About the Port
Nanaimo sits on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, its working harbor framed by the wooded hills and island-dotted waters of the Strait of Georgia. The Old City Quarter, within easy walking distance of the waterfront, holds a compact grid of heritage buildings, independent shops, and cafés that trace the town's roots as a 19th-century coal-mining and shipping hub. The city also lends its name to the Nanaimo bar, a layered no-bake dessert now recognized well beyond British Columbia.
A short passenger ferry from the harbor reaches Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, where forest trails and rocky shoreline offer an easy escape into nature. Nanaimo's setting also makes it a practical base for exploring Vancouver Island's coastline, with mountains and open water visible from much of the town. The pace here stays unhurried, favoring quiet harbor views over crowds.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Nanaimo.
Sample a Real Nanaimo Bar
Pick up the layered chocolate-custard-coconut treat at a bakery in the Old City Quarter, steps from the harbor, to taste the dessert in its hometown.
Ferry to Newcastle Island
Hop the short passenger ferry from the harbor to Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park and walk a stretch of its forested shoreline trails; round trip fits comfortably in a few hours.
Wander the Old City Quarter
Browse heritage buildings, independent shops, and cafés on the walkable grid above the waterfront, tracing Nanaimo's coal-and-shipping past at an easy pace.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Nanaimo sailings and Pavlus pricing.
Cruises That Visit Nanaimo
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 188 | $79,829 | |
| Feb 22, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 91 | $34,829 | |
| Apr 2, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 87 | $32,509 | |
| Apr 25, 2027 | Holland America | Noordam | 7 | $1,049 | |
| Apr 30, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 17 | $3,039 | |
| Apr 30, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 22 | $12,229 | |
| Apr 30, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 22 | $12,799 | |
| May 6, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 39 | $13,889 | |
| May 20, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 25 | $6,649 | |
| May 30, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 15 | $7,969 | |
| Jun 3, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 16 | $12,459 | |
| Jun 3, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 16 | $13,129 | |
| Jun 3, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 11 | $3,719 | |
| Jun 14, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 10 | $3,019 | |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 11 | $2,449 | |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 16 | $12,409 | |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 11 | $2,429 | |
| Jul 11, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 15 | $8,419 | |
| Jul 15, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 16 | $13,309 | |
| Jul 15, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Pursuit | 11 | $3,359 |
Showing the next 20 of 28 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.