Nanaimo holiday homes

Why visit Nanaimo

• Natural Beauty: Explore Nanaimo's scenic waterfront, urban parks, and picturesque lakes that offer a perfect blend of nature and city life.
• Family-friendly Adventures: Enjoy a range of outdoor activities suitable for all ages, from sandy beaches to relaxed excursions.
• Outdoor Charm: Bask in the relaxed beach holiday vibe and immerse yourself in the unique natural setting of Vancouver Island.
• Local Landmarks: Discover iconic local landmarks and cultural experiences that truly capture Nanaimo's spirit.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Unwind in an environment that blends vibrant city life with the tranquillity of nature.

Top attractions in Nanaimo

Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With its stunning urban parks and picturesque lakes, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that showcase the city's natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the scenic waterfront or participating in family-friendly experiences, Nanaimo offers a vibrant city atmosphere paired with a relaxed beach holiday vibe, making it an ideal spot for memorable adventures.

• Long Lake: A picturesque lake in Nanaimo, perfect for outdoor activities like swimming and picnicking. Its serene beaches and stunning scenery create a romantic atmosphere, making it ideal for couples and nature lovers alike.
• Protection Island: A charming island accessible by ferry, offering beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures. Explore its scenic trails and enjoy the tranquil environment, perfect for a day of relaxation and exploration.
• Departure Bay Beach: A popular sandy beach in Nanaimo, known for its vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Things to do recommended for couples

Seeking a romantic getaway in Nanaimo? Indulge in a scenic walk along the Harbourfront Walkway, followed by a sunset picnic at Newcastle Island. Don't forget to explore the charming boutiques and cafes in the Old City Quarter for a delightful local experience together.

Things to do recommended for families

Families will enjoy the kid-friendly attractions of Nanaimo, such as exploring the waterfront, cycling on scenic paths, and visiting local parks. With plenty of outdoor adventures and cultural spots, there's something engaging for every age.

Things to do recommended for groups

Groups visiting Nanaimo can zipline and enjoy the outdoor adventure at WildPlay Element Parks, located 11km away, offering a thrilling experience perfect for a group holiday.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Nanaimo

If you’re travelling with a group, your family, or even your pets, or if you’re considering longer stays, be sure to use the right filters to suit your needs. Here are some helpful booking tips for Vrbo.

• Traveling to Nanaimo with a group: Think about how many bedrooms you'll require, along with features like a full kitchen or outdoor area for group gatherings. Thankfully, you can easily refine your search on Vrbo to include all these options and more.
• Traveling to Nanaimo with young kids: Travelling with young kids can be quite a task. It's important to prioritise their comfort and safety, along with suitable amenities like a private swimming pool. Additionally, it's wise to think about how close you are to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to Nanaimo: For many, a family holiday isn’t truly complete without their furry companion by their side. If this resonates with you, explore Vrbo properties that welcome pets. Most of these pet-friendly accommodations offer feeding bowls and beds, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at home.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting Nanaimo: If you're seeking holiday rentals for a month or more, you've come to the right spot. By using the appropriate filters, you can effortlessly discover and save on monthly rentals. Don't forget to include features like a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search as well.

Where to stay in and around Nanaimo

Nanaimo offers a delightful blend of outdoor charm and family-friendly adventures right on Vancouver Island. Enjoy sandy beaches, scenic excursions, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a Kiwi holiday experience. Explore local landmarks and immerse yourself in the natural beauty unique to Nanaimo, British Columbia, as you discover a serene setting ideal for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.

• Gabriola Island: Gabriola Island is a captivating city set on an island, located 11km from Nanaimo. It is a haven for travellers seeking an outdoor, scenic, and adventurous experience. Visitors can explore recreational areas, ski slopes and fields, and marvel at the natural wonders of beaches, lakes, and a national state park. The island offers a blend of thrilling outdoor pursuits and quiet moments in nature, making it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.
• Departure Bay: Departure Bay is a vibrant neighbourhood within Nanaimo, offering a mix of outdoor, beach, and family experiences. This area boasts recreational spaces, shopping centres, and a shopping mall centre, ensuring plenty of activities for all ages. With its proximity to a marina, beach and a national state park, Departure Bay presents a perfect setting for a leisurely day out, whether you’re exploring the local shops or enjoying a sunny day by the water.
• Newcastle Island: Newcastle Island is a picturesque island near Nanaimo, ideal for travellers in search of an outdoor, scenic, and romantic getaway. The island features recreational areas and educational venues that invite exploration and learning. With nearby attractions such as a lake, harbour, and water feature, Newcastle Island offers a tranquil escape where you can enjoy serene natural beauty and intimate moments in a charming coastal setting.

Best time to go to Nanaimo

If you're planning a trip to Nanaimo, it's a good idea to check both the weather and property rates. The warmest month is August.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy
February	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy
March	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy
April	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy
May	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny
June	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny
July	64.4°F (18.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny
August	64.8°F (18.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny
September	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy
December	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy

Booking with Vrbo is a breeze

Are you hoping to save some dollars on your next adventure? It can be helpful to remain flexible with your travel dates, as prices can vary quite a bit. Additionally, opting for a longer stay often leads to significant savings. To discover the perfect Vrbo property that fits your budget, feel free to utilise our filters to sort by price, location, and type of holiday rental.

Vrbo Trips: Planning made easy

Vrbo’s Trip Board provides a dedicated area where you can start planning new adventures, pick up where you left off, or review and organise your existing bookings. Your saved or booked properties are neatly categorised into Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. For more details on how to use Trip Boards, please visit: https://www.bookabach.co.nz/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

Head to the scenic city of Nanaimo

The island views and surrounding scenery provide a peaceful ambience to your holiday home in Nanaimo. This walkable and scenic city entices travellers with its boating and hiking. Many rental homes come with outdoor spaces, separate dining areas and full kitchens, perfect if you want to enjoy some home-cooked meals.

Sightseeing in and around Nanaimo

Do you want to find attractions to visit while you're in the area? Travellers enjoy fun activities like boating and hiking. Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable holiday rental, you'll want to experience everything that makes Nanaimo a fun place to get away to. Here are some of the major attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (1 mi / 1.7 km)
• Fairwinds Golf Club (11.6 mi / 18.7 km)
• Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara (17.9 mi / 28.7 km)
• Mount Brenton Golf Course (20.2 mi / 32.4 km)
• Paradise Fun Park (20.4 mi / 32.9 km)
• Nanaimo Golf Club (3 mi / 4.8 km)

Exploring the natural features in Nanaimo

Travellers enjoy Nanaimo for its island views and seaside. Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to take in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your holiday in Nanaimo. These are a few of the area's most eye-catching features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Protection Island (1.3 mi / 2.1 km)
• Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park (1.7 mi / 2.7 km)
• Departure Bay Beach (3.1 mi / 5 km)
• Pipers Lagoon Park (4.3 mi / 7 km)
• Long Lake (4.8 mi / 7.7 km)
• Transfer Beach Park (13.5 mi / 21.6 km)

Transport to and around Nanaimo

The nearest airport is in Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome), located 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Nanaimo, BC (YCD), which is 8.3 mi (13.4 km) away.