Nanaimo (British Columbia) (Vancouver Island) / Canada

On the eastern coast of Vancouver Island lies Nanaimo, in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The city, separated from the mainland part of the province and its metropolis, Vancouver, by the 60-kilometer-wide Strait of Georgia, has about 90,000 inhabitants and is thus the second largest on the island.

The first Europeans to discover Nanaimo Bay were the Spaniards in 1791. At the beginning of the 19th century, Nanaimo became a trading post, and in the second half of the century, it became a significant coal exporter. In the 1940s, coal was replaced by wood at the top of the industrial ladder, and today tourism plays an important role in the economy of the ferry port on the route from Vancouver.

Nanaimo, also known as the Harbour City, boasts a beautiful waterfront with stunning views of the sea, inland mountains, and boats moored in the harbor. The symbol of the city is the Bastion, the last remaining wooden defensive tower of the Hudson's Bay Company, built as early as 1853. A popular destination for tourists is the Old City Quarter, a maze of streets lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants housed in buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Nanaimo Museum in the city center offers exhibitions on the history and industry of the city and its indigenous people, while art enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the art gallery, showcasing works by contemporary domestic and foreign artists.

Newcastle Island off the shores of Nanaimo is home to a marine provincial park, and its hiking trails lead active visitors to beautiful beaches and places associated with Canada's indigenous people. It is accessible by ferry, and sports enthusiasts can rent a kayak. Those who prefer adrenaline will be thrilled with the WildPlay Element Parks, featuring bungee jumping, zip-lining, and many other attractions for the whole family.

Nanaimo is the gateway to beautiful beaches and places where you can swim or snorkel, also located right by the waterfront promenade.

About half an hour's drive north of Nanaimo lies the small community of Coombs, famous for its beautiful Butterfly World and unique wooden market with fresh produce and goats grazing on its grass-covered roof. From there, it's just a short distance to the Horne Lake Caves, where you can admire the stunning stalactite decorations with a guide.

Nanaimo's signature treat is an unbaked pudding dessert with chocolate icing. The first recipe for the so-called Nanaimo bar dates back to 1953, and not tasting it when visiting the city would certainly be a shame.

Places Worth Seeing

Old City Quarter – Stroll through the streets lined with houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries with unique shops and the best restaurants in the city.

Bastion – See the symbol of Nanaimo, the last of the wooden defensive towers of the Hudson's Bay Company, built as early as 1853.

Harbourfront Walkway – Take a walk along the beautiful waterfront and be enchanted by the stunning views of the sea and boats moored in the harbor.

Nanaimo Museum – Delve into the fascinating history of the city, the era of the indigenous people, and the first settlers in a great museum with a replica coal mine.

WildPlay Element Parks – Enjoy lots of fun and adrenaline in an amazing outdoor park with countless great attractions for the whole family.

Newcastle Island – Head to the island off the shores of Nanaimo and discover beautiful beaches and places associated with the island's indigenous people.

Horne Lake Caves – Admire the beautiful stalactite decorations on one of the adventurous tours through the Horne Lake caves.