This Nanaimo Map contains many links to our pages on Towns, Parks, Lakes, Ferry Terminals and Ferry Routes. Click on a live area of the map to link to the desired page. Famous for its varied landscapes and more than two dozen parks, the city of Nanaimo boasts one of the prettiest waterfronts in Canada, conveniently located to serve as a home base for exploring Vancouver Island. Nanaimo is the only all-purpose port city on Vancouver Island, with every facility required to serve both the commercial and recreational needs of business and tourism. Once the location of five separate native villages, its name derives from a Coast Salish word, Sney-ny-mo, the "meeting place" - a perfect description of the rapidly-growing harbour community at the centre of Vancouver Island's highway and ferry system. A playground of land and sea activities, Nanaimo is a perfect place for a family vacation, a year-round golf getaway, or a romantic weekend. Click for more information on Nanaimo