Blog

Day Tripping To The Lower Mainland Couldn’t Be Easier

March 6, 2020

While only 63 kilometres (~40 miles) apart, Nanaimo is a great jumping-off point for people who want to experience the hustle and bustle of Vancouver as well as the laid back lifestyle enjoyed here on the island. To get more from your stay in Nanaimo, consider a day-trip across the Strait to explore Vancouver and the lower mainland.   Fly or Ferry, Which Will You Choose? Start your trip by planning a new experience: go there one way and come home another. The flight to Vancouver is about 25 minutes from harbour-to-harbour aboard a seaplane from Harbour Air or Sunshine […]

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Make Nanaimo Your Basecamp This Summer

March 3, 2020

Stay in Nanaimo and explore the rest of the island While there is so much to see right here in Nanaimo, we’re also a great way to explore the rest of Vancouver Island to find new experiences and friendly folks. No matter what direction you point the car, whether it’s your own or a rental, you can find a great new adventure on Vancouver Island, then come back to your room in Nanaimo to rest and reflect on the beauty of the west coast.   Head North Drive north from Nanaimo for about 90 minutes, and you’ll arrive in Campbell […]

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Nanaimo Downtown Harbour

Nanaimo After Dark: 10 Fun Things To Do After The Sun Goes Down

January 28, 2020

By day, Nanaimo is a bustling hub of activity with eclectic places to shop, west-coast inspired cafes, and endless outdoor activities. But as the sun sets on your day, there’s no need to fret: there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the harbour city, and here are 11 examples to help inspire your next adventure. Throw Axes Unleash your inner lumberjack at Axe & Grind! Axe throwing is a fun activity that’s easy to learn and difficult to master, and Axe & Grind provides the perfect setting to try it first-hand. Every session starts with an intro from the […]

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A Local’s Guide To The Abyss & Extension Ridge Trail

January 15, 2020

A huge, seemingly bottomless fissure in the earth, a fairy circle, sweeping views of the Salish Sea and peek-a-boo views of Mt. Benson: this is an outdoor experience not to be missed. Commonly known to locals as The Abyss, Extension Ridge – a 4.5km section of The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail) – is a stunning hidden gem in Nanaimo and a favourite playground for mountain bikers, hikers and dog walkers alike. A Brief History Of The Abyss The trail is not only rich in curious points of interest and picturesque views but history too! According […]

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5 Photo-Worthy Waterfront Parks In Nanaimo

January 7, 2020

Among the many things that make this city a special place, the sheer number of waterfront parks in Nanaimo makes it worthy of much coastal exploration. From long, meandering trails to short walks to pebble beaches, these coastal gems are a perfect afternoon activity for anyone yearning for the ocean air. Here are some our favourite waterfront parks in Nanaimo: Neck Point Park Neck Point Park is a gorgeous 36-acre waterfront park found at the end of Morningside Drive, just off of Hammond Bay Road. Beachcombers rejoice! Neck Point has four beaches for the public to explore; Finn Beach, Indian […]

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The Harbour City’s Best: Sushi in Nanaimo

January 7, 2020

Nanaimo is the place for superb, even sometimes extravagant, sushi. This city boasts a wide variety of cuisine. However, there are few dishes Nanaimo does better than this traditional Japanese food. From downtown to the North end, it’s a guarantee there’s a nearby sushi spot worth its weight in Sake. Firehouse Grill Once filled with firetrucks and equipment, Nanaimo’s old firehall is now home to a high-end and stylish restaurant. Located downtown Nanaimo on Victoria Street, the Firehouse Grill is the perfect place to grab a bite on your way to enjoy the delights downtown has to offer. Here, where […]

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Winter Activities in Nanaimo

December 3, 2019

Beat the cold: stay warm and entertained with these winter activities in Nanaimo While we’re certainly not heralded as snow destination, the Harbour City gets its fair share of cold weather. Luckily, there is an abundance of winter activities in Nanaimo to keep you busy and entertained during the more dreary months. There are many benefits to travelling during the off-season. Reap the benefits of less crowded areas. Enjoy a stunning fog that rolls over the city and year-round hikes. The city’s weather is mild in comparison to other parts of Canada, but we still like to bundle up from […]

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Four Random Facts About Nanaimo

December 3, 2019

#1. You Can Dive Sunken Wrecks In Nanaimo Here’s a fun fact about Nanaimo you might not know: it is home to three fascinating wreck dives. In 1997, The HMCS Saskatchewan, a 366-foot navy destroyer, was sunk off the shores of Nanaimo to create an artificial diving reef. Subsequently, the Saskatchewan was joined on the ocean floor by the HMCS Cape Breton, a retired Canadian Supply Ship, now recognized as the World’s Largest Artificial Upright Reef. Later in 2005, the Nanaimo Dive Association sank a third vessel, the RivTow Lion, a retired deep-sea rescue tug. These three wrecks attract dive […]

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The Best Kids’ Stores in Downtown Nanaimo

December 3, 2019

If you’re out shopping for the wee ones in your life, there are plenty of amazing kids stores Downtown Nanaimo. Pumpkin Pie Kids The first stop on anyone’s kids’ shopping spree should be Pumpkin Pie Kids. This fabulous kids’ store is located in the Old City Quarter and has been open for 21 years. They have a massive assortment of children’s items; baby gear for bath time, teething items, diapers, baby carriers, the list goes on and on! There’s also babywear for casual, formal, swim and sleep, plus formal and casual wear for girls and boys up to size 8. In […]

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A Sneak Peek At What Vancouver Island Market Has In Store This Winter

November 14, 2019

Vancouver Island is a haven for artisans, which makes finding that perfectly unique gift for your friend, colleague, or family member incredibly easy. Whether it’s gourmet treats, handmade goods, artisanal soaps, or personalized trinkets, there’s literally something for everyone on your list—most of which are sourced from local resources and ingredients found right here on the West Coast. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to check out what some of the local creators have to offer. This year, while sustainably top of mind for many, why not try giving something that uses local resources and supports local […]

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