Uncategorised Archives - Tourism Nanaimo

Category: Uncategorised

Locals Know Nanaimo

July 31, 2018

Aaramë from the Nanaimo Art Gallery What is there to do on a rainy day in Nanaimo? Brave the rain and explore nature I’ve lived on the BC coast my whole life, so I’m not afraid of the rain. If it’s a big winter storm, it’s fun to go up to Bowen Park and see how high the river has come up or to go for a walk around Westwood Lake or Morell Nature Sanctuary. I love to bring my camera as there is always something interesting growing in the forest. The trees also usually provide a bit of shelter from […]

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The Nanaimo Summertime Blues Festival

July 25, 2018

August 23-26, 2018 The Nanaimo Summertime Blues Festival returns to the harbour city August 23 – 26. Highlighting a long list of top musicians from across Vancouver Island – many of whom are international stars in their own right – this incredible event will showcase some of the very best in Blues. To learn more about this rockin’ festival, we contacted Gerold Haukenfrers from the Nanaimo Blues Society to ask some questions. Here is what we found out: About the Blues We asked Gerold, “what about the blues is so awesome?” This is what he had to say: “Blues music […]

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Nanaimo Festival & Events 2018

July 18, 2018

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

Bathtub Weekend 2018

July 16, 2018

July 20th-22nd 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 this now world famous festival and race. This year’s Bathtub Festival — a part of the larger, month-long Marine Festival — takes place at Maffeo Sutton Park & Sway-a-Lana Lagoon on the weekend of July 20th to 22nd. The Scoop, Or “Bail Bucket” if You Prefer With a mix of […]

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Commercial Street Summer Night Markets 2018

July 12, 2018

June 21 – August 30   Taking place over eleven consecutive weeks, from June 21st to August 30th, The Commercial Street Night Market makes for an amazing downtown Nanaimo experience. Between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday evenings, Commercial Street, the city’s ‘main street’, will be closed to vehicle traffic to allow pedestrians to enjoy 100+ vendors, local merchants, booths, exhibits, and tents. Food trucks will be parked along the street for a tasty and convenient bite. Many permanent downtown businesses, sidewalk cafes, art stores, and clothing shops, etc., will be joining in on the fun by extending their hours until […]

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Art 360°: Nicholas May’s Top Spots in Nanaimo

October 13, 2017

We’ve been thrilled with just how many folks have been sharing their #Nanaimo360 with us, whether it’s through photography or stories. And we wanted to know what would happen if we asked an artist to share their Nanaimo 360 through their medium. Nicholas May, an extremely talented local artist, stepped up to the plate with his stunningly detailed pen and ink illustration. Below you’ll also find the inspiration behind Nick’s work. Enjoy! Ammonite Falls I moved away from Nanaimo at the start of high school. After high school, I went through what I refer to as my most formative years. […]

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Family Fun in Nanaimo

June 18, 2017

Nanaimo is a family friendly community with over 200 + parks and trails to explore, vibrant cultural attractions to discover and many “one of a kind” activities to try! Get your PLAY on at Maffeo Sutton Park ~ wooden climbing structures, rope ladders, slides, and swings in the huge playground are separated into sections named after local Gulf Islands, including Galiano, Gabriola, and Newcastle. Children can burn energy while parents set up snacks ate nearby picnic tables. In the summer, this is a prime viewing area for free concerts in the bandshell and a host of child-friendly waterfront events like […]

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Nanaimo Adventure 360° Team

June 9, 2017

Yesterday Tourism Nanaimo officially launched the Adventure 360° Team on Facebook Live. If you haven’t yet seen the video, go check it out!   In the spirit of giving you a bit more face time with the folks behind the team, we sat down with them to talk about their creative spirits, what they love about Nanaimo, and what you can expect from them this summer.   How did MADE Creative come to be? Over the last couple of years, a group of us had been floating our own ideas about an agency. A couple of us got together, and […]

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Meet the Man Behind McLean’s Specialty Foods

May 11, 2017

  A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Eric McLean of the local cheese, meat, and gourmet foods institution that is McLean’s Specialty Foods. Between hellos and how are yous and eager requests for specific cheeses, Eric told us the store’s origin story, about the beauty of bucatini pasta—the slight give of the hollow pasta before you hit the air—and the pub visit that gave the Old City Quarter its name.   Prior to becoming the local cheese expert we know him to be, Eric worked for large food brands in both Vancouver and […]

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