Blog

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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Made in Nanaimo Gift Guide for the Holidays

November 12, 2019

By Mei Dunlop & Maria Bassett It’s that time of year again! The holidays are just around the corner and there are so many great gifts made right here on Vancouver Island. From gourmet food items to treasured trinkets, and everything in-between, if you can imagine it, it’s probably being made right here on the island. This is the perfect time of year to shop locally with sustainably top of mind. The Vancouver Island Market makes it easy to support local by purchasing from people who are growing, baking, and making in own backyard! At the Vancouver Island Market, we […]

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The Ultimate List Of Rainy Day Activities In Nanaimo

October 15, 2019

When you live on Vancouver Island, you learn to fully embrace the rain and when you visit Vancouver Island, you end up with an appreciation for the relaxing reflection that comes with of a good west coast rain! 1. Hit The Trails: Mountain Bike or Hike Don’t let a little rain get you down, embrace it! With good wet-weather gear, getting outside can offer a whole new perspective on an activity you.Even on the coldest days, there is always a warm place to welcome you inside when you’re done. Nanaimo is ripe with opportunities to hit the trails, our mountain […]

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Gabriola Island Thanksgiving Studio Tour

September 7, 2019

Gabriola Island is known as the Isle of the Arts, and for good reason. This Gulf Island, located a short 25-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo’s downtown, is home to many talented artisans offering creations from jewelry to furniture, ceramics to paintings and sculpture. The 23rd Annual Gabriola Island Thanksgiving Studio Tour provides the public with a rare opportunity to step into the workshops for more than 80 Isle of the Arts Artisans. Fall in love with, and take home, a unique treasure. What: Gabriola Island Thanksgiving Studio Tour When: October 12-14, 2019 Where: Various Artists’ Workshops on Gabriola Island Access […]

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Nanaimo Museum – Historical Fall Lantern Tours

September 7, 2019

Nanaimo’s mysterious, exciting, strangely wonderful past is on display this Fall with the following guided walking tours offered by Nanaimo Museum staff. What: Crime & Punishment Lantern Tour – Nanaimo Museum “Fatal love triangles, muddled motives, and severe consequences all play a part in the murderous stories told on the new Crime & Punishment Lantern Tour this October. Guests will join a Nanaimo Museum tour guide on a walk through downtown to sites related to crimes and punishments in Nanaimo at the turn of the century.” When: Choose from the following dates and BOOK early. These sell out! Friday, October 4th […]

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Step Back In Time: 3 Historic Walking Tours In Downtown Nanaimo

September 7, 2019

Hear the echoes of the old railway and mine whistles, where the sounds of coal miners’ hobnailed boots still reverberate through time. Step back to where history’s ghosts roam, from ancient First Nations village sites to the last wooden Hudson’s Bay Company bastion still standing in North America. THE RAILROAD CONNECTION WALK Nanaimo’s Fitzwilliam Street was named for Charles Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, the son of an earl and a stakeholder in the local coal company. The area developed slowly until a bridge was built across the ravine in 1875, allowing many residents to cross to their churches on the other side. The […]

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Food & Drink Tours In Nanaimo, BC

August 8, 2019

Food is a powerful thing. It brings people together, associates memories to flavours, and creates opportunities for new experiences. Whether it’s meeting with extended family for dinner or quickly stopping at a cafe for an Americano, food plays a pivotal role in your full experience a place. Like many destinations, Nanaimo has no shortage of great, local cuisine. But in a city so large, it’s not always easy to find those great, hidden gems. That’s where a food tour comes in. Tours can either be done on your own with one of our itineraries or facilitated through a local expert […]

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Nanaimo Festivals & Events 2019

July 18, 2019

We are more than just a place to live, but a place to have fun. Find out how Nanaimoites make a good time, and walk alongside the locals as they put together an array of unique and authentic experiences to celebrate what makes this corner of the world awesome!   The Story It all started in 1967 when former mayor of Nanaimo, Frank Ney, famously donned a pirate costume, raised his sword, and launched Nanaimo’s first annual Bathtub Race. “Tubbers” and visitors from around the world have been coming to Nanaimo for more than 40 years to take part in […]

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Nanaimo harbour fireworks

Local Insight: How To Get To Blueback Beach In Nanaimo

July 4, 2019

Photo by Dana Wacker Blueback Beach is one of Nanaimo’s best-hidden gems. Located in North Nanaimo, below roughly 200 stairs, the beach offers breathtaking views of the coastal mountains and sunset all at once. The shore itself is a mixture of small-to-medium sized rocks at first, but quickly transitions into a long sandbar, making it a great place for swimming, wading, and floating. Despite the stairs, the walk to the beach is actually quite short, only 300 meters. The park is open all year-round, making a great place to beat the heat in the summer or a quiet hideaway in […]

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5 Best Places To Watch The Sunset In Nanaimo

June 11, 2019

Thanks to its rolling mountains and easy access to beaches, Nanaimo offers plenty of viewpoints to capture memorable sunsets. Here are the five best places to watch the sun go down in Nanaimo:  

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