Best Western Hotels on Vancouver Island

Nanaimo has been touted as the "All-Purpose Destination" on Vancouver Island. The city is packed with activities to try, places to see, and things to do.

Fast Facts

• Population - 79,000
• Distance from Victoria - 150 kilometres
• Best way to get there - Highway 19
• Other ways to get there - by ferry to mainland (35 km), or by air
• Most distinctive feature - Mount Benson standing tall against the natural harbour
• Climate - mild, sunny

Tours & Attractions

• Take a protected harbour cruise in the only natural harbour on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island
• Visit Cathedral Grove, with over 800 year old tree stands
• Gallery tours offer the best in local art and history
• Plan a tour with one of the many locally based tour and charter companies
• The Nanaimo District Museum is definitely worth a visit
• Shady Mile Farm Market – for fresh produce, ice cream and treats
• Dinghy Dock Pub – the only floating pub in Canada, via 10-minute ferry
• Newcastle Island Provincial Park – the marine park should be on your list of things to do
• Stroll the Harbourside Walkway
• Nanaimo is a short ferry from three unique islands - Newcastle, Gabriola, and Protection Island (the floating pub can be found here)

The Nanaimo Community Heritage Commission has established a number of heritage walking tours and brochures.These are available at the Visitor Info Centre and the Downtown Information Centre. There are also guided walking tours that leave from the Bastion daily between the months of May and October.

Shopping

Surprisingly, Nanaimo has become known as a shopping mecca, with malls, markets, plazas, and boutique shops abounding! There is over 5.5 million square feet of retail opportunities in three distinct districts (the Arts District, Old City Quarter, and the Waterfront) for you to explore, all within an easy walk from the waterfront.

Recreational Activities

Nanaimo and area is the perfect location to try-cycling, hiking, walking, kayaking, and a whole range of other recreational activities. Bring your own gear, or visit one of the many local rental outlets or retail suppliers who will be happy to suit you up!

Events & Festivals

There are many events and festivals year round, so check out the Nanaimo Visitor Centre for a complete listing when you are in town.

You can also find complete list at:
http://www.tourismnanaimo.com

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