Limitless outdoor recreation options, more than 200 parks, exceptional shopping, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, dining, accommodation, and, of course, the mild climate, marine environment, and magnificent scenery — there are lots of reasons to make Nanaimo a destination on your Vancouver Island tour. Add to all that the fact that Nanaimo is ideally situated as a base for tours to other parts of Vancouver Island, and you get a destination that’s the perfect choice for any kind of vacation.
Nanaimo is Vancouver Island’s second largest city, B.C.'s third oldest city, and the ancestral home of the Snuneymuxw, a Coast Salish people. The name "Nanaimo" is derived from this Coast Salish word for “the gathering place?’ To explore the fascinating history of Nanaimo, visit the Bastion on the Harbourside Walkway and the Nanaimo District Museum. There are also three Heritage Walks that lead through historic neighbourhoods.
Nanaimo’s beautiful harbour is one of the city’s biggest attractions. The four-kilometre Harbourside Walkway grants wonderful views and features parks, shops, and cafés along the walkway that make lovely stopping points. If you’re travelling with kids, great places to check out include Bowen Park, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, and Beban Park.
If you’re a shopper, you’re going to love Nanaimo — it’s a veritable shopping mecca! Whether you’re looking for authentic First Nations art, local crafts and folk art, big name fashion, or just a really good deal, you’ll find it here. Shoppers can choose from several malls, downtown Nanaimo, along the Harbourside Walkway, and the Old City Quarter.
Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park is a must-do day trip from Nanaimo and offers cycling, hiking, swimming, camping, and wildlife watching. Gabriola Island is another popular trip from Nanaimo and is just twenty-minutes away with BC Ferries.
Nanaimo accommodation runs the gamut from campgrounds to world-class resorts and everything in between. Several accommodation properties offer vacation packages combining activities such as fishing, diving, and golfing. Moreover, Nanaimo is renowned for its wonderful dining options, with menus for every appetite and pocketbook.
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