Nanaimo

Nanaimo - "Hub City"

Centrally located on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, the Port City, is one of the main routes from Vancouver Island to the Mainland. Because of its many shopping centres that bring people in from the surrounding areas, Nanaimo has been called a shopping mecca and is sometimes referred to as the "hub city". The city has a rich historical heritage and a vibrant cultural scene.

Culture, Education and Shopping

A growing urban centre with the new 800-seat Port Theatre, a large Regional Library, great shopping and excellent restaurants, Nanaimo is also home to Vancouver Island University, the Nanaimo District Museum, and a large range of music, dance, and outdoor sports activities.

Location

Nanaimo is located halfway between Courtenay and Victoria on Vancouver Island. It is a 75-minute drive north of Victoria on the Trans-Canada Highway. BC Ferries operates a route between Nanaimo and North Vancouver (1.5 hours) and a second route from Duke Point to Tsawwassen (2 hours). Daily, many flights are also scheduled from and to the Nanaimo Airport, south of the city. Various seaplane companies offer regular flights from downtown Vancouver, and in the summer, from the USA.

Daily coach lines connect with other communities on the Island and the Mainland, and local bus service is available.