The Terminal Bar Nanaimo

What a fun night!. I remembered my friend telling me there is open mic in Nanaimo, and I just moved here so I thought I would check it out. I got to sing and I had my very own band, which was a delight and completely improvised. Really good vibes and a lot of talented musicians. I’m certainly coming back next Tuesday for open Mic, And I look forward to Karaoke on Thursdays! ????????????

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.

Get your cash elsewhere. We used the on-site ATM to withdraw $100 and were only given $55, despite the receipt and our bank records clearly showing a $100 withdrawal plus the service fee. When we contacted the owner to report this, his behaviour was shockingly unprofessional. He yelled, talked over me, called me a liar, and refused to let me finish a sentence. He repeatedly said it “wasn’t his problem” and made it very clear he had no interest in resolving the issue or even listening. The interaction was hostile, dismissive, and completely inappropriate for a business owner. We also contacted the ATM operator listed on the machine, who was similarly dismissive and did not take our information to follow up. Because of the lack of accountability, we filed a police report. The ATM company’s head office in Ontario later refunded the missing cash and the transaction fee, confirming there was an issue with the transaction. The pub itself is nicely styled, in a great location, and the staff were friendly. Unfortunately, the owner’s behaviour alone is reason enough to avoid supporting this business.

Staff is very unpleasant, and rude and whoever is in charge does not care, they dismiss their staffs poor behaviour and blame the patron. Right from the person who checks your IDs to the bar staff themselves they are un-welcoming, un-friendly and cold. Not a place to be recommended. The staff gets to go on with no repercussions for how they treat the guests, from name calling, to cursing out at you, to kicking you out for “poor attitude”. If you look at the servers wrong they would most likely kick you out.. I’ll be sure to wait to get a reply saying it was all our fault.. To whom the manager is that reads reviews I suggest you learn to take the negative feedback and try and learn from it and turn it into something positive rather than excusing and dismissing the patrons that keep you in Business. Cheers.

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!