The excitement of FIFA begins shortly this coming June and will carry over into mid-July. With all the excitement comes busy streets, fan events, and an atmosphere that some locals may need an escape from.
Enter Nanaimo! Only a quick ferry ride from downtown, Nanaimo is the perfect escape for those looking to slow down (or speed up!), enjoy their summer away from the crowds, and experience something a little more unexpected while still staying close to home.
Here are some top suggestions and must-sees for those looking to explore Nanaimo. From hotel stays and food recommendations to outdoor activities, events, and local happenings—there’s something for everyone!
Getting There:
The Hullo Ferry, operated by the Vancouver Island Ferry Company, offers a fast 70-minute foot-passenger trip from downtown Vancouver (Canada Place) to downtown Nanaimo (Port Way). A dedicated pay parking lot is available at the Nanaimo terminal, and a shuttle service runs to and from downtown hotels
Regularly scheduled flights to downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport South Terminal are available through Harbour Air Seaplanes, Sunshine Coast Air, and Seair Seaplanes. Flight time is approximately 20 minutes.
BC Ferries: Two ferry terminals service Nanaimo from the Vancouver area. Depart Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and arrive 1 hour 40 min later to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. Depart Tsawwassen and arrive in Duke Point, 15 minutes south of Nanaimo just 2 hours later. Vehicle reservations are recommended as demand can be high, particularly during the summer high season and holiday weekends. Onboard enjoy food, shopping and a playroom for kids.
Food galore!
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Bar Luna: Experience the vibrant flavours of Mexico in one of Nanaimo’s most charming historic buildings.
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Black Rabbit Kitchen: A casual French style bistro, tucked into the Nanaimo Train Station, celebrating local BC ingredients. Flavour, without the frills.
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Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar: A cozy, romantic setting featuring artisanal meats, cheeses, and seafood.
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The Vault Cafe: A funky, spacious and colourful cafe offering breakfast fare & all-day vegan options in a warm atmosphere. Open late with live music and entertainment on weekends.
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Melange Restaurant: This farm-to-table restaurant highlights classic techniques with an eclectic menu from diverse ethnicities and also features an extensive wine and cocktail list.
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Hearthstone Artisan Bakery: A unique bakery that specializes in hand-crafted bread, delectable cakes and delicious pastries. They are always innovating new products with seasonally inspired flavours using locally produced ingredients as much as possible.
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Horang: A Korean inspired restaurant and bar featuring Korean tapas, BBQ and fusion bites for a real culinary adventure. Offers a unique selection of cocktails and Korean drinks including raw rice wine and soju.
No shortage of adventure here!
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Sink or Swim Scuba: Your journey into the depths of Vancouver Islands coastal treasures begins here! Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned diver, Sink or Swim Scuba offer courses, rentals and guided tours to suit your skill level.
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Vancouver Island Whale Watch: Travel through the Salish Sea ecosystem to see whales and other spectacular marine flora and fauna, while you learn all about them!
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Wild Heart Adventures Sea Kayak Tours: A professional kayak tour company that will escort paddlers from Nanaimo to some of Vancouver Island’s best marine destinations. In addition to day trips in the Gulf Islands, Wildheart Adventures hosts expeditions through the Broken Islands, Nootka Islands, and Clayoquot Sound.
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WildPlay Nanaimo: This 17-acre Element Park is home to an array of scenery and fun. Thrill seekers can choose from tree-top adventure courses, zipline tours, the 40ft ‘what’s to fear’ jump and bungy jumping.
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Vancouver Island Expeditions: Nanaimo based tour company creating authentic, intimate and memorable tours that honour the culture, heritage and natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Several tours are offered in, around or departing from Nanaimo. Let the knowledgeable guides show you their backyard and help you discover the places that inspire stories that last a lifetime!
Arts & culture around every corner!
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Nanaimo Art Gallery: A hub for contemporary and thought-provoking exhibitions.
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Nanaimo Ceramic Arts: Get hands-on with a pottery workshop—perfect for beginners and experts alike.
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The Port Theatre: End the day with live entertainment, from music to theatre performances.
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Ay Lelum Design House: Ay Lelum creates wearable art garments that embrace diversity, with a commitment to sharing Traditional Coast Salish art and culture for all people to wear and enjoy. Their culturally appropriate clothing is designed with family artwork that is non-ceremonial and is all-inclusive for everyone! Ay Lelum also offers a range of sizes, with their ready-wear being manufactured ranging from XS-5XL.
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Sound Heritage: Founded in 1986 and located in one of Nanaimo’s oldest buildings, Sound Heritage feels like home for vintage music and stereo equipment collectors. The store retails receivers, amplifiers, turntables, vinyl records, CD’s, speakers, tapes and more. They also repair stereo equipment and host events with live music. Pay them a visit, music lovers!