Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nanaimo is a city located on Vancouver Island, known for its beautiful waterfront, parks, and vibrant community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 100,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe for consumption. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telus, Rogers, and Bell. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, Interac e-Transfer, and digital wallets. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as the Nanaimo Backpackers Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Nanaimo offers proximity to attractions, restaurants, and the waterfront. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Old City Quarter provides cafes and coworking spaces along with a community feel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Network Hub is a popular coworking space in downtown Nanaimo. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Buzz Coffee House offers a great atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out local meetups via Meetup.com or networking events at The Network Hub. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Nanaimo Expat Meetups happen regularly at various local venues. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Nanaimo along with local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Nanaimo Electric Bikes provide rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Departure Bay Beach is the closest beach, just a few minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | WestJet and Air Canada provide regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | WestJet offers international routes from Nanaimo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) connects Nanaimo to the rest of Vancouver Island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nanaimo has a local bus service known as Nanaimo Transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for around CAD 70. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries operate between Nanaimo and Vancouver regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nanaimo Regional General Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bend Yoga offers classes in a welcoming environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | YMCA Nanaimo offers various fitness programs and memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Nanaimo Laundry Services are available for washing. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and SkipTheDishes operate in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the BC salmon burger, a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Naked Cafe offers a range of vegan-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolate Harbor features delicious local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nanaimo Farmers Market is a great place for budget-friendly local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Canada delivers to Nanaimo. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and local grocery stores offer delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Commercial Street has a vibrant nightlife scene with various bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Longwood Brewery is a well-known local craft brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vancouver Island wineries offer tastings, with many within driving distance from Nanaimo. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check out the Nanaimo Night Market during the summer months. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi and Indian restaurants are popular, including places like Kuroshio Sushi Bar. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Harbourfront Walkway and Newcastle Island are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Nanaimo Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nanaimo Bastion is a historic site that dates back to 1853. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Paul's Cathedral is a beautiful church in the downtown area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Nanaimo Marine Festival occurs every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old City Quarter is home to galleries and craft shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Vancouver Island University hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Nanaimo Farmers Market for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like The Cambie offer live music regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals around the downtown and waterfront area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Old City Market runs cooking workshops periodically. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out the Nanaimo Art Gallery for local exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Royal City Avenue Historic District showcases unique architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The First Nations heritage is prominent throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hiking trails at Mount Benson offer stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Strathcona Provincial Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Nanaimo Harbourwalk provides scenic routes along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Malahat Drive viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nanaimo River estuary is a prime spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many parks allow bonfires; check local regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and UPS provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Best Buy offers tech repair services in Nanaimo. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | YWCA of Nanaimo hosts table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Nanaimo Literacy Association offers language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch Library is a great study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Nanaimo's community centers host various events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes have gaming nights and setup. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Nanaimo offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 208,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% British Columbia provincial corporate tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 53.5% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in British Columbia. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada has CFC regulations in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The standard rate is 1% on the first CAD 200,000, 2% on the next CAD 1,800,000. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Canada offers various tax programs and benefits for skilled workers and digital nomads. |