Where to stay in Nanaimo
Vacation house with a pool or hot tub in Nanaimo
Pet friendly vacation homes in Nanaimo
Where Is Nanaimo Located?
Whether you call it “Harbour City” or “Hub City,” Nanaimo lies peaceful on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The city lies 111 kilometers northwest of Victoria and 55 kilometers west of Vancouver, separated by the Strait of Georgia. With easily accessible transportation links, one can also visit several other surrounding areas, such as Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.
What Is Nanaimo Known For?
Nicknamed “Harbor City,” Nanaimo takes the crown as one of Canada’s most liveable cities. A prime industrial center and the economic hub for Vancouver Island, Nanaimo attracts individuals both near and far due to its stunning beauty, comfortable lifestyle, strong economy, and top-tier infrastructure. A residential and commercial hub, the quality of life and ease of access to surrounding areas via ferry renders the city as a prime location for both business and pleasure. A classic West Coast community, Nanaimo offers individuals plenty of retail and recreational amenities, natural beauty at every turn and one of Canada’s longest shorelines, topped off with a stunning mountain backdrop. If you’re looking for a busy and buzzing city with all the jewels of nature, then Nanaimo is the place to be.
Places to Visit in Nanaimo
- Newcastle Island: A provincial park located on a small island off the coast of Nanaimo, Newcastle Island remains uninhabited by Vancouver locals, but is plentiful with stunning beauty, a multitude of activities, and a sense of freedom that is separate from the pandemonium of the city. Enriched with beauty and history, the last people to inhabit the island were the original First Nations people who left in 1849. Since then, the park has been a popular tourist attraction that caters to hikers, kayakers, bird watchers, and campers. The island prohibits travel by car and there is no connecting bridge between islands. However, during the summer, tourists can walk across the narrow straits from Protection Island, which proves to be a fun adventure all in itself. Whether you want to camp under the stars or ride your boat by the mooring buoys, a trip to Newcastle Island will surely be an unforgettable experience.
- Neck Point Island: A destination waterfront park for Nanaimo and its surrounding region, Neck Point Island is a place of limitless sublime beauty and uninhibited respect for the environment. Known for its historical, aesthetic, and natural values, the park spans for over 36 acres off a stunning waterfront setting, with additional features including rocky cliffs, pebbled beaches, and winding nature trails. Jump in the water and scuba dive to visit the diverse array of sea life underneath the surface. Whether you want to climb up, swim down, or stay on the ground, Neck Point Island provides everything you could wish for.
- Harbourfront Walkway: Amble down the Harbourfront Walkway at your leisure and explore one of the hidden gems of this city. Suspended above the shore, with miles of ocean ahead, the scenes that greet you when you look out from the Harbourfront are nothing short of miraculous. Explore the many tourist shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes on the walkway or hire a boat near the docks. Seaplanes also depart from here to go to numerous destinations, including Vancouver, or you can take a 40-minute Seaplane Tour that flies you overhead the Strait of Georgia, where you will be greeted with stunning sights of the Sunshine Coast. For an oceanfront walkway like no other, there is no better choice than Harbourfront.
Popular Destinations Near Nanaimo
- Gabriola Island: Located only five kilometers away from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is packed full of idyllic, picturesque scenes of endlessly blue sea, and equally gorgeous beaches. Additionally emphasized by numerous natural features of public beaches and forests, this island is a photographer’s dream. However, images of natural beauty are not all that can be found on the island. Visitors can use the island’s long list of amenities including shopping centers, restaurants, local markets selling homemade crafts and baked goods, museums and much more. Nicknamed “Isle of Arts,” the island is not only known for its artistically inspiring beauty, but also its high percentage of working artists and several cultural events, including annual festivals dedicated to preserving art, poetry, gardening, and music. If you’re looking for a place that carries all the magic and wonder of an island, but the friendly community spirit of welcoming locals, Gabriola Island is a must-see.
Best Neighborhoods in Nanaimo
- North Nanaimo: Emphasized by youthful features and low crime rate, North Nanaimo is often recognized as a beautiful and well-kept place to settle down. With beautiful trails, beaches, and array of eateries, North Nanaimo is definitely a contender amongst the best places to raise a family. With downtown and all its amenities easy to access, North Nanaimo provides a breath of fresh air away from the busy life of the city.
- Old City: Located on the periphery of the downtown area lies the olden quarter of the city, with history embedded within its walls. The Old City contains several buildings that date back from centuries ago, starting from the late 1800s. With the revitalization of several heritage buildings, as well as new developments, the Old City can be shown in all its glory – as a charming and quaint district. The neighborhood is also the cultural hub of the city, with the waterfront promenade, the Port Theatre, and the local Nanaimo Museum available amongst several other attractions. Adorned with tree lined streets and stunning panoramic vistas of the harbor, a visit to the Old City should be on your itinerary.
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