Tourism

The tourism industry in Nanaimo spans diverse sectors, including accommodation and food services, transportation, adventure tourism and recreation, attractions, events and conferences, travel trade, and retail. Visitors are drawn to Nanaimo's natural beauty and open spaces, enjoying a variety of recreational activities, access to cultural amenities, and affordable accommodation.

There are 793 businesses in the accommodation and food service sectors in Nanaimo, accounting for 11.4% of all business licenses in the City. This sector is the third largest employment sector, providing 4,558 jobs, or 8.8% of the total labour market (Esri 2023).

Here is a breakdown of businesses in the Accommodation and Food Service sectors:

Nanaimo offers a wide range of year-round activities, including golf, boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing, diving, biking, hiking, bungy jumping, day tours, and day spas. The City also features amenities like museums, a performing arts theatre, diverse shopping options, exceptional eateries, art galleries, and Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Provincial Park.

As the transportation hub for Central Vancouver Island, Nanaimo provides tourists with various transportation options. BC Ferries offers regular service between Nanaimo and the mainland from the Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals. Hullo Ferries provide a direct downtown Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver connection several times daily. Nanaimo Airport offers daily flights to Vancouver Island International Airport and direct flights to Calgary and Toronto. Additionally, floatplanes from two terminals and Helijet helicopter services are available to the mainland and other destinations.

For more information about Nanaimo's vibrant tourism industry, visit Tourism Nanaimo.