VANCOUVER ISLAND BUCKET LIST - Where to Next?
A serene evening view of Nanaimo Harbour with a Harbour Air seaplane docked at the waterfront, reflective calm waters in the foreground, and urban buildings lining the shore under a soft sky.

Nanaimo - Visitor Guide

Jumper in mid-air moments after launching off the 150 ft bungy bridge at WildPlay Nanaimo

Bungee Jump and Primal Swing in Nanaimo

VIBL's pick for bungee jumping in Nanaimo: WildPlay's 150 ft bridge...
CAD $109.99
Nanaimo
featured business
Family camping beside a 4x4 overland camper truck with rooftop tent in a Vancouver Island forest campsite.

4×4 Overland Camper Rental on Vancouver Island

Our pick for overland camping on Vancouver Island: fully equipped 4...
CAD $225
⏵ Discount Code ⏴
Vancouver Island
seasonal
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iKamper hardshell rooftop tent open on the roof of a green Subaru Forester with telescopic ladder extended, mountains in the background at dusk

Rooftop Tent Rental in Victoria, BC

The best overland camper rental on Vancouver Island. Fully equipped...
CAD $85
Victoria
featured business
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Open-Boat Whale Watching Tour in Nanaimo

Get close to the action on an open-boat whale watching tour from Nanaimo. Small group, marine nat...
CAD $250
whale watching
Nanaimo
seasonal
iKamper hardshell rooftop tent open on the roof of a green Subaru Forester with telescopic ladder extended, mountains in the background at dusk
Rooftop Tent Rental in Victoria, BC
The best overland camper rental on Vancouver Island. Fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas with rooftop ten...
visit >
roof top tent icon single
Victoria
featured Vancouver Island business
Cavernous, overhanging sandstone formations tower along the shore, with heart-shaped graffiti faintly etched inside and wildflowers blooming above the cliffs.
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Walk the coastal trail at Jack Point and Biggs Park in Nanaimo with sandstone cliffs, tide pools and harbour views, plus park...
Nanaimo
Two older adults sitting on a wooden bench overlooking a vast sandy beach at low tide Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville with mountains in the distance and driftwood in the foreground.
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A fascinating tidal beach in Parksville, Rathtrevor Beach on Vancouver Island is the perfect place to enjoy low tide on a lar...
Parksville
A view of a wooden lookout platform at Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo overlooking a calm marshland with tall, golden grasses and scattered patches of water under a cloudy sky.
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Flat 2 km loop trail in central Nanaimo with birdwatching platforms, wetlands views and wheelchair-friendly paths at Buttertu...
Nanaimo
Waterfall (Wide View): Ammonite Falls flows down a rocky cliff into a shallow stream filled with smooth rocks. The waterfall is framed by dense forest and greenery, creating a serene natural scene.
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Plan your hike to Ammonite Falls with local tips on parking, trail access, flow season, and nearby links to Nanaimo activities.
Nanaimo
iKamper hardshell rooftop tent open on the roof of a green Subaru Forester with telescopic ladder extended, mountains in the background at dusk
Rooftop Tent Rental in Victoria, BC
The best overland camper rental on Vancouver Island. Fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas with rooftop ten...
visit >
roof top tent icon single
Victoria
featured Vancouver Island business
Hammond Bay Oceanside Nanaimo
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Tranquil Hammond Bay Oceanside Guesthouse in Nanaimo, offering ocean ...
• Sleep up to 2
• 1 Bedroom
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Nanaimo
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo 3
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Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo is ideally located in downtown Nanaimo ...
• Sleep up to 4
• 1 Bedroom
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Nanaimo
NeckPoint Treasure Nanaimo 3
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NeckPoint Treasure in Nanaimo, BC, offers a serene holiday home with ...
• Sleep up to 3
• 1 Bedroom
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Nanaimo

Planning Your Trip to Nanaimo

If you are seeking an adventure-soaked holiday or a tranquil escape, this guide is your key to unlocking all that Nanaimo has to offer, from serene landscapes to vibrant cityscapes. Prepare for a journey where every turn reveals a new surprise.

Nanaimo Accommodations

Discover the best options for Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Nanaimo.

From luxury to budget-friendly, Nanaimo’s hotels cater to all, offering exceptional service and convenient locations. Or immerse yourself in the local way of life with a vacation rental, perfect for those seeking a home-away-from-home experience.

Activities & Tours

In Nanaimo, uncover the city’s rich history and vibrant culture through engaging guided tours, experience the awe of whale watching in their natural habitat, and seek thrills by spelunking in the area’s unique cave systems, all crafting a story of adventure and discovery.

Things to do in Nanaimo

If you are looking for things to do, including the best hikes and beaches around Nanaimo, you’re in luck. The region is filled with the best Canada has to offer. 

Transportation

Getting to Nanaimo is a breeze, with various transportation options to suit your travel style.

  1. Ferry: Embark on a scenic journey across the waters with BC Ferries. Enjoy breathtaking views and spot some local wildlife! 
  2. Airport: Nanaimo Airport (YCD) connects you to the rest of Canada and beyond, offering a convenient start or end to your island adventure. Find Flights to Vancouver Island.
  3. Car Rentals: Available at Nanaimo Airport or in the City of Nanaimo. Visit our guide to car rentals page to book a car.
  4. City Bus: BCTransit is efficient and affordable, the city bus service is a great way to navigate through the city and soak in the local atmosphere.
iKamper hardshell rooftop tent open on the roof of a green Subaru Forester with telescopic ladder extended, mountains in the background at dusk
Rooftop Tent Rental in Victoria, BC
The best overland camper rental on Vancouver Island. Fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas with rooftop ten...
visit >
roof top tent icon single
Victoria
featured Vancouver Island business
iKamper hardshell rooftop tent open on the roof of a green Subaru Forester with telescopic ladder extended, mountains in the background at dusk
Rooftop Tent Rental in Victoria, BC
The best overland camper rental on Vancouver Island. Fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas wi...
more info>>
roof top tent icon single
Victoria
featured Vancouver Island business

Nanaimo

22°C
Overcast clouds
Thursday
22°C
15°C
Friday
16°C
13°C
Saturday
20°C
13°C
Sunday
17°C
13°C
Monday
16°C
12°C
iKamper hardshell rooftop tent open on the roof of a green Subaru Forester with telescopic ladder extended, mountains in the background at dusk
Rooftop Tent Rental in Victoria, BC
The best overland camper rental on Vancouver Island. Fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas wi...
more info>>
roof top tent icon single
Victoria
featured Vancouver Island business
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