One of Canada's top spots for 'quality of life' is this BC small city nestled on an island

This small waterfront city in B.C. is a hidden gem, but it boasts some of the best quality of life in the country. With ocean views, access to breathtaking nature, and a lively downtown — it's that perfect blend of city life and adventure at your doorstep.

Narcity readers named this charming city among the best in Canada for quality of life, and it's not hard to see why.

Nanaimo is tucked away on Vancouver Island, a place of incredible beauty and untouched wilderness, with a dash of bustling city life. While people often look to Vancouver Island's main hub of Victoria, Nanaimo is more low-key, with its own distinctive vibe to it.

Here you'll find streets lined with vintage shops and quirky cafes, giving the city a personality that sets it apart. As you walk around, you'll pass pretty heritage buildings and local shops — perfect for an afternoon of exploring.

If you're visiting, make sure to stop in at spots like Bella Vintage, Lucky Cloud, or Rumours Vintage Collective.

The Vault Cafe is also a go-to here for a cool vibe and a great cup of coffee.

Blending in with the vibrant town is the picturesque nature all around. The waterfront here is sparkling, making afternoons strolls that much more beautiful.

You can hike up to the nearby Mount Benson here to get a breathtaking view of the city and ocean beyond it.

Drive just outside and you'll find Jack Point and Biggs Park, with its stunning sandstone rock formations.

Nanaimo is also the perfect gateway to the rest of Vancouver Island, with weekend adventures to places like Tofino. Lush rainforest trails, sandy beaches and rugged coastline are all within reach here.

Another big intrigue of life here? It's cheaper than other B.C. cities, with a living wage in the city of $23.79, according to Living Wage BC.

The living wage of a city is "the hourly amount that someone needs to earn to meet their basic expenses," and compared to Vancouver's $27.05 and Victoria's $26.78, Nanaimo has it pretty good.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.