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

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
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
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Vancouver Island
seasonal
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43

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
Water thunders down a steep, rocky gorge in the upper section of Little Qualicum Falls, with mossy cliffs and evergreen trees lining the canyon.
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An easy/safe hike along the canyon of Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, with multiple waterfalls along the Qualicum Rive...
Parksville
Waterfalls outside of Parksville on Vancouver Island. Provincial Park worth visiting.
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A local guide to Englishman River Falls with loop trail details, viewpoints, swimming info, wheelchair access, and amenities ...
Parksville
A first-person view of a hiker's feet standing on the edge of a narrow, deep crevice in the ground. Located at the Abyss in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The image shows one foot on slightly over the gap, which is lined with moss and contrasts with the rough, textured surface of the rock. The perspective emphasizes the depth and darkness of the crevice below.
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A short, easy Nanaimo hike leading to a dramatic rock fissure known as the Abyss. Find trail details, what to expect, parking...
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
Coast Bastion Hotel Nanaimo 3
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Breathtaking ocean views at Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo's premier ac...
• Sleep up to 4
• 1 Bedroom
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Nanaimo
AnnArthur Guest House 4
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Offering a barbecue and sun terrace, AnnArthur Guest House is located...
• Sleep up to 4
• 2 Bedroom
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Nanaimo
Best Western Northgate Nanaimo 4
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Comfort and convenience at Best Western Northgate Inn, your ideal bas...
• Sleep up to 4
• 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

18°C
Overcast clouds
Saturday
22°C
15°C
Sunday
19°C
14°C
Monday
18°C
13°C
Tuesday
19°C
13°C
Wednesday
21°C
14°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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