Start your journey by heading south on Victoria Crescent from the heart of downtown Nanaimo. This street provides a straightforward route to reach the historic Old City Quarter, a vibrant area filled with boutiques, cafes, and cultural landmarks.
As you move along Victoria Crescent, turn left onto Esplanade Avenue. Keep following Esplanade, which runs parallel to the waterfront, for approximately 1 kilometer. You will pass several notable spots including the Nanaimo Harbour, making it a scenic drive or walk.
When you see the Nanaimo Museum on your right, prepare to turn right onto Front Street. Continue ahead for about 500 meters, crossing the popular Cliff Street. The Old City Quarter will be straight ahead, characterized by its charming historic buildings and inviting atmosphere.
Public transportation options include local buses that connect downtown Nanaimo to the Old City Quarter seamlessly. If you prefer walking, follow the clear signs along Esplanade, which offers a leisurely stroll through the city’s core, connecting you with the quarter in less than 20 minutes. For drivers, parking is available nearby, with signs directing you to parking lots and on-street parking zones close to the district.
Step-by-step driving routes with landmarks and street names
Start your drive from downtown Nanaimo by heading southeast on Terminal Avenue, passing the Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway on your right. Continue straight until you reach Commercial Street, then turn left and follow it for approximately 1.2 kilometers. Look for the tall, recognizable Nanaimo Civic Centre on your right as a key landmark.
First segment to Old City Quarter
Drive along Commercial Street, crossing the intersection with Front Street. After about 500 meters, turn right onto Duke Street. On your left, you’ll see the historic Old City Quarter with its brick buildings and cozy shops, signaling you are approaching your destination.
Detailing the final approach
Follow Duke Street until it intersects with Wallace Street. Turn right onto Wallace Street, then immediately take your first left into the Old City Quarter parking lot. Landmarks such as the Old City Restaurant and the Oceanside Brewing Co. will guide you to parking areas nearby.
Public transportation options, schedules, and walking directions from transit stops
Take the BC Transit bus number 2 from the Nanaimo Transit Centre directly to Downtown Nanaimo. Buses run every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening, making the trip approximately 10 minutes. As you disembark at the Commercial Street stop, walk south along Commercial Street for about 3 minutes until you reach Victoria Crescent. Turn left onto Victoria Crescent, and after 2 blocks, you will arrive at Old City Quarter.
Additional transit options
Bus routes 7 and 8 also serve the Nanaimo area and connect nearby neighborhoods to downtown. Buses on these routes operate every 30 to 45 minutes, with schedules available on the BC Transit website or mobile app. During peak hours, expect some routes to run more frequently, ensuring quick access from surrounding districts.
Walking directions from transit stops
From the Vancouver Island Conference Centre transit stop, head northeast along Skinner Street for about 5 minutes until you reach the intersection with Commercial Street. Cross Commercial and continue straight for 2 more minutes until you see Old City Quarter on your right. This walk covers roughly 500 meters and offers a scenic route through vibrant downtown streets, making your arrival both easy and enjoyable.