Nanaimo

A harbour city on Vancouver Island's central east coast, with its old waterfront, Newcastle Island and Parksville's beaches, plus a market with goats on the roof and the ancient trees of Cathedral Grove.

Nanaimo sits on the central east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is the island's second-largest city and the main gateway for BC Ferries from the mainland: the Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)–Departure Bay and Tsawwassen–Duke Point routes each take about 1 hr 40 min to 2 hours, and floatplanes and a fast passenger ferry reach downtown Vancouver in about 20 minutes. The city grew out of a 19th-century coal-mining settlement; the downtown Harbourfront Walkway, the Hudson's Bay Company Bastion and the Old City Quarter can be explored on foot in half a day, and Newcastle Island, the floating pub on Protection Island and Gabriola Island across the harbour are a short boat ride away. 30–60 km north lie Parksville and Qualicum Beach, with warm, shallow sandy beaches, the Coombs market with goats on its roof, the ancient trees of Cathedral Grove and several waterfall parks; about 35 km south is Chemainus, the town of murals.

The climate is mild and maritime: Jun–Sep is warm and dry, ideal for island hopping, kayaking and hiking, while Oct–Apr is rainy but rarely bitterly cold. Sights in the city are close together, but you'll need a car for those outside town, as public transport is limited. Allow 2–3 days: one for the city and Newcastle Island, one for the Parksville–Coombs–Cathedral Grove route, and another half day for Gabriola Island or Chemainus. Don't miss the Nanaimo Bar, which originated here – the city even has a dedicated dessert trail. Book vehicle space on ferries in advance in summer.

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Itineraries