Nanaimo Harbour at sunrise

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Nanaimo

Vancouver Island's 'second metropolis,' Nanaimo will never have the allure of tourist-magnet Victoria, but the Harbour City has undergone some quiet upgrades since the 1990s. It's seen the emergence, especially on Commercial St, of some good shops and eateries, plus a popular museum. With dedicated ferry services from the mainland, the city is also a handy hub for exploring the rest of the island.

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