For more than forty years the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island has been famous for a wacky tradition of racing bathtubs. Yes, you read that correctly we're talking about actual motorized bathtubs that are raced in the choppy waters of the Pacific Ocean. In 1967, Frank Ney the mayor at the time started the races as part of Canada's 100th birthday celebrations. He very proud of his city and wanted to showcase all its features and beauty to the world. During the festivities he would dress in a classic pirate outfit and tour the town touting sayings such as "hells bells and all is well in … [Read more...]
Neck Point Park, Another One Of Nanaimo’s Ocean Front Beauties
Neck Point is another spectacular Nanaimo ocean front park that sits just north of Pipers Lagoon. Like it's neighbouring park it offers stunning views of the Strait of Georgia, the coastal mountains and Mount Baker in Washington State. The park is named after the gravel bar that connects to a rocky head out in the ocean. It's full of photographic opportunities, a bird watchers paradise and a popular diving spot. Ocean wildlife is abundant, sea lions and otters can be spotted playing in the water and sometimes Orca whales and dolphin pods pass by. There are 36 acres of rocky bluffs, small … [Read more...]
Every Few Years Winter Packs A Punch On Vancouver Island
During the winter the majority of Vancouver Island is the envy of the rest of the Canada, throw on a jacket and maybe a pair of light gloves and get on with your day. Thick-skinned locals such as Canada Post delivery staff, couriers and joggers sport shorts twelve months of the year. Plants often get confused with warm boughts of weather. Rhododendron and other hardy plants can produce spring buds and even start to bloom in November through February. In particular, the city of Victoria loves to brag about its mild climate. Rightly so when they can have an average spring day temperature as … [Read more...]
Pipers Lagoon Has Everything Fabulous About The West Coast In One Spot
Pipers Lagoon is located in Nanaimo B.C. It's a diverse ocean front park that captures the true essence of the west coast. This compact and unique 8 acre park is built on an isthmus that extends out to a rocky headland. Its position makes it the perfect place to enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises. It's a great place to walk year round, the changing scenery makes it a unique experience in every season. Just to the north is the neighbouring park of Neck Point. It's equally as beautiful and has even more accessible terrain with with over 30 acres of land set on the ocean front. Starting … [Read more...]
Watching Ferries And Sunsets At Departure Bay Beach
Departure Bay beach is located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island. It is just one of the many scenic areas that the city of Nanaimo has to offer. There's nothing more island like than watching the departure or arrival of one of the B.C. Ferries. This is a great place to go for a stroll along the paved walkway or on the beach during low tide. Despite being such a pretty spot, it's never crowded. The perfect place to see the colorful sky as the sun sets. … [Read more...]
Arghhh Maties Lets Head Over To The Dinghy Dock Floating Marine Pub
Paddle over in a kayak, take your own boat or hop on the scheduled water taxi to the fun and lively atmosphere of the Dinghy Dock. This nautical themed pub is a short distance from the downtown harbour of Nanaimo, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists. Sitting atop a dock attached to the shoreline of Protection Island, this is North America's only floating marine pub. Unless you have your own boat the only way to get to the Dinghy Dock pub is on the Protection Island ferry. The ride over to the island is just ten minutes, but it's a scenic and enjoyable part of the unique … [Read more...]
Old Favourites And Some New Spots To Eat In Nanaimo
After living for many years in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, we have our favourite spots where we like to eat. We moved away a few years ago, but still go to the same places when we return for a visit. In the last few years there have been some new places that have crept their way onto our list. Nori Japanese Restaurant Our north end go to place is Nori Japanese Restaurant for sushi. They still recognize us as regular customers even though we only get to go a few times a year when we visit the island. They have a very loyal following of local clientele, everyone is … [Read more...]