Nanaimo is on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. The ferry from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen lands here.
Rent an RV from Vancouver to Nanaimo. While on the island you must try the local delicacy the Nanaimo Bar.
Choose from these top RV Rental Companies in Vancouver:
Fraserway and Four Seasons Motorhome Rental
Cruise Canada
Canadream
Escape Campers
Once you have secured your RV, your adventure can begin. Vancouver rental companies offer the full range of vehicles, from small van conversions or truck campers to large A-Class Winnebagos.
Contact us if you need any help.
Nanaimo is on Vancouver Island so book your ferry crossings well in advance if you are travelling during peak times. Include Nanaimo in a round trip of Vancouver island or make it your base and travel out and back each day.
Travel Tips for Your Nanaimo, BC RV Adventure
Make the most of your Nanaimo RV adventure with these practical tips:
Ferry Reservations: If you plan to explore Vancouver island in your RV make your ferry crossing booking early with BC Ferries, especially during peak seasons.
Coastal Weather Preparedness: Coastal weather can be changeable. Pack layers, including waterproof clothing, to stay comfortable.
Campground Reservations: Popular campgrounds in and around Nanaimo can fill up quickly. Make reservations in advance to secure your spot.
Outdoor Adventure Gear: Nanaimo offers an array of outdoor activities. Bring along gear for hiking, kayaking, and exploring to make the most of your adventure.
Suggested Itineraries for Nanaimo, British Colombia:
Option 1: Coastal Explorer (14-Day Return Rental)
Days 1-3: Nanaimo Coastal Charm
Explore Nanaimo's waterfront, visit Newcastle Island, and stroll through the Harbour front Walkway.
Overnight: Living Forest Oceanside Campground.
Days 4-7: Pacific Rim Excursion (321 km, 199 miles)
Drive west to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve for beach-combing, surfing, and rainforest hikes.
Suggested stops: Tofino, Long Beach, and Ucluelet.
Overnight: Bella Pacifica Campground.
Days 8-10: Gulf Islands Magic (Ferry Travel)
Take a ferry to explore the Gulf Islands, known for their artsy communities and countryside. RV Parks available on some islands. Travel with BC Ferries.
Suggested stops: Salt Spring Island, Galiano Island, and Pender Island.
Overnight: Gulf Islands Campgrounds.
Days 11-14: Return to Nanaimo (Ferry Travel)
Ferry back to Nanaimo, exploring any missed spots along the way.
Overnight: Departure Bay Beach.
Option 2: Nature and Culture Blend (14-Day Return Rental)
Days 1-3: Nanaimo Cultural Delights
Immerse yourself in Nanaimo's cultural scene, by visiting the Nanaimo Museum and the Bastion.
Overnight: Goldstream Campground or return to Living Forest.
Days 4-7: Cowichan Valley Wine Trail (105 km, 65 miles)
Head south to the Cowichan Valley, known for its wineries and artisanal products.
Suggested stops: Merridale Cidery, Enrico Winery, and Cowichan Bay.
Overnight: Cowichan Bay RV Park.
Days 8-10: Comox Valley Adventure (130 km, 81 miles)
Drive north to the Comox Valley for outdoor adventures and local markets.
Explore Strathcona Provincial Park and the Courtenay Airpark.
Overnight: Seal Bay RV Park.
Days 11-14: Return to Nanaimo via Parksville (110 km, 68 miles)
Drive back to Nanaimo, stopping in Parksville for its sandy beaches and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Overnight: Beach Acres Resort.
Where to Stop Overnight:
Living Forest Oceanside Campground (Coastal Explorer Option)
Bella Pacifica Campground (Coastal Explorer Option)
Gulf Islands Campgrounds (Coastal Explorer Option)
Departure Bay Beach (Coastal Explorer Option)
Pioneer Waterfront Plaza Hotel (Nature and Culture Blend Option)
Cowichan Bay RV Park (Nature and Culture Blend Option)
Why visit Nanaimo in an RV?
More than just a ferry terminal, Nanaimo offers:
Central location: Easily access all corners of Vancouver Island with Nanaimo as your base.
Island charm: Enjoy a vibrant downtown, waterfront boardwalk, and historic buildings like Bastion, Nanaimo's oldest landmark.
Nature's playground: Hike scenic trails, kayak pristine waters, or witness breathtaking wildlife encounters.
Foodie paradise: Savour fresh seafood, local brews, and farm-to-table delights.
RV Lifestyle Tips:
Plan fuelling stops: Gas stations with RV access are less common outside Nanaimo.
Campground etiquette: Respect quiet hours and fellow campers.
Leave no trace: Be a responsible traveller, minimising environmental impact.
Must-Sees & Must-Do's:
Nature: Hike the challenging Mount Maxwell Lookout Trail (10 km, 6.2 mi) for panoramic views, kayak the calm waters of Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, or spot orcas near Telegraph Cove.
Culture: Explore the Nanaimo Museum, immerse yourself in First Nations art at the Qualicum Beach Art Gallery, or step back in time at the historic Chemainus Village with its painted buildings.
Foodie Delights: Try fresh seafood at The Boathouse Restaurant and craft beers at Arrowsmith Brewing, or explore the Nanaimo Public Market.
Family Fun: Discover marine life at the Nanaimo Sea Slug Centre, splash at the Buccaneer Cove Waterpark, or ride the historic steam train at the Alberni Pacific Railway.
14-Day Itinerary Options:
Coastal Explorer (1,000 km / 621 mi):
Days 1-3: Nanaimo - Explore the city, hike Mount Maxwell, overnight at Nanaimo Riverbend Campground (full hookups, riverfront location).
Days 4-6: Tofino - Witness surfing culture, explore Pacific Rim National Park, overnight at Pacific Sands Beach Resort (oceanfront camping, hot tubs).
Days 7-8: Ucluelet - Kayak Broken Group Islands, visit Wickanninish Beach, overnight at Ucluelet Campground (ocean views, easy beach access).
Days 9-10: Campbell River - Whale watch in Johnstone Strait, visit the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, overnight at Campbell River Estuary Campground (wildlife sightings).
Days 11-13: Qualicum Beach—Visit art galleries, stroll along the waterfront, and overnight at Qualicum Beach Memorial Park Campground (central location, walking distance to town).
Day 14: Nanaimo - Return RV, and enjoy a farewell seafood feast downtown.
Island Highlights (800 km / 497 mi):
Days 1-3: Nanaimo - Explore the city, visit Bastion, and overnight at Nanaimo Riverbend Campground.
Days 4-5: Victoria - Discover the British Columbia Legislature, wander through Butchart Gardens, overnight at Victoria Campground (convenient location).
Days 6-7: Duncan - Explore totem poles at The Kw'amalasam Village, and indulge in artisanal chocolates, overnight at Duncan Station RV Park (walkable to town).
Days 8-9: Cowichan Valley - Visit wineries, hike Cowichan River Provincial Park, overnight at Island View RV Park (scenic setting, close to wineries).
Days 10-11: Parksville - Relax on sandy beaches, build sandcastles, overnight at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park (oceanfront camping, family-friendly).
Days 12-13: Qualicum Beach - Discover art galleries, stroll along the waterfront, overnight at Qualicum Beach Memorial Park Campground.
Day 14: Nanaimo - Return RV, enjoy a final local craft beer before departing.
