Every small town has a story. We've mapped990of them.

Top 11 Places to Visit in

Nanaimo | British Columbia

The page created by Carleigh Petersen | University of Winnipeg | Photo by Lucia & Earnest Light

Region:

Central Vancouver Island

Known For:

Nanaimo Harbourfront | Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park | Departure Bay Ferry Terminal | Home Town of Diana Krall | Nanaimo Bar trail

Best For:

Dessert Crawls | Coastal Walks | Ferry Travel | City Breaks

Is this your community? See how we can help more travellers find it.

1000 Towns · Canada travel powered by Booking.com

Best stays in Nanaimo British Columbia

Nanaimo Bar Trail

Sending
User Review
4.5 (2 votes)
FoodKids & Family
dessert

If you have never had a Nanaimo bar before, this is the place to try it! If you want to try the Nanaimo bar in many different forms, this is also the place to come! The Nanaimo bar is a delicious dessert made with graham crumbs, cocoa & coconut, a custard middle, and a layer […]

Home Town of Diana Krall

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
Famous Canadians
krall

Diana Krall is a jazz pianist and singer, known for her contralto vocals. Diana was born and raised in Nanaimo. She started performing professionally at the age of fifteen. Since then, she has sold more than fifteen million albums worldwide, won three Grammy Awards, and won eight Juno Awards. In the year 2000, she received […]

Westwood Lake Park

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
Outdoor
view of park

Westwood Lake Park is a year-round destination. There are numerous beaches with swimming spots and wheelchair-accessible fishing floats. The park has a main trail that is 5.51 km and various shorter loops giving you different options. Bring your furry friend because there is an off-leash dog area as well.

Island Roots Market Co-op

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
Farmer's Market
carrots

Wednesday & Saturday Roots Market Co-op is one of Nanaimo’s year-round farmers’ markets. The market features a broad variety of farm-grown, fresh-baked, and handmade products. The market runs every Wednesday and Saturday which is located inside the Centennial Building at Beban Park. This is a great stop finishing your day off right with some nourishing […]

Lighthouse Bistro & Pub

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
DrinkFood
Pub in Nanaimo

Lighthouse Bistro & Pub is located on the waterfront in Nanaimo giving an incredible view while enjoying food and company. There is a very wide variety of fresh local seafood, craft beers, and wines all from around Vancouver Island and British Columbia. Photo: https://order.lighthousebistro.ca/page/store-info

Wild Play

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
Kids & FamilyOutdoor
adventures

Wild Play has amazing thrilling adventures packed into one place. Wild Play has an adventure course (with 3 different levels), a bungee jump, a primal swing, zipline tour, axe throwing, and a jump named “what’s to fear jump”. Wild Play has so much more than just the activities though! There are also walking trails, fire […]

Frank Crane Arena – Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Team

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
Kids & Family
hockey players

If you want to dive into Nanaimo and get to know the area/community, the Nanaimo Clippers is a great place to start. The Nanaimo Clippers hockey team is very popular for their involvement within the community and is loved by the locals. If you go on a game night, it is a guaranteed good time […]

Vancouver Island Whale Watch

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
Kids & FamilyOutdoorSelfie Spot
picture of whali in water

Whale watching is a must when you are surrounded by waters filled with them. The waters surrounding Nanaimo have an endless amount of sea life and on this whale watching tour, you are most likely to see transient orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, harbour seals, porpoises, eagles, and more. Vancouver Island Whale Watch prides itself […]

Artzi Stuff

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
ArtShop
collection of witty

Artzi Stuff is a gallery/shop that has several local artists’ work located in the downtown area. The shop consists of jewelry, gifts, and original art. All of the items are created locally and handmade which makes for beautiful and unique pieces of art. This is a great place if you’re wanting more than just an […]

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
OutdoorSelfie Spot
river falls-

Englishman River Falls is located just outside of Nanaimo with only a 40-minute drive to see the two amazing waterfalls and more. Day-use areas are surrounding as well as many hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the river. The views are incredible throughout and especially on the bridges that cross the river. […]

Nanaimo Concert Band

Sending
User Review
5 (1 vote)
Art
old picture

The Nanaimo Concert Band is the oldest continuous community band in Canada. It was established in 1872. The band is recognized in the musical community as one of the finest such groups in the country. The band has won numerous awards over the years. The Nanaimo Concert Band, known as the oldest continuous community band […]

Municipalities & Tourism Organizations

Is this your community?

We can help more travellers discover your town — through enhanced content, Google search advertising, and featured placement on our platform.

Nanaimo | British Columbia Classified

Find local news, events, services, etc., that would interest you or someone you know.

Discover towns near Nanaimo | British Columbia

British Columbia
Ladysmith
Ladysmith
Heritage waterfront town with murals, a harbour walk, and one of BC's most active arts communities.
Explore →
British Columbia
Gabriola Island
Gabriola Island
A creative Gulf Island known for its striking sandstone formations, Indigenous petroglyphs, and a strong artisan community, all set in a relaxed coastal landscape.
Explore →
British Columbia
Crofton
Crofton
A small harbour village known for its scenic seawalk and ferry link to Salt Spring Island, offering a relaxed coastal stop with easy island-hopping appeal.
Explore →
British Columbia
Halfmoon Bay
Halfmoon Bay
A peaceful Sunshine Coast stop known for hidden coves, forested coastal trails, and calm inlets perfect for kayaking and exploring.
Explore →
British Columbia
Chemainus
Chemainus
World-famous murals saved this mill town and turned it into an outdoor gallery on Vancouver Island.
Explore →
British Columbia
Welcome Beach
Welcome Beach
A small coastal area on the Sunshine Coast, where rocky shoreline, quiet coves, and open ocean views create a peaceful west coast stop.
Explore →
British Columbia
Lantzville
Lantzville
A peaceful coastal community just north of Nanaimo, known for its quiet beaches, rocky shoreline, and relaxed oceanfront atmosphere.
Explore →
British Columbia
Youbou
Youbou
A laid-back lakeside community on Lake Cowichan, offering warm freshwater swimming, paddling, and easy access to surrounding forest trails.
Explore →

Nanaimo | British Columbia Classified

Photo

Who Are You?

Any changes to the place info will be reviewed by 1000 Towns of Canada.