Regional District of Nanaimo

British Columbia

A forested area with a small waterfall, moss-covered rocks, and autumn-colored leaves.
A large, colorful sculpture of a sea creature on a waterfront.
A large cannon on display, secured with chains and wheels, on a tiled surface.
A calm lake with scattered rocks and a distant shoreline.
A beach with a seashell and a rainbow in the background.

Popular cities in Regional District of Nanaimo

A marina with various boats docked, a large industrial building, and mountains in the background.
Nanaimo
Known for Ports, Ferries and boats and Islands
Take a ferry to one of British Columbia’s oldest cities and enjoy its cosmopolitan mix of a college town, a waterfront resort and an old mining boomtown.

Reasons to visit

  • Old City Quarter
  • Departure Bay Beach
  • Long Lake
A wooden bridge with colorful sail-like structures on the right.
Parksville
Known for Beaches, Sea and Walking
Enjoy the panoramic river and sea views, sandy beaches, scenic forest trails and lively festivals of this charming ocean-side community on Vancouver Island.

Reasons to visit

  • Parksville Beach
  • Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
  • Parksville Community Park
A room with a wooden table, various framed artworks on the wall, and a window with a view of trees.
Qualicum Beach
Known for Beaches, Sea and Relaxing
Explore relaxing Qualicum Beach: its beaches, parks, cave exploring and more!

Reasons to visit

  • The Old School House Arts Centre
A coastal house with a rocky shoreline, clear blue sky, and calm sea.
Nanoose Bay
Known for Beaches, Sea and Relaxing
Discover a popular wildlife spotting location on the east coast of Vancouver Island and take to the water to explore miles of untouched shoreline.

Reasons to visit

  • Beachcomber Marina
A calm lake with a person rowing a boat, surrounded by mountains and a rocky shoreline.
Gabriola Island
Discover breathtaking coastline, thrilling adventure sports and magnificent wildlife on one of the most picturesque of Victoria’s Gulf Islands.

Reasons to visit

  • Elder Cedar Nature Reserve
An aerial view of a coastal landscape with clear blue waters, a sandy beach, and dense forested areas.
Arrowsmith-Benson
Check out the local area in Arrowsmith-Benson—home to attractions like Mount Arrowsmith and Jewel Lake.

Stay near popular Regional District of Nanaimo attractions