Nanaimo,
known as the Harbour City, is Vancouver Island's second largest
city. Originally it was the site where five separate Native villages
gathered together, a place called "Snenymo" which meant
'great and mighty people'. The area was first explored by the
Spanish and later by Captain George Vancouver.
The discovery of coal in 1851, lured miners to the area and Nanaimo
was incorporated in 1874 making it the third oldest city in BC.
You can relive the past in the areas museums as well as a number
of pioneer buildings and sites.
Built
literally and financially on coal, the city now supports a diversified
economy, with tourism being a major contributor. The recreational
opportunities in and around the city are boundless. In the city
itself you can experience local history in the museums or find
more about the Native peoples of the area in Georgia Park, thrill
at the firing of the cannons at the Hudson's Bay Company bastion,
or just wander through the preserved pioneer sites of the town.
Perhaps a visit to Fisherman's Wharf for fresh seafood or a stroll
through the various shops is more to your liking.
For
the outdoor enthusiast, the area in and around Nanaimo can offer
you everything from hiking trails, a nature centre, bird sanctuary
and picnic and swimming sites plus great fishing opportunities.
You
can access nearby Gabriola
Island in BC's Southern Gulf Islands, via a
ferry service that runs daily from downtown Nanaimo. BC Ferries
sail 16 times daily each way, a 5km/3mi, 20-minute ferry ride.
A
spectacular sight awaits the visitor in November to April when
the waters around Nanaimo are teeming with sea lions and sea birds
feeding on the spawning herring.
Accommodation/Adventure
Providers
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City
Information
Population:
66,090.
Elevation:
7 metres (23 ft.)
Main
Industries: forestry, construction, tourism, technology, service
centre
Access:
Nanaimo is 26 km (16 mi.) north of Ladysmith or 110 km (68
mi.) north of Victoria on Highway 1. It is served by BC Ferries
from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver); a crossing time of 1 hour and
35 minutes and from Tsawwassen it takes two hours. Regional airlines
and bus service is available as is Via Rail.
Come
enjoy the International Bathtub Races in July
Local
Attractions: Arboretum, Historic, Regional and Military Museums,
Marsh Bird Sanctuary, Heritage Walk, Marine Biological Station,
Wildlife Sanctuary, pulp mill tours, Waterfront Lagoon Esplanade,
Fisherman's Wharf, Georgia Park, Swy-A-Lana Lagoon, Newcastle
Island. July - Bathtub Race August - Vancouver Island Exhibition September - Jazz Festival
Accommodations:
Visitors to Nanaimo, BC, can enjoy a wealth of tourist services
and lodging choices.
Visitors
can stay in accommodations that include deluxe hotels, motels,
bed and breakfasts or family-oriented resorts; private and provincial
campsites are also nearby.
