Nanaimo
The Harbour City
Newcastle Island
Nanaimo Museum
Old City Quarter
Protection Island
Population
90,504
Nanaimo has two BC Ferries terminals: Departure Bay sails to Horseshoe Bay, Duke Point to Tsawwassen. A foot-passenger ferry crosses from the downtown harbour to Newcastle Island, which has no cars on it at all.
Local Insider Tips
Take the ferry to Newcastle Island for hiking and picnics
Try authentic Nanaimo bars at their birthplace
The Bastion looks out over the harbour
Best Times to Visit
spring
Mild weather perfect for island hopping
summer
Great for water activities and festivals
fall
Autumn colours and salmon watching
winter
Cozy downtown exploration and storm watching
Signature Nanaimo Experiences
Newcastle Island Park
Nanaimo Bar Trail
Harbourfront Walkway
Bathtub Racing
Explore Nanaimo Interactive Map
Discover venues, events, and attractions across Nanaimo
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Food & drink
Big Bang Cider
1235 Nanaimo Lakes Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5P4
A cider orchard on Nanaimo Lakes Road growing more than 25 cider-specific apple varieties from France, England and North America. The ciders are dry and vintage-based, so what is pouring changes with the season; some are blended with farm-grown hops, local berries or fresh quince. The cider is sold only at the farm, open Friday 3 to 8pm and weekends noon to 6pm.
Brewery & WineryBar & Pub
ESQUIMALT Vermouth & Apéritifs
3091 Jingle Pot Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6W6
Vermouth and aperitifs built on mead made with honey from the producer's own apiary and botanicals foraged on Vancouver Island. The range runs Rosso, Dry and Bianco vermouths, a barrel-aged Rosso, a Bitter Red americano, Bitter Orange, a smoked aperitif called Cascadia, and Kina-Salal and Kina-Blanc. The line launched in July 2019 and took world's best dry and semi-sweet vermouth at the 2023 World Vermouth Awards; the Jingle Pot Road premises in Nanaimo open by appointment, and bottles ship across Canada.
Brewery & Winery
Arbutus Distillery
All Venues in Nanaimo
View All (100)Island Römer Adventures
5791 Broadway Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9V 1E9
Guided sea kayak tours out of Nanaimo: three hours around Departure Bay, four to Saysutshun — Newcastle Island — and a seven-hour paddle to Pirate's Cove, in single or tandem boats. They teach kayak courses too. The phone is answered 8am to 8pm, seven days.
Tours & Activities
Coastal Blue Adventures Ltd
1840 Stewart Ave, Stones Marina, I Dock, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5R1
Charters out of Stones Marina in Nanaimo, fishing chinook and working water from the Gulf Islands out to Barkley Sound, with wildlife viewing, sightseeing and kayaking added on request. The guide teaches as he goes — gear, downriggers, trolling, jigging and trapping, electronics, navigation, tides and the regulations. Pricing is by enquiry.
Tours & Activities
Nanaimo Elements Spa
4551 Uplands Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9T 0M3
A day spa on Uplands Drive in Nanaimo doing facials and body treatments, massage and reflexology, waxing, manicures, pedicures, brows and lashes, with Éminence Organic and Laboratoire Dr Renaud on the shelves. Doors open at 10am Tuesday to Saturday, closing at 6pm midweek and 5pm at the weekend; Mondays are appointment-only until one.
Upcoming Events
View All EventsTry-it: Sauna/Cold Plunge w/ Island Sauna
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Island Sauna Nanaimo
Island Sauna Nanaimo.
Community
LEGO® Build It. Blast It. Save the Day! at Staples Store 116
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Staples Nanaimo Island Hwy Store 116.
Community
Nanaimo Christian Singles - All Ages
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
4800 Cedar Ridge Pl.
Family
Light Language Soundbath: New moon in Libra
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Golden Soul Sanctuary.
Nanaimo Travel Guides & Articles
In-depth guides to help you plan your visit to Nanaimo
Explore Nanaimo Neighbourhoods
Downtown
Historic core with shops and restaurants
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Old City Quarter
Heritage buildings and unique boutiques
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Departure Bay
Beach community with ferry connections
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Protection Island
Car-free island accessible by ferry
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