Special Features - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo

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Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2012 3

This unique, Marine Provincial Park offers moorage, camping, picnic day use shelters, extensive hiking trails and a concession. The island also features a large pavilion hall and has catering services available for

your next special event.

admin@newcastleisland.cawww.newcastleisland.cawww.newcastleisland.ca

Don’t limit yourself to the itemswe’ve listed in the pages that fol-low when looking for activities

in and around Nanaimo.The list is just some of the highlights –

a partial list, really.This city of roughly 90,000 people has

a spectacular waterfront and wildernessall around.

Regardless of what you’re into, we’vegot it, and probably close by.

Nanaimo is a fabulous, fun city. Wecould probably list 1,001 things to see and do here.

So if you don’t see your favourite activ-ity among this list, just let us know, we’ll see if we can’t feature it next year’s edi-tion.

Mitch Wright, News Bulletin managing editor

THERE’S TONS OF THINGS TOSEE AND DO

101 Things to see and do in Nanaimo is an annual publica-tion of the Nanaimo News Bul-letin. Contributors: Chris Bush,Melissa Fryer, Toby Gorman, BethHendry-Yim, Bruce Mason, JennMcGarrigle, Greg Sakaki, Mitch Wright.

Look inside for these feature storiesLook inside for these feature stories

Page 4Page 4

Page 5Page 5

The Bastion

Dive in

Page 7Page 7 Catch a game

Page 8Page 8

Page 16Page 16

Page 10Page 10

Tragedy onthe mountain

E&N Trail

Plenty of hiking

Page 17Page 17 ’Cue up for firstsummer cook-off

Page 23Page 23 Parkway Trail

Page 24Page 24 Stroll our parks

Page 26Page 26 Your favourites

Page 25Page 25 Nanaimo at night

Page 33Page 33 Getting to the heart of Gabriola

Page 29Page 29 How abouta bath?


It’s not new, but it is improved. It’s not bigger, but it’s definitely better.fi

Nanaimo’s iconic Bastion under-went a major transformation last

year, including removing its cone-shaped roof and replacing interior timbers.

The project cost about $308,000, butthe Bastion is standing tall and straight – it had a three-degree list to it.

Crews managed to save 90 per cent of the original beams during the restoration. Other upgrades included an improved sprinkler system to guard against fires.fi

A fresh coat of paint was also applied

1instead of a lime whitewash to maintainhistorical accuracy and improve the wood’s ability to breathe.

The entire restoration process wasdocumented through digital video andphotography.

The Bastion was originally built in 1853by the Hudson’s Bay Company and is the last of the original free-standing HBCbastions. It was also the company’s only foray into the coal industry.

Though the three-storey, octagon-shaped building once served as a guard-ian for Nanaimo, its interior cannons

were never fi red in an act of aggression, fithough they often fired to welcomefivisitors who arrived by boat. They were capable of sending a six-pound shot overNewcastle Channel to Protection Island.

The structure has been moved three times from its original position overlook-ing the harbour and a smattering of 19th century homes and businesses.

Taking a tour inside the Bastion feels like a walk back in history. Operated as an exhibit by the Nanaimo Museum, it is open for tours during the summer season daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The BastionThThe Baastion

2151 Bowen Road (at Northfi eld) Nanaimo, 250-758-7219


Photo courtesy Aaron Bell www.undersea.ca

2The big draw in recent yearsis Nanaimo’s three artificial reefs – the HMCS Cape Breton and HMCS Saskatchewan near Snake Island and the Rivtow

Lion in Departure Bay. But Nanaimo and the Island as a whole is a major dive des-tination for more reasons than just the artificial reefs.

The waters around Nanaimo are home to hundreds of different species of brilliantly coloured starfish, anenomes and nudi-branchs. Different kinds of seaweed andkelps carpet the ocean floor and an array of animals greet lucky divers – from octo-puses to rockfish to wolf eels, which areelongated fish that can grow to two metreslong or bigger.

Seals can be spotted – and sometimes curious ones come right up to you – as divers descend or ascend the rock wall at

Snake Island.There are als222which elimina222locals to hire o222People come222Middle East, S222States and Can222There’s also 222divers. After al222backyard makak222sible. It’s quieet222and troubles o222

watch the abundant marine flora and undant marine flora andfauna move about and interact.

For those who don’t want to scuba dive or who want to bring the family on a marine adventure, Sundown Diving takespeople snorkelling with the seals at SnakeIsland.

For local knowledge, call a dive shop or visit www.bcdiveguide.com.

Dive in

WILD PLAY ADVENTUREPARK – What gets yourKadrenaline pumping? Maybea leap off of North America’sff

only legal bungy bridge toward the roaring Nanaimo River? How abouta two-hour treetop adventure at Wild Play, where adventurists challengethemselves nine metres off the forestfffl oor on an aerial obstacle course.flCall 1-888-668-7874 or visit www.wildplayparks.com.

BOOKFEST – Vancouver Is-land Children’s Book Festivalcelebrates its 26th anniver-sary May 5 with a move to

downtown Nanaimo and Diana Krall Plaza. Th e fun-fiTh lled day featuresfiauthors, illustrators and storytellersentertaining kids from five to 12. Gofifito www.bookfest.ca for more informa-tion.

DINING – Nanaimo has a wide variety of culinary op-tions. From Indian or Thai Thfood, sushi, Mediterranean

or traditional burgers or wings, there are plenty of opportunities. Check outlistings at www.tourismnanaimo.com.

HIT THE DIRT – The Marie ThDavidson BMX Park has its ups and downs, and that’s a good thing when it comes to

BMX racing. The Nanaimo BMX As-Thsociation’s track at Beban Park hostedworld championship races, yet anyoneon two wheels is allowed to use the facility. Regular races go Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings all spring and summer. For more infor-mation, visit www.nanaimobmx.com.

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Catch a game

At Nanaimo’s sports venues,every seat is a good one. Whether it be at the arena, the gym, the field or thefiballpark, spectators can get up close to fast-paced action.

Nanaimo’s biggest rink is Frank CraneArena at Beban Park. The Nanaimo Clip-pers of the B.C. Hockey League call the 3,000-seat arena home, and the Nanaimo Timbermen lacrosse teams of the senior A Western Lacrosse Association and theB.C. Junior A Lacrosse League play there

in the summers.The Nanaimo Ice Centre,

meanwhile, is home to the Nanaimo DBL Timbermen senior B lacrosse team in the summer and the North Is-land Silvertips major midget hockey team in the winter. There is a bid process under-

way for a Nanaimo Buccaneers junior B hockey team to also play out of the NIC.

The twin-sheet ice centre is part of Nanaimo’s Larry McNabb Sports Zoneon Third Street. The concentration of sports venues there also includes theNanaimo Aquatic Centre, the Rotary Bowl track and fi eld stadium, SerauxmenfiStadium for baseball and the Seraux-men Sports Fields for soccer and minor baseball.

Serauxmen Stadium, an enclosedballpark, houses the Nanaimo Pirates of the B.C. Premier Baseball League, theVancouver Island Baseball Institute Mari-ners of the Canadian College Baseball Conference and the Nanaimo Coal Min-ers senior men’s team.

The city’s biggest football games take place closer to downtown at CaledoniaPark. The Vancouver Island Raiders of the Canadian Junior Football League are nearly unbeatable in their home park.

More football is played in Nanaimo’s north end at May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park, home to the Nanaimo Red-men of the Vancouver Mainland Football League. Pioneer Park is also home fieldfifor the Nanaimo Senior Men’s FastballLeague and the Nanaimo Hornets of the

B.C. Rugby Union.Another north-end park is the McGirr

Sports Fields, where the city’s slo-pitchleagues play.

The city’s biggest park, Beban Park, has an artifi cal turf pitch called Merle Logan fiField where the Nanaimo United soccer club plays its home games. Beban Pool, Beban Park Golf Centre, Cliff McNabbArena, Frank Crane Arena, the Marie Da-vidson BMX Park, the Vancouver Island

Exhibition equestrian grounds and tennis courts are other attractions at Beban.

Nearby Bowen Park is home to the outdoor Kin Pool, the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club, tennis courts, beach vol-leyball courts and a disc golf course.

An excellent fan atmosphere can often be found up the hill at the Vancouver Island University gymnasium, where theVIU Mariners basketball and volleyballteams playaa .yy

City’s sports venues put fans close to actionBY GREG SAKAKI

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At 6:48 p.m. October 17, 1951, Queen Charlotte Airlines (QCA) received a routinecall from Captain Doug McQueen of Flight102-17 estimating his position at 30 kilo-metres west of Vancouver.

Filled to capacity, the twin engine Canso carried 20 passengers and three crew mem-bers on what should have been a routine four-hour flight from Kitimat. fl

It was anything but.At 6:58 the plane slammed into the

side of Mount Benson, killing everyoneon board and scattering debris over 500 metres. It was and is the worst plane crashin B.C.’s history.

McQueen was the type of pilot more athome in the air then on the ground. He flew like a bush pilot, eschewing instru-flments and relying on eyeball and feel,punching through holes in thick cloud,veering around mountains, taking off in high winds and landing on a dime. If you were desperate to get someplace, he’d getyou there; if you were sightseeing, reckonyyon a few more grey hairs.

Although he was deaf in one ear and hisflight training was incomplete, QCA opera-fltions liked McQueen for his enthusiasm and ability to produce, owner Jim Spilsbury recounts, “He got the loads when other guys couldn’t.”

On the afternoon of the 17th he waseager to get the Canso in the air. CentralBC Airways was grounded due to the 60-75 km/h winds and McQueen wanted to prove that the Canso was a better plane than the planes Central Airways were fl ying.flfl

Already behind schedule he was also

down a co-pilot and couldn’t fly without flflsomeone in the seat next to him. McQueengrabbed Jaginder Johl, a baggage handler working for QCA, and they set off only 17 minutes behind.

By the time they reached Sullivan Bay, approximately 500 kilometres down thecoast, a battering by wind and rain set them back 49 minutes and night was falling fast.McQueen could have landed in Alert Bay or Port Hardy but bad weather made land-ing there tricky so he decided to continue fl ying, relying on memory and reckoning toflflget to Vancouver.

That was only one of the mistakes hemade. His next was failing to request Instrumental Flying Rules. He had his

reasons, the most relevant was political, theDepartment of Transport wasn’t recogniz-ing the Canso as an IFR-certifiable aircraft. fiSo even though night had fallen and horizontal visibility was down to 2000 feet, McQueen continued with Visual FlyingRules keeping an eye on the ground at all times and according to protocol, fl ying atflflleast 500 feet under the clouds.

As they passed Comox, the clouds hadsunk to 1000 feet with McQueen carefully tracking the ground and ocean by sight.Once again he could have landed but with fog settling over the airfield he opted forfiheading on to Vancouver.

The weather was brutal, pushing themoff course toward the west and the Island.McQueen’s eyes strained to keep a visual and when he saw lights spread out below him that he assumed were Vancouver, relief must have been palpable.

It was short-lived.

Tragedy on the mountainBY BETH HENDRY-YIM

Photograph of four boys with the plane’s wing, taken by June Stefanek, 1951, fromthe Nanaimo and Area Land Trust’s image archives.


No one in Nanaimo minded the pound-ing wind and rain that night. Sitting aroundkitchen tables fi nishing up with dinner, filistening as raindrops hit the windows androof many jokingly swore off ever com-plaining about the wet again.

Only a few weeks earlier the heat from a long summer set the tinder dry forest of Mount Benson aflame. Homes in Extension flreadied for evacuation and flames threat-flened the city’s water supply.

More than 890 men: army, young men conscripted from pubs and bars, loggers and townsfolk pitched in to fi ght the blaze.fiIt took a week to subdue. People watched the mountain burn from the roofs of their cars praying their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers were safe. When the rains didcome a week later the city breathed a collec-tive sigh of relief.

But the mountain wasn’t fi nished wreak-fiing havoc on the Island community.

At 6:45 Frank Murphy saw the Canso flying over his Pleasant Valley home. Itflflwas fl ying at low altitude and moving fast.flflBuilt in 1941 the plane was one of 4,050 produced in the United States for conduct-ing air search and rescue missions in the Second World War. Murphy recognized therumble of its twin engines as he watched itdisappear into the gloom.

At 6:55 Keith Price, on duty at the JinglePot substation, spotted the Canso circletwice, barely missing the 132,000-volt lines,before the running lights were enveloped by fog. Later, at the inquest he said the plane had its throttle fully open and gained about

50 metres of altitude before the blast. Both men saw the explosion, a blue flashfl

followed by flickering orange, but Price saw flthe impact before he heard the screamingof metal ripping through trees and smash-ing into rock.

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It took RCMP Const. Bruce McMillanof the Nanaimo R.C.M.P and volunteers almost three hours to climb the 2.5 kilome-tres from Kilpatrick to the wreck.

Brian Loughnan a reporter for the TimesColonist was with the initial party, climbing“through a nightmare jungle of salal bushes and jagged rocks.” He described the scene that greeted them.

“The rocks of the last cliff below thewreck were rainbow-colored by spatteredoil, and pieces of metal, crumpled liketinfoil, were strewn in the bushes.

On the ledge below the rock cliff wherethe Canso struck was one huge wing shot through with rips, standing on edge.Twisted propellers, heavy struts snapped and warped, unrecognizable pieces of ma-chinery and ripped metal covered almostevery foot of the ledge.

Six twisted bodies lay in the utter still-ness of death near the front of the charredremains. They looked hardly human.

Searchers, looking hard at the piled wreckage gradually recognized the burned shape of an arm; a dead man staring at thescudding rain clouds.

The main mass of the plane, where the fuselage had been, was a heap of ash. Itlooked as if a great pile of dead leaves hadbeen burned, leaving only soft particles.

A big rock cracked by the terrific force of fithe exploding plane and sprayed by burning gasoline, still smoked steadily and scorchedthe boots of searchers.”

A hand reaching through a piece of fuselage was that of a woman. Another wasa man left with only one logging boot on. McQueen was thrown clear and died not from impact but from shock and loss of blood. A ring on his fi nger allowed easy fiidentification of his body, but his co-pilot fiwas charred beyond recognition.

In an inquest held fi ve days after the ficrash, Dr. Meneeley, who conducted theautopsies, testified to the diffifi culty in fiidentifying most of the bodies. A good luck charm, a recent bill, scraps of clothing, dental records, estimated height and weight,identifying features and wrist watches helped, but several of the bodies, labeled with numbers, were never given a name and with no one stepping forward to claimthe bodies they were eventually buried in amass grave.

The verdict rendered after 10 minutes of deliberation by a jury of six, five of whom fiwere former air force members, concludedthat there was “no evidence to enable usother than to render an open verdict”. Ac-cording to Coroner Jones, “the dead can tell no tales,” and the jury were obviously not making any conjectures or assumptions.

The ruling provided little consolation for

the families of the dead like Eva Ferguson of Parksville and her four children aged1-4. Her husband, 31-year-old J.B. had only been working in Kitimat for two weeks and wasn’t even expected home.

Neither did it provide much comfort for Grace Graham of Nanaimo, whose seven-week-old daughter would never meet her

father, 29-year-old Gordon. All she had were memories of happier times and a bro-ken, charred watch. The watch, one of six found at the wreckage, had helped identify Graham’s body, now it served as the only link to her loved one and an eerie reminder of the time of the crash.

All six watches stopped at 6:58.

If hiking is your favourite form of exercise, you don’t have to gofurther than Nanaimo to appreci-ate everything from a crushed

gravel trail to a six-hour trek up and down a mountain. From seaside to forest, every levelof hiker can fi nd somethingfisatisfying in Nanaimo.

Hikes include:Mt. Benson – If Nanaimo’s

waterfront is one jewel in thecity, No. 2 has got to be Mt.Benson, providing outdoor enthusi-asts with an opportunity to take to thewoods only minutes from their door-

step. Accessible from Witchcraft Lake onBenson View Road or up through thehills above Westwood Lake, the nearly six-hour hike (including a few strenu-ous portions) round-trip takes youthrough old growth timber, waterfalls and streams, previously logged areas

and views galore along the way. Benson’sview from the summit is spectacular, encompassing Cedar to Texada Island along the water, the entire NanaimoRiver valley and the mountain peaks beyond.

Morrell Sanctuary – Eleven kilome-tres of dirt roads and trails lead throughthis 111-hectare Nature Trust of B.C.park, providing hikers with platformviews, occasional wildlife and the op-portunity to push through to WestwoodLake Park, the Westwood Ridges and beyond.

Westwood Lake – A 6.2-kilometrebark mulch trail around Westwood Lake provides an enjoyable hike with equally enjoyable water views.

Westwood Ridges – Situated be-tween Westwood Lake and theslopes of Mt. Benson, the West-wood Ridges offer eye-openingviews. The trail, while wooded, is not overly strenuous, but doespresent the occasional challengewith footing.

Ammonite Falls – Tumblingdown the northwest slope of

Mt. Benson and draining into Brannen Lake, Benson Creek creates the dramaticAmmonite waterfalls. Part of a regional

park, Ammonite is a series of three dropsrushing through a heavy forest that can be reached either off of Jameson Road near Jingle Pot Road or theDoumont Road trails.

For anyone searching for a little outdoors in a more leisurely fashion,Nanaimo offers parksincluding Cottle Lake(Linley Valley), Neck Point, Piper’s Lagoon,

Buttertubs Marsh, Colliery Dam, Bo-wen, Biggs, Cable Bay, Beach Estates andNewcastle Island.

Even a hike on the paved routes including the Parkway Trail, NanaimoHarbourfront Walkway or E&N Trailcan be a nice outing.

Hikes offer spectacular viewpoints

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Gather friends, family & co-workers, come up with an idea for a “silly” boat, then... Build your boat on site out ofrecycled or recyclable materials. Sounds like fun? It is!!Funds raised support children with developmental needs

in our community!www.sillyboat.com (250) 753-0251 Ext. 227y

10,000 People! One Place! One Purpose!


WE BUY GOLD & SILVER

OPEN MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 9:30 - 5:30 P.M.

SCRAP GOLD & SILVERWe pay Cash for all items of gold,silver & platinum, regardless of ageor condition.

GOLD SCRAPWe purchase for cash all items of karat Gold, 9K to 24K, rings, watches, chains, dental gold... used or new... based on their gold weight value. We pay Cash!!!

GOLD COINSWe buy all gold coins.Prices based on coincondition and gold valueInquiries invited.No obligations.

SILVER COINSWe buy all silver coins. Prices based on coin condition and silver value.Inquiries invited.No obligations.

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We’ll Buy All Quantities of GoldAny Condition • Broken or Not


CEMETERY TOURS – A greatway to learn about Nanaimo’shistory. Guided cemetery tours take place in July and August

with stories about our earliest residents.Contact the Nanaimo Museum at 250-753-1821 for details.

FITNESS GYMS – Th eThNanaimo Aquatic Centre gym and Beban Park gym offer state-of-the artffff

fi tness equipment, including rowingfimachines, treadmills, stair climbers anduniversal gyms. Call 250-756-5200.

BOWLING – A great activ-ity for rainy days. BrechinLanes at 1870 East Welling-ton Rd. off ers fiffff ve-pin bowl-fifi

ing with automatic lanes and scoring,and bumpers for the kids. Call 250-753-2341. Splitsville at 171 Calder Rd. offersffff10-pin fun, call 250-754-2442.

SOS POKER DIVE – Sink or Swim Scuba’s sixthannual Great Nanaimo

Poker Dive takes place June 10 at Neck Point Park. The event, which raises Thmoney for the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, features a cashjackpot, great prizes and a barbecue. Call 250-758-7946 or go to www.soss-cuba.ca.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF –Fresh seafood taken rightout of the ocean can be found at the Boat Basin

below Front Street.

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1313SKATE-BOARD-ING –Th eThNanaimoSkate Bowl

can be found on the corner of Comox Road and Wall Street while the Pioneer Skatepark canbe found behind Canadian Tire in the north end.

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- just had a baby?- just opened a business?

Phone Welcome Wagon for a

personal visit and a FREE package.

[email protected]

CONSTRUCTION ZONE

Now renovating a spacious new facility...

See you mid-summer.

• Come See • Come Learn • Come Experience History

100 Cameron Rd. @ Piper Park (former location of the Nanaimo Museum)

The Vancouver IslandMilitary Museum

250-753-3814


FESTIVAL OF BANNERS – Now in its 25th year, runs May 1 to Th anksgiving. ThArtists create banners on

a common theme and they are dis-played on street lamps throughout the city. It’s a symphony of colours that canbe seen right through the fall seasonbefore being sold. Proceeds go to char-ity. 250-740-6350 or www.nanaimogal-lery.ca.

BEBAN PARK POOL– Th is pirate-themed Thpool features a 61-metrewaterslide, leisure pool

and a unique pirate ship interactive play feature. The facility also has a 25-metreThpool, weight room, hot tub and steam room. A great place to cool off or keep ffin shape. Call 250-756-5200 or visitwww.nanaimo.ca.

DISC GOLF – An 18-hole Fdisc golf course is located in Bowen Park. Borrow discs from the adminis-

tration offi ce Monday to Friday 8:30 ffia.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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HORSESHOES – A great way tospend an aft ernoon. Six public ftpitches are maintained at Bowen Park near the tennis courts.

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Nanaimo Dinner/Dance & Auction

Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, B.C.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2012

5:30 pm Reception & Silent Auction7:00 pm Dinner, 8:30 pm Live Auction

Tickets $60.00 per personFor information or tickets please contact:

Mel Sheng 250.390.0815 / Gone Fishin’ 250.758.7726 (600-2980 N. Island Hwy)

Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfi tters 250.729.2668 (4900 Wellington Road)

Family camping at its best!

50 acres of shady or sunny sites. Flush toilets, coin operated laundry room, hot showers,

BBQ shelters, playgrounds, large sandy beach, boat launch with dock, safe swimming area, pancake breakfasts, family dances and

included tractor pulled hay ride tours.

Close to: Mountain Bike Trails Motocross Track Shopping & Restaurants Ferries

Take exit 24 (Mostar Road/Jingle Pot Rd)off Hwy 19. Turn right onto Biggs Road.We are approximately 2 kms down the road.

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4220 Biggs Road, Nanaimo www.brannenlake.com1-866-756-0404 [email protected]

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NANAIMO MODEL RAIL-ROAD SHOW – Hobbyistsfrom across the Island andLower Mainland arrive

at Beban Park April 15 to share their passion. Experienced and newcomers welcome.

20TH ANNUAL IS-LAND FANTASY BALL – Watch the exhilarating event as it celebrates 20

years of competion and entertainment May 5-6. International ballroom dance competition at its fi nest, with competi-fitors from age six to 60, and dancing at levels from novice to expert at the Beban Park Social Centre.

ISLAND EQUINE AFFAIR– The event returns forits second year in a brandnew location at Arbutus

Meadows Equestrian Centre. Based on education and awareness, it features demonstrations, exhibitions, cliniciansand more. It benefi ts the Hope for Horses fiSociety, a non-profi t organization for fiabused and starving equines in need.www.hopeforhorsesbc.com.

FERRIES – Spend an af-ternoon aboard a vessel that’s part of the largest ferry fleet in the world. fl

B.C. Ferries has one of its largest hubsin Nanaimo, with major terminals atDeparture Bay and Duke Point, as well as the smaller Gabriola Island route.

FIRST NATIONS CUL-TURE – Learn about the first people on thefi

Island at the Nanaimo Museum or shop for aboriginal art at Art of Siem onFront Street or at Hill’s Native Art on Bastion Street.

CHECK OUT THELOTUS PINNATUS – It was adopted in 2010 asNanaimo’s official flfi oralfl

emblem. The rare fl ower, also known asflthe bog bird’s-foot trefoil, is located in only a handful of places in Canada – all in the Nanaimo area. The delicate bloom is best spotted at the Harewood Plains, located in south Nanaimo between WhiteRapids Road and McKeown Way.

YELLOW POINT DRAMA GROUP – Th e oldest Ththeatre group in westernCanada. Based at the

Cedar Community Hall, the groupoffers shows in the spring and fall. Con-fffftact 250-245-7882.

FLOATING BOAT ANDMARINE TRADE SHOW– The eighth annualThshow takes place June

1-3 at the Nanaimo Boat Basin. The Thevent features everything for boat enthusiasts. Call 250-754-5053 or visit www.vancouverislandboatshow.com.

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Skills Connect for Immigrants Program Job Op ons BC Program Immigrant Employment Centre Workplace Culture Workshops

DIVERSITY INITIATIVES

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society 101 319 Selby St Nanaimo BC (250) 753 6911 For more information, please call or visit our website.

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Proud to Serve Nanaimo


Park your four wheeler and get on your two-wheeler. With Nanaimo’s multi-use E&N Trail,pedal power gets you to major

shopping centres, Beban Park and lake-side views, quickly and safely.

Built in 1997, the trail was formed through a partnership between the City of Nanaimo and Rail America. Cur-rently, the eight-kilometre trail follows

the rail linefrom RosehillAvenue in south Nanaimo to EastWellington in the north, connect-ing waterfront, shopping andschools.

Nicely graded with few and smallslopes, the trail serves both pedestrian, cycle and wheelchair traffic and is onefiof the most utilized trails in Nanaimo.It’s well maintained and wide enough toaccommodate pedestrians walking their dogs and bike traffic without the need to fiveer off the trail.

A unique concept, the trail made his-

tory as the first municipal pathway paral-fileling an active railway. Richard Harding, parks, recreation and culture diretor, andthe driving force behind the trail, said safety was a priority with consultationsbetween stakeholders occurring regularly.

Though the trail also runs beside the highway, dips, curves and trees maintain

a sense of distance from the hustle and bustle of driving. People nod at each oth-er, dogs stop for quick visits, and regulars stay a moment to catch up. It’s a different feel on the trail, even though most people are trying to get somewhere by its very nature you’re forced to slow down.

At St. George Crescent, the trail veers onto Rosehill Avenue, dips into Caledo-nia Park, and then meanders along theMillstone River.

This is the best part of the trail. It’s a different perspective, with little to no traffic on Rosehill and trees to buffer finoise from the highway as you reach theriver.

A tidal estuary, the Millstone, in 1890,served as a logging hub, with Haslam’s Mill, the second largest employer inNanaimo at the time, a gasworks and atannery on its shores.

There is little today to remind us of that era. The river, reclaimed by seabirds and otter, has undergone a green transforma-tion with arbutus, fir and cedar takingfiover where buildings once stood. It’s afitting end to a commute by pedal power fithat takes only about 30 minutes.

E&N Trail offers in-city excursion

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Scrape the grill, pour on the char-coal and spark up the lighter fluid flbecause downtown Nanaimo is getting primed for city’s biggest

ever barbecue contest.There’ll be heaping helpings of pulled

pork, wicked wings, and no sparing theribs when barbecues start sizzling in CommercialStreet’s parking spacesJuly 14-15 for the Thrifty Foods Nanaimo Barbecue Festival’s BBQ Cook-off.

This is not just any big cook out. It’s a fundraiserfor the Nanaimo andDistrict Hospital Foundation and the only Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanc-tioned event in B.C.

The non-profit society, launched infi1985, celebrates, teaches, preserves andpromotes barbecuing as a culinary tech-

nique, a sport and, yes, even an art form. The barbecued ribs cook-off is the

main event, but daily people’s choiceawards competitions should help keep visitors’ stomachs from grumbling too loudly.

“The public can buy tickets and votefor their favourite chicken wings on the Saturday andpulled pork on the Sunday,” said Alison Donaghey, eventcoordinator.

There will also be a rib-eating contest.

Commercial Street hasspace for about 35 barbecue

entrants who will compete for $10,000in prizes, but wait there’s more.

The winning team gets a chance tocompete in the Super Bowl of barbecue championship competitions, the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invita-

tional Barbecue, hosted every October inLynchburg, Tenn.

While competition heats up on Com-mercial Street, Diana Krall Plaza will beturned into a family fun zone featuring activities and live music entertainment.

Dan Zapotichny, Thrifty FoodsLongwood Station store manager, saidthe competition is the kind of com-munity event Thrifty Foods, which will be the supplier of meats and barbecue condiments, is always on the lookout for because it offers the company another opportunity to get behind a good cause and support the community.

“The Kansas City Barbecue Society is the biggest around,” Zapotichny said. “Their judges are actually coming up and we’re going to be the only event sanctioned in British Columbia by these folks. It’s our first kick at the cat fiwith this and it’s going to be a learning curve for all of us, but they’ll be giving us guidance from now until the eventhappens.”

For more information or to get involved, please visit the Thrifty FoodsNanaimo Barbecue Festival website at http://nanaimobbqfest.com.

’cue up for first summer cook-off

BY CHRIS BUSH

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Beban Park, Nanaimo

• Hourly Door Prize• Grand Door Prize - Nintendo Wii

• $4.00 Admission

Phone: 250-390-3995

Unique & One of a Kind Gifts


ISLAND CHASE 2012– Canada Day long weekend this year (June 30 to July 2). Hosted

by Nanaimo’s English Entertainment, this adventure combines the thrill of acar rally with the strategy of a scaven-ger hunt, all for a grand prize of $5,000 cash. The fiTh rst annual event begins at fiCountry Club Centre and takes partici-pants from Campbell River to Victoria. For details visit www.islandchase.ca.

HARBOURFRONTWALKWAY – What’sa waterfront city if you can’t stroll along

the shore? The walkway leads fromCameron Island all the way to the B.C.Ferries terminal at Departure Bay and is a popular attraction. Along the way, strollers get a look at the downtown Boat Basin and can stop in for coffee or ice cream, or browse the shops.

PORT THEATRE –Nanaimo’s 800-seat performing arts centre islocated at 150 Front St.,

with more than 250 scheduled events each year. Call 250-754-8550 or visitwww.porttheatre.com.

NANAIMO RIVERSALMON HATCHERY –October to Decemberis the best time to visit

the hatchery but juvenile salmon intheir outdoor channels can be seen untilMay. The public is welcome to use theThwalking trails. Turn on Beck Road just north of the Haslam Creek Bridge thengo left on Rugby Road. 250-245-7780 orftwww.nanaimoriverhatchery.ca.

SPRING ART FEATURE– The Spring Show-Thcase is a display of art from Nanaimo and

area painters, photographers, potters, sculptors and others. The show can beThviewed during April at the NanaimoArts Council gallery in Nanaimo North Town Centre.

DEPARTURE BAY BEACH – Grab a snack and watch the ferries come and go, check out

the Snuneymuxw First Nation portal, have a picnic or go for a swim at one of Nanaimo’s most popular areas.

BINGO – Get out yourdabbers and head for Playtime Bingo at 495 Dunsmuir St. (call 250-

754-3077 or go to www.playtimegam-ing.ca) or , or Harbour City Bingo at 520 Fift h St. (call 250-754-1421).ftft

NANAIMO MUSEUM –Nanaimo’s history wasgiven new life with theconstruction of this

facility in the Vancouver Island Confer-ence Centre. Open Monday to Satur-day. Call 250-753-1821 or go to www.nanaimomuseum.ca.

MCNAB’S CORN MAZE- Quickly becoming a fallstaple for a fun family activity in Nanaimo. Lo-

cated at 4659 Yellow Point Rd., the maze usually starts up around mid-August. For more information visit http://www.mcnabscornmaze.com.

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We specialize in West Coast Art!Campus Gallery900 Fifth Street250-740-6350

Thought Provoking Local & National Exhibitions

Workshops for Children and Adults

Festival of Banners

Art Sales & Rental Program

Gift Shops full of Elegant & Eclectic Gifts

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Downtown Gallery150 Commercial Street

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VANCOUVER ISLANDMILITARY MUSEUM– Memorials, medal displays, books and

military records can all be found at theVancouver Island Military Museum, located in Piper Park in downtown Nanaimo. Th e city has an important Thmilitary past and it can all be learned and viewed at the museum.

NANAIMO AQUATICCENTRE – Stay in shapeor just cool down, the

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre has it all – a 52-metre pool, three water slides, a lei-sure pool, wave pool, steam room, hottub, lazy river, spacious weight roomand restaurant.

TENNIS – Tennis, anyone? Beban and Bowen parks both feature six public tennis courts that operate

on a fi rst-come, fifi rst-served basis. Bo-fiwen also has three nighttime token-op-erated courts. Tokens cost $8 per hourfrom the Bowen or Beban Park offi ces ffior the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

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CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS – July 1 at Maffeo Sutton Park. Nanaimo cel-ffffebrates Canada and its diversity with all kinds of music, food, entertainment and family events. Call 250-756-5200 or visit www.nanaimo.ca.3838

JUNE 1 - 3, 2012 • Nanaimo Boat Basin

Follow us on Face Bookfacebook.com/NanLoavesFishes

Your donations mean we have food for the 900 to 1200 Adults and 300-600 Children who

come to us each week.

Donate online atwww.nanaimoloavesandfi shes.org

1009 Farquhar Street, Nanaimo250-754-8347

Italian Grill & Greek BistroALEXANDRA’SALEXANDRA’S

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Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2012 Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2012 21

coal mine exhibitcoal mine exhibit unique gift shopunique gift shop

Discover award winning exhibits, engaging displays and unique gift shop.

Summer: Daily, 10 am - 5 pm Winter: Mon to Sat, 10 am - 5 pm

www.nanaimomuseum.ca

Eat in or Take-out, View online menu at:

www.thirstycamelcafe.ca or call: (250) 753-9313

Vegan & Vegetarian Middle Eastern Kitchen & Organic Hot Drinks

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reservations recommended

Gulf Islandsscheduled tours to the world famous

Let’s get you out on the water. Our tours showcase the best of the area.

1 800 870-9055www.NanaimoBoatAdventures.ca

#2 Empire Days - May 20-22

#53 Floating Boat Show – June 3-5

#39 Van Isle 360 Yacht Race – June 4

#75 Multicultural Festival – June 24/25

#20 Marine Festival – July 22-24

#26 CANstruction – Early September

For all the latest on these exciting Downtown Events, simply visit the corresponding # in 101 Things to Do...

www.dnbia.ca 250-754-8141

#1 The Bastion May 21 - Sept. 3

#84 Empire Days May 19-21

#26 Floating Boat Show June 1-3

#74 Multicultural Festival June 22 & 23

#66 Marine Festival Street Fair July 20 & 21 Race Day July 22

#71 Harvest Festival Sept. 15

#39 VI Military Museum Opens June!


WATER PARKS – Take the kids to chill out ona hot summer day atthe Kiwanis Bay Water

Park located near Departure Bay beach, the Haliburton Water Park near Prin-cess Royal School or Harewood Mining Community Water Park on Howard Avenue.

FARMERS’ MARKETS– A relaxing way tofi nd some of the Is-filand’s freshest produce,

food and craft s. Thft e Downtown Farm-Thers’ Market is open May 6 to early Oc-tober on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Th e Cedar Farmers’ Market, open fromThmid-May to October, can be foundat 2313 Yellow Point Rd. Th e newly Thcreated Bowen Road Farmers’ Marketwill take place from 4-7 p.m. late May to early October every Wednesday atBeban Park.

GOLF – Golf can be Fplayed in Nanaimo almost year round,and with seven local

courses, there is no shortage of options. The courses include Nanaimo Golf ThClub, Fairwinds, Gabriola, Cotton-wood, Pryde Vista, Eagle Quest andWinchelsea View. Beban Park featuresa pitch-and-putt course for those who want to work on their short game.

DINGHY DOCK PUB –Canada’s only floatingflpub is on Protection Is-land, a 10-minute ferry

ride from the Nanaimo Boat Basin. Chow down on pub fare and seafood.The Protection Connection ferry leaves Th10 minutes past the hour beginning at7:10 a.m. weekdays, 8:10 a.m. Saturdaysand 9:10 a.m. Sundays. A walk aroundProtection Island is a popular post-mealactivity.

READ A BOOK – Visit Kthe Vancouver IslandRegional Library, grab a book, kick back and

enjoy. The library also offTh ers summerffffreading programs for children. Forhours and information call 250-753-1154 (Harbourfront) or 250-758-5544 (Wellington).

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B.C. Lottery & Variety Lottery Tickets Available Here

Mon-Fr 9 - 9 Saturday 9 - 6 Sunday 10 - 5

1816 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, B.C.Westhill Centre

Ph. 250-740-3880 • Fax 250-740-3889

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Pawn Paintball

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753-3355www.nicolpawn.ca

Open 7 Days per week

Northwest Native Art Tools

Jewellery Musical Instruments

Electronics & Paintball SuppliesCollateral Loans

Need a scenic route for the com-mute to work? Want to meetwith friends for a walk in the woods? Then look no further

than the Parkway Trail.This 20-kilometre trail running from

Woodgrove Centre to Chase River is a Nanaimo gem and perfect for getting there and getting fit.fi

Weaving in and out of trees and up and down hillsand ravines, the trail followsthe Nanaimo Parkway fromone end of the city to the other.

It’s an impressive length of hard surfacetrail that connects Colliery Dam, Butter-tubs Marsh, Morrell Sanctuary, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Vancouver IslandUniversity.

Built in 1998, the trail was graded by the highways department and paved by the City of Nanaimo.

It’s well maintained with trail mark-ers, benches, parking lots conveniently located to access specific sections, and atfi

Northfi eld Road, a coveredfipicnic area with a spectacu-lar view of Mount Benson.

The trail, created as a direct result of interest by local citizens for more trailsand pathways, is multi-purpose, with most sections able to accommodate cycle, pedestrian and wheelchair

traffic.fiIf you want to try a short walk, park at

Northfield Road and the Parkway andfihead north. Within minutes you dipdown into the woods where birdcalls

quickly replace traffic sounds and thefioverarching trees create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Head south toward Jinglepot Road and in the winter you’ll pass several small waterfalls, cross the Millstone Creek and walk beside a well-established andproductive apple orchard. Turn left at the Third Street Connector and fi nish up fiwith a dip at the Aquatic Centre.

Although the City of Nanaimo requirespets to be on-leash and controlled alongthe trail, you can always start or end your walk at the south end of Colliery Damwhere dogs can run off-leash.

In the summer, you and your pet might even want to cool off at the upper dam where a small lake entices with its clean and refreshing water.

Of course, no matter where you begin or fi nish your walk along the Parkway fiTrail you are guaranteed an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty found in andaround Nanaimo.

For a trail map, contact NanaimoParks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200 or visit www.nanaimo.ca.

4747

BY BETH HENDRY-YIMParkway Trail runs city’s length


OpOpOpenenen TT Tooo ThThhTheee PuPuPuPuPublblblblblicicicicicwwwww.w.NaNananaimimoFoFisishahandndGaGaGaGaGaGamememmmme.c.comom

Fun for then for theWHOLE FAMILY

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AUGUST 17, 18 & 19• FREE Kids Zone • 4-H Petting Farm

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250.729.7551

LESSONS CATER TOALL AGES

PETROGLYPH PARK – A two-hectare Kprovincial park featuring prehistoricsandstone rock carvings depicting mystical animal and human figures.fiParking lot is off the Island Highway ffbetween Haliburton Street and High-view Terrace.

PIPER’S LAGOON PARK – A trail leads Kto a rocky headland between a shallow lagoon and an outer beach. It featuresseveral lookouts across the Georgia Strait and has several benches forwatching marine life or birds.

BEBAN PARK – Nanaimo’s premier rec-Kreation facility off ers swimming, skat-ffffing, tennis, playgrounds and multi-usetrails. Home to the Canadian national cyclocross championship in November, with hockey’s Nanaimo Junior A Clip-pers also calling Frank Crane Arenahome.

SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN PARK - IfKyou’re looking for the least amount of yy

work and the most reward, this easily accessible bluff requires just a five minute ficlimb for one of the best views of Depar-ture Bay, Newcastle Island and central Nanaimo. Trail access is located at theend of Friar Tuck Way.

WESTWOOD LAKE – Walk, jog or cycle

the six-kilometre trail around the lake in this 106-hectare park. Trails connect with others leading up Mount Bensonor over to Morrell Sanctuary. The popu-Thlar swimming beach has a lifeguard onduty in the summer. No power boatsare allowed.

JACK POINT/BIGGS PARK – Biggs Park Kstarts with a trail along the water justwest of the Duke Point Highway with excellent views of the Nanaimo River estuary and the City of Nanaimo. The Thpathway leads to a trail through woodsand rocky shoreline.

NECK POINT – This 17.5-hectare water-Thfront park features stunning views and a real West Coast feel. A popular place for snorkeling in the summer, the park also has benches and several lookout points. The parking lot is accessible offThHammond Bay Road. Be sure to visitthe recently opened expansion on the south side of the park.

CABLE BAY TRAIL – A great place to spot sea lions from October to Aprilor seals playing in the rapids at Dodds Narrows. Th e two-kilometre trail leadsThthrough mixed forest before crossing asmall stream by the ocean.

Stroll our parks48-5548-55

Nanaimo has many parks within its city limits to take a stroll

through. For more of a naturefeel try Bowen Park or Colliery

Dam. For an urban feel try Maff eo Sutton Park along theffffseawall. For a complete list of city parks visit www.nanaimo.

ca or check out the other listings on this page.


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LIVE MUSICLIVE MUSICQueen’s – 34 Victoria Cres.

Live music nearly every nightof the week, from local housebands to national talent.

Acme Food Co. – 14Commercial St. Friday andSaturday nights diners are serenaded by local jazz,folk and blues musicians.

Map courtesy of Downtown Nanaimo Business

Improvement Association

CLUB MUSIC

Club 241 – 241 Skinner St. If clubmusic is more your style, the clubfeatures stainless steel cages, polesand a lighted dance floor.

Level 2 – 170 Skinner St. Locatedabove Modern Cafe, the all-inclusive bar features DJs mixing as well asthe bar staff.

Spice Lounge – 240 Skinner St. Catering to the R & B anddance crowd, the bar hosts live entertainment with resident DJs.

CLUB MUSIC

Live entertainment createsvibrant downtown

St. Andrews United Church – 311 Fitzwilliam St. Heritage church in OldCity Quarter hosts Upper Island Musical Festival as well as choral and music performances. Diners Rendezvous –

489 Wallace St. Loungehosts all types of intimate performances from mainstream music andtheatre to edgier drag, burlesque and bellydancing.

Nanaimo Centre Stage– 25 Victoria Rd. Home toresident theatre company Schmooze Productions,also hosts smaller dance, music and theatreproductions.

PERFORMING ARTSPERFORMING ARTS

Port Theatre – 125 Front St. Jewel in Nanaimo’sdowntown, offeringmore than 200 bands, comedians, dance andtheatre shows annually.

– 75 Front St. An eclectic mixof jazz, blues, rock and folk by local musicians on weekends.

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ct ct h555666momo 555666typtyp555666at at v555666tchtch 555666terfterf555666Theatre – or stop in for dinner and eatre or stop in for dinner and555666a serenade at Acme Food Co. or theFront Street Grill.

Something is available for a variety of tastes almost every night of the week.

Nanaimonightlife


FEEDING THE DUCKS– Kisha Cook sent thispicture of her niece Te-resa and nephew Ethan

at the Bowen Park duck pond.

Morden Colliery Historic Regional Park – A too little known national khistoric place, the park is a 10-minute drive south from downtown Nanaimo on the Island Highway. A left turn onto Morden Roadand three more minutes east takes you back a century to when Morden Colliery wasa thriving, coal-producingmine.

Morden’s surviving, although rapidly deterio-rating, head frame and tipple loom up 74 feet opposite the present parking lot – grey, formidable, and one of two such remaining above ground structures in North America.

The head frame and tipple are notablealso for being one of the first industrial fistructures in B.C. built of reinforcedconcrete, a relatively untested technique at the time.

Close by there is a 1.2-kilometre branch of the Morden Colliery Regional Trail that follows part of the route of the Pacifi c Coast Coal Mining railway, whichfi

carried coal down to the Nanaimo River.This beautiful wooded trail was devel-

oped and is maintained by the RegionalDistrict of Nanaimo.

From 1909 to 1920 therailway line crossed the riveron a wooden trestle bridge (later demolished by floods) flcontinued across country and eventually arrived atBoat Harbour, where thecoal was loaded onto steamor sailing ships.

Friends of Morden Mine, formed in 2003, as well as many others, hope this bridge access will be rebuilt and form part of the Trans-Canada Trail.

For more information please see www.mordenmine.com or for a guided tour of Morden for a party of six or more [email protected].

– Frances Christopherson,Friends of Morden Mine

DOG AGIL-ITY TRIALS– 2012 NationalChampionships

Aug. 1-5 at Beban Park’s Sports Grounds, where 600 qualifying dog teams from across Canadaand the U.S. are competing for the title of Canadian Agility Cham-pion. This event is a qualifier forfithe World Championships.

– Ilona Linterman

Your favouritesYYWe asked News Bulletin readers to share some of their favourite

Nanaimo places and events. Here’s a sampling of what you sent in:

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ORCHID SHOW –Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society’sannual show and sale

April 13-15 is a free event during regularmall hours at Country Club Centre, withdisplays of many different species and hy-brid orchids. Call 250-246-3447, email: [email protected].

– Shirley McClare

5858

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ET Family Church250-753-0258 • 1300 Princess RoyalA place where individuals and families can take a freshstep on their spiritual journey and experience God. Our passion is to love God, serve others, and grow ingrace! Our gatherings focus on energetic worship and relevant teaching in an informal atmosphere. Everyoneis welcome.www.etfamilychurch.com

Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church250-716-SAVE (7283) • 520 Prideaux St.We are a Bible based church that believes in the importance of building strong families and lives throughthe preaching of the Word of God, through ministry opportunities, and through fellowship with other believers. We believe you’ll see a difference!

www.lighthousebbc.com

St. Andrew’s United Church250-753-1924 • 311 Fitzwilliam St.Built in 1893, St. Andrew’s has 119 years of service to the commu-nity of Nanaimo. We hold traditional church services acoompanied by our pipe organ and Senior and Junior choirs. We are a friendly,welcoming church offering tea and coffee after church. We have aSunday School for children and teens, a thrfi t shop offering house-hold goods and clothes and an Outreach program that includes theNanaimo Food Banks, Brannan Lake, Haven House.

www.standrewsunitednanaimo.ca

Calvary Fellowship Nanaimo250-729-0698 • 1951 Estevan Rd., (Ecolee Ocean School)

At Calvary Fellowship our desire is to know God and Hispurposes for us. To do that we carefully study week by week chapter by chapter, the most popular and most widely readbook of all time, God’s handbook for humanity, the Bible.

We invite you to come and join us as we learn God’s word,fellowship and worship God together!

www.cfnanaimo.weebly.com

Thank you and GOD Bless!Thank you and GOD Bless!

Christian Science Society250-753-8036 • 20 Chapel Street“A church designed to commemorate the wordand works of our Master, which should rein-state primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.” -MB Eddy.

www.christianscience.bc.ca

of

Nanaimo Welcomes You

Attend the Church

Your Choice

to

First Baptist Church250-753-0241 • 1650 Waddington Rd.Established in 1891 and newly expanded, First Baptist Church’s vision is “To Know Christ... and Make HimKnown.” Visitors are welcome at our two Sundaymorning services, 9 am and 11 am. Oh come, let usworship!www.fbcnanaimo.ca

Departure Bay Baptist Church250-758-9334 - 3510 Departure Bay RdWe strive to be a place where people know they matter to God and to us. We would love for you to join with us each Sundaymorning at 10:30 am. We have age appropriate activities for everyoney , including infants and youth. We also have youthevents each week, adult activities and seniors events.

www.departurebay.ca

Passion for God.

Compassion for People.

World of Pentecost Church250-756-7926 • 3606 AllsopAs a growing church it is our goal to preach the whole gospel in order to help people experience a whole newwhoworld. We strive to help people stand strong in their faitng in their faithby helping them develop a personal relationship with nship with God.

www.worldofpentecost.caentecost.c

Church of the Nazarene250-585-5553 • 2150 Departure Bay RdCome as you are. You are always welcome. You are not a stranger - just a friend we have not met yet! Together we will enter the presence of God to worship. Sunday10:30 am in the St. James building.

www.nanaimonazarene.com

St. Paul’s Anglican250-753-2523 • 29 Church StreetProclaiming God’s love and the faith of Christ crucifi ed and resurrected through Christ centered music, preachingand liturgy. We welcome you to join us in knowing JesusChrist as Saviour and Friend. A spiritual oasis in the middle of the city.

www.stpaulsnanaimo.shawbiz.ca

Trinity Catholic Church250-390-2612 • 6234 Spartan RdOur catholic traditions are celebrated and we invite all tojoin us in our reverent and liturgical celebration of HolyCommunion, our source of strength and spiritual life. Jesusis truly present with us in Holy Communion and reaches out his arms of love to all who come to him in faith.

www.trinitynanaimo.com

Harbourview Seventh-Day Adventist250-751-2109 • 1609 Meredith RoadAre you seeking a traditional, reverent worship service? Weare a loving, Christ-centered, Bible-based congregation. Our church family is dedicated to sharing our spirit of faith withthe surrounding community. We seek to expand outreach andeducation programs by embracing new members. Potluck everyweek. Bible study Saturday 9:30 am - Worship Service 10:45 am.

www.harbourviewadventist.ca


6161MOTOCROSS – Many peoplearen’t aware that Nanaimo is home to one of Canada’s premiermotocross tracks. Offi cially called fiThe Wastelands, the track is oper-ated by the non-profit NanaimofiMotocross Association, and hosts four or five Island Series races an-finually. Nanaimo has hosted many national championship rounds, and in 2012 continues the tradi-tion with the opening roundof the Monster Energy CMRC Nationals on Sunday, June 3.

RELAY FOR LIFE – Joinwith thousands whohave decided to fight fiback at an event that

celebrates cancer survivors and honours loved ones who haven’t survived June 8-9, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the NDSS Rotary Bowl.Money raised will be invested in cancerresearch to save lives; deliver trusted infor-mation and caring support to people livingwith cancer and cancer prevention initia-tives. Contact [email protected].

GAMBLING – CasinoNanaimo, as it’s now known, in downtown Nanaimo has plenty of

options for bettors. With more than 17,000

square feet of gaming floor, it has 380 slot flmachines, and your favourite table games.

NANAIMO CANOE-KAYAK CLUB – Th e club Thhosts several regattasover the summer at Long

Lake. The club also hosts learn to paddleThprograms from May to September onSaturdays from 1-3 p.m. Call 250-741-1200or visit www.nckc.ca.

PLAYGROUNDS – Dur-ing July and August, playgrounds host freeprograms for children

aged six to 12. Join in for games, sportsand craft s. Call 250-756-5200.ft

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Tastings Daily:* low fat cheese* goat cheese* sheep cheese* lactose free cheeses

Celebrating 19 Years inNanaimo’s Old City Quarter!

* Exotic Cheeses and Chutneys* Truffl es, Olives and Pates* Gourmet Oils and Vinegars* British, South African & European Imported Foods

Welcome to a FoodLover’s Paradise!

250-754-0100426 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, BC

www.mcleansfoods.com [email protected]

(250) 756-0108 • 2280 Bowen Rd. • www.bebanparkgolf.ca

Beban Park

Golf Centre

Driving Range

Golf Lessons with Certifi ed Instructors

Pitch & Putt

Group Discounts available

Swing into Spring!

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Nanaimo’s fi rst bathtub racefiwas a publicity stunt – now it’s internationally renowned.

Originally a crazy idea to celebrate Canada’s Centennial and putNanaimo on the map, thefi rst bathtub races were held fiin 1967. Now, Nanaimo isthe bathtubbing capital of the world and host to the Great International WorldChampionship Bathtub Race.

On Sunday, July 22, at 11 a.m. sharp, tubbers will race out of Nanaimo Harbour, head uppast Schooner Cove and circle Winchel-sea Island. The 58-kilometre race ends back in Nanaimo’s Departure Bay whereparticipants have to park their tubs, run up the beach and ring a silver bell.

Bathtub and driver combined mustweigh a minimum of 350 pounds (158 kilograms) and the boat’s engine can be

no more than eight horsepower. Mini-mum racer age is 14. Three classes run the race: stock, modified and unlimited.fi

Finish times range from just over one hour to two hours, depending on the

class of tub and the weather.Last year’s weather was par-ticularly brutal, with only 13out of 49 racers making it through the rough waters tocomplete the course.

The Great International World ChampionshipBathtub Race is part of the Nanaimo Marine Festival.

The four-day festival starts on Thurs-day, July 19 at Maffeo Sutton Park with akids’ carnival, mainstage entertainment and beer gardens. On Saturday, the Sail Past On Wheels Parade travels through the downtown core, starting at 10:30a.m., and at night the sky will light upwith one of the biggest fireworks displaysfion Vancouver Island.

6666 How about a bath?

BIRD WATCHING – More than 250 bird species call the area home or returnannually on migration

routes. Buttertubs Marsh is a popular 18-hectare bird and wildlife sanctuary near Bowen Park. For other favourites visithttp://birding.bc.ca.

VAN ISLE SAILING CO-OP – The non-profiTh t fifigroup owns the sailboats and members get to sail

on them, learning by crewiny g with experi-

enced sailors. For more information, visit www.vanislesailing.ca.

YOGA – Most peopleassociate yoga withstretching, but stretching is just one element of a

yoga practice. Yoga incorporates flexibility, flstrength and meditation and promotes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance. It’s versatile so it can be tailored to all ages, body types and activity levels.There are dozens of yoga styles offered inNanaimo, whether you are inexperienced,seek a challenge or somewhere in between.

MORRELL NATURESANCTUARY – A stunning network of nature trailson 112 hectares of second

growth forest. There are 11 kilometres of trails that pass by beaver ponds, marshesand Morrell Lake. Lots of wildlife to see and an off-leash area for dogs under thepowerlines.

CANSTRUCTION – Anannual fundraiser for theLoaves and Fishes FoodBank. Participants build cre-

ative structures or sculptures out of cannedgoods. Back in the Old City Quarter this year, taking place in early September. For information, call 250-754-8141.

MILLSTONE RIVER SALMON SIDE CHAN-NEL – Th is new channel,Thlocated in Bowen Park,

is the perfect place for a stroll and tolearn more about the environment we livein. Ducks, otters and beaver inhabit the channel year round, and late Septemberthrough December are the best times to see coho salmon.

SILLY BOAT REGATTA– The 2012 Silly Boat Regatta is on Sunday, July 15 at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Boat building starts at 8 a.m., activitiesand games start at 10 a.m. and races beginat 1 p.m. The regatta is a fundraiser forthe Nanaimo Child Development Centre. Participants have four hours to assemble a floating concoction of craziness. Recycledmaterials are welcome – no kits or mo-tors allowed. To register or volunteer call 250-753-0251 or visit the website at www.sillyboat.com.

NANAIMO MULTICUL-TURAL FESTIVAL –L Livemusic, cultural demonstra-tions and family entertain-

ment in the Old City Quarter. Takes place June 22-23 all day. Call 250-754-8141.

CAMPING – Nanaimohas several camping op-portunities for outdoorenthusiasts. Whether

by the ocean, the Nanaimo River, oneof the many local lakes or near themountains.

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7676 DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL – The 2012 Save-On-Foods Nanaimo Dragonboat Festival July 6-8 promises to be the best and biggest ever for the 10th annual event. The festival attractssome 30,000 people and more than 80 teams, all to help the Nanaimo and District HospitalFoundation. www.nanaimodragonboat.com.

SUMMERTIME BLUES FESTIVAL – Th e Nanaimo ThBlues Society hosts a talented lineup of local, national and

international blues artists at Maffeo Sutton ffffPark Aug. 24-26 in 2012.

WINDSURF – With dozens of places to put in, the Harbour City has great opportunities to get

out on Georgia Strait and enjoy the breeze.

YELLOW POINT SCE-NIC DRIVE – Just south of Nanaimo, the rural communities of Cedar

and Yellow Point offer stunning country-ffffside vistas.

SNORKEL WITH THE SEALS – Spend a few hours swimming withthe harbour seals at

Snake Island. Call Sundown Diving at1-888-773-3483 or Diver’s Choice Chartersat 1-866-716-8867.

7777787879798080

1975 HASLAM ROAD, NANAIMOLocated behind the Nanaimo Airport

250.245.5157www.cottonwoodgolfcourse.com

Our 18-hole championship course promises a challenging and rewarding golf

experience for players of all skill levels.

Whether you golf or not, the Cotton Club is open to everyone

for lunch, dinner, meetings, weddings and celebrations.

1975 HASLAM ROAD, NANAIMOLocated behind the Nanaimo Airport

250 245 5157

Whether you golf or not, the Cotton Club is open to everyone

for lunch, dinner, meetings, weddings and celebrations.

We are committed to making every experience with

us an enjoyable one.

➠ Tee times➠ Golf events➠ Golf lessons

➠ Meetings➠ Banquets➠ Weddings

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation... still equipping for life.

Make a Donation to the

NANAIMO DISTRICT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

to purchase life saving equipment...

the #1 thing to do in Nanaimo!

801 Bowen Rd. Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1102-1

250-755-7690

Donate Securely online atwww.nanaimohospitalfoundation.comw


IN-LINE SKATING – There are plenty of Thsmooth, paved trails toget out for an in-line

skate. Try the E&N Trail, the Parkway Trail or along the popular waterfrontwalkway.

VANCOUVER IS-LAND EXHIBITION– Nanaimo’s annual agricultural celebration

and fair takes place Aug. 17-19 in 2012. Crowds from around the Island cometo see the livestock exhibition with live music, carnival rides, games and otherevents at Beban Park. Call 250-758-3247 or visit www.viex.ca.

CUTTY SARK SIN RE-GATTA – Skippers andcrew of boats partici-pating in the Nanaimo

Yacht Club’s Cutty Sark SIN Regatta July 1-3 are kept smiling by the organizingcommittee, an army of yellow shirted volunteers and the fabulously generous sponsors. Friday’s dock party and Opti races are always a great hit.

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8383EMPIRE DAYS CELEBRATION WEEKEND – May 18-21. The celebration starts offTh at theffPort Th eatre at 7 p.m. Friday with the his-Thtoric May Queen crowning ceremony andaccompanying multicultural entertainment,Saturday the queen and her royal party attend various city functions and activities,Sunday features the 1 p.m. parade and in

the evening the 10 p.m. fireworks over the harbour. Full informationfiis available at www.nanaimoempiredays.com.

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• Computerized Score Keeping Enjoy your game, let the computer do the math• Bumper Bowling - Takes the gutters out of the game. Great for little tots• Birthday Parties - Bowling Birthdays are a BIG HIT!

1870 E. Wellington(250) 753-2341

www.brechinlanes.ca

Want a great social activity for your organization or staff? Give bowling a try! We can offer “Bingo Bowling,” and “Fun Games.”

5 Pin Bowling is a great family recreation.Our regular (weekly) bowlers range from 6 years to 95 years.

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CRABBING – Get alicence and compete with resident seals for supper at local crab-

bing hot spots. One of the most popular places in Nanaimo to catch crab is thecrabbing dock on the HarbourfrontWalkway.

RUNNING – There areThfive popular running fifiroutes in Nanaimo. Th e Harbourside Th

Walkway, Westwood Lake trail loop,Parkway Trail, E&N Trail and the Jack Point/Biggs Park route. Most of the lo-cal running clubs and specialty storeshost drop-in groups, and some evenrun to raise money for charity.

ARTS ALIVE SUMMER SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS – Featuring arts, drama,music and dance, Arts

Alive is a low cost, high quality instruc-tion for both beginners and intermedi-ates of any age. Call 250-753-9423 or visit www.nanaimoartsalive.com.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK – Bring your Klawn chair to the Lions Pavilion at Maff eo Sut-ffff

ton Park Sundays in July and August.

NANAIMO THEATRE GROUP – In its 51styear, the NTG owns the175-seat Bailey Studio

on Rosstown Road. Call 250-758-7246 or go to www.nanaimotheatregroup.com for a list of current performances.

NANAIMO ART GALLERY – With so many lo-cal artists and exhibits the local art gallery hastwo locations at 900 Fift h St. on the VancouverftIsland University campus and downtown at150 Commercial St. Th e campus gallery fea-Thtures exhibits by local and international artists while the downtown location has items from more than 100 local artists. Works are avail-

able for rental or purchase. Visit www.nanaimogallery.ca.

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EXPLORE THE IS-LANDS – Gabriola Is-land, Protection Island and Newcastle Island

are all just a short ferry ride away. Gabriola (check out page 33 for a full story) features parks, beaches and

galleries, as well as a popular outdoor craft exhibit on weekend mornings in the summer. Newcastle, a provincial marine park managed by the Snuney-muxw, features beaches and hikingtrails as well as places to camp whileProtection is a quiet residential com-munity with several small parks.

88888989 9090

• Do you want to see if the grass really is greener on our side of the fence?

• Are you interested in some gentle exercise?

500 Bowen Rd.

For more information, please

contact Janet at 753-2435

or David at 245-5601,

or check out our webpage at

www.nanaimolawnbowling.com

• Would you like to make some new friends?

• And participate in a low cost summer-long outdoor activity?

Come try Lawn Bowling! From child to elder, it’s a sport for everyone. JOIN US FOR FUN and EXERCISE!!

#101-572 Stewart Ave. Nanaimo

250-591-2114

www.rawmbas.caWinner of

Best Vegetarian Dish

“Bite of Nanaimo”

2011

Introducing Nanaimo’s fi rstGLUTEN FREE VEGAN restaurant

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he island is a bedroom – make that recreation room – of Nanaimo, with aphenomenal variety of options for visitors: spectacular, secluded and safe parks, trails, and beaches, inspiring self-guided tours of dozens of well-established, year-round art-ist studios and a culture and community of friendly characters, hard at work and play.

Gabriolans (pronounced GAY-briolans)refer to visiting Nanaimo as “going to town,” Vancouver Island as “the Big Island” and home as “the Rock.”

As well, it is often referred to as “Isle of the Arts,” because of one of the highest percapita concentration of artists in Canada and “Petroglyph Island,” because of the large number of ancient and mysteriousFirst Nations engravings.

T

Getting to the heart GG of Gabriola Island

gBY BRUCE MASON

9292

Scott ShaneGabriola Island, B.C.,

[email protected]

Downtown Nanaimo Market every Friday 10-2

May - October 2012

Please come and stay at my beautifulwaterfront home on False Narrows.

Enjoy the serenity, walk the beach, go for a swimor try a little canoeing. Two rooms available withprivate entrance – one with a garden view andone with an ocean view, both with private baths.Children and well behaved pets welcome.

Spa Services Available1945 South Road, Gabriola, BC V0R 1X5Offi ce: 604-828-6843 Home: 250-247-7939

Fax: 250-247-7938E-mail: [email protected]

Blue Heron Blue Heron Beach Beach HouseHouse

Bed and Bed and BreakfastBreakfast

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3350 COAST RD, GABRIOLA 250.247.8931 WWW.PAGESRESORT.COM

EXPLORE KAYAK FISH SAIL HIKE DIVE RELAX

PPage’s Resort & Marina ~ Shops & Services ~

★ Coast Realty (Gabriola Village Ltd.) 250-247-2088★ Gabriola Artworks 250-247-7412★ Gabriola Law Offi ce 250-247-7122★ Jay Friesen Home Design 250-247-8455★ Island Pharmacy 250-247-8310★ Raspberry’s Jazz Café 250-247-9959★ Vancouver Island Regional Library 250-247-7878★ Village Food Market 250-247-8755★ Village Liquor Store 250-247-7616★ Wooden Hanger Clothing 250-247-8599

★ Direct Cash ATM ★

Gabriola Island

250-816-8070 / [email protected]

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Folkl i fe Village


For a sneak preview, visit www.gabrio-lageorgiastraitcam.com. The live cameraoverlooks Entrance Island, the SunshineCoast, North Shore and Coastal Mountains, with light occasionally refl ecting off win-fldows in Vancouver.

The next recommended stop – before you board one of the hourly sailings of the ferry,(MV Quinsam, behind Port Place Shopping Centre) – is www.gabriolaisland.org with lists of attractions and accommodation,photos and FAQs, business and pleasure.

The island is almost identical to the size of Manhattan: 14 kilometres long and 4.2kilometres wide; its climate is Mediterra-nean; the population, 4,000-plus, doubles in summer.

If you quest for more on-water adven-tures after arriving at the Descanso Bay dock (or by float plane, at Silva Bay), tours, flcharters and kayak rentals are available.

“These waters have some of the bestsalmon fishing and most majestic scenery fiin the world,” says Captain Bob Meyer, of Silver Blue Charters, who has conductedmore than 3,000 charters with the highest catch rate in the region.

Paddle-boarding – the world’s fastest growing water sport – is the specialty of Island SUP, which provides rentals, lessons(beginners to advanced) suggested loca-tions and sales.

Hands-down the top family attractionand answer to the question “What do we dowith kids?” is Paradise Island Alpaca Farm, on North Road. Here you can get up close with fascinating and friendly creatures, in-cluding recently acquired miniature horses.

Surveys show that visitors also enjoy:◆ The largest number of beach accesses

on the Gulf Islands, more than 30.◆ Perennially popular Petroglyph Trail;

but on the museum grounds you will findfiexact traceable replicas in one spot.

◆ Walking the Commons, with itscolourful allotments, including a Poetry

Yurt and more.Nearby, at the top of Church Street, is

the pride of Gabriola: a multimillion dollar health care and urgent treatment centre and helipad, built entirely by island donationsand volunteer labour – an impressive andtotally unique, must-see destination.

With more than its share of renownedGulf Island scenery, Gabriola boasts four waterfront parks, endless trails, a golf course carved around tiny Hoggan Lake,and spectacular Berry Point, overlooking Entrance Island lighthouse, with the roar of the sea – and sea lions – at your feet.

open 7 days a week 8am-8pm250 247 2010560 north road

gabriola island, bcrobertsplacegabriola.com

• b r e a k f a s t • l u n c h • d i n n e r • c a t e r i n g

JIM’SKAYAKING

Discover the Gulf IslandsLESSONS • RENTALS • DAYTRIPS

www.jimskayaking.com250-247-8335 or 250-751-5887

Gabriola Island(250) 247-8255

d bc cad bc cawww.rdn.bc.ca

DESCANSO BAYREGIONAL PARK

GABRIOLA ISLAND

Oceanfront Camping Year Round32 sites / $17 per night

p gp g

Plan early for your spring camping adventures.Family friendly! Bring your bicycles.

Launching site for kayakers & canoers.Day use picnic, hiking trails, swimming.

1 km from Ferry Terminal

5:55 am

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Gabriola IslandFerry Ferry ScheduleSchedule

5:25 am

6:30 am

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12:35 pm

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4:25 pm DC

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Depart Depart GabriolaGabriola

Depart Depart NanaimoNanaimo

www.bcferries.ca • 1-888-223-3779

DC Wednesday - Dangerous Cargo - NO PASSENGERS• Daily except Wednesdays


Folklife Village, one of the world’s only recycled shopping malls – a pavilion duringExpo 86 – featuring a realty office, foodfimarket, library and Artworks, a gallery displaying work by most island artists.

One of the newest studios of keen interestis Dogoda Wooden Creations specializ-

ing in hand carved spoons, chopping and cheese boards and jewelry from sustainablehardwoods, including the ubiquitous arbu-tus ([email protected]).

At the other end of the Island is DrumbegPark, an easy walk beneath Garry Oaks,along fascinating sandstone formations, to

a panoramic view of Flat Top Islands.Page’s Resort and Marina is short hop

away, with accommodation and a charming bookstore, specializing in island authors.These include James Mitchell’s definitive finew Master’s Guide to Timber Framing. HisggIsland School of Building Arts is midway between the park and Page’s Marina.

A new arts, entertainment and dining list-ing is at www.nowongabriola.com.

Check out Gabriola Theatre, where leg-endary 93 year-old actor Antony Holland stages popular performance readings.

Also, The Roxy Lounge and Culture Club,an intimate 50-vintage-seat theatre with superb acoustics, described by the CBC as,“a national treasure.”

Popular among residents is classically trained chef Chris Hooten’s Woodfire res-fitaurant, Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar, Slow RiseBakery goods, Good Earth Market Gardenand the Saturday farmer’s market, May through October.

The Visitor Centre at Twin Beaches Mall, a few minutes from the first left turn on fiFerry Hill, has all the information you need for a custom-made day trip or extended stay. Call 250-247-9332.

The new Gabriola Community Clinic is being built entirely with donations and volunteer labour.


NANAIMO BAR TRAIL – Taste this town’s tinkerings with its iconic treat. Laid down

by Destination Nanaimo, it plays no favourites, luring pilgrims with a list of coffee houses, bakeries and restaurantsthat mint the bar from recipes clinging toconvention and other establishments that trampled tradition and proudly boast the offspring of their work. Find out more

about the tasty trail on the city’s website at www.nanaimo.ca.

BREWERY TOUR – Th eThLongwood Brew Pub atLongwood Station of-fers tours of its unique

in-house process. Call 250-729-8225 or visit www.longwoodbrewpub.com and be sure to leave enough time to try their food.

9494

BEACH VOLLEYBALL – The beach courts at Bowen Park are a popular place throughout the summer, whether it’s fora fun pickup game with friends or as partof a league. For more information, go to www.nanaimosport.com.9393

9595

1-877-341-HIKE (2283)Info & Reservations: www.hornelake.com

Voted“Best Natural

Outdoor Site in BC”

by Attractions Canada• NEW Cave Theatre• Spectacular Scenery • Family Camps

• Lakeside & Wooded Campsites• Hourly Cave Tours - Mild to Wild!

• Canoe & Kayak Rentals • Pedal Boat & S.U.P Board • Teepee Camping

da

HORNE LAKEPROVINCIAL PARKExplore

Nanaimo Bakery

#1-2025 Bowen Rd.250-758-4260

European

Style Bakery

& CONFECTIONERYLIMITED

GOING HIKINGON VANCOUVER

ISLAND?STAYIN TOUCH

STAY SAFE! SPOT gives consumers a vital line of communication,

independently of cellular coverage,with emergency services,

co-workers, friendsand family.

COMMUNICATION SPECIALISTS

• Industrial 2-way radio systems • Portable & Mobile • Repeater Services

• Satellite Telephone Sales & Rentals

2540 Bowen RoadNanaimo

250-758-7301

TM/MC


FRESHWATER FISH-ING – People from allover the world cometo Nanaimo to fl y fiflfl shfi

some of the globe’s best streams and rivers, including the Nanaimo River. Fly fi sherman are on the rivers year-round fiand many lakes are annually stocked.Call a retailer for the best fi shing holes,fior try the Nanaimo and District Fish and Game Protective Association at 250-754-2846.

ROCK CLIMBING– There’s aThfew greatspotsaroundNanaimo,but the

best place for year-round climbingis the indoor facility at the Romper Room, which has climbs for all skill levels. Call 250-751-7625 or go to www.climbromperroom.com.

9696 9797

Nanaimo - 2517 Bowen Rd (250) 756-9875 (USED/CONSIGN) - 2110 Northfield Rd (250) 756-9878 Duncan - 2628 Beverly St (250) 709-9939 Powell River - 4488 Marine Ave (604) 485-9310shop online at nanaimo.medichair.com 1-800-667-1406

walkers/rollators scooters wheelchairs seating systems canes/crutches lift chairs

stairlifts/porchlifts braces/supports bedroom safety aids to daily living

adjustable beds van conversions

free in-home trials/assessments in-house service department

home delivery/set-up rentals assistance with funding

complete product selection

personalized service

home medical equipmentcloser to you

ection


OLIVER WOODS COM-MUNITY CENTRE – Nanaimo’s newest com-munity centre features

city programs and recreational facilities.Call 250-756-5200 or check the Leisure Guide for programs.

VANCOUVER ISLAND SHORTFILM FESTIVAL– Held at the Malaspina

Theatre on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo Campus April 13-14, with films up to 12 minutes.

SEE A MOVIE– Nanaimo has several big-screen theatres with com-

fortable seating and surround sound. Try the Galaxy Theatre at Nanaimo ThNorth Town Centre at 250-729-8000 and Avalon Cinema at WoodgroveCentre at 250-390-5021.

1011011001009999

MOUNTAIN BIKING – World class moun-tain biking can be found just minutesfrom downtown Nanaimo. Local rid-ers challenge themselves on technical singletrack at the Abyss, near the top of Harewood Mines Road, where challenging climbs, rocket-fast downhills and switch-backs test rider skills.

The trails at Doumont Road (top of Weigles Road) offer a variety of terrain from fire roads to wind-fiing singletrack, as well as jumps and ladders. Your best bet is to tagalong with the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club, which goes on severalrides a week to the best spots. For more information, check outwww.nanaimomountainbikeclub.com.

9898

400 Newcastle Avenue/www.nanaimoyc.ca / For more information call 250.754.7011

NANAIMO YACHT CLUB IS PROUD TO BE HOSTING THESE EXCITING PUBLIC EVENTS

New members New members welcome!welcome!

Newcastle IslandASTER EGG HUNT

April 8thFree Ferry ride for

children 12 & under

Departure BayFAMILY SAILING

DAYMay 27th

Kids & Parents Welcome

Cutty SarkSNAKE ISLAND

NANAIMO REGATTAJuly 1st, 2nd & 3rd

Register & Compete

CHRISTMAS LIGHTCRUISE

December 8thWatch from

Departure Bay

NANA

E

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See Nanaimo From A Different Perspective

Vancouver | Nanaimo | Sechelt | Tofino

Scenic Flights of Nanaimo Harbour$99 per person plus tax

30 minutes with a 20 minute flight

Passengers may be combined with others on the same trip.

Downtown Vancouver in 20 Minutes!

tofinoair.ca 250.591.1810

Up to 12 flights daily between Nanaimo Harbour and Downtown Vancouver

Up to 8 flights daily between Nanaimo Harbour and Sechelt


The most

entertainingthings to see & do in Nanaimo.

250.754.8550porttheatre.com

125 Front Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6Z4

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Special Features - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo