Quick Facts About Nanaimo

Ask me about living in Nanaimo and I’ll say that we’ve got something for everyone; water views everywhere you turn, one of the mildest climates in all of Canada, and affordable house prices.

If you’ve got another thirty seconds, read on for a fast rundown of fabulous Nanaimo facts:

Size and Location

• Centrally located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 114 km (68 miles) North of Victoria and 55 km (34 miles) by boat from Vancouver
• Population 84,000 and the second largest city on Vancouver Island

Weather and Climate

• Winter temperatures rarely below freezing
• Average daily summer temperature 24 C (75 F)
• Called by Environment Canada one of the comfiest climates in all of Canada

Getting Here

• By ferry, two routes from the mainland: Horseshoe Bay,West Vancouver, to Departure Bay, Nanaimo (1 hour 40 minutes), or Tsawwassen to Duke Point, Nanaimo, (2 hours)
• By seaplane, Vancouver harbour to Nanaimo harbour (20 minutes flight time)
• By airplane, daily flights from Vancouver International Airport to Nanaimo Airport (20 minutes flight time)
• By car, drive Highway 1 (Transcanada Highway) from Victoria to Nanaimo (1 hour 39 minutes)  

Shopping

• Four major shopping malls including the largest on Vancouver Island, Woodgrove Centre, located along Island Highway (#19A)
• Boutique shopping, artisans and galleries in the revitalized downtown core: Arts District, Old City Quarter, and Waterfront
• Farmers markets for fresh, seasonal fare from late spring to Thanksgiving: Lantzville Farmers Market, Cedar Farmers Market, Bowen Road Farmers Market, Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market

House Prices

• Average house price in Nanaimo is $350,000
• 18 different Nanaimo neighbourhoods, each with its own character, offering waterfront locations, new developments, and acreages.

Schools

• Over 30 public elementary schools and secondary schools with bus service for select areas
• Private schools for elementary and secondary, including Aspengrove university-prep school, Nanaimo Christian School, and Discover Montessori School
• Universities and colleges, including Vancouver Island University and Discovery Community College

Health Care

• Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, boasting a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department

Things to Do

• More than 200 parks, dozens of beaches and lakes, and surrounding islands to explore, including Newcastle Marine Park and Gabriola Island
• World’s largest artificial upright reef for scuba diving
• Skiing at nearby Mount Washington during the winter
• Golfing, kayaking, biking, whale watching, fishing, and swimming during the summer

Fun Facts

• Home of the sweet, no-bake treat, the Nanaimo Bar, including over 100 variations of its chocolaty, creamy goodness
• Home of the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race (must be seen to be believed)
• One of the top ten island destinations in the world, right up there with Maui and the Great Barrier Reef (according to Travel & Leisure Magazine)