About LevelTwo Nightclub
LevelTwo Nightclub is Nanaimo’s premier late-night dance venue in the heritage Old City district. It opened around 2008 (originally as “Level Two”) (www.mindsai.ca) (www.nanaimobulletin.com) and was completely redesigned in 2014-2015 with a new sleek interior, modern logo, and updated sound and lighting systems (www.mindsai.ca) (www.nanaimobulletin.com). The club spans a single level above street level (access via exterior stairway) and can hold a few hundred guests comfortably. It blends high-energy DJ dance music with a comfortable lounge vibe: sleek bars serving cocktails, VIP booths, and a large open dance floor. A later press report billed it as a “game-changer” for Nanaimo’s nightlife with “top DJs spinning” contemporary hits and “enthusiastic bartenders” serving a full cocktail menu (wanderlog.com). In 2015 the owners boasted of having “the best lights and the best sound in the Harbour City” after renovations, and today the club is known for its booming stereo and flashy lighting (www.nanaimobulletin.com) (www.mindsai.ca). LevelTwo is widely credited with elevating the local club scene and now regularly draws a mix of university students and young professionals from around Vancouver Island, as well as out-of-town visitors seeking a big-city night out.
Events and Programming
LevelTwo hosts dance and music events nearly every late-night weekend (generally Thursday through Saturday evenings) and often on special occasions. Regular nights feature nightclub DJs spinning genres like EDM, house, hip-hop, reggaeton and Top 40, with a wild mix that keeps the dance floor busy. The club also holds one-off parties and themed events: for example, the owners have thrown special “Halloween Latin Party” nights complete with DJ Nawalita spinning salsa and reggaeton (tourismnanaimo.com), and even a “Tropical House Party” on May Long Weekend with tacky beachwear and tropical drinks (www.nanaimobulletin.com). Other theme nights have included goth/industrial dance parties (branded “ASCENT”), drag shows and LGBTQ+ events, pub-night specials, and community gatherings. Reflecting local culture, LevelTwo even hosts an alternate Sunday evening “UpperLVL Worship” gathering (discotheque-style worship service with music and discussion) as of 2022 (www.nanaimobulletin.com), showing the venue’s eclectic role in Nanaimo’s scene. Aside from themes, typical cover charge events cost about $10–$20 (often cheaper with earlybird pricing). For instance, a recent Latin-themed Halloween party had tiered pricing: $10 earlybird up to $20 at the door (tourismnanaimo.com). Cover is often waived or reduced if you arrive very early (for example, at a 2015 reopening event there was “no cover before 11 p.m.” (www.nanaimobulletin.com)). In short, expect a busy weekend lineup of DJs and dance parties with occasional special concerts or shows; check the latest promotions to see headlines or themes.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for major LevelTwo events can usually be bought in advance or at the door, depending on the promoter. There is no staffed box office, so in practice you purchase cover directly from the door staff or via an online event listing. For smaller club nights and DJ sets, simply arriving at opening time (usually 9–10pm) is enough. For larger events (like visiting DJs or themed parties), watch local listings: organizers may sell tickets through approved vendor sites or a private promoter. If no pre-sale is available, plan to line up early – some events give perks to the first arrivals, and you may save money. Early-access tickets, when offered, start around $10–15 and advance seats, with standard door charges around $15–$20 (tourismnanaimo.com). Groups often book VIP package or bottle-service booths via the club (the venue offers bottle service on request). If you want a guaranteed spot for a packed show, inquire through the club’s official channels or social media. In general, arriving well before midnight is a good strategy to avoid cover charge hikes or sold-out shows. (Note: private parties and large group reservations are possible – inquire in advance, as the club hosts birthdays and bachelor/bachelorette events by arrangement.)
Seating and Layout
LevelTwo’s interior is mostly standing-room dance floor. The DJ booth is at the far end of the main room above a raised platform, with a mirrorball or lighting rig overhead. You’ll find a long bar along one wall and a few swivel stools or benches along the edges. Five semi-private VIP booths line the back or sides (added in the 2015 overhaul) which can be reserved for table service. These booths have padded benches and low tables for small groups, and are the only seated areas aside from bar stools. The rest of the space is an open floor, so general-admission guests circulate between the bar and dance floor. Acoustically, the club is very loud – powerful speakers deliver booming bass – so even in the back you’ll feel the music. If you prefer a quieter spot, head toward the seating or edge of the room, but keep in mind there’s no silent zone: music (and often spotlights) reaches every corner. Sightlines are generally good: even standing at the rear or side of the floor you can see the DJ. On busy nights, arriving early helps you stake out the best spots near the action. One unique feature: because the club is on the second floor loading up from Skinner Street, the entry is via an exterior stairwell (see Accessibility below). In summary, expect one large bar & dance area with essentially no fixed rows of seats; if you need to sit or gather, aim for a VIP booth or a bench along the walls.
Getting There and Parking
LevelTwo is located at 170 Skinner Street, on the corner of Commercial Street in downtown Nanaimo (www.nanaimobulletin.com). This is in the historic Old City area, just a short walk from the waterfront. If you are driving, there are several parking options nearby. Street parking blocks away is usually metered, but the city has introduced free on-street parking for short stays: as of fall 2024, many downtown streets (Commercial, Front, Chapel, Church, Bastion, etc.) have two-hour free parking (www.nanaimo.ca). Note that this free program excludes covered parkades and lots. For longer stays, paid options include the Bastion Street Parkade (236 Bastion St, about 1 block north; around C$0.75 per 2 hours) or Harbourfront Parkade on Wallace/Water Street (a few blocks away). Limited free parking exists on some side streets farther out or at meters (check signage). Rideshare drop-offs are easy on Skinner Street right in front of the club.
For transit, Nanaimo’s bus service (BC Transit) has routes to downtown. The main Downtown Exchange (Terminal Ave at Gordon Street, by the Fountain) is a 5–10 minute walk from LevelTwo. Some buses also loop along nearby Front Street or Commercial Street. If coming by bus, aim for stops on Vancouver Island University/Departure Bay routes (routes 4 or 5, for example) that go past Terminal or Front St. Once in downtown, walk up Bastion St to Skinner. In summary: central downtown address, so all major bus lines pass within easy walking distance. Having a quick local transit app or map on hand can show which specific routes stop closest, but the walk from the Exchange or Bastion hub is straightforward.
Inside the Venue
On entry, you’ll go through the ID check and any security screening. The club enforces a strict 19+ alcohol policy (see Accessibility/Policies below). Once inside, you’ll find a dimly lit room with club lighting. The bar stands out with LED backlighting and a wide drink menu. In fact, the bartenders proudly serve “a huge variety of Cocktails, Hi-Balls, Martinis, Shooters” as well as bottled beer and non-alcoholic refreshments (downtownnanaimo.ca). If you like craft beer or unique cocktails, this venue often carries local microbrews and specialty mixes. The bartenders are experienced, and service is fairly quick even on busy nights (though expect a line at peak hours). There is no kitchen, so any food is limited to bar snacks (the club itself does not serve full meals).
The atmosphere is energetic: upbeat dance music, colorful pulsing lights, and a lively crowd. There’s usually no live stage shows, but sometimes performers or dancers will join the act. The venue does not typically have Wi-Fi for guests, so plan to use mobile data (cell service is generally reliable downtown). Restrooms (men’s and women’s) are located inside; expect them to fill up quickly during peak times. There is usually no coat check counter, so it’s wise to carry minimal outerwear or hang on to your coat – staff may offer to watch a few jackets if asked, but space is limited. Finally, LevelTwo has embraced high production equipment after its renovation: the sound system is powerful (nearly booming), and the lighting rig includes strobes, lasers, and fog machines when DJ sets or events require it. (Pro tip: bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise!) Overall, inside the club expect the typical nightclub vibe of darkened lounge texture, thumping music, and crowds dancing and socializing around the bar and VIP sections.
Nearby Amenities
Before or after your night out, there are several places to grab food or continue the fun near LevelTwo. Immediately adjacent is the popular Old City Station Pub at 150 Skinner St – a sports bar known for craft local beers and excellent chicken wings (www.oldcitystation.com). That same address houses the Green Olive Bar & Grill, which serves pub-style food (burgers, pizzas, salads) in a casual setting (www.oldcitystation.com) (www.oldcitystation.com). For late-night snacks, there are pizza and burger joints in Old City that stay open late. If you need a meal the next morning, Alice’s Restaurant (not far on Nicol Street) is a local favorite for brunch and classic breakfast (and sometimes offers discounts for club-goers). On Bastion St (one block north at the Harbourfront) and Commercial St (east a block) you’ll find more sit-down bars and eateries – everything from a sushi lounge and cafes to late-night pubs.
As for lodging, several downtown hotels are within easy walking distance. The Coast Bastion and Hotel Nanaimo are waterfront hotels about 5–10 minutes on foot, and there are smaller inns on Terminal Ave and Fitzwilliam a couple of blocks away. These make good bases if you’re visiting from out of town or prefer to crash close by after partying. Late-night public transit (buses run until midnight or so) or rideshare are also on call if you prefer to stay near the harbor instead. In summary: Old City is compact and packed with restaurants, bars, and hotels. LevelTwo’s location means you have dinner and drink options literally around the corner, and decent accommodation choices just a short walk away.
What Makes This Venue Special
LevelTwo Nightclub stands out as one of Nanaimo’s few true nightclubs with a modern clubbing vibe. In a city that’s best known for its waterfront and market, LevelTwo brought big-city nightlife energy to the downtown core. The 2015 “levelution” renovation was a turning point that made the club feel upscale and exciting (www.nanaimobulletin.com) (www.mindsai.ca). It quickly became a hub for the city’s young crowd: local media have noted its strong appeal to college students and young adults, distinguishing it from smaller pubs (wanderlog.com) (www.simsrealestate.ca). Artists enjoy playing here because the club’s high-powered sound system and lighting let them deliver a full concert-like experience, and audiences love it for those very same sensory thrills.
The venue’s flexible use also makes it culturally significant. For instance, starting in 2022 LevelTwo hosts “UpperLvl Worship” – a faith-based gathering that features dance music and discussion in a nightclub setting (www.nanaimobulletin.com). This unusual event exemplifies the club’s community impact: it’s not just about partying, but also connecting people in new ways. The club is often cited by reviewers as bringing fresh excitement to Nanaimo – one travel source calls it “a game-changer in Nanaimo’s nightlife scene” for its energetic DJs and exhaustive drink menu (wanderlog.com). Moreover, because it’s located in a historic old street and part of the Downtown Nanaimo Association’s revitalization area, LevelTwo counts as part of Nanaimo’s evolving cultural fabric.
In short, LevelTwo’s history of upgrades (“the best lights and sound”) (www.nanaimobulletin.com), signature theme nights, and inclusive vibe (welcoming everyone from partygoers to worship groups) make it unique. It is beloved by fans for the friendly door/bartenders and a generally safe, lively vibe – local patrons often praise the welcoming staff and inclusive atmosphere (www.simsrealestate.ca). As one of the waterfront city’s major entertainment venues, it has become a landmark of Nanaimo’s after-dark identity.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Note that LevelTwo has no elevator. The nightclub is on the second floor and is reached by exterior stairs on Skinner Street (www.nanaimo.ca). This means it is not wheelchair-accessible in the standard sense (there is no ramp or lift to the main floor). If you have mobility needs, contact the club in advance – staff may be able to assist with alternative entrance arrangements, but plan for limited wheelchair access. Inside, restrooms are on one level (not spread over floors), and the club will do its best to assist patrons with disabilities on-site.
What to Bring: Any two pieces of government-issued photo ID are mandatory for entry (Nanaimo liquor law requires 19+ age) (www.nanaimobulletin.com). This typically means a driver’s license and a second ID (passport or equivalent). No underage guests are admitted, even to dance on the floor. Carry some cash or a credit/debit card for drinks – although the club has modern services, cards work best (ATM usage is usually discouraged inside). Since it’s loud, many recommend ear plugs if you’re sensitive. Dress code is casual-smart: clean, neat club attire. Flip-flops, gym wear or shorts may be frowned upon on busy nights. If there’s a theme night, feel free to dress accordingly (e.g. tropical costumes, Halloween outfits) – it can enhance the experience and sometimes win prizes (www.nanaimobulletin.com) (tourismnanaimo.com). Bring only what you need: large bags may be tested or discouraged, and there is no guaranteed coat check (space is tight).
Arrival and Lines: Doors generally open around 9-10pm. Early arrival is recommended on busy nights to beat lines and catch happy-hour drink specials. Note that many events charge no cover or a reduced cover if you arrive before a certain time. For example, one grand opening promotion in 2015 offered “no cover before 11 p.m.” (www.nanaimobulletin.com). The first callers sometimes receive freebies or discounted entry. If a show is expected to sell out, consider coming early or RSVP’ing via the club’s (or promoter’s) official notice. Do not plan on re-entry: once you leave, you usually cannot re-enter without paying cover again.
Venue Policies: No outside alcohol or food is allowed (it’s a fully licensed bar). Flash photography or professional camera equipment is generally prohibited during shows (cell phone snapshots are usually fine). Smoking indoors is banned by BC law, but there is an outdoor smoking area or designated zone by the entrance. The club enforces a standard security policy: expect bag checks and friendly bouncers. Personal etiquette tip: be respectful in the crowd, as staff will eject overly rowdy or unsafe behavior.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity: LevelTwo does not offer a guest Wi-Fi network for patrons. Your phone will rely on regular cell networks (which work decently downtown). If you need internet, plan to use data or get online before coming. The club’s events and updates are typically communicated through its social media pages or local listings, so follow those if you want the latest news on shows.
Maximize Your Visit: For a smooth night out, arrive a bit early to allow time to get in, find the bathrooms, and scope out the best spot. If you’re a beginner or visiting from out of town, pick a night with a theme you enjoy or an opening DJ you like. Plan to stay until late: the party often picks up after midnight and winds down by 2 am. By knowing these tips, you’ll avoid common pitfalls (like forgetting ID or arriving after doors / cover increase) and can focus on enjoying the club’s lively atmosphere.
