Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting 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. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Nanaimo has to offer.

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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 February
Estimated hotel price
$102
1 night at 3-star hotel
Nanaimo in February
Estimated hotel price
$102
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Nanaimo in July, when the average temperature is 62.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 71.6 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 32 °F, with an average temperature of 35.6 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in November, when precipitation is around 6.3″. In contrast, July is usually the driest month of the year in Nanaimo, with an average rainfall of 0.8″.

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 downtown Nanaimo is Nanaimo Harbour, which is located 0 km from the city center. Further away is Nanaimo Arpt, 14 km from the center 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 $37 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Toronto, expect to pay about $597 for a 97h 05m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Nanaimo is to pick up a car rental from Vancouver, which is about 61 km from Nanaimo. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and NextCar, among others, in Vancouver.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Nanaimo, including Amtrak, Ebus and BC Ferries Connector. From Seattle, the bus ride to Nanaimo takes 266 km and will cost you around $110. From Kelowna, the ticket costs about $125 for a journey of 507 km.

Plane

Nanaimo is served by 2 airports: Nanaimo Harbour (ZNA) and Nanaimo Arpt (YCD). The closest to downtown Nanaimo is Nanaimo Harbour, which is located 0 km from the city center. Further away is Nanaimo Arpt, 14 km from the center 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 $37 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Toronto, expect to pay about $597 for a 97h 05m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Nanaimo is to pick up a car rental from Vancouver, which is about 61 km from Nanaimo. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and NextCar, among others, in Vancouver.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Nanaimo, including Amtrak, Ebus and BC Ferries Connector. From Seattle, the bus ride to Nanaimo takes 266 km and will cost you around $110. From Kelowna, the ticket costs about $125 for a journey of 507 km.

Airports near Nanaimo

YVRVancouver Intl
YCDNanaimo Arpt
ZNANanaimo Harbour

Airlines serving Nanaimo

KLM
Good (1,435 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,679 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,642 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,019 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,149 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,837 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,062 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,138 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,697 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,455 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,516 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,589 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (888 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,117 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,629 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,345 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,162 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,424 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,631 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,900 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Nanaimo

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include The Waterfront Suites And Marina and Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo.

Most popular hotel in Nanaimo by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Nanaimo

Most booked hotels in Nanaimo

See all
Kiwi Cove Lodge
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 378 reviews)
$163+
View
Coast Bastion Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1270 reviews)
$109+
View
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 305 reviews)
$109+
View
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ladysmith Oyster Bay
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 595 reviews)
$129+
View
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1276 reviews)
$89+
View
Departure Bay Motel
2 stars
Good (7.5, 1023 reviews)
$62+
View

Renting a car in Nanaimo

Renting a car in Nanaimo costs $42 per day, on average, or $125 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Budget, National and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Nanaimo is the National branch at 1602 Northfield Rd, which is 4 km from the city center.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 4% more expensive than at Vancouver Intl.

Expect to pay $4.05 per gallon in Nanaimo (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $48.60 and $64.81. The most frequently booked car type in Nanaimo is Intermediate (Hyundai Elantra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Venue or similar) are, on average, 43% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Nanaimo costs $42 per day, on average, or $125 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Budget, National and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Nanaimo is the National branch at 1602 Northfield Rd, which is 4 km from the city center.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 4% more expensive than at Vancouver Intl.

Expect to pay $4.05 per gallon in Nanaimo (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $48.60 and $64.81. The most frequently booked car type in Nanaimo is Intermediate (Hyundai Elantra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Venue or similar) are, on average, 43% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Nanaimo

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$28/day

Supplier choice

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$29/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Nanaimo