Overview
Nanaimo is the central hub city of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, the second largest city on the island with the second biggest harbour. Unlike the more tourist-focused Victoria, Nanaimo has a working-city authenticity with a coal-mining heritage, a compact downtown waterfront, and easy ferry connections to mainland Vancouver.
Day Trips · History · Island · Museums · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
Painted Turtle Guesthouse offers dorm beds from $25.25/night in downtown Nanaimo. Budget accommodation is limited otherwise; most options are mid-range hotels.
Connectivity
Multiple carriers serve Nanaimo Airport including Air Canada, WestJet, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Harbour Air, Kenmore Air, Seair Seaplanes, and Helijet helicopters.
Food
Don't leave without trying a Nanaimo Bar—a three-layer chocolate dessert invented in the city. Gina's Mexican Cafe offers entrees at $12-27.
Transport
BC Ferries connects Nanaimo to Vancouver from Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals. Hullo passenger ferries to downtown Vancouver are faster but more expensive. Local BC Transit buses cost $2.50 cash fare.
Weather
Summers are cool and dry (avg 25°C days), winters mild and rainy. Occasional heavy snowfall in winter but mean snow cover is only 0.2 metres.