There’s a rhythm to Nanaimo that feels almost tidal — a steady pulse between sea and city, stillness and motion. Morning light drifts over the harbour, ferries hum toward the horizon, and the scent of cedar lingers even downtown. Each neighbourhood here carries its own frequency: the hum of creativity in the Old City Quarter, the salt-swept calm of Departure Bay, the rugged edge of Hammond Bay. Together, they tell the story of a coastal town learning to balance heritage with a quietly adventurous spirit.
Whether you come for a weekend escape or stay long enough to fall under its spell, here’s how to explore Nanaimo like a local — one neighbourhood at a time.
Old City Quarter — Where Heritage Meets Creativity
Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter is where the city’s heart still beats loudest. Once the centre of its 19th-century coal rush, it’s now a charming warren of heritage buildings filled with cafés, boutiques, and artisan studios.
Wander along Fitzwilliam Street for beautifully restored Victorian architecture, then settle into Mon Petit Choux for a buttery croissant and locally roasted coffee. Just down the road, The Vault Café hosts open mics and impromptu art shows — part of what gives this district its bohemian pulse.
🗝 Local tip: Time your visit for the Old City Night Market (held seasonally in the summer), when the streets fill with makers, florists, and live music.
Downtown & The Harbour — Where the City Breathes
A few blocks downhill, the harbourfront opens up like a cinematic scene — sailboats bobbing, sea planes lifting off, and families strolling the Harbourfront Walkway. This is where Nanaimo’s balance of pace and peace becomes clear.
Grab lunch at The Modern Café, a local institution since 1946, or sip an ocean-view cocktail at The View. If you’re craving a dash of adventure, rent a kayak near Maffeo Sutton Park or take the five-minute ferry across to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) — a provincial park rich with Snuneymuxw First Nation history and quiet forest trails.
🌿 Local tip: Stay for sunset at Maffeo Sutton Park — locals gather here to watch the sky turn rose-gold over the harbour.
Departure Bay — Beachside Calm in the City
Departure Bay feels like the soul of Nanaimo — laid-back, salt-sprayed, and easygoing. Locals gather here with coffee from Drip or picnics from The Nest Bistro, watching ferries slip across the horizon.
This is the perfect place to unwind between adventures. Walk the curved shoreline, search for sea glass, or take the short climb up Sugarloaf Mountain Park for panoramic views of the bay and the Gulf Islands beyond.
☀️ Local tip: Early mornings bring soft light and solitude; spring and fall are ideal for avoiding the ferry crowds.
Hammond Bay — The Call of the Wild Coast
Drive north and you’ll find Hammond Bay — raw, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here, Pipers Lagoon and Neck Point Park offer glimpses of Vancouver Island’s wild heart. The tide pools shimmer with tiny ecosystems, and herons glide just above the waves.
Locals come here for sunrise walks, meditation by the cliffs, or winter storm-watching when the Pacific winds roar.
🌊 Local tip: Bring good shoes and a thermos of tea — the park trails wind between rocky coves perfect for quiet contemplation.
South Nanaimo — Grounded and Growing
Long known for its industrial past, South Nanaimo is quietly reinventing itself. Visit White Rabbit Coffee Co. for a minimalist, creative space filled with local art, then head to Nanaimo River Regional Park for a refreshing swim beneath towering cedars.
This part of town has a raw charm — a mix of resilience and rebirth. Pop-up studios, weekend markets, and small businesses are shaping a new narrative rooted in community.
💡 Local tip: Check for local makers’ fairs and craft events — the area’s creative revival is gaining energy each season.
The Spirit of Nanaimo
What makes Nanaimo unforgettable isn’t just its scenery — it’s the feeling of belonging that sneaks up on you. This is a city where the sea meets story, where creativity grows between heritage bricks, and where you can feel both grounded and free.
Come for a weekend, and you might find yourself returning for something deeper — the slow rhythm of island life that calls you back to yourself.
By Melissa Horrell
