wildlife species. Walking along the 3.1-km trail, hikers will see a variety of notable wild plants on a beautiful landscape with its tranquil environment.

Best Things to Do in Nanaimo: Activities and Tours

Nanaimo is a city that offers a great range of interesting activities and tours for visitors. Some of the best things to do in Nanaimo include:

  • Explore the Nanaimo Bar Trail: Nanaimo is famous for its sweet treats, and the Nanaimo Bar Trail is an excellent way to try out these desserts.

  • Take a Whale Watching Tour: This exciting excursion allows you to see a variety of magnificent marine wildlife species, including orcas, porpoises, and whales that inhabit the waters around the city.

  • Go Surfing or Paddleboarding: Nanaimo is located close to one of the best beaches for surfing and paddleboarding in Vancouver Island. Head to Gabriola Island for an unforgettable water adventure.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nanaimo

Here’s what a week-long itinerary of Nanaimo could look like:

Day 1: Explore the City Center and visit the iconic Bastion Day 2: Hike Mount Benson and catch stunning views Day 3: Tour Newcastle Island State Marine Park Day 4: Visit the Nanaimo Museum before walking around the historic Old City Quarter Day 5: Go Diving at Nanaimo’s artificial reef Day 6: Take a day trip to the nearby Comox Valley or Cowichan Valley, famous wine regions. Day 7: Visit Neck Point Park and Ammonite Falls.

Food and Drink Scene of Nanaimo

The vibrant food scene in Nanaimo offers visitors an exceptional culinary experience. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nanaimo Bar: it is a dessert consisting of a cracker-crumbs-based layer, a custard-flavored butter icing in the middle, and a layer of melted chocolate on top.

  • Fish and Chips: Nanaimo offers numerous places to buy mouth-watering fish and chips made from locally-caught and fresh seafood.

  • Burgers: numerous restaurants in Nanaimo serve delicious burgers, made from locally-sourced beef patties.

Local Beverages

  • Nanaimo Wineries: Nanaimo is nearby to several wineries that produce some of the finest wines in the region. Take a day trip to the Cowichan Valley and visit the Chemainus River Valley, Shawnigan Lake, and Averill Creek Winery, among others.

  • Wolf Brewery: This microbrewery is dedicated to producing high-quality craft beer using local hops and grains. Try their house specialty ‘Pack Echo India Pale Ale.’

Where to Stay in Nanaimo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nanaimo offers a range of top-notch accommodation options that cater to all budgets and preferences. Some of the top places to stay in Nanaimo include:

  • The Grand Hotel Nanaimo: This hotel is one of the city’s premiere accommodation options and features panoramic ocean views and top-notch restaurants.

  • The Painted Turtle Guesthouse: This affordable guest house offers comfortable rooms and an excellent location, perfect for budget travelers.

  • Hammond Bay Oceanside Bed & Breakfast: This oceanfront bed and breakfast offers a peaceful retreat in a tranquil location. Perfect for those looking for a quiet summer vacation.

What to Buy in Nanaimo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the souvenirs and local products that you should take home from Nanaimo:

  • Nanaimo Bars: Take home the city’s iconic dessert, the Nanaimo bar, and taste the city’s flavor even after returning from the vacation.

  • A Piece of Artwork: Numerous art galleries in Nanaimo sell different forms of art, from sculptures to paintings and drawings, at affordable prices.

  • Local Wine and Beer: Take home a bottle of locally-brewed craft beer from the Wolf Brewery or Cowichan Valley wines from the nearby wineries.

Local Culture and Customs of Nanaimo

Nanaimo is a city that celebrates art, culture and history. Some of the highlights of the local culture and customs of Nanaimo are:

  • Music, art and festivals. Throughout the year, the city hosts numerous festivals to celebrate its music, art, and cultural heritage. From waterfront concerts to parades to street performers, there’s always something going on in Nanaimo.

Best Time to Visit Nanaimo

The best time to visit Nanaimo is during the summer months, from June to August, when the city has the warmest temperatures and the most extended hours of daylight. Visitors during this period can enjoy long walks on the beach, water sports, and numerous outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nanaimo

Here are some of the crucial do’s and don’ts when you’re traveling in Nanaimo:

Do:

  • Do take a stroll around the city’s Old City Quarter to explore its history and heritage.

  • Do use the city’s bike rental service when exploring the city’s parks or waterfront, especially in the summer months when traffic is high.

  • Do try out snorkelling and diving in Nanaimo to witness the stunning ocean environment at the bottom.

Don’t:

  • Don’t neglect on your sunscreen or hat. Summers in Nanaimo can get hot and bright, Neglecting to implement proper sun protection may result in burns or a sunstroke.

  • Don’t communicate or take pictures of the indigenous population in Snuneymuxw First Nation without seeking their permission.

  • Don’t litter or garbage on any of the natural sites or parks and ensure that the environment remains clean and debris-free.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nanaimo

Nanaimo is a safe city to travel, with very low crime rates and a vibrant, active police department, ensuring visitor safety. As in any other destination, travellers should stay cautious and alert to avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft.

Health in Nanaimo

Nanaimo has a high-quality health care system, with numerous hospitals and medical clinics that are open throughout the day. Visitors can expect access to emergency health care, such as injury treatments, first-aid remedies, or annual medical check-ups.

Getting to Nanaimo: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several options to reach Nanaimo, including by air, car, or ferry:

  • By Air: The Nanaimo Airport is located just a 20-minute drive from the city center and offers direct flights to destinations like Vancouver, Calgary, and Seattle.

  • By Car: Nanaimo is located along the Island Highway (Highway 1) system, giving visitors direct access from the ferry terminals and other parts of Vancouver Island.

  • By Ferry: BC Ferries operate regular services from Vancouver and Victoria, providing visitors access to Nanaimo and the nearby Gulf Islands.

How to Get Around in Nanaimo

Nanaimo offers visitors a variety of transportation options, including buses, bikes, rental cars, and taxis, making it easy to get around and explore different parts of the city. There are also bike rental services in the city that are affordable to hire, such as Hub City Cycles.

Where to Go Next from Nanaimo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nanaimo is located ideally in British Columbia, providing visitors with various opportunities to explore neighboring regions and locales. Some of the nearby destinations that you may want to visit include:

  • Victoria: The capital of British Columbia, Victoria is a lovely and welcoming city located just a ferry ride away from Nanaimo. Here, visitors can explore the world-famous Butchart Gardens and the Royal BC Museum.

  • Vancouver City: One of Canada’s finest cities, Vancouver is renowned for its diverse population, tourist attractions, and rich urban atmosphere. Vancouver is ideally located in Washington State and along the Pacific Ocean, making it a great day trip from Nanaimo.

Conclusion

Nanaimo is a beautiful city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, urban amenities, and rich cultural heritage. There’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Plan your trip to Nanaimo and explore the region’s many attractions, from hiking around stunning waterfalls to indulging in fresh seafood from the city’s popular restaurants. Remember to respect the city’s cultural and natural heritage, and have an amazing stay.

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