Moving To & Living In Nanaimo, BC

With the incredible landscapes, vibrant shops and restaurants, and beautiful, historic real estate to choose from, Nanaimo is one of the top places to live in all of British Columbia!

As the main hub joining Vancouver Island to the mainland, Nanaimo is an access point to many other fabulous destinations found on the island such as Tofino, Parskville, Port Alberni, and the gorgeous Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

The centre of the city is the vast Buttertubs Marsh, a bird sanctuary spanning over 100 acres. This beautiful conservation area adds a natural beauty to the city that visitors and locals alike can appreciate among the hustle and bustle of modern city living.

Living in Nanaimo provides residents with a typical coastal climate. The proximity to the ocean means the winters never hit extreme temperatures like the neighbouring provinces, remaining mild and rainy, though heavy snowfall does occur on occasion. The summers in Nanaimo are relatively dry and warm, without rising to uncomfortable temperatures. Adding to the comfortable, dry climate is the shelter provided by the mountains of central Vancouver Island.

The average age of Nanaimo locals is approximately 45.5 years old, which is slightly higher than the national median of 41.2. There are approximately 40,885 residential homes and buildings in Nanaimo, the median value of which are around $359,760. The average household income for Nanaimo residents is approximately $48,469 and the median personal income is about $34,700. These numbers are fairly common for homes on Vancouver Island, allowing Nanaimo to fall under one of the more affordable locations on the island.

A recent growth in real estate demand has caused a surge of expansion in development, particularly in the Old City/Downtown area. Construction on several waterfront properties have begun, bolstering the city’s economy. Nanaimo is the ideal location to provide locals with gorgeous waterfront views and easy access to the many scenic parks and beaches found within the city’s borders.

The Hudson’s Bay Company established a settlement in 1852, creating a charming little town that would one day become an outstanding city.

The earliest economic contributors to the town was the mining and selling of coal. Chief Che-wich-i-kan, also known as “Coal Tyee,” brought coal samples down to Victoria establishing a connection to the locals in the larger town located at the southern end of the island. Coal remained the main contributor to the economy until about the 1940s when lumber took the spotlight.

Over the years, Nanaimo quickly grew from a humble little Hudson Bay Company outpost to the thriving and trendy community that locals know and love today. The city is chock full of historic landmarks, museums showcasing the rich and cultural heritage, and countless outlets for activity and entertainment.

Nanaimo is home to several noteworthy residents from politicians to athletes to musicians. Among the many famous names that have come from Nanaimo are:

Other major contributors to the local economy include service, retail, and tourism industries.

The average salary of Nanaimo residents is $55,000. The most popular job opportunities in Nanaimo include retail managers, operations managers, and accountants which fall under the salary range of $36,000 and $95,000 annually. Some of the most popular employers include Real Estate Webmasters, Western Forest Products Inc, and Hub International, Inc.

The average hourly rate in Nanaimo is approximately $20.35. The most common companies that employ hourly employees include Vancouver Island Health Authority, The Country Grocer, The Home Depot Inc, Inn on Long Lake, and Western Forest Products Inc. These companies offer employees anywhere from $14 to $38 per hour, depending on the job description.

Helpful Links:

Job Postings - The City of Nanaimo

Available Jobs Near Nanaimo, BC - Job Bank

Real Estate Webmasters - Career Portal

There are forty-eight schools within the district’s borders offering education to approximately 15,250 students from kindergarten through grade twelve.

Public schools within the borders of Nanaimo include:

Alternatively, there are also several fantastic independent schools available to the residents of Nanaimo. These private and religious-based schools offer an alternative education to the public school district. Private schools within the borders of Nanaimo include:

Nanaimo locals are also treated to a fantastic array of diverse dining options. Whether you’re craving classic pub fare, Italian and Mediterranean delicacies, sensational sushi, or a relaxed coffee shop, Nanaimo has something to cater to all tastes. The following are some of the best dining establishments in all of Nanaimo:

Since Nanaimo is such a green city, every bus comes equipped with bike racks for those who opt to bike rather than drive around the city.

Due to Nanaimo’s location on Vancouver Island, ferries are available to those who wish to travel to and from mainland Vancouver and the rest of British Columbia. The Nanaimo Port Authority manages and operates the inner Harbour Basin marina as well as two terminal facilities at Assembly Wharf and Duke Point, which caters to cargo operations on and off the island.

There are two airports that serve Nanaimo. The Nanaimo Airport (YCD) connects to Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary. The Nanaimo Harbour Water Airport operates through Vancouver Harbour, Vancouver Airport, and Sechelt.

Helpful Links:

See Nanaimo Regional Transit bus schedule

Check out the ferry schedule from Nanaimo to mainland BC

Nature-lovers will delight in the natural beauty that Vancouver Island has to offer, from centuries-old forests to tranquil streams and rivers, from rolling hills complete with walking trails to quiet, sandy banks along the beaches, Nanaimo is a picturesque beauty found on one of Canada’s most magnificent islands.

Aptly nicknamed the Harbour City, Nanaimo is made up of kilometres of beautiful shoreline along the vast Pacific Ocean. Nanaimo locals have ample opportunity to spend a sunny afternoon relaxing on the beach, taking to the waters on boats or kayaks, or exploring the rocky reefs snorkelling or fishing. Some of the beautiful beaches in Nanaimo include:

There are also several freshwater lakes such as Westwood Lake and Long Lake, which both offer a secluded beach area. Many campers and hikers enjoy the scenic and winding paths that trail through the woods surrounding the lakes.

For those who wish to enjoy the great outdoors while enjoying a relaxed or competitive game with friends, Nanaimo offers a selection of incredible golf courses featuring breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, mountains, and oceans. Perfect for all skill levels, Nanaimo’s golf courses offer the chance for golfers to improve their game or just enjoy a casual experience on a sunny afternoon. The following are available golf courses to Nanaimo locals:

Several museums provide the chance for locals and visitors alike to explore and indulge in the city’s rich, cultural heritage. The Nanaimo Museum features the history of the city. The Vancouver Island Military Museum is dedicated to the city’s military history. The Bastion is a historical landmark commissioned by the Hudson’s Bay Company back in 1853 and today stands as a symbol of Nanaimo’s rich trade era. The VIU Museum of Natural History is a collection of incredible plants and animals that impact Vancouver Island’s ecosystems.

Nanaimo has a vibrant art scene, both visual and performance. The Nanaimo Art Gallery is located in the heart of Downtown and showcases local, national, and international artists. The Gallery offers the Art Lab program which educates aspiring artists of all ages.

The Port Theatre, also found in the downtown core, hosts a plethora of performers and shows throughout the year. The Nanaimo Centre Stage provides a place for local theatre companies such as In Other Words Theatre, Western Edge Theatre, and Schmooze Productions.

Along with visual and performing arts, Nanaimo also offers a musical outlet to those who appreciate this particular artform. The underground music scene is driven by the students of Vancouver Island University. These passionate music enthusiasts have put together the Nanaimo Blues Society, which has organized five Summertime Blues festivals, an outdoor event held in the heart of Nanaimo featuring local, provincial, national, and international blues musicians

Several other musical outlets are available for the enjoyment as well as the participation of the residents of Nanaimo. The Nanaimo Concert Band is the oldest community band in all of Canada, established in 1872, and continues to hold regular concerts throughout the year. Vancouver Island University’s music department has a strong Jazz Studies program and has produced some of the top jazz musicians in Canada. The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music offers classical music lessons and has been hosting concerts since 1977.

Every year, Nanaimo is host to the fabulous Nanaimo Marine Festival. People come from all over the island to enjoy this exciting event. A big draw to this unique festival is the famous bathtub race starting in the Nanaimo harbour and travelling through Entrance Island, Winchelsea Islands, and concluding in Departure Bay.

Nanaimo is home to a multitude of excellent sports teams and clubs. Nanaimo United Football Club is the largest sports club on Vancouver Island, home to over 1700 members, and is the oldest club in Canada. The Canadian Junior Football League’s Vancouver Island Raiders are based out of Nanaimo and play at the beautiful Caledonia Park.

Hockey enthusiasts can cheer on Nanaimo’s various hockey teams. The Nanaimo Clippers play for the British Columbia Hockey League and the Nanaimo Buccaneers play for the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League.

Along with the staple hockey and football teams, Nanaimo is also home to baseball, lacrosse, and rugby teams. The Nanaimo Pirates play through the British Columbia Premier Baseball League, the Timbermen are of the Western Lacrosse Association, and the Nanaimo Hornets Rugby Football Club is a part of the British Columbia Rugby Union.

Thrill-seekers can indulge in North America’s first legal bungee jumping bridge, which is operated by WildPlay Element Parks. With such an incredible array of entertainment, sporting events, and activities available to the Nanaimo community, locals will have a hard time falling prey to boredom!

When considering making the move to Nanaimo, or anywhere for that matter, it’s important to keep in mind what is important to you and your family. Nanaimo has so many great amenities and features, a fabulous selection of neighbourhoods, and some of the friendliest residents currently living there that the hardest decision you’ll need to make when moving is where you’re going to decide to settle in. This beautiful oceanside community is one of the top places to live in all of British Columbia and with the previous evidence to back it up, it’s not hard to understand what makes this city so phenomenal!