By the Numbers
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- 96,000 pop. in Nanaimo
- 175,000 pop. in regional district
- 90 min. drive (113 km) north of
- Victoria, BC’s capital
- 20 min. flight (55 km)
- via floatplane or Helijet
- from Vancouver Harbour
Major Industries
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- Construction & real estate
- Retail
- Education
- Health care
- Government services
- Tech innovation & development
- Tourism
- Transportation
Meet Our Indigenous People
Nanaimo was first settled thousands of years ago by the Coast Salish Peoples who named the area “Sne-ney-mous” which means “a meeting or gathering place”. The Snuneymuxw First Nation traveled from villages along the Nanaimo River and False Narrows to build longhouses at Departure Bay. Take a harbour ferry to Newcastle Island, traditionally known as Saysutshun, to explore one of their sacred places and hear fascinating stories.
Amazing West Coast Lifestyle
Nestled between the ocean and a mountain range that runs the length of the island, our protected city enjoys one of the mildest climates in Canada … making golfing possible nearly year-round. Yes! You can golf, sail, surf and ski all on the same day for many months of the year and absolutely love where you live.