Nanaimo
Quick Facts
- Population (2006 Census)... 78,692
- Distance from Vancouver... 84km (52mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 97km (60mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 164km (102mi)
Nanaimo is located on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, overlooking the Strait of Georgia. The second-largest city on Vancouver Island benefits from one of Canada's mildest and sunniest climates, enabling the pursuit of outdoor pleasures year round.
The landscape surrounding Nanaimo is indicative of the remainder of Vancouver Island with temperate coastal rainforests, the ocean and mountain ranges. The large number of artists and artisans in Nanaimo find inspiration in the surrounding beauty and history of the town. It is the third-oldest city in BC and has retained many historic buildings in the small city centre.
Nanaimo is a hub for ferry travel making it a good departure point for visitors exploring central Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
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2010 Host Cities
Venues & Visitor Centres
Transportation
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.
Nanaimo has two terminals offering car and passenger ferries to and from the mainland. Departure Bay connects with Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver providing easy access to Vancouver. Duke Point services Tsawwassen providing easy access to Richmond and Vancouver.
To Richmond:
Passengers will depart Nanaimo's Duke Point ferry terminal and arrive at Tsawwassen where transit buses and taxis offer service into Richmond. The driving time from the ferry terminal to downtown Richmond is approximately 25 minutes, but may be longer during peak Games time.
Visitors traveling to Vancouver International Airport can take a motorcoach from on board selected BC Ferries, fly from Nanaimo Airport or take a floatplane and shuttle from Nanaimo Harbour.
The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.
To Vancouver:
Travelers can take BC Ferries arriving in either Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen where transit buses and taxis offer transport into downtown Vancouver.
During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.
Selected BC Ferries departing Vancouver Island sell tickets on board to connect passengers into downtown Vancouver via motor coach.
To West Vancouver:
Transit buses, car, motorcoach and taxis connect both ferry terminals to West Vancouver. Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal is a short drive from West Vancouver’s business district, which takes approximately 15 minutes.
Tickets holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve bus tickets here.
To Whistler:
Passengers can take a BC Ferry to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver then drive north to Whistler along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) during peak Games times.
Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network has departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.
Daily motorcoach service from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport has several departure points located along the Vancouver-Whistler corridor, including limited service from Horseshoe Bay.
Nanaimo offers a diverse range of accommodation. Larger, chain hotels are situated downtown while the south end of town offers a number of independent motels. Numerous guesthouses, hostels, and bed and breakfasts are located both downtown and in nearby rural settings.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
Nanaimo is on the ocean and close to many rivers and lakes so you are never far from a water view while enjoying the many walking trails in and around the town. The ocean also offers some of the best diving in North America with visibility at its peak in winter. Other outdoor activities around Nanaimo include prime bird watching and a multitude of golf courses.
Indoor entertainment can be found at the 800-seat Port Theatre which offers ballet, improvisation, drama, and concerts. Visitors interested in the history of the area can explore the museum while those with a sweet tooth should sample the famous Nanaimo Bar.
Find out more about what's on in Nanaimo.