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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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Your Guide to Westwood Lake Park

November 3, 2019

Chris Istace here, aka the Mindful Explorer. I was recently in Nanaimo for an all-day event on a Saturday and knew that I would want a break during my stay. Luckily, I knew just the place: Westwood Lake Park. I had stopped briefly there in the summer and thought it would be nice to return for a longer visit. The days have become shorter The air has become crisp and a bit cooler The rain falls a little more often The clouds and fog roll amongst the trees – Chris Istace To many on Vancouver Island, this sounds perfect and signifies […]

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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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