Where to Stay
- Coast Bastion Hotel – Downtown location with views of the harbour and walking distance to everything.
- Inn on Long Lake – Lakeside stay just outside the city core with peaceful views and paddleboard rentals.
- The Grand Hotel Nanaimo – Elegant and convenient, with easy access to north-end shopping and dining.
Places to Eat
- The Nest Bistro – Casual fine dining with creative, West Coast-inspired dishes.
- Gabriel’s Gourmet Café – A local favourite for hearty, homemade meals and great vegetarian options.
- Asteras Greek Taverna – A beautiful heritage home-turned-restaurant with authentic Greek dishes.
Bars & Pubs
- White Sails Brewing – Craft beer in a friendly taproom, often hosting food trucks.
- The Nanaimo Bar (yes, it’s real!) – Great cocktails, named after the iconic dessert.
- The Crow & Gate Pub – A classic English-style country pub just south of town.
Where to Shop
- Downtown Nanaimo – Explore independent shops, Indigenous art, and unique gifts.
- Woodgrove Centre – The island’s largest mall, with major retailers and local vendors.
- Nanaimo North Town Centre – A convenient mix of stores, services, and casual dining.
Nature & Outdoors
- Neck Point Park – Rocky shorelines, forested trails, and gorgeous ocean views.
- Ammonite Falls – A short forest hike to a stunning waterfall, especially beautiful in spring.
- Colliery Dam Park – A relaxing loop with bridges, dog-friendly trails, and swimming spots.
- Newcastle Island (Saysutshun) – Reachable by ferry, this island park is full of history and great for day hikes or picnics.
Events & Culture
- The Port Theatre – Downtown performance venue with concerts, comedy, and live theatre.
- Vancouver Island Symphony – Regular performances hosted in Nanaimo.
- Summertime Blues Festival – A popular August event with live music on the waterfront.
- Night Market on Commercial Street – Every Thursday in summer, with food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment.
How to Get Around
Whether you’re headed to Departure Bay, catching a seaplane at the harbour, or spending a day exploring local parks, Coastal Rides makes getting around Nanaimo easy.
Book a ride instantly or schedule in advance — we’re here for short trips around town, ferry pickups, airport transfers, and even intercity rides across Vancouver Island. Our drivers are local, friendly, and ready to help you get where you’re going.
