💱
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
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Language
English
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Time Zone
PDT (UTC-7)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Oct
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Typical Duration
7-8 nights
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Price Range
$1,129-$2,859 per person
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
No
Gateway to Alaska cruises with access to pristine Pacific Northwest wilderness, including glacier viewing and wildlife encounters in Southeast Alaska.
Cruises that visit Nanaimo, British Columbia
Build Your Day in Nanaimo, British Columbia
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 9:00 PM
Usually about 13 hours ashore
Getting around:
Woodgrove Centre
It has a large large selection of stores coveting a wide variety of needs.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Maffeo Sutton Park
This is a must stop to everyone who passes by Nanaimo
Crow & Gate Pub
A little slice of Britain located 5 minutes south of a Nanaimo BC.
Neck Point Park
Highly recommend this place for a day trip when visiting Nanaimo, BC Canada.
Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant
Great atmosphere, awesome craft beer, very nice staff.
Asteras
Easily one of the best restaurants in Nanaimo.
Carlos O'Bryan's Neighbourhood Pub
Great drinks, great service, great tunes!
Pipers Lagoon Park
Nanaimo has many unique spots of beauty for the conosour of adventure.
Nanaimo North Town Centre
Beautiful big and clean Mall with seating and lots of excellent stores.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Country Club Centre
This mall has exceptional bathrooms available with no-touch ability.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Westwood Lake Park
Nice, Nanaimo!
Bowen Park
Bowen Park is a beautiful park located in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
🕐 Closed · Opens 8:45 AM Thu
Port Place Shopping Centre
The mall itself is gorgeous and has a great selection of shops and services.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
University Village Mall
Good place to buy used products at a reasonable price
🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
The Old City Station Pub
Good drinks, good food, great music, and the service was outstanding.
Brooks Landing Shopping Centre
Very clean , the stores are all cleansly and very helpful.
🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
The View Oceanside Grill
Hands down the best restaurant in Nanaimo.
🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Jack Point and Biggs Park
See views on downtown Nanaimo, the mountains, sea and maybe even a BC ferry.
Milton Street Public House
Top 5 must experience locations in Nanaimo if good food is your deal!
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Quarterway Pub
Good prices stays open late, good music good people
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Park
If you ever visit Nanaimo, make sure to visit this island
🕐 Closes soon · 8:45 PM
The Oxy Pub
Great wings, awesome karaoke, super friendly vibe, especially Friday nights.
Off The Hook Nanaimo
This is a must dine when in Nanaimo.
🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
The Queen's
Live music, good food and drinks, great vibes.
🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM Thu
Mahle House Restaurant
The best place in Nanaimo for a fabulous meal.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM Thu
Melange restaurant
This is by far the best restaurant in Nanaimo.
Old City Quarter
Have never been to this part of Nanaimo, with 20 years on Vancouver Island.
Sugarloaf Mountain Park
Must visit place if you are in Nanaimo
The Nanaimo Bar
Live music, small capacity, great staff and a great selection of drinks.
Black Rabbit Kitchen
No contest - the best restaurant in Nanaimo.
🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Nanaimo Museum
We were visiting from the US and got to learn a lot about Nanaimo's history.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Plate
One of the best places to eat in Nanaimo!
🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Sip Pub
Sip is the best pub, period, service, food, customers, always a good time.
Woodgrove Crossing
A great selection of stores, wide-open spaces, and gentle ramps.
🕐 Open 24 hours
The Corner Lounge
Great atmosphere, bartenders were fantastic and karaoke was lots of fun!
Terminal Park Mall
Bulk Barn, Pharmacy, Dollarama, Starbucks, and McDonald's all together.
Benson Creek Falls Regional Park
A great place to visit for hiking or mountain biking on the endless trails.
The Terminal Bar Nanaimo
Great stage, friendly staff, great beer prices!
Dickinson Crossing
Lots of things to choose from with good prices
Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar
This is one of MY FAVOURITE places to eat and relax in Nanaimo!
Downtown Nanaimo
... and wonderful place suitable for family, there are many activities
Joan Point Park
One of the must do hikes in Nanaimo.
Harbourfront Walkway
Harbourfront Walkway is one of the best spots to enjoy Nanaimo’s beauty!
The Bastion
A truly iconic part of the Nanaimo Harbour.
🕐 Open now
The "NANAIMO" Sign
Nice spot to start your visit to Nanaimo.
Newfoundland To Nanaimo
Fun souvenirs, friendly, helpful, great location
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Maffeo Sutton Playground
Well done, City of Nanaimo!
Scenery tours Vancouver Island
Visited last year from Colorado and had a great time!
🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Nanaimo, British Columbia
Nanaimo serves as a convenient port of call on Vancouver Island, where Holland America Line brings cruise passengers looking to explore the natural beauty of British Columbia's coast. With 7-night itineraries sailing to destinations like Prince Rupert, Ketchikan, and Victoria, this port offers an excellent jumping-off point for Alaska-bound cruises and Pacific Northwest adventures. The port experiences peak activity during spring and fall months, making it an ideal stop for travelers seeking to experience the region's rugged coastline and charming communities.
When your ship docks in Nanaimo, you'll find a welcoming waterfront town with easy access to local attractions and natural wonders. Whether you're interested in exploring the scenic harbor, visiting nearby beaches, or venturing into the surrounding wilderness, Nanaimo provides the perfect blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. The port's location on Vancouver Island makes it an ideal base for discovering the Pacific Northwest's unique character before or after your cruise.
When your ship docks in Nanaimo, you'll find a welcoming waterfront town with easy access to local attractions and natural wonders. Whether you're interested in exploring the scenic harbor, visiting nearby beaches, or venturing into the surrounding wilderness, Nanaimo provides the perfect blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. The port's location on Vancouver Island makes it an ideal base for discovering the Pacific Northwest's unique character before or after your cruise.
Cruise Lines at Nanaimo, British Columbia
- Holland America Line (5 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Nanaimo, British Columbia
Cruises Visiting Nanaimo, British Columbia
Ship Schedule at Nanaimo, British Columbia
Nanaimo, British Columbia Location
Other Cruise Ports in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nanaimo known for?
Nanaimo is a harbor city on Vancouver Island known for its waterfront, ferries, and nearby islands.
How can I access Nanaimo by ferry?
Nanaimo is a gateway to Vancouver via the BC Ferries terminal at Horseshoe Bay and multiple Gulf Islands.
What are popular attractions near Nanaimo?
Attractions include Newcastle Island, Protection Island, Gabriola Island, and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
What is the location of Nanaimo on the map?
Nanaimo is on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada (latitude 49.1659, longitude -123.9401).