Nanaimo · Vancouver Island · British Columbia Pacific Time (PT) · Harbour City

The full shelf

All Guides

Every guide we have written so far — 76 and counting — organised by theme, from ferry logistics and forest trails to Nanaimo bars and coal-town history.

Outdoors

18 guides

Disc Golf and Lesser-Known Outdoor Recreation Around Nanaimo Nanaimo's Beaches Compared: Where to Swim, Walk or Just Watch the Water Linley Valley: Nanaimo's North-End Wetland and Forest Trails Diver Lake Park: A Small Neighbourhood Park Worth Knowing About Colliery Dam Park: Nanaimo's Old Mining Ponds Turned Swimming Hole Morrell Nature Sanctuary: Nanaimo's Quiet Forest Escape Near VIU Biking the E&N Trail Through Nanaimo Wildlife to Spot Around Nanaimo Beyond Whales Nanaimo Golf Courses: Where to Play Buttertubs Marsh: Birdwatching in the Heart of Nanaimo Mountain Biking Near Nanaimo: Trails and Terrain Pipers Lagoon Park: Nanaimo's Sandspit and Salt Marsh Neck Point Park: A Coastal Walk on Nanaimo's North Shore Mount Benson: Hiking to Nanaimo's High Point Bowen Park: Nanaimo's Central Forest Walk Cathedral Grove: Walking Among Ancient Trees Hiking Trails on Vancouver Island Near Nanaimo Newcastle Island Marine Park: A Visitor's Guide

On the Water

8 guides

Nanaimo's Marinas and Where Visiting Boaters Can Tie Up Fishing Charters and Salmon Fishing Near Nanaimo Long Lake: Nanaimo's Other Swimming Spot Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Nanaimo Harbour Westwood Lake: Nanaimo's Favourite Swimming and Walking Loop Departure Bay Beach: Nanaimo's Waterfront Swimming Spot Scuba Diving Around Nanaimo Whale Watching from Nanaimo: Seasons, Tours and Tips

Day Trips

7 guides

A Day Trip to Salt Spring Island from Nanaimo Chemainus and the Murals That Saved a Town Ladysmith: Nanaimo's Heritage Neighbour to the South A Day Trip to Parksville and Qualicum Beach Protection Island: The Small Ferry Ride Worth Taking A Day Trip to Gabriola Island Coombs Old Country Market: The Goats on the Roof

Planning

6 guides

What to Pack for Nanaimo: A Practical Packing List for the Island's Weather Taking Your Dog to Nanaimo: Off-Leash Areas and Beach Rules Nanaimo Weather and When to Visit Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Rainy-Day Indoor Activities Camping Near Nanaimo: Where to Pitch a Tent or Park an RV Where to Stay in Nanaimo: Neighbourhoods and Options

Getting Here

5 guides

Driving to Nanaimo via the Malahat: The Island Highway from Victoria Nanaimo Airport: What to Know About Flying In and Out Flying Seaplane from Nanaimo Harbour to Vancouver Duke Point vs Departure Bay: Choosing Your Nanaimo Ferry Terminal Getting to Nanaimo by BC Ferries

Food and Drink

5 guides

Nanaimo's Food Trucks and Where to Find Them Nanaimo's Coffee Culture: Where Locals Go Craft Beer in Nanaimo: The Local Brewery Scene Nanaimo Farmers Markets and Local Food Where to Eat Seafood in Nanaimo

Local History

5 guides

Nanaimo Museum: Downtown's Window into Local History The Bastion: Nanaimo's Historic Hudson's Bay Company Fort Petroglyph Provincial Park: Nanaimo's Ancient Rock Carvings Nanaimo's Coal Mining Past The History of the Nanaimo Bar

Local Guide

3 guides

Where to Shop in Nanaimo: Malls, Boutiques and Secondhand Finds The Gulf Islands You Can See From Nanaimo's Waterfront Cedar and South Wellington: Nanaimo's Rural Fringe Communities

Community

3 guides

Junior Hockey and Nanaimo's Local Sports Scene Vancouver Island University: Nanaimo's Campus and Its Effect on the City Festivals and Events in Nanaimo Through the Year

History

2 guides

Heritage Buildings and Historic Architecture in Downtown Nanaimo Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Origins of the Name Nanaimo

Getting Around

2 guides

Getting Around Nanaimo Without a Car Getting to Tofino from Nanaimo: The West Coast Drive

More Guides

12 guides

Nanaimo's Working Harbour: From Coal to Container Traffic Wildlife Rescue and Nature Centres Near Nanaimo A One-Week Itinerary for Exploring Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island Beban Park and Oliver Woods: Nanaimo's Community Recreation Centres Nanaimo's Neighbourhoods: A Practical Guide to the City's Areas Nanaimo Art Gallery and the City's Small Arts Scene Old City Quarter: Nanaimo's Independent Shopping and Dining District Top Things to Do in Nanaimo Newcastle Island Marine Park (Saysutshun) Walking Nanaimo's Harbourfront: The Downtown Waterfront Route A Vancouver Island Road Trip from Nanaimo Top Things to Do in Nanaimo