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A Cold Front Has Hit Nanaimo

June 14, 2018

Discover your 360° Cold Front Gelato 306-60 Commercial St., Nanaimo, BC The Word on The Street A cold front arrived in Nanaimo early May 2018 and it looks like it’s here to stay. Sunny Parsons, a gelato aficionado and businesswoman, has opened up shop on the lower block of Commercial St. in the downtown district of Nanaimo. One month in and her business is already the buzz of the town – apparently even in the construction yard, said one source. “You have to try out the new gelato shop downtown,” said a burly man, sitting on a pile of 2×4’s […]

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Hammond Bay Studio Tour 2018

May 17, 2018

Discover your 360° What Makes Art Beautiful? What makes a piece of art beautiful? This is a question often asked of artists and something that is hard to define. When we interviewed local painter and lead organizer of the Hammond Bay Studio Tour, Carla Stein, we asked this very question. Carla responded by stating that “beauty, as the saying goes, is in the eye of the beholder.” While Carla couldn’t say what makes art beautiful for everyone, she finds that skill and understanding of the materials an artist chooses to work with can greatly enhance the conceptualization of an artist’s […]

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Nanaimo’s Latest: Vancouver Island Whale Watch

April 27, 2018

Jilann, one of the masterminds behind Nanaimo’s latest venture, Vancouver Island Whale Watch, is one half of a tour de force duo, coming into the Nanaimo travel landscape with a goal to provide the best in sustainable whale watching. The company’s launchpad is Nanaimo’s downtown harbour, making it easy for travellers to walk aboard and get out on the water. We sat down with her to learn about how the company got started, why she loves Nanaimo, and what to expect. Give us the low down. What do travellers to Nanaimo need to know about Vancouver Island Whale Watch? We’re […]

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#ExploreNanaimo Photo Showcase Contest

March 2, 2018

Nanaimo’s locals are the experts when it comes to showcasing the Harbour City, and we’d love to see what you’ve been capturing! As part of our stakeholder event on March 22, Tourism Nanaimo will be hosting a photo showcase at White Sails Brewing. We will shortlist a selection of the best #ExploreNanaimo captures, put them on display and announce the winner at the event! We’ll even purchase the rights for the winning photo at $250 CDN, and the winner will go home with a #ExploreNanaimo prize package worth another $250 CDN. How to Enter How do you enter? Submit your […]

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Exploring the Trails of Nanaimo, BC

February 28, 2018

Read time: 4 mins Hike or bike the trails of and around Nanaimo to connect with other adventurers, or spend some time with yourself – enjoying the tranquility and raw beauty, appreciating the natural harmony of the outdoors, and simply savouring the thrill of the trail. With over 170 kilometers of trails connecting our streets and parks, communities and businesses, the journey is as impressive as the destination. Hiking Nanaimo is the physical centre of Vancouver Island, nestled between the Salish Sea and Mount Benson, and home to some of the region’s best backcountry hiking. Search for geocaches, explore the […]

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Mount Benson Nanaimo, BC

The Most Instagrammable Spots in Nanaimo, BC

February 27, 2018

Read time: 4.5 mins Nanaimo is Instagram heaven, with #food, #smiles, and #fun everywhere you look. Join us as we explore some of the most photogenic spots in and around the city, so you can create an Instagram album that makes your feed the one to follow. #ExploreNanaimo There’s no simple formula that will make you Instagram-famous, but choosing the right location and sharing it far and wide will help you gain more followers while showing off your unique perspective. Quality Content The Harbour City is rich with places and spaces that are naturally photogenic and perfect for sharing. Charge […]

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Meet the Nanaimoites who emulate nature

February 20, 2018

Guest blog post by Mei Dunlop When I moved from the mainland to Nanaimo 4 years ago, I had no idea how creative and inspiring the people around me were. My husband and I had no relatives, no close friends or anyone else we could connect with in Nanaimo. Lucky for us, we are pioneers of our own lives and we needed our own space to experience and get away from the busy and growing economy on the mainland. Within a few short months, I discovered a social culture that nurtures creativity, sustainability and island living. People here care for […]

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Directions to Ammonite Falls

February 16, 2018

Ammonite Falls is an #ExploreNanaimo favourite, and many folks want to know how to safely reach the magnificent views of this waterfall gem. Hint: If you’d like to see just how impressive the waterfalls are in Nanaimo, check out our Waterfall Wanderings blog post. How To Get To Ammonite Falls To give you the best directions to Ammonite Falls, we reached out to the amazing local guides at Vancouver Island Expeditions. They even offer guided hikes to the falls, if that’s more up your alley. Here’s how to get to Ammonite Falls: Whether you’re a newbie hiker or the next […]

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Directions to Ammonite Falls

Nanaimo Landscapes That Help You Reimagine Winter Getaways

January 25, 2018

Usually a destination known for its fog and rain, Nanaimo is no stranger to snow days, but we certainly don’t broadcast ourselves as a snow destination. Rather, the fine hub city is a winter getaway of a different variety; for those seeking to thaw a little, to don a rain jacket over a parka, to get outdoors no matter the weather. It’s the creeping fingers of fog or the bobbing waves on the beach shores that provide the backdrop for this different kind of winter getaway. Low Tide A blast of colour during the grey days of winter, the intertidal […]

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7 Galleries That Show Nanaimo Is So Much More Than A Pit Stop

December 21, 2017

That’s where the ferry comes in, right? Nanaimo’s a major access point to Vancouver Island, thanks to two ferry terminals from the Vancouver area, but it’s a shame to treat it as just that, a pit stop on your way through. Next time you’re heading our way, spend a night or two, and we guarantee it’ll be worth it. 1. We made a whole trail around a dessert There must be custard in the veins of Nanaimoites, because we reserve a very special place in our hearts for the layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut base that make up the […]

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