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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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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Catch of the Day: Nanaimo’s Best Fish & Chips!

August 16, 2019

Nanaimo is home to some of Vancouver Island’s best fish & chips – after all, this is the Habour City, and fresh, local seafood is abundant. There is no shortage of choice when it comes to sourcing out the best of this cuisine in Nanaimo, so we’ve made your job a little easier with these top picks. The Firehouse Grill Beer battered and fried golden brown – is your mouth watering yet? Best known for their deliciously diverse sushi menu, the Firehouse Grill’s fish & chips maintain the same high standard of cuisine. The batter coating is thin, crispy, and […]

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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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Just An Island Away – Gabriola

August 8, 2019

The clouds lay low, the breeze is sharp, and the sea is rolling as if to welcome us to the Island. As we inch closer to the dock, the towering sandstone cliffs surround us. Then at the buzz of a button, we ran and got back into the van. Our adventure is about to begin. Gabriola Island is located off the shores of Nanaimo, with a population of roughly 4,000. This is not your typical island, and to help us discover what Gabriola has to offer, the Adventure 360 team and I teamed up with Vancouver Island Expeditions (VIE). VIE […]

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Gabriola Island: An Artists’ Haven On A Wild Coastline

August 8, 2019

Jordan Dyck Explores Gabriola Island ‘The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.’ The act of seeking these places is becoming a lot more difficult than ever before. However, there are still environments that allow for that unique feeling of connectedness to the outdoors in a modern world. One of those places, is Gabriola Island, otherwise known, as the Isle of the Arts. A small island that’s a 15-minute ferry ride distance from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island hosts a deeply embedded arts community that thrives on this wild coastline. An artists haven, Gabriola […]

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