Nanaimo Hotels

Top reasons to visit Nanaimo

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Nanaimo is renowned for its breathtaking parks, lakes, and coastal views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
• Cultural Attractions: Discover the Nanaimo Art Gallery, Harbour, and Museum, offering rich cultural experiences for visitors.
• Vibrant Downtown: Explore charming cafés and shops in the lively downtown area, ideal for leisurely strolls and shopping.
• Outdoor Adventures: Engage in various activities such as boating and hiking, catering to both thrill-seekers and those looking to relax.
• Varied Accommodation: Choose from delightful bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels, ensuring a pleasant stay for all travellers.

Find great hotels in Nanaimo

Explore a range of delightful accommodation options in Nanaimo, British Columbia, from charming bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly getaway, pet-friendly facilities, or an adventurous experience, Nanaimo has something to suit every traveller's needs. Discover the best hotels in downtown Nanaimo and beyond, ensuring a memorable stay in this beautiful coastal city.

• Coast Bastion Hotel: This 3.5-star hotel boasts a prime location in Nanaimo, ideal for both business travellers and those seeking a pet-friendly getaway. With an impressive guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, Coast Bastion Hotel offers a blend of comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy amenities such as variable pet fees and waived fees for service animals, making it a welcoming choice for animal lovers. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and facilities designed to cater to the needs of modern travellers.
• Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo: A budget-friendly option, Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo caters to families and business visitors alike, earning a respectable guest rating of 8.0 out of 10. The hotel provides family-oriented amenities, including free cribs for infants, ensuring a comfortable stay for families. Additionally, it welcomes pets with certain restrictions, allowing guests to have their furry companions by their side. This hotel offers a straightforward and accommodating experience for those looking for value without compromising comfort.
• Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo: Also rated at 8.0 out of 10, Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo is a great choice for families and adventurous souls. Situated conveniently in Nanaimo, this budget accommodation provides access to nearby adventure sports such as sailing, kayaking, and hiking. Children are well catered for with amenities like free cribs and a first aid kit on-site, ensuring peace of mind for parents. This hotel balances comfort and adventure, making it perfect for those looking to explore the great outdoors.

Where to stay in and around Nanaimo

Nanaimo, a charming city on Vancouver Island, offers an array of outdoor adventures and stunning ocean views, perfect for family vacations. Explore the vibrant downtown, where delightful cafés and shops await, or venture to nearby scenic spots for relaxing excursions. With its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, Nanaimo is an ideal destination for travellers seeking both excitement and tranquillity. Enjoy the best of nature and community in this picturesque coastal locale.

• Gabriola Island: Nestled 11km from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is a picturesque retreat that offers a blend of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. Known for its diverse landscapes, visitors flock here primarily between June and August, seeking experiences such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring the local beaches. The island boasts recreational areas and ski fields, making it a year-round destination for adventure seekers. Highlights include the tranquil beaches, pristine lakes, and the breathtaking Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in the island's beauty.
• Newcastle Island: Located conveniently near Nanaimo, Newcastle Island is a serene escape perfect for romantic getaways and outdoor activities. With visitor numbers peaking from July to September, this island is popular for its scenic trails and educational experiences. The island features beautiful lakes, a charming harbour, and numerous water features, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics. Visitors can explore the Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, which offers a variety of recreational opportunities, ensuring a memorable experience immersed in nature.
• Extension: Situated 8km from Nanaimo, Extension is a quaint village that offers a delightful family-friendly atmosphere. The village sees an influx of visitors during the summer months, particularly from July to September. Known for its outdoor activities, Extension is a haven for skiing enthusiasts, with access to local ski fields. Additionally, the area boasts lovely flower and botanical gardens, as well as serene lakes, providing a perfect backdrop for family outings and leisurely walks surrounded by nature's splendour.

Things to do near Nanaimo

Shopping

Nanaimo offers a delightful shopping experience with the Woodgrove Centre, a large mall featuring a diverse range of shops, from fashion to home goods. If you're up for a drive, visit the Country Club Centre, situated around 16km away, known for its charming shops and restaurants.

Recreation

Explore the Haven Spa for a rejuvenating massage or facial using natural products, creating a serene atmosphere for relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Newcastle Island offers tranquil walking trails and scenic picnic spots, perfect for unwinding in nature while enjoying picturesque views of the harbour.

Adventure

WildPlay Element Parks Nanaimo offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course experience, located 11km from the city. Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, you can challenge yourself with various aerial obstacles while enjoying the thrill of zipping through the treetops in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Nightlife

Nanaimo’s nightlife offers a vibrant scene, with venues like the iconic Nanaimo Bar and the lively White Sails Brewing. For a laid-back evening, enjoy live music at the Queen’s Hotel, or dance the night away at the popular Level 1 Nightclub.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nanaimo

Nanaimo, British Columbia, is an affordable destination for tourists, with numerous free attractions such as Vancouver Island University, Departure Bay Beach, and Long Lake. To save on accommodation, consider visiting between December and February, when prices drop, and aim for stays on Tuesdays rather than Saturdays. Utilise Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider bundling your flights and activities for additional savings. For transport, options include buses, bicycles, and cars, allowing you to explore the city economically.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Nanaimo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Nanaimo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Nanaimo is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel accommodation in Nanaimo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Nanaimo

Nanaimo, British Columbia, is ideal for outdoor family vacations with its stunning parks, lakes, and urban spaces. Explore attractions such as the Nanaimo Art Gallery, Nanaimo Harbour, and the Nanaimo Museum, all offering a blend of cultural and recreational experiences. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Nanaimo's diverse points of interest ensure a memorable visit for all travellers.

• Departure Bay Beach: Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Departure Bay Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy stunning ocean views. The sandy beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, providing a lovely spot to unwind by the water.
• Long Lake: Long Lake offers a picturesque setting with its serene waters surrounded by scenic landscapes. Ideal for outdoor activities, it invites visitors for romantic walks along the shore or a refreshing swim in the summer months.
• Bastion: Discover the rich history of Nanaimo at Bastion, a beautifully preserved 19th-century fortification. This historic site showcases local culture and offers a glimpse into the region's past, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Nanaimo

The best time to visit Nanaimo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	64.4°F (18.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	64.8°F (18.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Nanaimo

Flying into Nanaimo, British Columbia, can be done via three major airports. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is situated 55km away, with luxury hotels like the 5-star Versante Hotel and Fairmont Pacific Rim, both conveniently accessible. Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), located 114km from Nanaimo, offers nearby options such as the 3.5-star Sandman Hotel Abbotsford Airport. Victoria International Airport (YYJ), 69km away, features the upscale Brentwood Bay Resort among its hotel choices. Each airport provides efficient transport services to these accommodations, ensuring a seamless journey to Nanaimo.