The Community of Nanaimo
VIU’s campus is set at the base of Mount Benson, with a stunning view of the city, harbour and Coastal Mountains. It is located within easy walking distance of downtown Nanaimo, with its shops, theatre, restaurants, cafes and bars, aquatic centre and sports arena.
Nanaimo is a city of 84,000 residents, centrally located on the east coast of beautiful Vancouver Island. The spectacular harbourfront presents miles of walking and biking trails, as well as day tripping to Newcastle Island, Protection Island and Gabriola Island , all located right in the harbour, with convenient ferry access.
Nanaimo offers an abundance of outdoor activities – a network of trails throughout the city, lakes, parks, kayaking, world-class diving right in Nanaimo Harbour.
For a full range of activities, shopping, theatre, services etc. check out Tourism Nanaimo
Nanaimo’s advantages to students are many
- an accessible, closely-knit community
- full range of services, retail, and entertainment options
- mild climate and spectacular natural environment
- numerous transportation options
- employment opportunities
- affordable off-campus rentals
Nanaimo is centrally located on Vancouver Island, and within an hour or two’s drive, there are unlimited recreational options, including:
- Vancouver and Victoria (Victoria is an hour and a half drive; Vancouver is accessible by ferry or by a 20-minute float plane)
- Internationally-renowned surfing at Tofino (and suitable for beginners)
- Excellent skiing and snowboarding at Mount Washington, an hour’s drive
- Transportation includes city buses, Greyhound to all points on Vancouver Island, domestic flights form Nanaimo Airport, ferry service to the mainland and Gulf Islands and frequent float plane service.