Words by Eliot White-Hill In our tradition, before any work is done, we recognize where the knowledge comes from; where our roots lie. I want to acknowledge our elders and their efforts to preserve Coast Salish oral tradition and history. The stories that I refer to come from them, both living and gone, who have taken it upon themselves to do the work that is imperative to continuing our traditional ways of life; preserving what we have so that it can be handed down to future generations. These elders are Albert Wesley, Xalanamut (Mary Rice), Tsa’tass’aya (Jenny Wyse), Kwulasulwut (Dr. El ..read more

THREE SHORT TOURS TELL NANAIMO’S HISTORIC TALES 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 ..read more

Photo Courtesy Of White Sails Brewing Nanaimo is excited to be welcoming guests back to our beautiful beaches, quiet forests, and friendly businesses. However, as many of us know, travelling this year looks a little different. To help keep our communities safe and the case counts low, visitors are asked to explore safely and responsibly using the following recommendations: If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home.   Always have a hygiene kit with you at all times. Your kit should include a facemask and hand sanitizer for moments when you don’t have access to soap and water. A ..read more

While only 63 kilometres (~40 miles) apart, Nanaimo is a great jumping-off point for people who want to experience the hustle and bustle of Vancouver as well as the laid back lifestyle enjoyed here on the island. To get more from your stay in Nanaimo, consider a day-trip across the Strait to explore Vancouver and the lower mainland.   Fly or Ferry, Which Will You Choose? Start your trip by planning a new experience: go there one way and come home another. The flight to Vancouver is about 25 minutes from harbour-to-harbour aboard a seaplane from Harbour Air or Sunshine Coast Air or ..read more

Stay in Nanaimo and explore the rest of the island While there is so much to see right here in Nanaimo, we’re also a great way to explore the rest of Vancouver Island to find new experiences and friendly folks. No matter what direction you point the car, whether it’s your own or a rental, you can find a great new adventure on Vancouver Island, then come back to your room in Nanaimo to rest and reflect on the beauty of the west coast.   Head North Drive north from Nanaimo for about 90 minutes, and you’ll arrive in Campbell River, a growing community at the souther end of Discovery Pas ..read more

By day, Nanaimo is a bustling hub of activity with eclectic places to shop, west-coast inspired cafes, and endless outdoor activities. But as the sun sets on your day, there’s no need to fret: there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the harbour city, and here are 11 examples to help inspire your next adventure. Throw Axes Unleash your inner lumberjack at Axe & Grind! Axe throwing is a fun activity that’s easy to learn and difficult to master, and Axe & Grind provides the perfect setting to try it first-hand.  Every session starts with an intro from the on-site staff to teach ..read more

A huge, seemingly bottomless fissure in the earth, a fairy circle, sweeping views of the Salish Sea and peek-a-boo views of Mt. Benson: this is an outdoor experience not to be missed. Commonly known to locals as The Abyss, Extension Ridge – a 4.5km section of The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail) – is a stunning hidden gem in Nanaimo and a favourite playground for mountain bikers, hikers and dog walkers alike. A Brief History Of The Abyss The trail is not only rich in curious points of interest and picturesque views but history too! According to local sources, the trail wa ..read more

Among the many things that make this city a special place, the sheer number of waterfront parks in Nanaimo makes it worthy of much coastal exploration. From long, meandering trails to short walks to pebble beaches, these coastal gems are a perfect afternoon activity for anyone yearning for the ocean air. Here are some our favourite waterfront parks in Nanaimo: Neck Point Park Neck Point Park is a gorgeous 36-acre waterfront park found at the end of Morningside Drive, just off of Hammond Bay Road. Beachcombers rejoice! Neck Point has four beaches for the public to explore; Finn Beach, Indian Be ..read more

Nanaimo is the place for superb, even sometimes extravagant, sushi. This city boasts a wide variety of cuisine. However, there are few dishes Nanaimo does better than this traditional Japanese food. From downtown to the North end, it’s a guarantee there’s a nearby sushi spot worth its weight in Sake. Firehouse Grill Once filled with firetrucks and equipment, Nanaimo’s old firehall is now home to a high-end and stylish restaurant. Located downtown Nanaimo on Victoria Street, the Firehouse Grill is the perfect place to grab a bite on your way to enjoy the delights downtown has to offer. Here, w ..read more

Beat the cold: stay warm and entertained with these winter activities in Nanaimo While we’re certainly not heralded as snow destination, the Harbour City gets its fair share of cold weather. Luckily, there is an abundance of winter activities in Nanaimo to keep you busy and entertained during the more dreary months. There are many benefits to travelling during the off-season. Reap the benefits of less crowded areas. Enjoy a stunning fog that rolls over the city and year-round hikes. The city’s weather is mild in comparison to other parts of Canada, but we still like to bundle up from time to t ..read more