Nanaimo

“A rich history, hospitable people, and a relaxed island lifestyle” 

Location
The city of Nanaimo (pronounced “Na-nye-mo”) is located on the sheltered east coast of Vancouver Island, about 112 km (70 miles) north of Victoria and almost directly across the Georgia Strait from Vancouver.  Larger city centers are conveniently accessible with Vancouver a short ferry ride (1.5 hours) or seaplane flight (20 mins) away and Victoria a scenic 1-2 hour drive.

About Nanaimo
Incorporated in 1874, Nanaimo is one of the oldest cities in British Columbia with a rich history and many heritage buildings. It is Vancouver Island’s second largest city with a growing population of about 80,000. Deriving its name from a Coast Salish term meaning “the meeting place”, Nanaimo is an ideal home base for exploring the charming coastal communities and breathtaking natural landscape of Vancouver Island.  

Known as “The Harbour City”, Nanaimo’s claim to fame is its’ spectacular waterfront and unique protected harbour. Sheltered by several small gulf islands, surrounded by distant snow-capped mountains, and boasting azure waters dotted with boats of all sizes, Nanaimo’s bustling harbour and waterfront walkway make it one of the most picturesque places in Canada.

The city offers more than two dozen parks, a Mediterranean-like climate, a vibrant arts and cultural community, a university campus and unlimited year-round recreation. With all this to offer, plus a rapidly growing infrastructure and thriving business community, it is no wonder Nanaimo has become a hotspot both for vacationers and those who wish to relocate—with vacationers often deciding they never want to leave!

Arts and Culture
The downtown area has rapidly become the arts center and cultural heart of the city. Festivals and cultural events enliven the waterfront’s Swylana Lagoon and Maffeo Sutton Park all summer long, including the world famous Bathtub Races, the Cadillac Van Isle 360 Yacht Race, and the Dragon Boat Festival—to name just a few!  

The vibrant downtown is also home to quaint artisan shops, trendy restaurants, historic buildings, stylish boutiques and funky art galleries, as well as a museum, newly built library and convention centre. The 800-seat Port Theatre hosts both local and world-class international entertainment.

Recreation
Often described as having “the best climate in Canada”, Nanaimo offers unlimited possibilities for outdoor recreation.

Enjoy the area’s many multi-use trails and pristine beaches, as well as playgrounds and waterparks, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, bungy jumping, world-class scuba diving, whale watching, winery tours, antiquing, gardening—and some of the best year-round golfing in the world.  In fact, finding a golf course without a spectacular view could be your biggest challenge!