Nanaimo

Home of the beloved Nanaimo Bar and the typically splendid panoramas of British Columbia, Nanaimo has become a must-visit destination over the past couple of years. Whether it’s outdoor recreation (biking, zip lining, scuba diving at the artificial reefs, boating on the protected scenic waters, paddling the historical harbor, fishing for crab or salmon or trout, hiking to the summit of Mount Benson, snorkeling and exploring the sea life of the Georgia Strait), festival hopping (Maple Sugar Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Nanaimo Bar None, Summertime Blues and more) or getting art-ed out (Cedar Yellow Point artisan trail, art galleries and Gabriola Arts Council), Nanaimo has plenty of activities to keep visitors busy and entertained. Not to mention the topnotch dining, the Cowichan Valley wineries and the legendary nightlife – Nanaimo has, after all, gained the nicknamed of Pub City because of the numerous watering holes found in the city.

Practical Info

Nanaimo is located right across the city of Vancouver on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Reaching Nanaimo is quite easy, as the city is serviced by three airports as well as BC ferries. Ferry service between Departure Bay terminal in Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay Terminal on the mainland lasts two hours; visitors should add another 30 minutes to get to downtown Vancouver by car via route 1. Nanaimo is also the gateway to many other destinations like Tofino, Comox Valley, Campbell River, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Newcastle Island, Gabriola Island, Valdes Island and many of the Gulf Islands.