This coastal city on Vancouver Island is known for its sweet Nanaimo bars and waterfront promenade. It has a mild climate and hosts the annual World Championship Bathtub Race.
Nanaimo, situated on [Vancouver Island](/ca/vancouver-island)'s east coast, is a vibrant city with easy access to nature. You can explore the bustling downtown, hike Mount Benson, or sail in the harbor. The city takes pride in its unique Nanaimo bar dessert and hosts quirky events like the annual World Championship Bathtub Race. With frequent ferry connections from Vancouver, Nanaimo serves as an ideal gateway for [Vancouver Island](/ca/vancouver-island) adventures.
Getting to Nanaimo
You can reach Nanaimo by ferry or plane. BC Ferries operates three routes: Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay, Tsawwassen to Duke Point, and Gabriola Island to downtown Nanaimo. Nanaimo Airport (YCD) connects to Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. For a scenic approach, take a seaplane to downtown Nanaimo's harbor from Vancouver or Seattle (summer only). The seaplane journey provides aerial views of the coastline and islands.
Exploring Downtown Nanaimo
Downtown Nanaimo centers around the harbor area. You can stroll along the 5-kilometer Harbourfront Walkway, taking in views of the water and surrounding landscape. Commercial Street houses many local shops, art galleries, and eateries. Visit the Nanaimo Museum on this street to learn about the city's coal mining history and Indigenous culture.
Nature and Adventure in Nanaimo
Nanaimo's position between mountains and sea creates numerous opportunities for exploration. Hike up Mount Benson for panoramic views of the city and islands. Walk the easy coastal trail at Piper's Lagoon. Nanaimo has several popular scuba diving sites. You can kayak in the harbor or join a boat tour to spot seals, sea lions, and occasionally whales.
Unique Nanaimo Experiences
Sample a Nanaimo bar, the city's signature dessert. Follow the Nanaimo Bar Trail to cafes and bakeries that create various versions of this sweet treat. For an unusual dining experience, visit the Dinghy Dock Pub, Canada's only floating pub. To reach it, take a small ferry from the Boat Basin. In July, watch or participate in the World Championship Bathtub Race, where competitors race modified bathtubs across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver.
Discovering Nanaimo's Past
Nanaimo has several sites that showcase its history. The Bastion, constructed in 1853, is the last remaining wooden Hudson's Bay Company fort in North America. At Petroglyph Provincial Park, you can view ancient rock carvings created by Indigenous peoples. To delve deeper into Indigenous history, visit Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) near the city and join a tour led by Snuneymuxw First Nation members.
Day Trips from Nanaimo
Nanaimo's central location makes it easy to explore other parts of [Vancouver Island](/ca/vancouver-island). Take a short ferry ride to Gabriola Island, known for its artist community and beaches. Visit the town of Ladysmith, 24 kilometers south, with its well-preserved historic buildings and annual Festival of Lights. For a nature excursion, drive about an hour west to Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park, where you can walk among ancient and towering Douglas fir trees.
