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An artist haven on a wild coastline

May 9, 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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Crafting A Farm Fresh Nanaimo With These Creative Locals

April 26, 2019

Written by Jordan Dyck (Follow along with her travels over @joordanrenee on Instagram). An escape from city life for some, a place to call home for others. A city that borders lush rain forests, crashing coastlines, bountiful farmland, and even a slight urban sprawl, Nanaimo wears many faces to those who experience it. On first glimpse off the ferry, you may see similar big-box retailers to those on the mainland. You may be tempted to stop by that drive through on your way to another island destination, but you’d be missing some of the most delicious, most unique, creative businesses […]

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Festival Nanaimo Celebrations

March 5, 2019

The Signs of Seasonal Change in Nanaimo The days are getting longer bringing with them better weather and the sights and sounds of seasonal change. New spring bulbs and floral buds are breaking free every day. As seedlings start to push through sun-touched soils and new growth paints the landscape in various hues of green, we receive a sense of vitality that comes with rebirth/new life – and what better way to revel in this uplifting and refreshing energy than through the act of celebration. What is Festival Nanaimo? Stradling the spring equinox (20th March 2019), Festival Nanaimo is a […]

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The Grand Whiskey Bar

March 5, 2019

Nearly every man, woman, and child across this great nation knows Nanaimo for the sweet n’ chewy dessert that bears its name, but what if we told you that this great city had another bar worthy of a little recognition? While not a dessert, the Whiskey Bar at the Grand Hotel, Nanaimo is surely something worth buzzing about. Home to “the only fully-fledged bar of its kind on the Island,” says Manager Susie Sirri, this unique establishment offers over 75 different bottles of the much-beloved drink. From traditional single malt Scotch to more intricate blends and exotics from places like […]

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A Winter Travel Guide to Nanaimo, BC

January 28, 2019

Exploring Nanaimo with Julia Crawford I’ve always been drawn to British Columbia’s coastal communities. They tend to capture my imagination, from the quaint and slightly dilapidated buildings that have weathered decades of moisture in the salty sea air to the eccentric characters—whether real or historic—that hold a million stories you will never get to hear. In the summer, these coastal communities promise secret beaches and warm, shallow waters. But in the winter, the mild climate means you can walk through a still-green forest surrounded by the heady scent of fir and pine. While I’m familiar with many of the towns […]

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Gabriola: A Day Exploring The Isle Of Arts

November 13, 2018

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). […]

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Swimming with the Fishes

October 22, 2018

As we arrived and entered the facility, we were greeted by the smell of smoked and candied salmon, and the sounds of whirring machinery. Dozens of workers were stationed at various points along a production line, with piles of fish at one end, and hundreds of sealed cans at the other; it was mesmerizing watching the cans make their journey along the complex processing line, being filled, sealed, and labelled as they were transported up the walls, over the walkways, and to their destination on large transporting carts. We were then guided to the smokehouse, where we were shown racks […]

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Nanaimo Grape Escape – Vancouver Island’s Wine Festival

October 15, 2018

Can you tell us about the wine festival? Nanaimo Grape Escape is taking place at The Grand Hotel Nanaimo on Friday October 26 from 7pm-10pm. The Nanaimo Wine Festival has been around for over 20 years, but this year we have a whole new venue and event. There will be 200 different wines to sample and Chef Ian Ter Veer is preparing the food. You can experience live music, while sampling wines from around the world. What can visitors expect? The opportunity to sample 200 different wines from around the world, including wines local to British Columbia. This event also […]

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Paddles & Pods: A Day Out On The Water

October 11, 2018

On a bright August morning, six of us set out from the Nanaimo harbor in 3-double kayaks, guided by JD Girard of Brackish Adventures. Our skilled teacher and guide lead the way towards Saysutshun, previously known as Newcastle Island. As we maneuvered through the sailboats moored in the channel, their residents waved, returning to their morning coffee soon afterwards. We were directed to a sheltered cove on Saysutshun, where we could survey the whole channel and harbor. Taking a moment to just lower my camera and admire the view of the Nanaimo shoreline, I was filled with a sense of […]

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The Thanksgiving Weekend Studio Tour – Gabriola Island, Nanaimo, BC

October 1, 2018

Link: The 2018 Gabriola Island Thanksgiving Weekend Studio Tour Date: October 6-8, 2018 Location: Gabriola Island Come autumn, the forest lights up in all the shades of yellow, orange, and red. The landscape becomes like a painting, the moody fall weather rolling in over the hills, the forests enshrouded by mist, and the water dark and foreboding. Its powerful images like these that inspire many of the amazing works of art found up and down the coast. Locals and visitors alike know that there is no shortage of artistic talent throughout Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands. And just a […]

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