Car Rental Nanaimo

Located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo overlooks the scenic Strait of Georgia – where the Protection and Gabriola Islands break up the waterway.

Thanks to an abundance of stunning nature and wildlife to discover, this city is a great base for your adventures. And with a rental car from Nanaimo, you can explore even more of the picturesque setting.

Nanaimo is easy to navigate around as its roads are well signposted. There are designated parking lots around the city, including by the port near McGregor Park – which is a pretty spot for a leisurely stroll overlooking the harbour.

British Columbia is famous for its wildlife and Vancouver Island is no exception. Take your time when you’re travelling through the thick woodlands and open plains, as animals such as deer may occasionally venture out into the roads.

Natural wonders are never far away from the city. Only a 50-minute drive from Nanaimo, via Highway 19 north and Highway 4, is MacMillan Provincial Park. Visit for the soaring Douglas firs in Cathedral Grove. Walk among giants in this moss-covered forest, where 800-year-old trees tower above you.

Highway 1 also flows south from Nanaimo to bustling Victoria, where a wealth of British colonial heritage can be unearthed just over an hour and a half away by car. If you head west on Highway 4, also known as the Pacific Rim Highway, meanwhile, you can take an exciting journey through the twisting road network around the island to Tofino.

Take your time along the single-lane track, navigating through hairpin turns as you go. Take in the scenic journey where you can view glistening lakes, rugged peaks and waterfalls from the Kennedy River. 

Boasting a picturesque backdrop and a rich sense of heritage, this traditional coastal city has one of the largest shorelines in the country.

A trip to Nanaimo ensures natural wonders and rural adventures are always close by.

Explore the great outdoors

From hiking trails into the forest to wildlife spotting, there’s so much to admire in the rural splendour around Nanaimo. If you’re feeling daring, hike to the summit of Mount Benson from the Witchcraft Lake Regional Trail, off Benson View Road in the west of Nanaimo. The mountain is 1,023 metres high with spectacular views across the pine tree forests, Nanaimo and the Strait of Georgia to the mainland of British Columbia.  

If you would like to experience the natural beauty of Vancouver Island in a more leisurely manner, Jack Point and Biggs Park offer scenic trails for walkers. Follow the looping 2.5km boardwalk along the estuary where you can spot wildlife such as river otters and eagles among the trees.

This unique landscape is full of surprises. When the tide is low you can find burrowing sandstone caves near the shoreline, some of which are tall enough to walk through.    

Seek adventure by the Nanaimo River

Enjoy swinging from tree to tree in Wildplay Element Park. Providing fun for the whole family, here you can climb up to the tree canopy for a spirited obstacle course. Take on a challenging route, or choose a more comfortable path. This adventure park can help you overcome your fears 20 metres above the ground.

If you really want to get the adrenaline pumping, you can even bungee jump above the Nanaimo River, take on the knee-trembling Primal Swing or whirl down the DragonFly Zipline.      

One of the best ways to explore the protected waters that surround Vancouver Island is by boat, kayak or canoe. Take a tour of the picturesque strait to spot whales and seals among the waves. There are lots of activities and sports you can experience, from rowing to Gabriola Island to paddleboarding in the harbour or exploring the misty, tree-lined Westwood Lake. You can also try your hand at salmon fishing throughout the year.

There are even several diving spots off the banks of Nanaimo. Join a diving tour and delve under the water to discover fascinating aquatic sights – including the wreckage of the HMCS Saskatchewan Navy Destroyer. This gigantic battle ship was sunk in 1997, and is now firmly sedimented in the seabed.

Discover art and history

Nanaimo has a fascinating heritage, ranging from coal mining to the history of the First Nation. Visit the Nanaimo Museum to see a real replica of a coal miner’s cabin and to learn about the Hudson’s Bay Company. You can also head to the iconic 19^th-century Bastion near the coast to see the wooden craftsmanship of the octagonal fort, and marvel over artifacts from the company, which itself has a rich past dating back almost 350 years.

The city museum is brimming with interactive exhibits where you can learn about the traditions of the town. The Snuneymuxw First Nation collection is extensive, featuring textiles, artifacts and trade items from days gone by.

Car rental in Nanaimo opens up the opportunity to discover all of these fantastic attractions and the rest of Vancouver Island – with numerous great things to do.