Nanaimo, Canada 🇨🇦
#1970
49.175532, -123.893101
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nanaimo is a vibrant city located on Vancouver Island, known for its picturesque waterfront, outdoor activities, and friendly community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 100,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is CAD (Canadian Dollar); 1 CAD is approximately 0.74 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telus, Bell, and Rogers offering prepaid SIM options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as RBC, TD Canada Trust, and Scotiabank are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, furnished rentals, and local real estate listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like HI Nanaimo Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Greenhouse is a prominent coworking space with a community atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Buzz Coffee House is known for its work-friendly environment and strong Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Techfest Nanaimo organizes regular meetups for networking and collaboration. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Nanaimo International Student Association offers various community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available for rides in Nanaimo. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Companies like Nanaimo Bike Share offer bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nanaimo's Departure Bay is a popular beach just minutes away from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pacific Coastal Airlines provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada offers international flights from Nanaimo Airport (YCD). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Highway 19 provides easy access to nearby regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main transit hub is located downtown with several bus routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for approximately CAD 75. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | BC Ferries connect Nanaimo to the mainland and surrounding islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nanaimo Regional General Hospital provides comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Oasis offers various classes in a welcoming environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness World is a popular choice for gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries like Nanaimo Laundromat are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes is commonly used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Nanaimo bar, a famous local dessert. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Java is a popular choice for vegetarian fare. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Nanaimo's The Pie Shop offers delicious homemade pies. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nanaimo's Old City Market provides fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Canada provides a wide range of products with local delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart offers grocery delivery services from local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old City Quarter is the go-to for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Longwood Brewery offers local craft beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Winery at Cornichon offers tastings and a lovely atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Nanaimo Night Market has local street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Nanaimo’s Asteras Restaurant serves delicious Greek cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic Nanaimo Bastion and the waterfront. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Nanaimo Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old City Quarter features many preserved heritage buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Paul's Cathedral is a beautiful architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Nanaimo Marine Festival is a popular summer event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Arts District features numerous galleries and studios. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Port Theatre hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Nanaimo Farmers' Market operates weekly in the city. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Nanaimo Blues Society hosts regular live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city features vibrant murals in various locations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Blue Horse Café offers cooking classes focused on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Nanaimo Art Gallery features contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The architectural beauty of the Nanaimo Courthouse is notable. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates Indigenous culture through events and displays. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Benson offers hiking trails and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Strathcona Provincial Park is accessible within an hour by car. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Harbourfront Walkway provides a scenic route along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Windward Hill is a popular spot for panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nanaimo's Buttertubs Marsh is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beaches permit bonfires with designated fire pits. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local choices include Canada Post and Purolator for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech services are available at places like Best Buy and authorized retailers. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Nanaimo Table Tennis Club meets regularly for friendly matches. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Vancouver Island University offers ESL classes for newcomers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Nanaimo Harbourfront Library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Nanaimo Arts and Culture Centre hosts various community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming spots can be found at the Nanaimo Gaming Lounge. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Old Town Casino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 136,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 192,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 184,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 27%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applies to dividend distributions is 25%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on provincial residency laws. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 53%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 5% (GST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canadian rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 1% for the first CAD 200,000 of the property value. |