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Nanaimo ( / nəˈnaɪmoʊ / nə-NY-moh) is a city of about 100,000 on the east coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada.
- Canada
- 1874
- 28 m (92 ft)
- British Columbia
Nanaimo is a place where you can bungee jump, race bathtubs, vintage shop, paddle, hike and enjoy Canada’s only floating pub. Full of all things unusual/unique in the best way possible, Nanaimo sits at the intersection of urban and nature, old and new. Whatever floats your boat, we’re here for!
- Walk the Harbourfront Walkway. As a seaside city, it makes sense to explore the beautiful Harbourfront Walkway, which runs along the waterfront below Front Street.
- Explore Downtown Nanaimo. With just 90,000 people, Nanaimo has a charming little downtown with lots of boutiques and retail stores, as well as restaurants, museums, and pastry shops.
- Go Whale Watching. Canada is a great place for whale watching and Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the country to do one. Home to Orcas, Humpbacks, and Seals, as well as incredible mountain scenery, Vancouver Island is such a great place to do a whale-watching tour.
- Snorkel with Seals. While whales are quite common to spot, it’s much more common to see seals. Harbour Seals can be seen all over the place, including on the docks and relaxing on the rocks that line the coastline.
- Go whale watching. While the ocean water off the coast of this Canadian city is certainly cold, it is packed full of amazing marine life. Water temperatures in the area are around 11°C (52°F), so don’t jump in, but definitely get out on the water in a boat.
- Ride in a seaplane. See Nanaimo from the sky on a fun seaplane tour of the area. The views around Nanaimo will not disappoint! This area is packed full of natural beauty with mountain and forest views as you glide overtop of the open ocean and the many islands in the area.
- Explore the Nanaimo Old City Quarter. Nanaimo is one of the oldest cities in British Columbia! The downtown core has an area referred to as the Old City Quarter.
- Visit Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. Enjoy a patio drink on the floating (yes, I said floating!) Dinghy Dock Pub. Offering a unique perspective of Nanaimo, we had a blast drinking beer and eating delicious fish tacos while enjoying the coastal views.
Oct 24, 2023 · Things to Do in Nanaimo, British Columbia: See Tripadvisor's 37,606 traveler reviews and photos of Nanaimo tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in May. We have reviews of the best places to see in Nanaimo. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
- What are the top attractions to visit in Nanaimo?The top attractions to visit in Nanaimo are: Neck Point Park Harbourfront Walkway Newcastle Island Pipers Lagoon Park Westwood Lake Park See all at...
- What are the best outdoor activities in Nanaimo?The best outdoor activities in Nanaimo according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Neck Point Park Pipers Lagoon Park Westwood Lake Park Newcastle Isla...
- What are the most popular things to do in Nanaimo with kids?The most popular things to do in Nanaimo with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Neck Point Park Pipers Lagoon Park Westwood Lake Park Ne...
Rich in First Nations and industrial-age history, this downtown marine park caters to families with its beaches, playground, geocache treasures, hiking and bike trails, and a well-equipped campground. Plus, you can learn more about the island’s important connections to the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Nanaimo is the central hub city of Vancouver Island in BC, Canada. It is the second largest city on the island and has the second biggest harbour. In many ways it is the smaller cousin of Victoria.
