Making the most of Nanaimo
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Nanaimo reinforces its identity as the Harbour City through a new floating cruise pier and inviting terminal. It can receive today's large cruise vessels and was designed with the even bigger ships of the future in mind.
Complimentary buses follow a circular route between the ship, the city centre and surrounding stops before returning to the vessel.
In fine weather, the nearby Downtown core is within walking distance.
Around the downtown harbour are marinas, seaplane terminals, places to eat and a neighbourhood pub with views over the activity in the harbour.
Nanaimo offers many ways to fill a day, from scuba diving around a sunken naval ship and testing an indoor climbing wall to playing golf or attending a Vancouver Island Symphony performance at the Port Theatre. Alongside these attractions, visitors can find activities they may never have tried before.
Getting around
About 10km south of town, WildPlay Element Park—formerly called the Bungy Zone—offers TreeGo, Ziplines and Bungy Jumping.
The beaches around Parksville and Qualicum Beach are a short 20-minute drive from Nanaimo. The same region includes Coombs, known for varied rustic and exotic shopping and its goats on the roof. A favourite with residents and a worthwhile visitor stop, it is about a 30-minute drive from Nanaimo.
Nearby places
Nanaimo's coastal island setting makes outdoor exploration an appealing way to spend the day. Hike a rainforest mountain, photograph broad views over Georgia Strait and cool down in a river canyon. Ocean swimming and snorkelling are available at several waterfront locations, including Departure Bay, Neck Point, Jack Point and Snake Island. More adventurous options include bungy jumping, zip-lining and ATVing.
Food and shopping
The Nanaimo seawall is a waterfront pedestrian path running from Cameron Island to the Nanaimo Yacht Club. Its stretch near the Bastion is especially popular, with craft shops and restaurants beside the route.
Behind the inner harbour, the main city-centre shops occupy Commercial St and Terminal Ave. The appealing but compact Old City Quarter sits uphill, bounded by Fitzwilliam, Selby and Wesley Sts.
Money
The local currency is the Canadian dollar.
ATMs are widespread in grocery shops, shopping centres, airports and similar places. Most connect to international systems, especially Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. A major credit card can also be used to obtain ATM cash, though this usually costs more because interest begins immediately in addition to a service charge.
Staying connected
Canada's principal languages are English 59.3% and French 23.2%, both official, with other languages accounting for 17.5%. Quebec and New Brunswick are the most “French” areas, while English is spoken across the rest of the country.