Nanaimo is a vibrant coastal city located in British Columbia, Canada. Known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and thriving food scene, Nanaimo is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and kayaking. Nanaimo is also home to a variety of neighborhoods each with their own unique character, from the trendy Yaletown to the historic Gastown. The city is renowned for its sustainable and environmentally conscious approach, making it a leader in green initiatives. Overall, Nanaimo is a beautiful and exciting city that has something for everyone to enjoy.
Anant was a great guide! Fun, knowledgeable, and professional. A great tour to get the know the history of Gastown.
Anant our tour guide was super! He's friendly, knowledgeable, funny, and took us around all the Vancouver spots worth re-visiting afterwards.
The tour was great! We learned a lot, saw some amazingly beautiful sights, took some great pictures, and had a blast! Anant, the tour guide, was funny, personable, and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended! Ask for Anant!
Brilliant way to visit all the major areas and sights of this lovely city. Pick up and drop off at hotel was really helpful. Our driver/guide, Anant, was terrific!
The driver helps you with luggage and the big car is perfect for a big family. Good deal.
Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit Nanaimo, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor festivals and events taking place.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are also great times to visit Nanaimo, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
Winter (December to February) can be quite rainy, but it's a great time for skiing and other winter sports in the nearby mountains.
Bring appropriate clothing: Nanaimo's weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack clothing for all seasons.
Use public transportation: Nanaimo has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries.
Try the local cuisine: Nanaimo is known for its diverse food scene, with plenty of fresh seafood, Asian cuisine, and craft breweries.
Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CST (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
SkyTrain: Nanaimo's rapid transit system, the SkyTrain, is an efficient and affordable way to get around the city.
Bus: Nanaimo has an extensive bus network, with routes that cover most areas of the city.
Seabus: The Seabus is a passenger ferry that connects downtown Nanaimo with the North Shore.
Take a Whale Watching Tour:One of the nicest ways to enjoy a sunny day on the ocean is to take a whale watching tour from Nanaimo. The incredible scenery, with the mountains of Vancouver Island on one side and the even higher mountains of mainland British Columbia across the strait, makes for a spectacular backdrop to the surfacing whales.
Snorkel with Seals: Harbor seals can be seen around docks and rocks all up and down the coast, but if you want a truly unique experience with these delightful animals, try taking a dip with them.
Spend a Day at Neck Point Park: This scenic park is a popular place to visit for walking, picnicking, swimming, and scuba diving. You can also sometimes see orcas, sea lions, and other marine life from the lookouts in the park.
Nanaimo has something to offer for all types of tourists, but it's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.
Nature lovers will appreciate Nanaimo's stunning natural setting, with its mountains, ocean, and lush forests. There are many opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities in and around the city.
Culture enthusiasts can explore Nanaimo's many museums, galleries, and historic sites, such as the Museum of Anthropology, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Gastown neighborhood.
Foodies will love Nanaimo's diverse culinary scene, which offers everything from fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine to international fare.
Families will appreciate Nanaimo's many family-friendly attractions, such as the Kelowna Aquarium, Science World, and the Capila
Check out our most interesting and budget friendly tours of this month!