The Cambie Hotel - Nanaimo

If you are a fan of dystopian literature and are actively wondering what the end of the world might look like, push open the doors of the Cambie in Nanaimo and find out.I've visited the Cambie on at least six occasions this fall, and have generally been able to count the number of teeth per person on one hand. Trucker hats, stupified expressions and an air of post-despair calmness describes the atmosphere when I typically visit. Oh, and some of the greatest local and touring bands you'll see in Nanaimo.Day-drinking here is a sign you've finally given up and decided to make rock-bottom a group participation activity. Pray that night-drinking doesn't involve a co-patron named Mad Dawg, unless you are adventurous at a wingsuit or free-climbing level.If a patron is called by a nick-name, you can be sure they've earned it. If a staff-member is called by a nickname, I'd advise you to respect it. If a bouncer tells you it's time to leave, it's time to leave.In all seriousness, this is one of the greatest places Nanaimo has to offer for great music and a great staff. It may look rough around the edges, but it's a great place to experience live music.If you're staying the hostel, it's clean, rooms are generally available and it's in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. Easy access to restaurants, pubs, shopping and the waterfront.

Really good place if you want a subculture that is as far away from Vancouver as you can get. Nothing but rednecks here, definitely reminds me of Alberta and Saskatchewan! The player 1 on the terminator arcade game doesn't even work.. Just like a small town bar! Haha. Had fun though, but in a "LOL this place sucks but I'll have another drink" kind of way.

Free pool and jukebox. Beer is tasty and the peeps are awesome. A great way to start the work week. Came in from Parksville, looking for free beer and met some awesome people.

Le bar est situé sous la chambre donc amener vous des bouchons! C'est très frais la nuit. Il n'y a pas de salle commune exepté la cuisine (très basique avec 2chaise seulement) ce que je trouve très triste. Pas d'endroit pour rencontrer les autres voyageur, pas d'endroit pour lire et relaxer autre que sont lit. Mais le fait daller prendre un verre ou voir un show en dessous de sa chambre a ses avantages!! Donc sa dépend ce que vous chercher comme auberge!

A historical building, it has some very interesting characteristics and has a great atmosphere. A great staff and a good selection of on tap and bottled beverages at very good prices. It is not in the best part of town, but there is a strong but not obvious police presence. I would not hesitate to go there again. The bands they bring in are very good and cover charge is minimal. We saw the Cappuccino Monkeys and they were a fantastic rock band. They did covers of some rock songs and their own music as well.