Central Nanaimo Travel Guide
Nanaimo
Visit Central Nanaimo
Popular places to visit
Maffeo Sutton Park
You can learn about the history of Nanaimo with a visit to Maffeo Sutton Park.
Old City Quarter
Learn about the local history of Nanaimo with a stop at Old City Quarter. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Departure Bay Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Departure Bay Beach during your travels in Nanaimo?
Long Lake
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Long Lake during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Pipers Lagoon Park
After visiting Pipers Lagoon Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park during your travels in Nanaimo. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.
Things to do
Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour
Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat
Top hotels in Central Nanaimo
Travelodge by Wyndham Nanaimo
"The hotel is dated but it was nice and quiet, the staff were very friendly, and I liked having breakfast included. I'd stay here again"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Nanaimo
"Everything was awesome and went amazing aside from hotel staff coming into our room despite having the do not disturb sign on the door. We had told them we didn’t need house keeping as we were there for a few days and would just request towels if needed. Our wet towels were folded and put back on ..."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
The Bluebird Motel
"In general it was fine. Staff was friendly, room was clean, good price. Had no issues. If you can’t stand smoking, then it is not a good place for you. Otherwise, good."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Departure Bay Motel
"good location and great staff, but not very clean."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
The Spot
"Window has no screen and dirty. Air conditioning is making loud noise with fan running but does not cool the space. Bathroom sink does not drain well. Check-in took ~30 min. There is no common space or breakfast room. No one helped to check out. The laundry room which services the entire hotel is ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
The Port-O-Call Inn & Suites
"Stated 3 nights"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central Nanaimo
Departure Bay
If you're spending some time in Departure Bay, Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal are top sights worth seeing.
Downtown Nanaimo
If you're spending some time in Downtown Nanaimo, Bastion and Nanaimo Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Stephenson Point
While Stephenson Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Departure Bay Beach and Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.
