Nanaimo
N anaimo is located on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, overlooking the Strait of Georgia. The second-largest city on Vancouver Island benefits from one of Canada’s mildest and sunniest climates, enabling the pursuit of outdoor pleasures year round.
The landscape surrounding Nanaimo is indicative of the remainder of Vancouver Island with temperate coastal rainforests, the ocean and mountain ranges. The large number of artists and artisans in Nanaimo find inspiration in the surrounding beauty and history of the town. It is the third-oldest city in BC and has retained many historic buildings in the small city centre.
Nanaimo is a hub for ferry travel making it a good departure point for visitors exploring central Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Nanaimo has two terminals offering ferry travel to and from the mainland. Departure Bay terminal connects to Horseshoe Bay which provides easy access to Vancouver. Duke Point ferry terminal services Tsawwassen which is convenient to the city of Richmond. Learn more about tours in Moscow!
To Richmond:
For travel to downtown Richmond, choose the transit buses or taxis that meet Vancouver Island ferries. Visitors travelling to Vancouver International Airport may take a motor coach via BC Ferries, or fly from Nanaimo Airport or by floatplane and shuttle from Nanaimo Harbour.
To Vancouver:
Transit buses and taxis meet ferries from Vancouver Island to service downtown Vancouver. Motor coaches from downtown Nanaimo board BC Ferries and connect into downtown Vancouver. Floatplane services depart Nanaimo harbour to downtown Vancouver’s harbour front.
To West Vancouver:
Transit buses and taxis meet Vancouver Island ferries to transport passengers to West Vancouver.
To Whistler:
Motor coaches offer service from Nanaimo via BC Ferries to Whistler.
Accommodation
Nanaimo offers a diverse range of accommodation. Larger, chain hotels are situated downtown while the south end of town offers a number of independent motels. Numerous guesthouses, hostels, and bed and breakfasts are located both downtown and in nearby rural settings.
Things To Do
Nanaimo is on the ocean and close to many rivers and lakes so you are never far from a water view while enjoying the many walking trails in and around the town. The ocean also offers some of the best diving in North America with visibility at its peak in winter. Other outdoor activities around Nanaimo include prime bird watching and a multitude of golf courses.
Indoor entertainment can be found at the 800-seat Port Theatre which offers ballet, improvisation, drama, and concerts. Visitors interested in the history of the area can explore the museum while those with a sweet tooth should sample the famous Nanaimo Bar.
Vancouver:
