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 December
Estimated hotel price
$107
1 night at 3-star hotel
Nanaimo in December
Estimated hotel price
$107
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 $49 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Vancouver, expect to pay about $102 for a 7h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Nanaimo is to pick up a car rental from Vancouver, which is about 60 km from Nanaimo. You’ll find branches of Turo and NextCar, among others, in Vancouver.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Nanaimo, including Ebus, Amtrak and Rider Express. From Seattle, the bus ride to Nanaimo takes 290 km and will cost you around $132. From Victoria, the ticket costs about $63 for a journey of 402 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 $49 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Vancouver, expect to pay about $102 for a 7h 32m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Nanaimo is to pick up a car rental from Vancouver, which is about 60 km from Nanaimo. You’ll find branches of Turo and NextCar, among others, in Vancouver.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Nanaimo, including Ebus, Amtrak and Rider Express. From Seattle, the bus ride to Nanaimo takes 290 km and will cost you around $132. From Victoria, the ticket costs about $63 for a journey of 402 km.

Airports near Nanaimo

YVRVancouver Intl
YCDNanaimo Arpt
ZNANanaimo Harbour

Airlines serving Nanaimo

KLM
Good (1,492 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,898 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,863 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,302 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,390 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,916 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,173 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,564 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (905 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,554 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,748 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,559 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,907 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,184 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,381 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (399 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,192 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,262 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,491 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, 381 reviews)
$161+
View
Coast Bastion Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1296 reviews)
$139+
View
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ladysmith Oyster Bay
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 607 reviews)
$132+
View
Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 324 reviews)
$120+
View
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1343 reviews)
$103+
View
Ramada by Wyndham Nanaimo
3 stars
Good (7.6, 575 reviews)
$102+
View

Renting a car in Nanaimo

Renting a car in Nanaimo costs $54 per day, on average, or $162 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National 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, 9% more expensive than at Vancouver Intl.

Expect to pay $5.38 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 $64.50 and $86.00. 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 Full-size rental cars (Ford Transit Cargo or similar) are, on average, 55% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Nanaimo costs $54 per day, on average, or $162 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National 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, 9% more expensive than at Vancouver Intl.

Expect to pay $5.38 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 $64.50 and $86.00. 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 Full-size rental cars (Ford Transit Cargo or similar) are, on average, 55% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Nanaimo

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$28/day

Economy

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$28/day

Compact
Find car rentals in Nanaimo