Incorporated in 1874, Nanaimo is the third oldest city in BC. Stroll through this historic city to see the outstanding examples of well preserved pioneer buildings and sites. Nanaimo offers a multitude of attractions for the visitor. Nanaimo is a popular destination for some of the more popular outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, charters, scuba diving, biking, hiking and golfing. With over two dozen parks, one of Canada's most scenic waterfronts, and the most retail space per capita in North America, Vancouver Island's second largest city always has something going on.

Follow the Habourside Walkway between Habour Park Mall and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and you take in everything happening along the cities central waterfront. On this 4.4 kilometre walk you should take your time and visit The Hudson's Bay Bastion, built in 1852, in the summer has a daily noon hour cannon firing performed by a troop of "Bastion Guards" dressed in period costumes and accompanied by the sound of bagpipes. The regional museum presents excellent depictions of Nanaimo's long and colourful history. Highlights include Native exhibits, archaeological artefacts, and an amazing replica of a coal mine, complete with sound effects.

You'll want to step into one of the intriguing shops on the boardwalk between the busy Boat Basin and Maffeo-Sutton Park. At the beginning of the walk stop off at Fisherman's Wharf and along the way visit Georgia Park.

Georgia Park is dedicated to the area's original native inhabitants and has Canada's only artificially created tidal pool. Also on display are totem poles and an authentic Native canoe.

Take the short ferry ride from Maffeo-Sutton Park to Newcastle Island. Once the sight of a coalmine, a sandstone quarry, a pleasure resort owned by the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company and other businesses Newcastle Island is now a Provincial Park. The island now has a coastal trail around it from which you can see reminders of its history. You can also picnic, camp or use one of the cycling paths.

Nanaimo offers something for everyone and don't forget it is the "Bathtub Capital of the World" and every July this is celebrated during the "Nanaimo Marine Festival & Bathtub Race".

Several art galleries, including an incredible centre at Malaspina Univerdity College, showcase the works of local, national, and international artists. Nanaimo's impressive calendar of entertainment events is highlighted by the Nanaimo Festival Theatre which presents a series of plays and special events.

Wildlife, Birders and nature enthusiasts will enjoy Morrell Nature Sanctuary, Piper's Lagoon Park, Buttertubs Marsh Bird Sanctuary, the hundreds of eagles at Gabriola Cliffs and the thousands of Alaskan stellar and Californian sea lions that arrive between October and March to feed on spawning herring. Bring your camera.  See City of Nanaimo Parks

Nanaimo offers a tremendous array of shopping options from unique art and gift shops in historic buildings, to modern shopping centres.