The Terminal Bar Nanaimo - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Lê T. H.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, affordable pub that stays open late in Nanaimo, The Terminal Bar Nanaimo is definitely worth checking out. It’s located right in the heart of downtown, easy to find, and has a warm, casual vibe that makes you feel at home the moment you walk in.

One of the best things about this place is the open stage where anyone can get up and sing. You don’t have to be a professional — just enjoy the moment and have fun. The crowd is super friendly and supportive, which creates a really welcoming atmosphere, like you’re at a gathering with friends rather than a public bar.

Drinks here are incredibly cheap, ranging from just $3 to $10, which is a rare find these days — especially if you’re used to Vancouver prices. Just a heads-up: they only accept cash, so make sure to bring some with you (there’s an ATM at the bar but it charges a fee).

Another major plus is that the bar is open until 2 AM, making it a perfect late-night hangout spot. If you’re not into loud music or you smoke, there’s a nice outdoor patio area where you can relax in peace and get some fresh air.

There are also some really fun extras that make this place feel more like a community space than just a bar. They have arcade-style games that cost only $1 per play — super cheap compared to what you’d find in bigger cities. There’s also a pool table, perfect if you’re looking for a chill activity to enjoy with friends over a drink.

All in all, The Terminal Bar Nanaimo is more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s a fun, casual hangout spot where you can sing, meet new people, play games, or just unwind after a long day. I’d call it a true hidden gem in Nanaimo — simple, affordable, and full of character.

Delise L.

Great people working, lots of good bevies and beer to choose from. Games on one side, small stage on another. Bartender was friendly, and it was a great place to hang out at. I'm visiting, wish I could come for a show! Good vibe to it!

Honore D.

Thursday karaoke night is good if you're a good singer. So...don't be a bad singer! Beer price HALF what Casino charges! Pool tables, many coin-operated arcade games: b--ball...air hockey.. TouchTunes jukebox: daytime. Food? Doritos, chips. Large outdoor patio in back just in time for Spring and Summer.
-Stefon from SNL

Chris M.

The staff and atmosphere are fine. I do, however, take issue with an establishment that has all the technology to scan IDs and keep databases on customers, but is unable to process payments. It's 2025 and societly is almost entirely cashless. Telling me that I need to take out a cash advance from your $4 surcharge cash machine in order to get a drink only hurts the establishment. I will continue to attend shows at this venue, but I guess I won't be buying anything.

Sean D.

As always, Nanaimo will entertain you, especially if you love live music. The old and historic Camby bar is now The Terminal Bar and the live music is, for the most part, local. But don't think; Ho Hum, local schmokle... the musicians in this town will blow you away. Night after night as I scour the downtown core for live music I find myself stopping for a good length of time to watch a One Woman Band knock out some Steely Dan and she owned it! And she was just on a downtown sidewalk playing for herself! Well worth the sawbuck I placed into her guitar case as I made my way to The Terminal Bar to listen to one of this town's Musical Heavyweights !
"Moths & Locusts" featuring the phenomenal presence of Valentina Cardinalli and her unequaled repertoire of talents as she presents her Awsomeness front and center while the Meat and Potatoes of this ensemble push their sounds around her to feed on and then there's the Wizard Genius and leader of this Group of "Note Serving Masters", standing, unoticed, behind the Methodical Madness... holding down the Base-line, weaving his tendrils in, around and through each of the others sound offerings, lacing the music into a nice neat package, presenting and offering this tight bundle to the audience... "Here you go good people... Enjoy." As our ears and minds are cracked wide open from the nicely packaged gift of lit dynamite Mr. Dave Read and his pet Moths & Locusts have Smothered us with. Their Dreamy yet Voracious Sound will have you rockin' like a Banshee as you sit calmly sippin' on a Long,Island ice tea. . . Cross-Eyed
The experience was almost as good as Crazy Sex!
Thanks Guys, I hope it was as good for you as it was for me Someone call me an ambulance?...
You're an Ambulance
and the band played on

Kaitlin U.

This place is amazing. You meet so many new people every one is very friendly even the bar tenders are amazing. Would definitely be keep coming here

jasmine

went here last night with some friends and entered as there was no line up. we were immediately yelled at by the bouncer in an extremely rude way to get out with no further instructions. we waited outside and he continued to yell at others to get out. eventually he came out and let us in and informed us it was at capacity but proceeded to yell at us about getting our ids out. very negative experience and made us want to not even stay there. if we had at least been told they were at capacity and we would have to wait it would have been different. but just getting yelled at to get out is not acceptable at all. i highly suggest looking into this further because his horrible attitude was not just to my group

Luke R.

Thursday night Karaoke here is something I miss everyday that I'm not in Nanaimo. Plus, some of the most amazing metal shows I've ever seen often play here on Fridays/Saturdays. Thank you guys so much for welcoming me at your place < 3 Miss y'all.