Conference 2019 Host City
Heritage BC acknowledges the 2019 conference is located on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The Snuneymuxw are a vibrant First Nation of the Coast Salish People, located in the centre of Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Fraser River in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Welcome To Nanaimo
Host City of the 2019 Heritage BC Conference
(Courtesy of Tourism Nanaimo)
The city of Nanaimo is a classic West Coast community, offering natural beauty at every turn, and vast recreation potential. Nanaimo has one of the longest shorelines in Canada, and a forested mountain backdrop just outside downtown. Here, you can go from the wilderness to the city centre in just a few minutes, and spend more time in the places you want to be.
Nanaimo, BC is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 113 km north of Victoria, and 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver. The city projects out into the strait like a headland, affording waterfront on three sides and spectacular ocean views at every turn. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 metres (3,300 feet) just west of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at the south end of the city.
Host Hotel
Coast Bastion Hotel
The Coast Bastion Hotel is located in the charming heart of downtown Nanaimo, near the ferry terminal and within walking distance to the seawall walkway, restaurants, bars and boutiques of all kinds. An amazing location that hosts spectacular views.
The majority of Heritage BC 2019 Conference activities will be held at the Coast Bastion Hotel, 11 Bastion St, Nanaimo, BC. Book your room at the conference hotel today and stay close to the action!
Book online or please call the Coast Bastion at 800-663-1144 and quote “Heritage BC” or group code CBI-GFC18709 to book under the discounted block.
Getting to Nanaimo
Drive
You can reach Nanaimo by car from communities to the south like Ladysmith and Victoria. Drive to Nanaimo from the north from communities like Courtenay and Campbell River.
By Ferry
Nanaimo is equipped with two Ferry terminals offering service from the Vancouver area. Depart Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and arrive 1 hour 40min later to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. Depart Tsawwassen and arrive in Duke Point, 15 minutes south of Nanaimo just 2 hours later. We recommend reservations as traffic can be high. Onboard enjoy food, shopping and a playroom for kids. Please visit their website.
By Air
The Nanaimo airport is home to three air carriers – Air Canada, WestJet and Island Express. Flights to and from Vancouver, Calgary, Abbotsford Boundary Bay and Victoria. Located just 18km south of Downtown Nanaimo, the airport offers shuttles, taxis, rental cars as will as short and long term parking. Please visit their website.
Regularly scheduled Float Planes depart from Downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (South Terminal). These are offered through Harbour Air Seaplanes, Sunshine Coast Air and Seair Seaplanes. Flight time is approximately 20 minutes.
Things to do in Nanaimo
On This Spot: Nanaimo – We are proud to announce “On This Spot” as our Title Sponsor. The On This Spot app takes people on guided walking tours through the history that surrounds them.
Vancouver Island Military Museum
Local “Things to do in Nanaimo” Itineraries:
Nanaimo Bar Trail – a sweet self-guided adventure through the streets of Nanaimo & Region
Hannah’s Nanaimo 360° – Tourism Nanaimo’s Hannah shares her Harbour City favourites
Past & Present – A 2-day tour featuring museums, architecture and killer sunsets.
The Weekender– Enjoy history, culture and shopping this weekend in Nanaimo.
Catch of the Day – Enjoy craft brew, wine and your fresh-caught seafood along the water in Nanaimo.
The Real Nanaimo Harbour City – From sweet treats to a day out on the water, this is the authentic Nanaimo experience.
Hikers Paradise – Find Yourself in Our Woods – Walk the beaches and groves of Nanaimo, while experiencing food and fun west coast style.
Historic Nanaimo – Tour BC’s 3rd oldest community from walking through a replica mine to firing a cannon!