Nanaimo is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island and is sometimes referred to as the harbour city due to its teeming port life. Its central location on Vancouver Island and direct ferry to the mainland makes it a hub for just about any activity you could hope for. Day trips to many places on Vancouver Island are achievable from Nanaimo BC making the Nanaimo Regional District a great place for Vancouver Island travel and vacationing.

The area of Departure Bay in Nanaimo BC was once home to the Snuneymuxuw First Nations and the name Nanaimo derives from their language. In 1852 the Hudson Bay Company began mining coal in what is today downtown Nanaimo. In 1958 mill was built just outside of Nanaimo and sustained the town as the demand for coal lessened. Today Nanaimo has a varied economy including fishing, logging, sandstone quarrying, transportation industries and a thriving tourist market.

There are activities for just about everyone's taste in Nanaimo and its fairly mild year round weather make it ideal at any time of year. One of B.C.'s most beautiful and picturesque cities, Nanaimo is fitting welcome to Vancouver Island, vacations no exception.