Vancouver Island Did you know that travelers and tourists rank Vancouver Island as North America's top island destination and third most popular in the world? Vancouver Island has been voted the best island to visit in North America two years running by readers of Conde Nast. There is a reason people migrate to this beautiful island, both to visit and to live.... Tourists and residents alike, we are surrounded and enriched by the immense natural beauty of Vancouver Island. We enjoy our colourful, artistic, and active west coat lifestyle in one of the most beautiful places in the world. 
The Island covers about 31,000 square kilometer and is about 460 kilometer long and from 50 to 80 kilometer wide.
The population is in the range of 750,000 and about half live in the Greater Victoria area. Historically, the economic base has been forestry, fishing, mining and agriculture.
We don't have moose, coyotes, foxes or chipmunks on the island, but in the remote regions we have cougars, elk, deer, wolves and black bears, and we don't live in igloos !!Our marine life includes killer whales, sea otters, sea lions, Pacific gray whales, varieties of dolphins, porpoises and seals. We are also on the Pacific Flyway with approximately 150 bird species stopping on the island as part of their migratory route.We have an awesome coastline, protected bays, sand beaches, lofty mountains, incredible forests, lush farmlands, fishing streams, small villages and modern cities. Vancouver Island has something for everyone! Nanaimo: (n -n  m )Nanaimo was first settled thousands of years ago by the Coast Salish natives who named the area "Sne-ney-mous" which means meeting place. The great and mighty Coast Salish nations traveled from villages along the Nanaimo River and False Narrows to build longhouses at Departure Bay.
Change began with Imperial Spains explorers charting these coastal waters in 1791. Control over the area passed to the British Empire in the early 19th century and the first settlers arrived in the early 1800 s and set up a trading post, which established Nanaimo as an important hub of commerce.
A fort was erected by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1853 and is now a restored landmark. From 1852 until 1952, Nanaimo was primarily a coal town. Coal-burning ships refueled here and coal was exported in large quantities from numerous mines in the area.
By 1941 increased demand for lumber and a declining need for coal brought the area s thriving forests to the forefront. During it all, Nanaimo continued to develop as a centre for the meeting and movement of products and people -- a gathering place.
Nanaimo has turned into a bustling little metropolis with a population of about 75,000+.
The City covers an 88.19 square kilometer area within the Nanaimo Regional District.The region stretches north to Bowser, south to Cedar and west to Errington, an area of 2041.32 square kilometers.
Although the City of Nanaimo accounts for only 4.3% of the total land area of the region, it is home to 57.5% of the population and operates as the economic and employment centre. This role will likely increase as the area grows in upcoming years.
Nanaimo is equipped to handle any kind of business and has all the tourism facilities.
It is the major ferry link or short flightbetween Vancouver Island and the mainland of BC.
...............And, of course, it is the place of the world famous Bathtub Race! With its comfortable climate, beautiful natural surroundings, affordable housing, strong labour market, exceptional recreational opportunities and relaxed lifestyle, Nanaimo is emerging as the favoured place to live, work and play on Vancouver Island.
Many young families are moving here, looking at self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The City boasts an excellent school system and expanding facilities at Malaspina-University College.
Golf any one ? Vancouver Island has the destinations and golf you are looking for - no wonder it was named as the #1 Island destination in North America and #3 in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine!
Downtown Nanaimo has every attribute expected of a dynamic, youthful, cultural college town where education and social trends coalesce. Downtown Nanaimo, along with its ocean side location and heritage architecture, features diverse restaurants, cafes, book stores, clothing stores, cycling shops, and night life 'just down the hill' from Malaspina University-College.
Downtown is home to several financial institutions, internet companies, call center, computer networking companies, Provincial Courthouse, several Federal and Provincial agencies, law offices, Regional Library, architectural firms, light industry, travel agents, insurance agents, hotels, etc.
"Downtown Nanaimo has the potential to be one of the most unique and beautiful urban settings in Western North America." - Mainstreet Report September 2000
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