Best of Nanaimo
Food Scene
Cold Front Gelato
60 Commercial StDelicious homemade ice cream!
Gabriel's Cafe
39 Commercial StreetGreat coffee - good food, fun atmosphere
MGM Restaurant
240 Nicol StUnique atmosphere, friendly staff, great breakfasts. Local favourite.
Delicious pastries, made in house, excellent espresso drinks and lunch items
26 locals recommend
Mon Petit Choux
120 Commercial StDelicious pastries, made in house, excellent espresso drinks and lunch items
Nori Japanese Restaurant
6750 N Island HwyGreat Sushi
Mambo Gourmet Pizza
238 C Victoria CrescentGreat Pizza
Beaufort Pizza & Pasta House
1483 Bowen RdAlso delicious pizza
Hearthstone Artisan Bakery
50 Tenth StRiso Foods
7217 Lantzville RdBurnt Honey Dessert Company
96-3200 N Island HwyMore delicious ice cream and delightful macarons!
Drinks & Nightlife
The Vault
499 Wallace Stfood, drinks, coffee and local music -
The Charles Bar
136 W Cordova StThe Queen's
34 Victoria CrescentLive music, comedy, and more
Parks & Nature
Westwood Lake Park
381 Westwood RoadHiking trail , lake for swimming - quick 6.5 km loop run
Seaview
1572 Knight Court RdBeautiful!
Mount Benson
Great Hike
Ammonite Falls
Beautiful, easy trail and falls
Lost Lake Trail
4877 Lost Lake RdEasy hike
Departure Bay Centennial Park
1413 Wingrove StKids playground, beach, local shops
Newcastle Island
Camping, hiking, food, AND you get to take a boat there!
Bird sanctuary and marsh - you might catch a glimpse of the local beaver.
17 locals recommend
Buttertubs Marsh Park
197 Bird Sanctuary DrBird sanctuary and marsh - you might catch a glimpse of the local beaver.
Linley Valley Cottle Lake Park
3669 Rock City RdHemer Provincial Park
Hwy 1Cable Bay Trail
2705 Wilkinson RdGreat View of Dodd Narrows
Pipers Lagoon Park
3600 Place RdColliery Dam Park
635 Wakesiah AveHiking trails, swimming
Arts & Culture
Nanaimo Museum
100 Museum WayNanaimo history
Nanaimo Art Gallery
150 Commercial StGlass Blower, Ted Jolda's studio and gardens. Hand blown glass and local artists items for sale.
The Jolda Gallery
3140 Decourcy DrGlass Blower, Ted Jolda's studio and gardens. Hand blown glass and local artists items for sale.
Port Theatre
125 Front StLive shows, music, symphony
Essentials
Thrifty Foods
114 Purvis LnSave-On-Foods
2000 Island HwyLondon Drugs
650 Terminal AvePharmasave - Westhill Centre
1816 Bowen RdCrystal Clean Laundromat
2220 Bowen RdNanaimo Aquatic Centre
741 Third StreetRecreation Centre - pool, gym,
Pure Spa
97 Commercial StNanaimo Regional General Hospital
1200 Dufferin CrescentCrisis Counseling Walk-In-Clinic
203-2000 N Island HwyMedical Arts Centre
650 Terminal AveCountry Grocer
1800 Dufferin CrescentThat 50's Barber Shop
16A Victoria CrescentHair cuts
Xposé Salon and Lounge
679 Terminal Ave NWomen's hair and beauty salon
Sightseeing
Maffeo Sutton Park
100 Comox RoadStart at the park and walk along the waterfront into town.
Gabriola Island
Gulf Island close by - quick ferry ride. Lots to see and do!
Goats on the ROOF. A little out of the way but worth the drive!
27 locals recommend
Coombs Country Farm
2062 Alberni HighwayGoats on the ROOF. A little out of the way but worth the drive!
Shopping
Fig Clothing & Jewelry
70 Church StComfy, attractive women's clothing, often locally made.
Iron Oxide Art Supplies
11 Victoria Rdfunky store in heritage building - ART SUPPLIES!
Lobelia's Lair Metaphysical Treasures
321 Wesley StMetaphysical treasures!
Flying Fish
180 Commercial StLot's of cool stuff
Quintessential
99 Commercial StWomen's clothing - great selection
Eclectic mix of shopping and restaurants in Historic Downtown Nanaimo
37 locals recommend
Old City Quarter
418B Fitzwilliam StEclectic mix of shopping and restaurants in Historic Downtown Nanaimo
Woodgrove Centre
6631 Island HwyIsland-ish Lifestyle Boutique
5299 Rutherford RdInteresting, locally made items
NYLA Fresh Thread
206 Commercial StMen's Clothing
Fascinating Rhythm
51 Commercial StRecords! CD's! Music! Occasionally there is live music!
Romantic Ruins
235 Stewart AveRepurposed, vintage items