Nanaimo Visitor's Info | Vancouver Island Conference Centre (2024)

Operating at the highest standard.

VICC is mandated by the city, driven by our values, and committed to customer service.

38,000 sq.ft. of space.

VICC can customize the optimal space for any and all events, big or small.

Event planners at your disposal.

Our staff and contractors have everything you need to create a lasting impression.

Nanaimo Visitor's Info | Vancouver Island Conference Centre (4)

Home / Visit Us / About Nanaimo

About Nanaimo & Vancouver Island

Referred to as The Harbour City, Nanaimo is a vibrant community of 90,000 people along the east coast of Vancouver Island. Located on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo is sheltered by the mainland with views of the Georgia Strait. The city has over 1,400 hectares of protected green space. Vancouver Island is renowned for its desirable lifestyle, being voted the Best Island in Canada by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Quick Tips and Facts

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Currency Exchange

Exchange services are available at financial institutions throughout the city. You’ll also find ATMs at the airport and ferry terminals. U.S. currency is not widely accepted in Nanaimo.

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Legal Drinking Age & Limits

B.C. law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 19. The province’s impaired driving laws, with blood-alcohol content limits of 0.05, are the toughest in the country.

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Sales Taxes

Taxes on the sale of goods and services are levied at 5% GST and 7% PST. Goods and services that are exempt from PST are: unprocessed foods, restaurants, motor fuel, children’s clothes and footwear, legal services, massage therapy, vitamins, repair services, and taxis.

Nanaimo Visitor's Info | Vancouver Island Conference Centre (8)

Weather & Climate

Vancouver Island has a very temperate climate – one of the mildest in all of Canada – with no extremes in heat or cold. Summers are sunny and warm, but not uncomfortably so. Winters are often cool, cloudy, and rainy – make sure you have your umbrella! Nanaimo is centrally located on the island, and being on the east coast of the Island, is sheltered by the mainland. While the West Coast can see some intense winds and rainfall during the winter, Nanaimo weather is relatively mild.

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Average Monthly Temperatures

MonthMax Temp °C (°F)Min Temp °C (°F)
January6.2° (43°)-0.8° (43°)
March10.9° (52°)1.3° (34°)
May17.8° (64°)6.7° (44°)
July24° (75°)11.8° (53°)
September20.9° (70°)8.6° (47°)
November9.1° (48°)1.5° (35°)
Nanaimo Visitor's Info | Vancouver Island Conference Centre (2024)

FAQs

Who visits Vancouver the most? ›

British Columbia residents make up the largest share of overnight visitation (62%) and spending (41%) in Vancouver Island.

How do you get your RV to Vancouver Island? ›

There are no bridges to Vancouver Island, so if traveling by RV, you'll have to take a ferry to get there. You can take a ferry to Vancouver Island from a few points within British Columbia, or if you prefer, you can even take a ferry to Vancouver Island from Port Angeles, Washington.

What makes Vancouver Island special? ›

Along with the Gulf Islands, this rugged paradise combines old-growth forests, snowcapped mountains, and untamed shorelines to create one of the planet's most diverse ecosystems. Experience world-class whale watching, birding, and fishing, or just let your worries drift away in the waves of the Pacific.

Where is Vancouver Island? ›

Vancouver Island, island lying off southwestern mainland British Columbia, Canada. With an area of 12,079 square miles (31,285 square km), it is the largest island on the Pacific coast of North America.

Is Vancouver one of the most expensive places in the world? ›

Vancouver, in particular, consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities to live in globally, largely due to its housing market.

Is Vancouver the most beautiful city in North America? ›

Vancouver has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful places to live, not just in Canada but also in the world. Vancouver has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful places to live, not just in Canada but also in the world.

Is Vancouver Island bigger than Hawaii? ›

Vancouver Island is 3x bigger than the island of Hawaii, 3x smaller than Ireland.

Who owns Vancouver Island? ›

Vancouver Island and its surrounding islands are part of the Canadian province of British Columbia. They are owned and administered by the government of British Columbia, which is responsible for the management of the land, natural resources, and public services on these islands.

What did Vancouver Island used to be called? ›

The islands were first known as Quadra and Vancouver in a nod to the Spanish explorer that came before; Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. But as the Spanish withdrew in 1795, it is Vancouver which stuck. Lyrical place names are the only reminders of the Spanish claim.

Are there grizzly bears on Vancouver Island? ›

Grizzly Bear. Grizzly bears do not live year round on Vancouver Island however you can go on one of the bear watching trips to view the mainland Grizzlies. There are almost 14000 Grizzly Bears in British Columbia and many coastal Grizzlies feed along the shorelines for shellfish as well as during salmon season.

What is the main town on Vancouver Island? ›

Within the island's largest city, Victoria, there is a significant IT and technology industry.

What airlines fly to Vancouver Island? ›

Airlines that fly to Vancouver Island are: Air Canada. Westjet. Pacific Coastal Air.

Where do Vancouver tourists come from? ›

The figures showed the biggest jump in non-American tourists coming to B.C. were from South America (up 56.8 per cent), followed by Africans (up seven per cent) and Europeans (up 6.6 per cent). The number of Asian tourists increased 5.5 per cent in 2018 over 2017.

What attracts people to Vancouver? ›

With its scenic views, mild climate, and friendly people, Vancouver is known around the world as both a popular tourist attraction and one of the best places to live.

Why do people come to Vancouver? ›

The city has been a popular choice for newcomers for decades, thanks to the city's mild climate, stunning views, and a robust economy. Vancouver is also a coastal seaport city. It has a densely populated downtown core, and is surrounded by sprawling suburbs to the south and east.

Why do people prefer Vancouver? ›

2.) It's a pretty city and quite vibrant. It's the kind of city where you can live at a slower pace of life but still get all the benefits you would expect from living in any major global city (great nightlife, diverse and exciting restaurants, a huge variety of shopping options…etc).

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