The Harbour City Revisited

Exciting adventures, ideal boating services and entertainment all offer renewed experiences in the island city of Nanaimo.

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Words by David Mailloux

It’s been said that Nanaimo is blessed with good fortune with its ideal island location, beautiful protected harbour, and all the natural ingredients of a preferred destination surrounded by a popular central region. As Nanaimo continues to evolve from its industrious coal mining past, the character of this striking destination continues to be discovered by new visitors while returning boaters find even more attractions that appeal to their spirit of exploration.

Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines in Canada, and a forested mountain backdrop is just outside of downtown. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 m (3,300 ft) just west of the city, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at its south end.

What’s not to love? It encompasses a sheltered harbour with relatively untouched islands at its doorstep, a moderately populated city with every service boaters need, and a moderate west coast climate that’s embraced by the beautiful Salish Sea with spectacular coastal mountains on the horizon.  This is the Harbour City with a history of receiving and producing boaters from all walks of life.

Nanaimo is large enough to protect one’s anonymity, yet small enough that people refer to the many services by first name – a familiarity that makes boaters confident that they are in good hands, their needs registered and taken care of.

Adding to the exceptional natural assets of the area is the 5,000 year old culture of the friendly Snuneymuxw people, who are committed to their valued harbour. They are now offering “Saysutshun,” a Coast Salish experience that offers a glimpse of authentic first nations activities and culture on enchanting Newcastle Island. 

This island city continually develops organically with a slow, even simmer. It’s not in a rush to follow every trend and is comfortable with its traditions, taking the best recipes from what surrounds it – the island and the sea. Mix in a dash of the island hospitality and one discovers why visitors feel at home. 

Plus, there is no shortage of enticing activities to enjoy on Nanaimo's waterfront. From relaxing seaside walks to dining, shopping or enjoying an evening of theatre, life in the Harbour City offers points of interest at every turn.

The Port of Nanaimo has been an active player in the planning, development, and management of many foreshore amenities and highlights, all tailor-made for boaters.

Restaurants and pubs are plentiful and are just a few steps away from the dock, which is often the single reason why many return every year. Choices range from ethnic food, local floating restaurants, and bistros with sidewalk cafes, to eateries with healthy cuisine and local treats that beg for repeat indulgences. 

Commercial Street in downtown Nanaimo is recognized for its cultural character and ambiance and was voted Best Street in Canada in 2011 by The Great Canadian Places Competition. It continues to charm patrons and delivers every year with fresh consistency. A Thursday night street market, introduced in 2018, is a huge hit with boaters and the community. It’s even easily accessible from the water.

The Port of Nanaimo operates two marinas with more 2,133 m (7,000 ft) of moorage. The inner Boat Basin provides space for small to medium commercial and pleasure boats, secured with locked gates from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Larger vessels are allocated space on the 183 m (600 ft) W.E. Mills Landing & Marina, known to many returning visitors as the Visiting Vessel Pier and Cameron Island Marina, which restricts access from the general public with locked gates. An access code is available from the harbour master. 

Services and amenities include two fuel barges, a 5 km (3 mi) walkway that leads to many services including museums, a chandlery, a farmer’s market, grocery stores, a post office, medical clinic, pharmacy, even a computer store. Canada Customs, buses, taxis, vehicle rentals, sea plane connections and adventure activities are even nearby.

This popular destination thrives along the waterfront and in its downtown district, but it also has a natural beauty and a new outdoor adventure can be enjoyed with every visit. When planning a trip here, bring your hiking boots (or a good pair shoes) as the trails are excellent. Some top choices include the 8 km (5 mi) trail in Mount Benson Regional Park, 6.6 km (4 mi) Cable Bay Nature Trail or the easy 2.3 km (1.4 mi) Colliery Dam Park Trail. Plus, there are many urban parks and walking trails if you’re looking for a quick outing to stretch your legs.

Nanaimo is a superb destination, whether you need to stop overnight during a longer trip, or if you’re coming for a weekend or multi-day getaway. Whatever the reason, there’s something new and exciting with every return trip.

Need Boating Information or Amenities? Convenient Port of Nanaimo Highlights:

  • Canada/U.S. Customs port-of-entry that’s easily accessible on the E-Dock next to the fuel barge
  • Weather, tide and current information and directories for marine suppliers are available in the harbourmaster’s office
  • Private showers, laundry and restrooms
  • Petro-Can Fuel station located within the marina. Ice available
  • Floating sewage pump-out facility, conveniently located at the central breakwater
  • Used oil facility
  • Potable drinking water
  • Garbage collection and household recycling for marina users

You’ll Also Find…

  • Two seasonal floating restaurants minutes from the marina
  • Pioneer Waterfront Plaza (just adjacent to the basin) that has retail shops and restaurants
  • A weekend Farmers’ Market from May to mid-October
  • A 4 km (2.5 mi) walkway with beautiful views and access to ferries connecting to Gabriola, Protection and Newcastle Islands.
  • Exceptional local restaurants with menus available in the harbourmaster’s office
  • ‘Port Place Mall’ that includes a grocery store, liquor store, bakery, drug store, florist, post office and walk-in medical clinic. There’s also The Great Canadian Casino and restaurants.
  • Nanaimo District Museum across from the marina
  • Hudson's Bay Historic Bastion on site with daily Cannon Firing at noon during summer