Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

Nanaimo travel guide

Nanaimo Tourism | Nanaimo Guide

You're Going to Love Nanaimo

With a population of 84,905, Nanaimo is a must-see destination in British Columbia, Canada. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Nanaimo to see all of its attractions.

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Where to Eat in Nanaimo

If you’re looking for affordable options, Montana's BBQ & Bar - Nanaimo (4715 Rutherford Rd) and Bin 4 Burger Lounge - Nanaimo (102A-6750 Island Hwy N) are great picks.

When to visit Nanaimo

Nanaimo in December
Estimated hotel price
$147
1 night at 3-star hotel
Nanaimo in December
Estimated hotel price
$147
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Nanaimo in July, when the average temperature is 17 °C, and the highest can go up to 22 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 0 °C, with an average temperature of 2 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in November, when precipitation is around 160 mm. In contrast, July is usually the driest month of the year in Nanaimo, with an average rainfall of 20 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Nanaimo

Plane

Nanaimo is served by 2 airports: Nanaimo Harbour (ZNA) and Nanaimo Arpt (YCD). The closest to the city centre of Nanaimo is Nanaimo Harbour, which is located 0 km from the city centre. Further away is Nanaimo Arpt, 14 km from the centre of Nanaimo.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Nanaimo, followed by VIA Rail Canada. The train journey from Nanaimo to Seattle takes 4h 00m and costs around $69 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Vancouver, expect to pay about $144 for a 7h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Nanaimo is to pick up a car hire from Vancouver, which is about 60 km from Nanaimo. You’ll find branches of Priceless and Turo, among others, in Vancouver.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Nanaimo, including Amtrak, Ebus and BC Ferries Connector. From Abbotsford, the bus ride to Nanaimo takes 89 km and will cost you around $48. From Seattle, the ticket costs about $187 for a journey of 266 km.

Plane

Nanaimo is served by 2 airports: Nanaimo Harbour (ZNA) and Nanaimo Arpt (YCD). The closest to the city centre of Nanaimo is Nanaimo Harbour, which is located 0 km from the city centre. Further away is Nanaimo Arpt, 14 km from the centre of Nanaimo.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Nanaimo, followed by VIA Rail Canada. The train journey from Nanaimo to Seattle takes 4h 00m and costs around $69 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Vancouver, expect to pay about $144 for a 7h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Nanaimo is to pick up a car hire from Vancouver, which is about 60 km from Nanaimo. You’ll find branches of Priceless and Turo, among others, in Vancouver.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Nanaimo, including Amtrak, Ebus and BC Ferries Connector. From Abbotsford, the bus ride to Nanaimo takes 89 km and will cost you around $48. From Seattle, the ticket costs about $187 for a journey of 266 km.

Airports near Nanaimo

YVRVancouver Intl
YCDNanaimo Arpt
ZNANanaimo Harbour

Airlines serving Nanaimo

KLM
Good (1,496 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,920 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,882 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,407 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,304 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,921 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,179 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,566 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,582 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (904 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,749 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,559 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,728 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,922 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,189 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,386 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (400 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,203 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,275 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,931 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Nanaimo

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include The Waterfront Suites and Marina and Harbour Light Motel.

Where to stay in popular areas of Nanaimo

Most booked hotels in Nanaimo

See all
Kiwi Cove Lodge
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$228+
View
Coast Bastion Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$197+
View
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$174+
View
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ladysmith Oyster Bay
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$188+
View
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$152+
View
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
2 stars
Good (7.5, Good reviews)
$127+
View

Hiring a car in Nanaimo

Hiring a car in Nanaimo costs $95 per day, on average. Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to hire a car in Nanaimo is the National branch at 1602 Northfield Rd, which is 4 km from the city centre.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 14% more expensive than at Vancouver Intl.

Expect to pay $2.02 per litre in Nanaimo (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $24.13 and $32.17. The most frequently booked car type in Nanaimo is Compact (Class Compact SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard car hire (Toyota 4Runner or similar) is, on average, 68% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in Nanaimo costs $95 per day, on average. Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to hire a car in Nanaimo is the National branch at 1602 Northfield Rd, which is 4 km from the city centre.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 14% more expensive than at Vancouver Intl.

Expect to pay $2.02 per litre in Nanaimo (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $24.13 and $32.17. The most frequently booked car type in Nanaimo is Compact (Class Compact SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard car hire (Toyota 4Runner or similar) is, on average, 68% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Best car hire deals in Nanaimo

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$75/day

Intermediate

Full-size

5 Adults, 2 Bags

$80/day

Full-size
Find car hire in Nanaimo