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The information here is an AI summary of the advice people in our Discord have shared. Their experiences may not always reflect the accurate process. None of this should be considered financial, immigration, or real estate advice.

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Where should I stay in Nanaimo?

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➡️ Map of Nanaimo Accommodations

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Most hotels and key attractions are clustered around the downtown core and waterfront, making them the most convenient base. Several hotels are within a short walk of Maffeo Sutton Park on the waterfront.

Community-recommended options include:

• Courtyard by Marriott (downtown): Centrally located, indigenous-owned. A room block has been reserved for the event at $209 CAD/night. Use the group reservation link for the discount. Walking distance to the waterfront.
• Coast Bastion Hotel: Right downtown, pet-friendly, and described as walkable to everything with bus connections.
• Painted Turtle Hostel: Downtown, social, good for solo travellers on a budget.
• Quality Inn: Downtown location on Selby Street, described as new and clean.
• Travelodge: A few options; members found decent deals through Travelocity.
• Days Inn: About 3 minutes drive from downtown, usually has availability later in the booking cycle.
• The Spot, The Wayward Inn, Windrush Country Estate: Smaller, character properties mentioned by community members.

For stays outside downtown:

• Parksville / Qualicum Beach (30–40 min north): More accommodation options, especially for families or those wanting beach access.
• Departure Bay area: A few hotels, and transit or short drive to downtown.
• Nanoose Bay (20 min north): Some Airbnb options, including a 3-bedroom waterfront place for around $150/night CAD.

For boaters: Contact the Nanaimo Port Authority at 250-755-1216 to book a slip at the Boat Basin downtown. If you're a yacht club member, ask about reciprocal moorage at the Nanaimo Yacht Club.

How do I find an Airbnb or VRBO?

Search the map on Airbnb or VRBO and filter to within a few kilometres of Maffeo Sutton Park. Community members have had good luck finding places on Halliburton Street (near Milton is convenient to downtown), in Nanoose Bay, and near Departure Bay. Several locals also listed their own places in the Discord — check the accommodation channel for those listings. Use Priceline for deals on hotels.

Book early: Nanaimo fills up for this event. Hotels sell out. Airbnbs go fast. The community repeatedly flagged this. Don't wait.