The city of Nanaimo is a classic West Coast community, offering natural beauty at every turn, and vast recreation potential. Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines in Canada, and a forested mountain backdrop just outside downtown. Here, you can go from the wilderness to the city centre in just a few minutes, and spend more time in the places you want to be. Nanaimo's status as a university town also makes it attractive to businesses and enhances its cultural profile. Vancouver Island University, a comprehensive post-secondary institution located near the city's south end, regularly hosts art exhibitions, academic forums, and sporting events and serves approximately 20,000 students per year. To learn more about Nanaimo, be sure to explore Tourism Nanaimo, or stop by our Visitor Centre downtown at our new Kiosk in the Port of Nanaimo Centre on Gordon Street. (Tourism Nanaimo, 2012)
