Welcome to Nanaimo
Nanaimo sits on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, with the Georgia Strait stretching out in front of it and old-growth forest rising behind. You can kayak calm coastal waters, hike trails above the city, or catch a short ferry ride across to the mainland. Resorts in Nanaimo give you a comfortable base on Vancouver Island, where outdoor access and ocean views come as standard.
How to find the best resort deal in Nanaimo
Our search engine is your secret weapon for finding flight deals. The good news? It's every bit as talented at tracking down amazing rates on resorts. Spend less on your stay with these tips.
Book in advance
Book as early as you can to improve your chances of finding your ideal resort at a great price. This matters even more during peak travel periods like summer months and major festive seasons.
...Or bag a last-minute Nanaimo resort deal
While prices usually increase closer to your stay, some hotels reduce their rates at the last minute to avoid having empty rooms. This tends to happen more in the low season.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Flexibility can open up more options when searching for cheap resorts in Nanaimo. Swap weekends for weekday stays, or travel during shoulder season instead of the most popular months.
Go all-inclusive
If most of your trip is going to be spent in one place, all-inclusive resorts in Nanaimo are hard to beat. Activities, drinks and meals are covered by the room rate, which can help keep costs under control. Check availability for this stay type as you compare.
Show discounted resorts only
For an easy way to skip the full-price listings, apply the 'Only show hotels with discounts' filter. It finds properties with discounted rates or special offers.
When to visit Nanaimo
High and low season in Nanaimo
Summer, from June through August, is the most popular time to visit Nanaimo. Dry, warm weather makes it easy to enjoy the harbour, outdoor trails, and the water. Accommodation fills up during this period, so booking ahead gives you more options and better rates.
Fall and winter see fewer visitors, and you'll find it easier to get around without the summer crowds. Some seasonal activities wind down, and outdoor conditions can be less predictable, but prices tend to be lower and the area has a quieter, more local feel. It's a practical choice if flexibility matters more than sunshine.
Nanaimo hosts a handful of community events and festivals across the year, including food and arts-focused gatherings. The Nanaimo Marine Festival is one well-known summer event tied to the area. For a full picture of what's on during your visit, the Tourism Nanaimo website and the local visitor centre are your best starting points.
Events in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Bar Trail: Nanaimo's most celebrated local treat gets its own self-guided tour through the city. You'll visit participating spots, taste different takes on the chocolate-coconut-custard bar, and pick up a passport along the way. It's a fun, food-focused way to explore the downtown core.
Nanaimo Marine Festival: This waterfront event draws crowds for its boat races, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities along the harbour. You'll find food vendors, local performers, and plenty of reasons to linger near the water. It's a long-running summer tradition that locals genuinely look forward to.
Vancouver Island Exhibition: Held at the Nanaimo fairgrounds, this regional fair brings together agricultural displays, carnival rides, live music, and local vendors. It's one of the larger community gatherings on the island. You'll get a solid sense of the region's agricultural roots and community spirit in one visit.
Check local tourism boards before your trip for the latest event details.
