Top 20 Things To Do in Nanaimo, BC

Nanaimo is 2 hours drive north of Victoria and one hour’s drive north of Duncan on Vancouver Island. Nanaimo is BCs third largest city. Nanaimo is a harbour city with a population of 140,000.  Nanaimo is also accessible by ferries from the Lower Mainland to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay- from Tswassen or Horseshoe Bay, both of which are close to Vancouver (40 minutes drive south and north respectively).
Nanaimo originally was a trading post in the 19th century.

In 1849 the Snuneymuxw Chief Ki-et-sa-kun ("Coal Tyee") told the Hudson's Bay Company of the presence of coal in the area. By 1853 the Hudson’s Bay Company built a fort called Nanaimo Bastion (which is still preserved today). Nanaimo was subsequently known for its export of coal. Today it is known for its relaxed atmosphere for those who want to escape the big city.

  1. Arts: Live theatre music and visual arts events http://www.tourismnanaimo.com/content/arts
  2. Swimming - Nanaimo has many beaches. http://www.tourismnanaimo.com/content/outdoor-recreation
  3. Parks and Trails - A variety if trails for all levels of fitness- http://www.tourismnanaimo.com/content/outdoor-recreation
  4. Boating and Fishing - Some of the best fishing in the world
  5. Scuba Diving - Check out these local guides.
  6. Entertainment - Lots to choose from, jazz, theatre and classical music.
  7. Driving Tours - Options for short drives north or south on the Island.
  8. Nanaimo Museum - A popular destination for tourists-
  9. McLean’s Specialty Foods - Have a Nanaimo Bar! 
  10. Bath Tub Race - World famous Nanaimo event. http://bathtubbing.com/
  11. Empire Days - Celebrate the days of the Empire. http://www.nanaimoempiredays.com/
  12. Nanaimo Blues Festival - http://www.nanaimobluesfestival.com/
  13. Golf - This is a public course located in town.
  14. Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park - take a boat tour to this gem of a park! http://www.tourismnanaimo.com/members/newcastle
  15. Woodgrove Centre - Vancouver Island’s largest mall- http://www.woodgrovecentre.com/
  16. Brechin Lanes - A Nanaimo institution-http://www.brechinlanes.ca/
  17. Amrikkos - Enjoy Indian food at this quaint location by the sea. http://www.amrikkos.com/index.html
  18. Whale Safaris - Drive to Tofino on the west coast of the island to see whales in their natural habitat. http://www.whalesafaris.com/
  19. Central Island Adventure Tours - Guided fishing, boat and remote camping tours. http://www.centralislandadventures.ca/
  20. Beefeaters Seaside bar and Grill - Elegant and informal dining.
Melissa Montgomery