Nanaimo (Canada)

During my year touring Canada, I spent some time walking on Vancouver Island, travelling from Victoria to Tofino via Ucluet and Nanaimo. Of all the cities and towns I visited when I was over there, I have to say, sadly, that Nanaimo was the one I found least inspiring!

The only impression the city has left me with is that of a slight sense of uncertainty, as if the place didn't really fit in with the rest of the scenery. Victoria is charming; Tofino is maritime; but Nanaimo doesn't seem to have (yet) found its true identity, It is a rapidly growing city, however, so things may well change for the better in the near future!

But aside from these considerations, I do remember going on some beautiful walks in Nanaimo as well as enjoying its city centre area, and I adored the stroll along Harbourfront Walkway, which extends for four kilometres!

For me, therefore, Nanaimo is the kind of city you quickly stop at before then heading off somewhere else. It's not particularly wonderful, but nor is it terrible either: simply another place to visit on your travels.