Things To Do
in Nanaimo
Nanaimo is a mid-sized harbour city on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, known for its working waterfront, coastal parks, and easy access to outdoor recreation. The city blends a maritime heritage—visible in its historic Bastion and active ferry terminals—with a growing craft beer, café and food scene. Visitors come for whale- and wildlife-watching, island-hopping to nearby Newcastle Island, and hiking Mount Benson for sweeping views over the Salish Sea.
Nanaimo is friendly and relaxed, with a pace and services that suit both short visits and longer stays exploring Vancouver Island.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Nanaimo Museum, where you can uncover the rich history of the area through engaging exhibits. Take a leisurely stroll along Commercial Street, admiring the charming heritage buildings and local shops. Stop by a cozy café for a delicious breakfast featuring local ingredients.
In the afternoon, head to the iconic Bastion, a historic wooden fort that offers stunning views of the harbor. After exploring the fort, make your way to the waterfront for a scenic walk along the Harbourfront Walkway, taking in the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant, sampling fresh seafood while watching boats glide by.
As the sun sets, experience the lively ambiance of Nanaimo’s downtown area by visiting local shops and art galleries. Dine at a renowned restaurant known for its farm-to-table offerings, where you can taste the local flavors of Vancouver Island. End your evening with a relaxing stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the beautiful views of the illuminated city.
Begin your day at Newcastle Island, taking a ferry from Nanaimo's harbor for a morning of adventure. Once on the island, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the pristine waters and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. Grab a quick snack from a local café before soaking up the sun on the island's beautiful beaches.
After a morning of water sports, relax on the sandy shores of Transfer Beach, where you can swim or simply lounge in the sun. For lunch, enjoy a picnic by the beach, surrounded by stunning ocean views and the sound of waves. In the afternoon, try your hand at beach volleyball or join a local group for a group paddleboarding session.
As the day winds down, take a scenic sunset cruise around the harbor, enjoying the beautiful vistas of the coastline and surrounding islands. After disembarking, head to a nearby seafood restaurant for dinner, indulging in fresh catches of the day. Cap off your evening with a bonfire on the beach, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $2.50-3.00 |
| 🚕Taxi (short ride ~5 km) | $12-25 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range/night) | $100-170 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to varied coastal and forest outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching).
- Friendly, small-city vibe with good local food and craft-beer scenes.
- Convenient ferry and seaplane connections to Vancouver and other islands.
- Close to scenic islands and parks for day trips.
- Limited late-night and club-style nightlife compared with larger cities.
- Can be busy in summer and ferries or roads may experience delays.
- Fewer direct flights—may require connections through Vancouver or Victoria.
- Weather can be rainy and grey outside of summer months.
Places to Visit in Nanaimo
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour shots of boats, ferries, harbour activity and sunsets over the Salish Sea; easy access to waterfront piers and public art.
This historic wooden fort in downtown Nanaimo is a distinctive subject and looks great framed with the harbour in the background.
Coastal forest trails, rocky shoreline and panoramic water views—excellent for nature and seascape photography.
From the top you get sweeping vistas of Nanaimo, the Strait of Georgia and surrounding peaks—ideal for wide landscape shots.
Rugged coastal cliffs, tide pools and dramatic waves—great for sunrise/sunset and wildlife shots.
Food in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic no-bake layered dessert (crumb base, custard middle, chocolate top); available at bakeries, markets and many cafés around town.
Must-Try!
Wild or sustainably farmed salmon prepared grilled, smoked or cedar-planked; widely served at seafood restaurants and markets.
Fresh shellfish from nearby waters — great at waterfront restaurants and seasonal seafood shacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, seafood and prepared foods—good for trying local specialties and homemade Nanaimo Bars.
Food trucks and vendor pop-ups are common around events and summer weekends near the waterfront and park spaces—look for fresh seafood, tacos and fusion street eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Nanaimo sits on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people—be respectful of Indigenous sites and follow any local guidance or signage.
People are generally friendly and polite; waiting your turn and saying 'please' and 'thank you' are expected.
Keep distance from wildlife, pack out what you pack in, and follow posted rules in parks (dogs on leash where required).
Safety
Tipping in Nanaimo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Canada: 15–20% in restaurants for good service, 10–15% for taxis and 10–15% for other services like hairdressers; rounding up small bills is common for quick service.
Credit and debit cards with chip-and-PIN and contactless NFC are widely accepted; cash is used less often but handy for small vendors. Mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common at larger merchants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, mostly dry and the busiest season for tourism—ideal for kayaking, island-hopping, and outdoor festivals. Book ferries and accommodations in advance; expect long daylight hours and occasional smoke from inland wildfires some years.
Cooling temperatures and increasing rain; foliage and quieter trails make for pleasant hikes. Shoulder season deals often available and wildlife viewing can be excellent.
Mild compared with inland Canada but wet and grey with frequent rain; snow is uncommon in the city but possible at higher elevations like Mount Benson. Some outdoor operators pause for the season; bring warm, waterproof clothing.
Blossoms and new growth, lower crowds and increasingly reliable weather. Trails can be muddy early in the season; marine wildlife and bird migration pick up.
Nanaimo at Night
Hiking in Nanaimo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A steep, rewarding hike to a summit with panoramic views; several routes vary in length and difficulty—expect exposed sections near the top.
A family-friendly lakeside trail with swimming access, picnic spots and moderate terrain—great for an easy half-day outing.
Short coastal trails with rocky headlands, viewpoints and tidepool areas—excellent for photography and short hikes.
Scenic shore walk with beaches, cliffs and sheltered coves; good for birdwatching and sunset walks.
Network of easy to moderate trails across a small island park with beaches, picnic spots and viewpoints—accessible by water taxi or ferry from the harbour.
Airports
How to reach Nanaimo by plane.
Regional airport with flights to Vancouver and other regional destinations; ground transport into the city is available by taxi, shuttle or rental car.
Seaplane connections (Harbour Air, others) operate between Nanaimo harbour and downtown Vancouver and other island communities—fast and scenic option in good weather.
About an hour north by car—offers regional flights and is a good alternative for access to northern Vancouver Island.
Major island airport to the south; reachable by car and ferry from Nanaimo and offering a wider selection of flights.
The main international gateway; reach Nanaimo by ferry or seaplane and then by local transport—most long-haul connections come through YVR.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Snuneymuxw people are the local Indigenous community with a long-standing cultural presence and ties to the land and sea.
A significant portion of the population consists of families and working-age people employed in services, trades, tourism and public sector.
Nanaimo attracts retirees seeking a milder climate and island lifestyle; there is a visible retiree community and associated services.
Growing numbers of newcomers and immigrants contribute to cultural diversity, small-business entrepreneurship and food offerings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a popular community sport with local junior and amateur teams and strong youth participation.
Sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and rowing are widely practiced thanks to calm coastal waters and sheltered bays.
Local trails and nearby forests offer routes for mountain bikers and trail runners of varied skill levels.
Community-based soccer, baseball and field sports are common, with active clubs and recreational leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nanaimo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common at cafés, many restaurants and the farmers' market; expect hearty salads, grain bowls and veggie burgers.
Vegan choices have grown—look for dedicated menu items at cafés, plant-based options at brewpubs, and vegan baked goods at the market.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests; bakeries and markets often label GF items, but always check for cross-contamination if sensitive.