International Student Office

Accommodation for the first days in Nanaimo, Canada

Studying abroad in Canada – where can I stay during the first couple of days in Nanaimo?

So, you decided to study at the Vancouver Island University? You already got an apartment for your study abroad adventure at VIU? Or you decided to look for long term accommodation once you are in Canada and don’t have to make your decision based on bad pictures on a website? Now you need a place to stay until you found your own apartment, shared accommodation or student room.

For the first few days you can make yourself comfortable in hostels or hotels. On this page you can find a couple of options and recommendations regarding hotels and hostels in Nanaimo that are near VIU and are affordable on a student budget.

For young people the best possibility to start in Nanaimo is to stay in a hostel. If you want to meet new people in your age very quickly, a hostel is the best choice. In a youth hostel you can find new contacts easily which makes you feel more comfortable for your new start in a far away country. The good thing is that it costs you less than staying in a hotel.

Hostel Nanaimo – HI-Nanaimo, Painted Turtle Guesthouse

The Painted Turtle Guest House is located in the heart of the water front in the inner city of Nanaimo. Close to cool cafés, restaurants, pubs & clubs, galleries, bakeries, street performers and local sights, the guesthouse is the place to be for young people. The Painted Turtle Guesthouse is very well equipped and reached the highest standard within the
framework of the Hostelling International Group. In 2007, the hostel was awarded with the “Best Hostel in Canada” prize. Being 7 minutes away by car from the VIU and close to bus stations, the HI Nanaimo – Painted Turtle Guesthouse is a definite possibility to stay on Vancouver Island for the first couple of days.

Painted Turtle Guest House offers you:
• Central position
• Family rooms available
• 24h reception
• Groups welcome (discount from appointed seize of group)
• Lounge
• Bed linnen inclusive
• Laundry on site
• Internet
• Café / Bar
• Female dorms / Male dorms / Mixed dorms
• Free baggage room
• Private suites
• 1, 3 and 4 dorms
Prices:
Prices vary depending on room and season. Please refer to website for more accurate information!
Address and contact details:
HALLO – Nanaimo, Painted Turtle Guesthouse
21 Bastion Street
Nanaimo
BC V9R 3AC
Canada
Phone: (250) 753 – 4432
Facsimile: (250) 753 – 4434
Email: nanaimo@hihostels.ca

Website

Hostel Nanaimo – Nanaimo International Hostel
The Nanaimo International Hostel is located in Nicol Street and just 10 minutes away by car from
the university. The Nanaimo International Hostel is very proud to belong to the Pacific Hostel
Network.
The Nanaimo International Hostel offers you:
• Central position (immediate connection to ferries that take you to Victoria and Vancouver)
• Laundry on site
• Showers
• Common kitchen
• TV room
• Internet connection
You can get all this for not even $20 per day.
Address and contact details:
Nanaimo International Hostel
65 Nicol St. Nanaimo, B.C.
Phone: (250) 753 – 1188
Email: info@nanaimohostel.com

Website

If you feel like having a lot of privacy and want to have high standards, then you might look for a
hotel room.

Nanaimo Hotels – Nanaimo Best Western Dorchester Hotel
In Nanaimo there are a lot of hotels with varying prices, of course. If you do not want to stay in a hostel, you can get a hotel room for your first couple of days in Nanaimo. The Best Western Hotel is a good choice.
The Best Western Hotel is 10 minutes away by car to the VIU campus.
You can hire the following rooms:
• Traditional guestrooms
• Juniors Suites
• Family suites
• Deluxe suites
The prices vary from season to season, so you should clarify your price previously.
The Best Western has got a high standard and offers its guests a comfortable stay in Nanaimo.
Address and contact details:
70 Church Street, Nanaimo, B.C.
Canada V9R 5H4
Phone: (250) 754 – 6835
Email: info@dorchesterNanaimo.com

Nanaimo Hotels – Travelodge Nanaimo Hotel
The Travelodge Nanaimo Hotel is also just 10 minutes away by car to the VIU campus. It offers
you the following services:
• Every room has got its own W-Lan internet access
• Radio and TV in every room
• Telephone
• Continental breakfast
• Pets allowed
• Free parking
The Travelodge Nanaimo Hotel has got a high standard, too. The prices vary from season to season. If you are interested to stay in this hotel, you should contact it previously.
Address and contact details:
Travelodge Nanaimo
96 Terminal Avenue N
Nanaimo,BC V9S 4J2
Canada
Phone: (250) 754-6355
Facsimile: (250) 754-1301
Email: reservations@travelodgenanaimo.com

There are a lot of hotels in Nanaimo. In the internet you will find an overview of all the hotels in that area. So, if nothing from the hotels named above suits you, you will definitely find the fitting hotel for your purpose quickly.