Downtown Nanaimo Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Nanaimo
Popular places to visit
Old City Quarter
Learn about the local history of Nanaimo with a stop at Old City Quarter. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Departure Bay Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Departure Bay Beach during your travels in Nanaimo?
Long Lake
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Long Lake during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Pipers Lagoon Park
After visiting Pipers Lagoon Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Neck Point Park
Neck Point Park is just one of the places to see in Nanaimo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
Activities
Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour
Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
Our pick of the best Downtown Nanaimo Hotel Deals
Coast Bastion Hotel
"Best place to stay for exploring downtown Nanaimo. Very close to places you wanna try eating at. Also walking distance to old city quarter, harbourfront, and drop-off & pickup point if you’re taking the hullo. Room is very nice, well-serviced, and staff are very kind. Will definitely come back ..."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Courtyard By Marriott Nanaimo
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Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
"Not sure if it was related to current renovations but the water pressure was very low, we had to flush the toilet twice quite often just to get it to clear. Would have appreciated a microwave in the room and the fridge was quite small. Otherwise, it is a great location, with good food options and ..."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Hostel)
"I enjoyed my stay, for the price you can't go wrong. People's comments on the noise are accurate though! Bring ear plugs!"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
"The hotel is dated but it was nice and quiet, the staff were very friendly, and I liked having breakfast included. I'd stay here again"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo
"I have to start off by saying that the check in staff were fantastic. The room was run down, holes in walls, old tiles and carpet. The sink leaked on the floor and the view was a horrid garden rock/pool pump space and cement wall with broken buckets and garden pots. The beds would have been nice ..."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Nanaimo
Central Nanaimo
Though Central Nanaimo may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Maffeo Sutton Park.
Departure Bay
If you're spending some time in Departure Bay, Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal are top sights worth seeing.
Stephenson Point
While Stephenson Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.
