Holidays to Nanaimo
CanadaNanaimo is Vancouver Island’s second biggest city, sitting 113 km away from Victoria. Nicknamed the "Bathtub Racing Capital of the World," bathtub racing is indeed a popular sport in the city. The city began as an important trading post during the early 19th century. An influx of Chinese immigrants came …
How to get to Nanaimo
Here's what you need to know about getting to Nanaimo. You can see the cheapest month to fly and a snapshot of flight prices for the following month. Also, don't forget to factor in your travelling time - the typical flight from London Heathrow to Nanaimo takes 10 hours, 45 minutes.
When to go to Nanaimo
Typical Holiday Price
£909 per person
The average price of hotels and apartments in Nanaimo varies according to the time of year. To help you plan when to go, we've looked at the hotels available on our site, then worked out the average price per night for the quietest and the busiest months.
Cheapest Month to Visit
November
Based on a typical 1 week holiday - adding together the cost of flights and accommodation - November is the cheapest month to go to Nanaimo.
Things to see and do in Nanaimo
Laurel W | Trip by Skyscanner
MacMillan Provincial Park
Tracy C | Trip by Skyscanner
Maffeo Sutton Park
marneejill | Flickr
Bowser
Isobel P | Trip by Skyscanner
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Brogan Hepworth | Trip by Skyscanner
Tourism Vancouver Island
Makaely R | Trip by Skyscanner
Neck Point Park
Nona Barker | Trip by Skyscanner
Nanaimo Harbour
My husband and I and our children have spent holidays here over the past 40 years. I can't believe I am living here being such a city person, BUT I LOVE IT!..and so much so that we moved here 2 years ago and bought beautiful Randle House by the Sea in the heart of Departure Bay. 3 steps to the beach and into the ocean! Very grateful!
If Victoria is the gateway to Vancouver Island for Americans, Nanaimo is the gateway for Canadians - for everyone else? Just depends on your route of choice. Nanaimo offers access to old growth forests, unique nightlife, waterfront adventures and... well, you could always drive to Victoria...
Next to Victoria, this is the next biggest town on the island. There isn't a whole lot to see or do here, but like most small towns there are a few cute coffee shops and stores to look around at.
This functional gateway city is many visitors to Vancouver Island's first port of call.