:  British Columbia  :  Nanaimo

Nanaimo Nanaimo, known as the Harbour City, is Vancouver Island's second largest city. Originally it was the site where five separate Native villages gathered together, a place called "Snenymo" which meant 'great and mighty people'. The area was first explored by the Spanish and later by Captain George Vancouver. The discovery of coal in 1851, lured miners to the area and Nanaimo was incorporated in 1874 making it the third oldest city in BC. You can relive the past in the areas museums as well as a number of pioneer buildings and sites. Built literally and financially on coal, the city now supports a diversified economy, with tourism being a major contributor. The recreational opportunities in and around the city are boundless. In the city itself you can experience local history in the museums or find more about the Native peoples of the area in Georgia Park, thrill at the firing of the cannons at the Hudson's Bay Company bastion, or just wander through the preserved pioneer sites of the town. Perhaps a visit to Fisherman's Wharf for fresh seafood or a stroll through the various shops is more to your liking. For the outdoor enthusiast, the area in and around Nanaimo can offer you everything from hiking trails, a nature centre, bird sanctuary and picnic and swimming sites plus great fishing opportunities. A spectacular sight awaits the visitor in November to April when the waters around Nanaimo are teeming with sea lions and sea birds feeding on the spawning herring. Population: 66,090. Elevation: 7 metres (23 ft.) Main Industries: forestry, construction, tourism, technology, service centre Access: Nanaimo is 26 km (16 mi.) north of Ladysmith or 110 km (68 mi.) north of Victoria on Highway 1. It is served by BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver); a crossing time of 1 hour and 35 minutes and from Tsawwassen it takes two hours. Regional airlines and bus service is available as is Via Rail. Recreation Facilities & Activities: Golf courses, swimming, hiking, nature centre, petting zoo, birdwatching, fishing, Wildlife viewing Local Attractions: Arboretum, Historic, Regional and Military Museums, Marsh Bird Sanctuary, Heritage Walk, Marine Biological Station, Wildlife Sanctuary, pulp mill tours, Waterfront Lagoon Esplanade, Fisherman's Wharf, Georgia Park, Swy-A-Lana Lagoon, Newcastle Island.

Accommodations

Best Western Dorchester Hotel
70 Church Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4
Nightly Rates: ( 123.03 - 195.29 )
3 Star
This 100% non-smoking Nanaimo, British Columbia hotel is minutes away from the Nanaimo Harbour, ferry terminals and the Nanaimo Convention Center. Welcome to the Best Western Dorchester Hotel, a beautiful heritage hotel featuring a convenient downtow

Ramada Nanaimo
315 Rosehill Street
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1E3
Nightly Rates: ( 130.03 - 170.04 )
2 Star
Ramada Nanaimo is the newest Hotel in the City of Nanaimo and construction was finished in early 2008. This brand new Nanaimo hotel offers Free Continental Breakfast, Fitness Centre, Business Centre, Meeting Room at Property, Complimentary Wired and

Days Inn - Nanaimo
809 Island Hwy South
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K1
Nightly Rates: ( 91.28 - 107.39 )
3 Star
Welcome to the Days Inn Harbourview, we are 100 percent Non Smoking hotel located in the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, which is the gateway to exploring the rest of this super natural Island. Places such as Long Beach to the West, salmon fishi

Best Western Northgate Inn
6450 Metral Drive
Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8
Nightly Rates: ( 143.71 - 178.18 )
2 Star
Stay at this Nanaimo hotel in British Columbia offering comfortable accommodations convenient to Vancouver Island University and Woodgrove Mall. Located at the hub of Vancouver Island, the Best Western Northgate Inn located in Nanaimo, British Colum

Travelodge Nanaimo
96 Terminal Ave. North
Nanaimo, BC V9S 4T2
Nightly Rates: ( 84.08 - 129.11 )
2 Star
Travelodge Nanaimo features comfortable standard, kitchenette and deluxe suites. Travelodge is centrally located in Nanaimo just 2 minutes away from the BC Ferry Terminal and the downtown core. Close to everything, excellent dining, malls, shopping,

The Grand Hotel Nanaimo
4898 Rutherford Road
Nanaimo, BC V9T 4Z4
Nightly Rates: ( 125.99 - 184.60 )
3 Star
Nestled in the heart of Nanaimos prestigious north end, The Grand Hotel offers discerning guests premier accommodation and amenities in a location like no other. Whether its for business or the world-famous island attractions, when you stay at The Gr

Howard Johnson Hotel - Nanaimo Harbourside
1 Terminal Avenue
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5R4
Nightly Rates: ( 86.93 - 96.69 )
3 Star
Centrally located in downtown Nanaimo with Bus Depot adjoining hotel. 5 minutes from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and 20 minutes from Duke Point Ferry Terminal. We have 100 Percent Non Smoking Guest Rooms. All guest rooms have queen size beds fully

Inn on Long Lake
4700 North Island Highway
Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6
Nightly Rates: ( 122.09 - 233.24 )
3 Star
The Inn on Long Lake is the Jewel of Nanaimo hotels on Vancouver Island. Located on picturesque Long Lake, travelers are drawn to its doors with the promise of beautiful sunrises and the feel of having nature at their own front door. You will be deli