Nanaimo | British Columbia, Canada, Map, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

What is Nanaimo famous for? ›

Cultural Life. Nanaimo's most noted annual event is the "bathtub weekend" (during its Marine Festival), when "tubbers" from around the world race in motor-powered bathtubs from Nanaimo Harbour to Departure Bay. The Bastion, a HBC fort built in 1853, is the oldest preserved HBC fort in Canada.

In 1860 the settlement was renamed Sne-ny-mo (whence Nanaimo) from an Indigenous word meaning “a big, strong tribe,” which was applied to a tribal confederation.

Victoria's larger size and steady tourism give it more cultural entertainment options. Restaurants and bars are typically trendier, much like those in major cities. However, Nanaimo's laid-back feel and beautiful surroundings make it a better choice for residents looking for more sporadic nights out.

BC Ferries operates two sailing routes between Nanaimo, Vancouver Island — approximately a 30-minute drive from Parksville Qualicum Beach — and the terminals of Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen in Vancouver, with sailing times of 1.5 to 2 hours based on your mainland destination.

Fall and Winter

Winter temperatures range between 0°C and 8°C.

Nanaimo is now known for tourism, education, retirement, technology, and recreation. The largest employment sectors are in medical care services which offer nurses and doctors many opportunities s many opportunities to move to the Island.

'Welcome to Nanaimo: the Harbour City.” We have so much harbour that we've adopted it as our slogan. There has been debate over the years as to whether we should be known as the Harbour City or the Hub City.

Outdoor activities are plentiful, and access to amenities and necessities is within reach. Nanaimo's climate is comfortable and moderate, the housing selection is varied, and many neighbourhoods are safe, making Nanaimo a perfect city to retire to.

The Nanaimo bar (/nəˈnaɪmoʊ/ nə-NY-moh) is a bar dessert that requires no baking and is named after the Canadian city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It consists of three layers: a wafer, nut (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), and coconut crumb base; custard icing in the middle; and a layer of chocolate ganache on top.

What is the average age in Nanaimo? ›

There are 99,860 residents in Nanaimo, with an average age of 44.8.

Nanaimo is the fifth largest urban centre in British Columbia. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, Nanaimo is a 20-minute flight from downtown Vancouver or a 1.5 hour ferry ride. The economic hub of Central and North Vancouver Island, Nanaimo boasts a vibrant business community and exceptional quality of life.

According to Statistics Canada figures released Tuesday, Aug. 2, Nanaimo climbed to 129.7 on the crime severity index scale in 2021, from 118.7 in 2020 – a 9.3 per cent increase, but lower than the last pre-pandemic figure in 2019, when Nanaimo hit 142.5 on the index.

Average Cost of Living per Month in Nanaimo

The average cost of living in Nanaimo is $3,590/month for a single person who rents. This average is based on many factors including the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.

As per the State of the Nanaimo Economy report, Nanaimo's walk score, transit score, and bike score stand at 35, 34, and 36 (out of 100), respectively, measuring pedestrian friendliness, access to public transportation, and biking infrastructure.

But in reasonable doses (or not), Nanaimo bars are wonderfully luxurious, satisfying treats; the shredded coconut and nut counterpoint to the thick velvety texture of the icing and ganache has been winning the hearts of sweet-toothed Canadians and visitors for decades.

The Nanaimo bar (/nəˈnaɪmoʊ/ nə-NY-moh) is a bar dessert that requires no baking and is named after the Canadian city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. It consists of three layers: a wafer, nut (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), and coconut crumb base; custard icing in the middle; and a layer of chocolate ganache on top.