Title: Nanaimo Travel Guide: Best of Nanaimo, British Columbia Travel 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Nanaimo](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo-Hotels.d3908.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Nanaimo](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo-Holiday-Rentals.d3908.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Nanaimo](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Nanaimo.d3908.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Nanaimo](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Nanaimo.d3908.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Nanaimo Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Nanaimo.d3908.Car-Hire-Guide)[Nanaimo Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo.d3908.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Nanaimo Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Port Alberni which includes a marina](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/83000/83095-Nanaimo-And-Vicinity.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park featuring a bridge and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/83000/83103-Nanaimo-And-Vicinity.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Nanaimo showing a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/83000/83111-Nanaimo-And-Vicinity.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park showing a cascade](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/83000/83102-Nanaimo-And-Vicinity.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Parksville Beach featuring a sandy beach and outdoor art](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/83000/83108-Nanaimo-And-Vicinity.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Nanaimo Where to stay Things to do #### Take a ferry to one of British Columbia’s oldest cities and enjoy its cosmopolitan mix of a college town, a waterfront resort and an old mining boomtown. Nanaimo is Vancouver Island’s second-largest city and a convenient access point for the island’s natural landscape. Located on the east coast, Nanaimo is nestled between island’s mountainous interior and the scenic Strait of Georgia. Explore Nanaimo to experience a perfect balance of Vancouver Island’s history, local culture and beautiful scenery. Stroll along the Harbourfront Walkway to see the lively city centre crowded around Nanaimo’s port. Here, alongside seafood restaurants and delightful teashops, you will find the Bastion, one of the last remaining outposts of the Hudson Bay Company. Visit this mid-19th-century tower at noon to hear the midday cannon. Browse the intriguing exhibits in the nearby Nanaimo Museum to learn about the city’s history as a coal mining boomtown. Enjoy one of the mildest climates in Canada and swim at Nanaimo’s picturesque beaches. Try diving off the island’s coast and see beautiful multihued reefs growing around the wreck sites of three ships. Spot octopus, sea lions and eels in the clear waters. Take a passenger ferry to one of the islands around Nanaimo Harbour. Newcastle Island is a small wooded landmass only a 10-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo. Wander the beaches, check out the tide pools at low tide and try local seafood at the island’s bistro. The larger Gabriola Island, known as the “Isle of the Arts,” is a great place to explore Nanaimo’s artisan culture. Tour the small galleries and buy souvenirs at a boutique. Head inland from Nanaimo to discover the impressive mountains and valleys of Vancouver Island’s interior. Take a wine-tasting tour of the Cowichan Valley south of the city. Explore the forested trails of the western mountains, crowned by Mount Bastion. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a favourite destination due to its beautiful waterfalls among wooded canyons. Nanaimo is located 34 miles (55 kilometres) from Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia. Reach Vancouver Island by ferry or plane and make this scenic mining town your first stop. ### Where to stay in Nanaimo ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/9/43b0bac7eb497e25297296c2764465e7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Departure Bay If you're spending some time in Departure Bay, Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Departure Bay Beach are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo-Departure-Bay.dx553248635976396882) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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 Ferry Terminal and Departure Bay Beach. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo-Stephenson-Point.dx553248635976397493) - Top hotels in Nanaimo - Top Holiday Rentals in Nanaimo ![Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/40000/34800/34728/5ac0e79e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo 96 Terminal Avenue North, Nanaimo, BC £77 5 Oct - 6 Oct includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ... 7.8/10 Good! (1,035 reviews) "We were able to get a last minute room" Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=05%2F10%2F2025&endDate=06%2F10%2F2025&selected=34728&PinnedHotelID=34728&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=3908) ![Coast Bastion Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/40700/40652/1d267e99_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Coast Bastion Hotel 11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, BC £116 12 Oct - 13 Oct includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,396 reviews) "Great stay, great staff, great location." Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F10%2F2025&endDate=13%2F10%2F2025&selected=40652&PinnedHotelID=40652&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=3908) ![Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/92000000/91020000/91017300/91017280/be5dd067_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo 100 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, BC £94 12 Oct - 13 Oct includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nanaimo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ... 9/10 Wonderful! (1,021 reviews) "Modern & clean. Great staff." Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F10%2F2025&endDate=13%2F10%2F2025&selected=91017280&PinnedHotelID=91017280&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=3908) [See all 439 properties in Nanaimo](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=17%2F09%2F2025&endDate=18%2F09%2F2025®ionId=3908) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Oceanfront Gated Villa with pool & Hot tub in Nanaimo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/91000000/90570000/90564000/90563932/1af3d2a4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Oceanfront Gated Villa with pool & Hot tub in Nanaimo Nanaimo, BC Stay at this villa in Nanaimo. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and ... 10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews) "Beautiful property, spotless clean. Million dollar view. The only negative is the third bedroom is tiny with no place to set luggage. you have to walk in hallway to get too bathroom." Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo-Hotels-Oceanfront-Gated-Villa-With-Pool-Hot-Tub-In-Nanaimo.h90563932.Hotel-Information) ![Luxury Rainbow House, Private with Pool Table, and Oceanview](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116140000/116134400/116134324/1f2c9891_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Luxury Rainbow House, Private with Pool Table, and Oceanview Nanaimo, BC Stay at this holiday home in Nanaimo. Enjoy laundry facilities, concierge services and a pool table. Popular attractions Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Harry ... 10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews) "This was a fantastic place to stay, very spacious, clean, in a nice neighborhood. Our host was easy to communicate with, he always followed up when we had a question and he offered good suggestions about the Nanaimo and Vancouver Island" Reviewed on 2 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo-Hotels-Luxury-Rainbow-House.h116134324.Hotel-Information) ![Hope's Happy Suite beautiful ocean views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/113000000/112590000/112586400/112586378/w1517h1011x1y2-b8a63c06_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hope's Happy Suite beautiful ocean views Nanaimo, BC Stay at this holiday home in Nanaimo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews) "Very clean - host readily available to answer questions - excellent location" Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo-Hotels-Hopes-Happy-Suite-Beautiful-Ocean-Views.h112586378.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Nanaimo](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=3908&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Nanaimo hotel availability [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [Tonight](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17)[16 Sept - 17 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18)[17 Sept - 18 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [This weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025)[19 Sept - 21 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [Next weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025)[26 Sept - 28 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3908&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit ![Neck Point Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/67700040e92adb67a94ae4b63b73350a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Neck-Point-Park-Nanaimo.d896516644902490112.Attraction) ![Maffeo Sutton Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/d69ef4f7d38bca5d1784d5ce47f63cfc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Maffeo Sutton Park Learn about the local history of Nanaimo when you spend time at Maffeo Sutton Park. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Maffeo-Sutton-Park-Nanaimo.d950929079545196544.Attraction) #### Departure Bay Ferry Terminal Explore the waterfront in Nanaimo with a trip to Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Departure-Bay-Ferry-Terminal-Departure-Bay.d553248630043286633.Attraction) #### Duke Point Ferry Terminal Explore the waterfront in Nanaimo with a trip to Duke Point Ferry Terminal. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Duke-Point-Ferry-Terminal-Nanaimo.d553248634270677206.Attraction) #### Woodgrove Shopping Centre You can search for that perfect souvenir at Woodgrove Shopping Centre during your trip to Nanaimo. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Woodgrove-Shopping-Centre-Nanaimo.d6220314.Attraction) #### Vancouver Island University Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Vancouver Island University during your trip to Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Vancouver-Island-University-Nanaimo.d6171501.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Full-Day Tour, Waterfalls, Caves, Old Growth on Vancouver Island](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46935520/79c7e9d5-8edc-45b6-a3dc-1bd9a74d6185.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Full-Day Tour, Waterfalls, Caves, Old Growth on Vancouver Island £862 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-tour.a46935520.activity-details) [See all activities in Nanaimo](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Nanaimo.d3908.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Nanaimo ![Gabriola Island](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/489000/489127-gabriola-island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Gabriola Island [](https://expedia.co.uk/Gabriola-Island.dx181768) ![Photo by Travel Loafers](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/80d420c0a123e44d523ad7ffa77a9550.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Lantzville [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lantzville.dx6288190) ### Other places like Nanaimo ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Cities near Nanaimo - Places of interest [Gabriola Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Gabriola-Island.dx181768)[Lantzville](https://expedia.co.uk/Lantzville.dx6288190) - [Nanaimo Regional General Hospital](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanaimo-Regional-General-Hospital-Nanaimo.d6244746.Attraction) - [Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park](https://expedia.co.uk/Newcastle-Island-Marine-Provincial-Park-Nanaimo.d6293735.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)