Things to do in  Nanaimo

The picturesque coastal city of Nanaimo on the eastern side of Vancouver Island is famous as the birthplace of the beloved Canadian sweet treat the Nanaimo Bar. It’s also a great spot to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

Nanaimo is the second-largest city on Vancouver Island and offers a variety of amenities, but it is perhaps most famous for its namesake candy bar. No one quite knows when the Nanaimo Bar first appeared, but the first printed recipe for the treat—a chocolate-and-custard square with a cookie base—dates to 1952. Shops across town offer many variations of the treat, including deep-fried and cupcake versions. 

Desserts aside, the town is also a good base for outdoor activities. Take a hike to see Englishman River Falls or Little Qualicum Falls, explore the ocean by boat or kayak, or go fishing for dish of the day. To see the best of Vancouver Island in one easy trip, opt for a multi-day guided tour of the island. 

Nanaimo located on Vancouver Island, some 100 miles (170 km) from the mainland city of Vancouver. You can reach Nanaimo by ferry from Vancouver City. Cars, bikes, and passengers on foot are all permitted on the ferry, which lands just south of Nanaimo city, in Duke Point; from there, local buses take you into the city.

Nanaimo is a thriving city with restaurants, hotels, shops, and more open all year round. Many visitors visit in the summer, when the weather is at its best, to enjoy the area’s many outdoor activities. 

For keen surfers, there’s only one place to head on Vancouver Island: Tofino. The waves at this peninsula on the west of the island, facing the Pacific Ocean, can rival those in California (though you’ll need a good wetsuit to enjoy the water). Rent a board or book a lesson at a local outfitter to enjoy the surfing lifestyle.