Downtown Nanaimo Travel Guide
Nanaimo
Visit Downtown Nanaimo
Popular places to visit
Old City Quarter
Learn about the local history of Nanaimo with a stop at Old City Quarter. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Departure Bay Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Departure Bay Beach during your travels in Nanaimo?
Long Lake
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Long Lake during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Pipers Lagoon Park
After visiting Pipers Lagoon Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Neck Point Park
Neck Point Park is just one of the places to see in Nanaimo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Things to do
Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
Top hotels in Downtown Nanaimo
Coast Bastion Hotel
"Clean rooms with some great views overlooking the water. Very friendly and helpful staff."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo
"Clean room"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
"The hotel is perfectly located by the waterfront. The lobby and hallways stink! Not sure what it was, it was a mix of cat litter and/or bad food. Our room was not ready when we checked in. Disappointing but it was not a long wait. The room itself was clean, spacious and a fantastic view."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)
"The place was clean! A bright, simple room, one queen bed, a window to the street, bathrooms close by across the hall. There's a roomy kitchen-living-relaxing space, fridges, free tea and coffee (the manager, John, makes a pot in the morning.) The location was excellent--right on the corner of Bastion ..."
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
"This is a functional hotel. Pretty dated but served our purpose fine."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
"Yes, the breakfast menu was fresh - they have fruits, yogurt, hardboiled eggs, coffee, tea, muffins. Just a simple breakfast to start your day!"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Check Downtown Nanaimo hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Nanaimo
Departure Bay
If you're spending some time in Departure Bay, Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal are top sights worth seeing.
Stephenson Point
While Stephenson Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.
