Nanaimo, Canada

View cruises with Nanaimo, Canada

Located on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is about 55 km west of Vancouver and separated by the Strait of Georgia, but directly linked to the mainland via BC Ferries.

Nanaimo began as a trading post in the early 1800s. In 1849 the Snuneymuxw chief Ki-et-sa-kun informed the Hudson's Bay Company of the presence of coal in the area, and in 1853 the company built a fort known as the Nanaimo Bastion. Subsequently the town was chiefly known for the export of coal.

Nanaimo is home to Petroglyph Provincial Park, where visitors can view ancient petroglyph rock carvings and runes. Newcastle Island is another provincial park in Nanaimo, and was at one time a world-famous summertime tourist destination. The city lays claim to the oldest continuous community band in Canada, The Nanaimo Concert Band, established in 1872. Nanaimo is also known for its bathtub race during the annual marine festival, the famous Nanaimo bar dessert and for the cannon firing on the parapet next to the Bastion every day at noon during the summer months and for special events.

Read More about Nanaimo, Canada description

Points of Interest

  • Bastion
  • Piper's Lagoon
  • Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
  • Coombs Country Market
  • Nanaimo Museum
  • Bowen Park
  • Cowichan Valley
  • Old City Quarter

More about Nanaimo, Canada Points of Interest

  • Bastion

    Cannon fire every day at noon, site interpreters dressed in period costume, historical exhibits and dramatic harbor views make this 1853 Hudson Bay Company outpost a popular Nanaimo attraction.

  • Piper's Lagoon

    Stroll the pebbly beach, watch for bald eagles circling the lagoon, hike through an ancient oak forest, and soak up the views of Georgia Strait. This seaside park is a favorite, especially at sunset.

  • Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park

    Adventure abounds at the "Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC" according to Attractions Canada. Hike through an ancient forest and then scramble underground to explore mysterious "spelunking" caves.

  • Coombs Country Market

    A herd of goats keep the sod roof well mowed at this popular market inspired by Norwegian country homes. And the bounty of fresh produce, antiques, gifts, flowers and eateries are equally enticing.

  • Nanaimo Museum

    See what life was like in a Snunéymuxw longhouse, learn about the Hudson Bay Company era, explore the impact of the forestry industry, and pretend you're a miner at the interactive coal miner exhibit.

  • Bowen Park

    Nestled on the shores of the Millstone River, Bowen Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You'll find vast sweeps of grass studded with rhododendrons, fringed with forest, and laced with trails.

  • Cowichan Valley

    As many as 40 different wineries take advantage of the Cowichan Valley's Mediterranean-style climate. Each one offers its own enticements with winery tours, free wine tastings and spectacular views.

  • Old City Quarter

    This charming, well-preserved district in the heart of Nanaimo mingles the old and new. Heritage buildings straight out of the 1900s blend with thoughtfully designed businesses for modern-day shoppers

Close

There are no excursions for this port at the moment.
Please check back later.

Already Booked Your Cruise? Reserve excursions in Cruise Personalizer