101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo by Black Press Media Group

101

Things to see and do in Nanaimo

2010

Published by the

in co-operation with Tourism Nanaimo

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Welcome to Nanaimo! BY JOLYNN GREEN Welcome to Nanaimo. Discover our harbour city and all the amazing things that you can do here. Residents and visitors alike, whatever age will find a host of activities and local sites to enjoy. Surrounded by ocean vistas, mountains, lakes, ocean, rivers and valley views Nanaimo has a myriad of landscapes and natural attractions. Whether you like to hike, bike, fish, camp, swim, kayak or just kick back and relax Nanaimo is a perfect place to base your Island adventure. Nanaimo is rich in history from our early Hudson Bay trading post beginnings to our coal mine boom days. Take a walking tour of our city centre. From historical treasures such as the Bastion and our Old City Quarter, you can also experience our Arts District and a variety of quaint shops and restaurants. The city’s newest addition, the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, is also home to the new Nanaimo Museum and our downtown Visitor

Information kiosk. From local farmer markets to fine cuisine, you will be sure to find eating and dining a pleasure. We love to boast our island freshIsland grown produce and products – from fresh seafood to locally grown fruits and vegetables. If it is the spirit of a festival or a thrillseeking adventure, Nanaimo has an event or attraction to suit all types of enthusiasts. If adrenaline seeking is your game, try out WildPlay with bungy jumping and the king swing. If relaxing and enjoying an ocean vista is your wish try out Piper’s Lagoon and its fabulous views of Georgia Strait. If culture and music are your fancy the Vancouver Island Symphony in the Park is a wonderful experience. And if camaraderie and spirited competition are your game visit the Dragon Boat

“IT’S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN DO HERE” Regardless if you want to go kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, diving, golfing, shopping, biking, bungy jumping, hiking or any of the 92 other things to do, Tourism Nanaimo can help you get the most out of your stay.

Visit our Visitor Centres at Beban Park or the Port of Nanaimo Centre, online at www.tourismnanaimo.com or call 250-756-0106 Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Festival or the bathtub race and marine festival. Nanaimo is host to a wide selection of shopping centres, restaurants, accommodation providers, shops, services and attractions. With so much to offer, we just can’t do it all justice in this article. So, please visit our website at www. tourismnanaimo.com or visit our Visitor Information Centre on Bowen Road or our kiosk in the conference centre. Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be pleased to assist you with any plans. It’s amazing what you can do here. With so much to do and see, we hope that you will stay and play in Nanaimo.

◆

Jolynn Green is president of Tourism Nanaimo. Please call 1-800-663-7337 or 250-756-0106. Visit online at www. tourismnanaimo.com.

Free Map and Attractions Guide available I T ’ S

A M A Z I N G

W H A T

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NANAIMO M A P A N D AT T RACTIONS

ACTIVITIES AND ATTR ACTIONS PARKS AND TRAILS SHOPPING DINING DOWNTOWN NAN AIMO GUIDE CITY MAPS FESTIVALS AND EVEN TS ACCOMMODATION S

WW W.T OU RIS MN

GUIDE 2010

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Features High ambitions Romper Roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indoor climbing

Hearts of dragons Dragon Boat Festival draws thousands

Silly sailors Summer in Nanaimo means silly boats

Hikerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heaven Plenty of options from light strolls to treks

Terrific tubbing Nanaimo known as bathtub racing capital

Digging into history New museum provides peek into the past

Cycling city From paved paths to sick singletrack

Gabriola Island Get off the beaten path to gulf island

Fascinating rhythm Unique store triggers music memories

7 9 10 23 24 26 32 33 37

ENJOY ALL YOUR SHOPPING FAVOURITES Everything for a Dollar s Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s s Suzanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s s Regis Salon s Bentley s Telus s Rogers Best Buy s Urban Planet s Nanaimo 1 Hour Optical s Fan Fever Game Wear s Paws N Jaws Front Side Beach and Board s Scotiabank s London Drugs s Zellers s Sears s Galaxy Theatres Kelseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s s Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ...and MORE!

Visit www.nanaimonorth.com

and sign up for the e-newsletter and keep up to date with events, store specials and news! 4

CORNER OF RUTHERFORD ROAD @ ISLAND HIGHWAY, NANAIMO 250-758-8111

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Discover

Nanaimo Whether you are a visitor or resident, it’s worth your while to get to know the Harbour City. The second-largest city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo and its 90,000 people are snuggled in between Georgia Strait on one side and wilderness on the other. The starting point for visiting other parts of the Island, Nanaimo has one of the most stunning waterfronts in Canada, and offers everything from parks, lakes and trails to sports and some of the most fascinating history in all of British Columbia. Nanaimo is also a happening place with events going on year-round. Nanaimo is known for its worldclass scuba diving and nationally and internationally renowned performances at the Port Theatre. Nanaimo is sports of every nature. Nanaimo is people – volunteer groups serving the community to make it a better place. Nanaimo is business and Nanaimo is recreation. In short, Nanaimo is something for everyone. And you’ll find it all here in our pick of the top 101 ways to spend your time. Be a tourist in your own town and see what you’ve been missing. Or welcome a tourist to your town. Show them what Nanaimo has to offer. They will be back, and that is good for everyone.

1 2

TRY SOME TRICKS – OK, so unless you’ve practised

your skills, maybe you just want to watch some of Nanaimo’s two-wheeled daredevils in action. People like Alex Kilpatrick (above) strut their stuff in various places around Nanaimo, including the dirt jumps at Doumont Road and the Skate Bowl behind the Nanaimo Curling Club.

SEE A MOVIE – Nanaimo has

several big screen theatres with comfortable seating and surround sound. Try the Galaxy Theatre at Nanaimo North Town Centre at 250-729-8000 and Avalon Cinema at Woodgrove Centre at 250-390-5021.

FESTIVAL OF BANNERS TOUR – Now in its 22nd

year, runs May 1 to Oct. 31. This year’s theme is The Best of Nanaimo. Artists create banners that reflect the chosen theme

Pryde Vista

and they are displayed on street lamps throughout the city. The display is a symphony of colours that can be seen right through the fall season before being sold. Proceeds go to charity. 250740-6350 or www.nanaimogallery.ca.

NANAIMO AQUATIC CENTRE

– Stay in shape or just cool down, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre has it all. A 52-metre pool, three water slides, a leisure pool, wave pool, steam room, hot tub, lazy river, spacious weight room and restaurant will keep you busy and healthy all day.

Your kind of golf course Nine holes - Par 33 Morning or early afternoon groups 155 Pryde Avenue, Nanaimo

250-753-6188 Ask about our 10 and 50 game passes Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

NANAIMO | WEST SHORE VICTORIA | WHISTLER

WHALE WATCHING

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This Place

ROCKS!

Only perated Charity o profit not-for- cial r comme o bing in . o Nanaim

Take exit 16 off the parkway. On the corner of 5th and Bruce in the University Village Mall.

Call 250-754-1421 ext. 2 for jackpot info Know your limit, play within it. 6

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

5 BY KAILEY WILLETTS

clung to the rock wall, paralyzed, not wanting to look down. My arms were starting to get sore, fingers were starting to slip. I had nowhere left to go but down. “Grab the rope in front of you,” called a voice from below. It was my belayer, Matt Walker. I was at Nanaimo’s indoor climbing gym, the Romper Room, securely harnessed in place, not halfway up Mt. Everest, and I had reached the top of my first climb – it was time to come down. Getting up was easy enough, it was the coming down I didn’t want to do. Entrusting my entire body weight to a stranger at the other end of a rope 23 feet below didn’t appeal to me. Unfortunately, the alternative was to stay at the top of the wall. Finally I gave in, let go of the wall, grabbed my rope and leaned back. With my feet back on the ground I gained a newfound confidence. I was ready to try something harder! Bring it on, I told Matt. So, he brought me to the second easiest climb in the gym. After that, going up became more difficult and coming down got easier. I soon adjusted to dangling in mid-air (excluding the climb with a bit of an overhang where you swing when you fall) and was able to focus on getting up more challenging climbs. The Romper Room is Nanaimo’s only indoor climbing gym, and has climbs for people of all experience levels, with walls ranging from 23 to 26 feet tall. “We have levels of climb to suit everybody’s ability right from rank beginners to top climbers,” said Colleen Roy of the Romper Room. Roy said one of the great things about climbing is that people of different skill levels and ages can climb together. “Anyone can climb with anyone else,” she said. “A three-yearold can climb with their parent if they want.” Because one person belays while the other climbs, you could be scaling be-

High ambitions

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

ginner climbs while your partner pushes up the hardest walls. Roy estimated the age of climbers coming through the Romper Room ranges from three to 73. Climbers can get their belay ticket when they are 12 years old. With 7,500 square feet of climbing space, the Romper Room is a top-notch facility. “We have more variety of slab and overhang,” she said. The Romper Room has hosted nationals and is also a host of the bouldering circuit Tour de Bloc. It offers three types of climbing. Top rope climbing – what I did – is what most people think of when they hear indoor rock climbing – a rope goes from you to a pulley on the ceiling then down to a belayer. Bouldering is climbing without a rope. It’s not as high up, but offers a different dynamic than top rope. See page 38 7

DINGHY DOCK PUB –

HARBOURFRONT WALKWAY – What’s a water-

Canada’s only floating pub is on Protection Island, a 10-minute ferry ride from the Nanaimo Boat Basin. Chow down on pub fare and seafood. The Protection Connection ferry leaves 10 minutes past the hour beginning at 7:10 a.m. weekdays, 8:10 a.m. Saturdays and 9:10 a.m. Sundays. A walk around Protection Island is a popular post-meal activity.

7 8

front city if you can’t stroll along the water’s shore? In Nanaimo, the Harbourfront Walkway leads from Cameron Island past downtown and all the way to the B.C. Ferries terminal at Departure Bay and is a popular attraction 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 clustered below the Bastion.

OLIVER WOODS COMMUNITY CENTRE – Nanaimo’s

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

BOWLING – A great activity for rainy days. Brechin Lanes at 1870 East Wellington Rd. offers five-pin bowling with automatic lanes and scoring, and bumpers for the kids. Call 250-7532341. Splitsville at 171 Calder Rd. offers 10-pin fun, call 250-754-2442.

9 10

SKATEBOARDING –The

Nanaimo Skateboard Park can be found on the corner of Comox Road and Wall Street while the Pioneer Skate Park can be found behind Canadian Tire in the north end. HORSESHOES – A great way to spend an afternoon. Six public pitches are maintained at Bowen Park near the tennis courts.

11 12

FISHERMAN’S WHARF – Fresh

seafood right out of the sea can be found at the Boat Basin below Front Street. SPRING ART FEATURE – The

Spring Showcase is a display of art from Nanaimo and area painters, photographers, potters, sculptors and others. The show can be

viewed during April at the Nanaimo Arts Council gallery in the North Town Centre. Held during April every year.

TENNIS – Tennis, anyone? Beban and Bowen parks both feature six public tennis courts that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bowen also has three nighttime token-operated courts for nocturnal enthusiasts. Tokens cost $8 per hour from the Bowen or Beban Park offices or the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

VISIT

Ou “Be Vo td st te by oor Na d t Att act Sit ura ion e i l sC n ana BC da ” FAMILY CAMPS

HORNE LAKE AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOLIDAYS AYS CAMPING Beach & wooded sites, tteepee camping, boat launch, free parking & picnics.

DAILY ACTIVITIES •Amazing care tours •canoe & kayak rentals •rock rappel sessions •family “Amazing Race” •guided sunset paddle.

SUMMER CAMPS 6 day camps with adult counsellors. Healthy meals • Explore Camp ages 9-11 • Rock & Ropes Camp ages 12-14 • Cruisin’ in Canoes Camp ages 12-14

4-day “All-Inclusive” camp includes all meals, guided activities and a family family-size size teepee!

(250) 248-7829 Info & Reservations: www.hornelake.com 8

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Paddlers have hearts of

DRAGONS

anaimo’s Save-On-Foods Dragon Boat Festival is one of the biggest events of the summer.

This year’s event, July 9-11, will be the eighth annual in the Harbour City and is expected to be the largest yet. Last year close to 80 teams participated – compared to 25 in the event’s ﬁrst year – and thousands of people attended the festival at Maffeo Sutton Park and Swy-a-lana Lagoon. This year, organizers dedicate the festival to Alex Marriott, who passed away on Feb. 6, 2010. Marriott was a founding member of the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival.

With his imposing stature, big grin and larger than life personality, he captivated d and d inspired i i d everyone around d him. hi Lots of folks come to watch the paddling action in the inner harbour, but the opening ceremonies and Sunday’s carnation ceremony also draw a crowd. The carnation ceremony involves teams of breast cancer survivors casting

pink flowers into the water in rememb brance of those who died or in honour of others still fighting for their lives. The carnation ceremony also reinforces the importance of the fundraising aspect of the festival. More than $300,000 was raised during the first seven Nanaimo festivals. All the money goes toward cancer diagnostic and rehabilitation equipment for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

Your Outdoor Store

BIG CANOE SALMON TOURS

Paddle the waters around Newcastle Island and the Nanaimo Harbour in a Coast Salish Big Canoe. After your paddling adventure enjoy a salmon BBQ feast on Newcastle Island. For more information or to book your tour phone: 1.800.760.0011 or 250.760.0044 or 250.754.6626 Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Silly sailors

rm with duct tape, plastic and paddles, sailors launch rmed vessels of questionable seaworthiness every July as part ve of the annual Silly Boat Regatta. People start gearing up well in advance of the event, the major fundraiser for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

Teams have launched often rickety creations into Nanaimo waters to raise money for more than a quarter of a century. The tradition was started when D’Arcy Rinald decided he just wanted to have fun. Rinald came up with the idea over a cup of coffee with his coworker June Ravnborg when they both worked at CHUB Radio in 1984. He said they wanted to create a fun alternative to bathtub racing because it was getting technical and expensive – people were going for more speed and power and the technical aspects were putting the race beyond some people’s means and expertise. Rinald said he wanted something silly and fun where someone built a boat in four hours – and the Silly Boat Regatta was born. “We never knew when it was just new that it was going to happen, let alone go for a quarter of a century,” said Rinald. “It’s had phenomenal success for something that was a seat of the pants event that went from idea to action in six minutes.” The original event was small with basic rules governing supplies, boat-building time and safety. In the beginning years, there was only one race, no heats. “It was the grandest thing ever. You never knew what was going to happen and never knew what kind of boat people would build,” said Ravnborg. The people who participated insisted on giving money despite no entry fee, said Ravnborg. So when they went back to the radio station, they had a decision to make about the money. They decided on the Nanaimo Child Development Centre. “It certainly is a worthwhile cause and so many little children have received so much help from the centre,” said Ravnborg. “It takes a special kind of person to work with these children.” The themes and costumes evolved later, said Rinald. They just started to happen – people would pick a theme for their boat and dress up. Over the years it became part of the Silly Boat Regatta tradition. A light-hearted sport, silly boats combine creativity and 10

engineering, since each participating team has the job of planning, then building a winning water craft design that team members must paddle around a course in Nanaimo harbour, just outside Swy-a-lana Lagoon. Basically they’ve got four hours to build a boat from recycled materials – everything from styrofoam to plastic milk jugs to PVC tubing and plywood paddlewheels have made appearances over the years. The annual event is the CDC’s biggest fundraiser of the year and over its 25-year history has grown to where it’s now raising more than $100,000 annually. Each year – 2010 will be the 26th – seems to set a new fundraising record, with all proceeds going to programs and equipment for children with developmental needs and their families. The main goal is to eliminate the wait-list, which has been cut signiﬁcantly from nearly 500 a few years ago to about 250. Organizers are expecting 50 or more teams again this year, all primed to make it to the ﬁnish line without getting wet. But staying dry is hardly realistic once the splashing starts. And getting wet is a big part of the fun. After building the boats, that is. And the boat-building is limited only to a team’s creativity and vision. The fun actually starts weeks or even months in advance, when teams start planning boat design and materials. That’s where the team building begins. The Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s 26th Annual Silly Boat Regatta takes place July 18 at Maffeo Sutton and Swy-a-lana Lagoon parks. There is always lots to do for nonparticipants too – children’s entertainers, children’s games and plenty of food booths. Boat building throughout Maffeo Sutton Park begins at 8 a.m. with races starting at 1 p.m. For more information or to register for the fun, please call Michelle Kocourek, Nanaimo Child Development Centre resource development assistant, at 250753-0251, ext. 227 or visit www.sillyboat.com to register online. Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

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STROLL THROUGH A PARK – Nanaimo

has many parks within its city limits to take a stroll through. For more of a nature feel try Bowen Park or Colliery Dam. For an urban feel try Maffeo Sutton Park along the seawall. For a complete list of city parks visit www.nanaimo.ca.

18 19

to December is the best time to visit the hatchery but juvenile salmon in their outdoor channels can be seen from February to May. The public is welcome to use the walking trails. Turn right on Beck Road just north of the Haslam Creek Bridge then go left on Rugby Road. 250-245-7780 or www. nanaimoriverhatchery.ca.

CEMETERY TOURS

– A great way to learn about Nanaimo’s history. Guided cemetery tours take place in July and August with stories about our earliest residents.

FERRIES – Spend an afternoon aboard a vessel that’s part of one of the largest ferry fleets in the world. B.C. Ferries has one of its largest hubs in Nanaimo, with major terminals at Departure Bay and Duke Point, as well as the smaller Gabriola Island route.

NANAIMO RIVER SALMON HATCHERY – October

22 20

WESTWOOD LAKE

– Walk, jog or cycle the six-kilometre trail around the lake in this 106hectare park. The popular swimming beach has a lifeguard on duty in the summer. No power boats are allowed.

GOLF – Golf can be

played in Nanaimo almost year round, and with seven local courses there is no shortage of options. The Nanaimo Golf Club, located in the heart of the city, is routinely rated as one of B.C.’s best, as is Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay, which is also one of the most picturesque courses on the Island. Other local courses include Gabriola, Cottonwood, Pryde Vista, Eagle Quest and Winchelsea View. Beban Park features a pitch-and-putt course for those who want to work on their short game.

Live Entertainment Sailboat Nights Fishing Hole in the Family Section

Newly Renovated Deck Overlooking the Harbour (250))

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Protection Island www.dinghydockpub.com m Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Trust your vehicle to o the Professionals

NANAIMO ART GALLERY – With

so many local artists and exhibits the local art gallery has two locations at 900 5th St. on the Vancouver Island University Campus and downtown at 150 Commercial St. The campus gallery features exhibits by local and international artists while the downtown location has items from more than 100 local artists. Works are available for rental or purchase. Visit www.nanaimogallery.ca.

REPAIRS & SERVICE TO ALL DOMESTIC & IMPORTED VEHICLES

Dale Hoskin and hiss team of licensed technicians will take ke care of all of your vehicle repair needs, ne from brakes, tune-ups, sus uspension to engine repairss and electrical.

24 25

PARKWAY TRAIL

– A 20-kilometre paved path. For a trail map, contact Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200 or visit www.nanaimo.ca.

friendly, professional service...everytime!

“Family Owned & Operated Operated”

250-390-210 250-390-2100 (Next to Ricky’s Restau aurant) #2-8430 Hammond Bay Rd Rd., Nanaimo

SALTWATER FISHING – May to Sep-

tember is the best time to fish for the area’s indigenous

5 PIN BOWLING

species that include salmon, halibut, ling cod, sole, rockfish and crab. A copy of the B.C. Freshwater and Saltwater Sports Fishing Guide is handy, and a valid fishing licence is mandatory. There are also many deep sea charters available. Visit www.bcfishing.com.

SHORT FILM SUMMER ACADEMY –

Learn how to make a film from story idea to finished product. Three-day process includes how to shoot, develop story and editing with digital software. Contact the Nanaimo Arts Council at 250-729-3947.

GAMBLING – The

Great Canadian Casino in downtown Nanaimo has plenty of options for bettors. With more than 17,000 square feet of gaming floor, it has 380 slot machines, all your favourite table games and more. It also has a 56-seat restaurant and free coffee, tea and soft drinks for players.

1816 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, B.C. Westhill Centre Ph. 250-740-3880 • Fax 250-740-3889

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BRECHIN LANES 1870 E. Wellington

• Pharmacist on duty all open hours • Full service cosmetics, specializing in skincare • Home Health Care Services with certiﬁed ﬁtter on staff for Compression Stockings, Mastectomy Bras, Ostomy products & Diabetic devices B.C. Lottery & Variety Lottery Tickets Available Here Mon-Fr 9 - 9 Saturday 9 - 6 Sunday 10 - 5

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Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

EMPIRE DAYS CELEBRATION WEEKEND – May

21-24. The celebration starts off at the Port Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday with the historic May Queen Crowning ceremony and accompanying 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 information is available at www. nanaimoempiredays.com.

BEBAN PARK – Nanaimo’s premier recreation facility offers swimming, skating, tennis, playgrounds and multi-use trails. Home to the Canadian national cyclocross championship in November, with the Nanaimo Junior A Clippers also calling Frank Crane Arena home.

GUIDED TOURS

– There are many ways to get around Nanaimo and its waterways. Various companies host guided tours of the area on foot, bus, boat or plane. Visit www. naturepark.com for some ideas.

FARMERS’ MARKETS – A relaxing

way to find some of the Island’s freshest produce, food and crafts. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is open mid-April to early

October on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Cedar Farmers’ Market, open from mid-May to October, can be found at 2313 Yellow Point Rd. The newly created Bowen Road Farmer’s Market will take place from 4-7 p.m. late May to early October every Wednesday at the Co-op.

32 33

CONCERTS IN THE PARK – Bring your

lawn chair to the Lions Pavilion at Maffeo Sutton Park Sundays during July and August.

Leonard Krog M.L.A. (Nanaimo) 4-77 Victoria Cres. Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5B9 Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Telephone: 250-714-0630 leonard.krog.mla@leg.bc.ca

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ISLAND CHASE 2010 – August

long weekend. Hosted by Nanaimo’s English Entertainment, this adventure combines the thrill of a car rally with the strategy of a scavenger hunt, all for a grand prize of $5,000 cash. The inaugural event begins at Country Club Centre and takes participants from Campbell River to Victoria. For details visit www. islandchase.ca.

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riola Island, Protection Island and Newcastle Island are all just a short ferry ride away. Gabriola features parks, beaches and galleries, as well as a popular outdoor craft exhibit on weekend mornings in the summer. Newcastle features beaches and hiking trails as well as places to camp while Protection is a quiet residential community with several small parks.

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OUTRIGGER CANOE – The

Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club hosts its annual outrigger canoe race on the second last weekend of February. Teams from all over the Island and Lower Mainland take part. Call 250-756-4054 for details.

FRESHWATER FISHING – People

from all over the world come to Nanaimo to fly fish some of the globe’s best streams and rivers, including the Nanaimo River. Fly fisherman are on the rivers year-round and many local lakes are annually stocked. Call a local retailer for the best fishing holes, or try the Nanaimo Fish and Game Club at 250-754-2846.

RUNNING – There

are five popular running routes in Nanaimo. The Harbourside Walkway, Westwood Lake Trail Loop,

Parkway Trail, E&N Trail and the Jack Point/Biggs Park route. Most of the local running clubs and specialty stores host drop-in groups, and some even run regularly to raise money for charity.

FLOATING BOAT AND MARINE TRADE SHOW –

The sixth annual show takes place June 4-6 in 2010 at the Nanaimo Boat Basin. The popular event features everything for boat enthusiasts. Call 250-754-5053 or visit www.npa.ca.

HARBOUR CITY HALF MARATHON

– The News Bulletin helps present this annual run, re-launched in 2008 with more community focus, including a kids run and pre-event training clinics through the Running Room. For information and registration, please go to www.harbourcityhalf.ca. This year’s marathon takes place on Sept. 5.

BEBAN PARK POOL – This

pirate-themed pool features a 61-metre waterslide, leisure pool and a unique pirate ship interactive play feature. The facility also has a 25-metre pool, weight room, hot tub and steam room. A great place to cool off or keep in shape. Call 250-756-5200 or visit www.nanaimo.ca.

YELLOW POINT DRAMA GROUP –

The oldest theatre group in western Canada. Based at the Cedar Community Hall, the group offers shows in the spring and fall. Contact 250-245-7882.

SQUASH – The

Nanaimo Squash Club features four international squash courts, weight room saunas, public lounge and pro shop. Call 250-754-3123 or go to www.nanaimosquash.com.

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

CHECK OUT THE LOTUS PINNATUS

– It was suggested recently as Nanaimo’s official floral emblem. While that has yet to be b decided, d id d the h rare flower, also known as the 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 White Rapids Road and McKeown Way.

IN-LINE SKATING

– There are plenty of smooth, paved trails to get out for an in-line skate. Try the E&N Trail, the Parkway Trail or the old Grandview Bowl racetrack.

GO-KARTING – Check out the 200cc Hondapowered go-karts that power you around a Nascar-type track at Cyber City. Double-seater karts are available to enable children under 54” tall to ride safely with parents.

CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS – July

1 at Maffeo Sutton Park. Nanaimo celebrates Canada and its diversity with all kinds of music, food, live entertainment and family events. Call 250-756-5200 or visit www. nanaimo.ca.

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CRABBING – Get a licence and com-

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pete with resident seals for supper at local crabbing hot spots. One of the most popular places in Nanaimo to catch crab is the crabbing dock on the Harbourfront Walkway.

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NANAIMO MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL – Live

CABLE BAY TRAIL

all over the world to Nanaimo’s waters. Snake Island, Orlebar Point and Neck Point are some hot spots, and artificial reefs like the sunken HMCS Saskatchewan, a 336-foot navy vessel, or HMCS Cape Breton, sunk in 2001, are popular. For the best local knowledge call a dive shop or visit www.bcdiveguide.com.

51 52

BOWEN PARK 4H BARNYARD – Late

– A great place to spot sea lions from October to April or seals playing in the rapids at Dodds Narrows. The twokilometre trail leads through mixed forest before crossing a small stream by the ocean.

June to August provides youngsters an opportunity to interact with farm animals.

turing arts, drama, music and dance, Arts Alive is a low cost, high quality instruction for both beginners and intermediates of any age. Call 250-7539423 or visit www.nanaimoartsalive. com for 2010 dates and prices.

SCUBA DIVING

– Clear water, colourful marine life and a rich underwater environment lure diving enthusiasts from

ARTS ALIVE SUMMER SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS – Fea-

Sunday, June 13th h, 2:30, Port Theatre www w.porttheatre.c com Brigadoon Dance ce Academy presents:

Pride of Scotland Tickets: Tic ets: ww et ww.porttheatre.com w wp or 250-754-8550 0 Free Fr F ree ee Summer Demonstrations - 11:30 am, Every Thursday & Saturday at the Bastion Pavilion in July & August. Summer Dance Camps for beginners this August. No experience necessary (2.5 years - adult) Contact Diena & Charles today: brigadoondanceacademy@shaw.ca or 250-756-3661 18

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

VANCOUVER ISLAND MILITARY MUSEUM – Me-

morials, medal displays, books and military mi records can all be found at the Vancouver Van Island Military Museum, llocated at Nanaimo North Town Centre Centre. Nanaimo has an important militar military past and it can all be learned and vie viewed at the museum. Call 250756-2554.

BIRD WATCHING

– More than 250 bird species call the area home or return annually on migration routes. Buttertubs Marsh is a popular 18-hectare bird and wildlife sanctuary near Bowen Park. For other favourites visit http://birding.bc.ca.

DINING – Nanaimo

has a wide variety of culinary options. From Indian or Thai food, sushi, Mediterranean or traditional burgers or wings, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Check out restaurant listings at www.tourismnanaimo.com.

OUTDOOR RECREATION – With

one of the warmest climates in Canada, Nanaimo has always been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From the ocean to the mountains, there is something here for everybody. For the best local knowledge on any outdoor activity, visit www. nanaimoinformation.com/forum.

57 58

NANAIMO THEATRE GROUP – In

its 49th year, the NTG owns the 175-seat Bailey Studio on Rosstown Road. Call 250-7587246 or go to www.bailey.nisa.com. VAN ISLE SAILING CO-OP – The non-

profit group owns the sailboats and members get to sail on them, learning by crewing with experienced sailors. For more information, visit www.vanislesailing.ca.

VANCOUVER ISLAND SYMPHONY – Nanaimo’s

own professional symphony offers a season of concerts from September to May at the Port Theatre. For concert information call 250-754-0177. For tickets call the Port Theatre box office of go online at www.viso.bc.ca.

FIRST NATIONS CULTURE – Learn

about the first people on the Island at the Nanaimo District Museum or shop for aboriginal art at Art of Siem on Front Street or at Hill’s Native Art on Bastion Street.

DIVER LAKE – Features a wooden walkway, playground and an area with jumps for bikes. Located off Labieux Road.

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Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

H E L E N

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NECK POINT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This 17.5-hectare waterfront park features stunning views and a real West Coast feel. A popular place for snorkeling in the summer, it also has benches and several lookout points. The parking lot is accessible off Hammond Bay Road. Be sure to visit the recently opened section on the south side of the park.

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â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mmmmm, beer. The Longwood Brew Pub at Longwood Station offers 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.

YELLOW POINT SCENIC DRIVE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Just south of Nanaimo, the rural communities of Cedar and Yellow Point offer stunning countryside. Maps are available from www.tourismnanaimo.com.

CAMPING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nanaimo has several camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether by the ocean, the Nanaimo River, one of the many local lakes or near the mountains.

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In hiker’s heaven 68

f hiking is your favourite form of exercise, you don’t have to go further than Nanaimo to appreciate everything from a crushed gravel trail to a six-hour trek up a mountain. From seaside to forest, every level of hiker can ﬁnd something satisfying in Nanaimo. Hikes include: Mt. Benson – If Nanaimo’s waterfront is one jewel in the city, No. 2 has got to be Mt. Benson, providing outdoor enthusiasts with an opportunity to take to the woods only minutes from their doorstep. Accessible from Witchcraft Lake on Benson View Road or up through the hills above Westwood Lake, the nearly six-hour hike (including a few strenuous portions) round-trip takes you through old growth timber, waterfalls and streams, previously logged areas and

views galore along the way. Benson’s view from the summit is spectacular, encompassing Cedar to Texada Island along the water, the entire Nanaimo River valley and the mountain peaks beyond. Morrell Sanctuary – Eleven kilometres of dirt roads and trails lead through this 111-hectare Nature Trust of B.C. park, providing hikers with platform views, occasional wildlife and the opportunity to push through to Westwood Lake Park, the Westwood Ridges and beyond. Westwood Lake – A 6.2-kilometre bark mulch trail around Westwood Lake provides an enjoyable hike with equally enjoyable water views. Westwood Ridges – Situated between Westwood Lake and the slopes of Mt. Benson, the Westwood Ridges offers eyeopening views. The trail, while wooded, is not overly strenuous, but does present the occasional challenge with footing.

Ammonite Falls alls – Tumbling down the northwest slope of Mt. Benson and draining into Brannen Lake, Benson Creek creates the dramatic Ammonite waterfalls. Part of a regional park, Ammonite is a series of three drops rushing through a heavy forest that can be reached either off of Jameson Road near Jingle Pot Road or the Doumont Road trails. For anyone searching for a little outdoors in a more leisurely fashion, Nanaimo offers parks including Cottle Lake (Linley Valley), Neck Point, Piper’s Lagoon, Buttertubs Marsh, Colliery Dam, Bowen, Biggs, Cable Bay, and Beach Estates and Newcastle Island. Even a hike on the paved routes including the Parkway Trail, Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway or E&N Trail can be a nice outing.

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Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

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Terrific tubbing

anaimo is sometimes known as the Harbour City and sometimes known as the Hub City, but it’s always known as the capital of bathtub racing.

The community has hosted the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race for 44 years now, and the event – part of the Nanaimo Marine Festival – is as big as ever. This year’s race goes at 11 a.m. July 25, with tubbers starting at the Nanaimo harbour downtown and arriving some two hours later at Departure Bay beach to throngs of appreciative spectators. The four-day festival gets underway earlier in the week with the opening of the society’s entertainment stage, food fair and Kiddies’ Karnival at Maffeo Sutton Park. Lots of other events, like the World Championship Waiters’ race and ﬁreworks, accompany the races during

John

Tim

Brent

Jim

Dave

Wade

Sasha

the festivities. It’s one of Nanaimo’s biggest summer events. Things ramp up July 24 downtown with the Sailpast on Wheels parade at 10:30 a.m. The day comes to a close with the Quality Foods Festival of Lights and Music fireworks show at 10 p.m. As for the bathtub racing itself, the sport has changed significantly since the first race in 1967, when 200 tubbers attempted to cross the Strait of Georgia in vessels of varying seaworthiness. Now, some tubs are even tricked out to compete in the super-modified division. But as the sport has changed with the time, the festival’s mandate has stayed steadfast.

Graham

Dave H.

Michael

Ben

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WATER PARKS – W

T Take the kids to cchill out on a hot ssummer day at the K Kiwanis Bay Water Park located near De Departure Bay beach, the Haliburton Water Park near Princess Royal School or Harewood Mining Community Water Park P on Howard Avenue.

An exq An xqui uisi ui siite t b bou o tiiqu ou q e offfe o eri ring n u ng uni niqu ni q e an qu and d ﬁne cas asua u l to ua t ffor orma or mall ma appa ap a p re pa rel,l,l jjew ew ewel wel elry ry and and nd othe ot herr ac he acce c ss ce s or o ies. ie es. s P titite Pe te e, Re Regu gu ula larr & P uss Siz Pl izin i g. in g.

6581 Aulds Road, Nanaimo Across from BCAA and near Staples

PETROGLYPH PARK – A two-

(250) 390-4242

hectare provincial park featuring prehistoric sandstone rock carvings depicting mystical animal and human figures. Parking lot is off the Island Highway between Haliburton Street and Highview Terrace.

CANS FOOD FESTIVAL – An annual

fundraiser for the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank. A donation of canned food buys participants a taste of yumminess from one of several Nanaimo restaurants. Also featuring the Cans Structure Challenge. Early September. Call 250-754-8141.

73 74

E&N TRAIL – This eight-kilometre trail runs alongside the E&N railway track from Rosehill Avenue to Mostar Road. BOWEN PARK –

Use the tennis, lawn bowling, soccer, horseshoe or volleyball facilities or go for a walk

DID WE MISS YOU? along the cascading Millstone River. There are lots of places to picnic or feed the resident ducks.

COLLIERY DAM PARK – This 11-

hectare park is a popular swimming and fishing area in the summer. The trail leads around the lakes with several off-road trails networking throughout the park. Parking off Nanaimo Lakes Road or Wakesiah Avenue.

NANAIMO CANOEKAYAK CLUB – The

club hosts several regattas over the summer at Long Lake. The club also hosts learn to paddle programs from May to September on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. Call 250-741-1200 or visit www.nckc.ca.

101

e Things to se naimo Na in and do

2010

Published by

the

in co-operation

with Tourism

Nanaimo

To ensure you are seen in our next issue, please give us a call 250-753-3707

www.nanaimobulletin.com 777 Poplar Street

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Museum digs

77 into city’s history

BY MELISSA FRYER

ecome a miner for a day by visiting the replica coal mine at the Nanaimo Museum. Each visitor can take a coal tag with a number that corresponds to a miner who lived and worked in the coal mines in the central Island area. “We have 25 actual people who worked the coal mines in the community,” said Debbie Trueman, general manager of the museum. “You can ﬁnd out who you were and what happened to you in the exhibit. “It adds a personal touch even locals might not be aware of.” The coal mine is the newest addition to the Nanaimo Museum and will be open

in June. The coal mine display at the old museum in Piper Park was one of its most popular exhibits. “We took that out and we had questions and requests to bring it back,” Trueman said. The new coal mine is built of rebar, wire and metal supports, covered in fake coal. A special effects company from Vancouver is casting the moulds from actual coal mines to give the exhibit an authentic feel. Walking into the exhibit, the ceilings will be low and the walls narrow to give the feeling of being in an actual coal mine. To the right is the actual size of a coal seam – smaller and narrower than building codes allow the museum to rep-

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licate. Visitors will also ﬁnd information on mining techniques, such as blasting; history, which includes interviews with miners and information on the strikes in 1914, as well as artifacts, like picks, shovels and lights. “We’ve tried to add some interactive things,” Trueman said. The museum contains permanent displays on Nanaimo’s history and history makers, such as Frank Ney and Diana Krall. In addition to coal mining, forestry played a signiﬁcant role in the city’s development and the exhibit Timber details that. Staff are also working on a display on the commercial aspect of Nanaimo and development downtown. “There’s going to be something new to see every few months for the next few years,” Trueman said.

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Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

78 79

PLAYGROUNDS –

During July and August, playgrounds host free programs for children aged six to 12. Join in for games, sports and crafts. Call 250-756-5200. PIPER’S LAGOON PARK – A trail

leads to a rocky headland between a shallow lagoon and an outer beach. It features several lookouts across the Strait of Georgia and has several benches for watching marine life or birds.

The museum combines local history, focusing on Nanaimo’s accomplishments, while also hosting travelling exhibits. Last year’s exhibits featured hockey player Rocket Richard and a display from the national photography museum. Opening in June is the latest travelling

exhibit, Acres of Dreams, on the history of the Prairies, from the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. The Nanaimo Museum is located in the Port of Nanaimo Centre on Commercial Street. For more information, please call 250-753-1821 or visit www. nanaimomuseum.ca.

OCEAN BEACHES

– Nanaimo has lots of beautiful ocean beaches to explore, relax on or have a picnic. Neck Point, Piper’s Lagoon, Departure Bay, Newcastle Island and Gabriola Island are a few local favourites. Neck Point has some amazing snorkeling opportunities at high tide.

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MORRELL NATURE SANCTUARY – A stun-

ning network of nature trails on 112 hectares of second growth forest. There are 11 kilometres of trails that pass by beaver ponds, marshes and Morrell Lake. Lots of wildlife to see and an off-leash area for dogs under the powerlines.

Presents.... Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady! Sept. 23 - 26 - Port Theatre 3 evenings - 2 matinees “Wouldn’t it be loverly!”

TICKETS 250-754-8550

BITE OF NANAIMO

– Nanaimo’s 17th annual gourmet food fair presented by TheatreOne at Beban Park will be held on Sept. 24 in 2010 from 4-9 p.m. Call 250-754-7587 or visit www.theatreone.org.

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BOATING – Brechin

Boat Launch near the B.C. Ferries terminal at Departure Bay is Nanaimo’s main public boat ramp. A smaller boat ramp is located off Hammond Bay Road.

84 85

DISC GOLF – An

18-hole disc golf course is located in Bowen Park. Borrow discs from the administration office Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. FITNESS GYMS

– The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Gym and Beban Park Gym offer state-of-the art fitness equipment, including rowing machines, treadmills, stair climbers and universal gyms. Call 250-756-5200.

“The Co-op Advantage” - Save with a Co-op Loyalty Card Save 3% when you purchase $100.00 or 4% when you purchase $300.00 or more Savings are on all fuel products at Mid Island Co-op locations

100% Community Owned - www.midisland.coop 28

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

See city’s origins

he Bastion is used to symbolize Nanaimo and its enduring presence reminds us of our city’s origins. The Bastion has been a museum for nearly 100 years, longer than it served as its original purpose of Hudson’s Bay Company office, arsenal, storage facility and refuge in case of attack. The Hudson’s Bay Company built the Bastion in 1853 after transferring its coal operations from Fort Rupert to Nanaimo. HBC had a contract to supply coal to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and needed a substantial deposit to rely on, which the Nanaimo area provided. The three-storey octagonal fort was constructed by two Quebecois axemen with the assistance of First Nations workers using hand-hewn logs fitted together without nails. The original roof was covered with cedar bark and the walls were

86 painted with lime made from crushed clamshells. Between 1860 and 1892, the Bastion was used as a jail, temporarily housing minor offenders. By 1912, the Bastion was transformed into a museum. In its 155 years of existence, the Bastion has been relocated twice in the same general area overlooking the harbour. Over the years, it has undergone a series of renovations and restorations, the latest in the mid-1990s. Its original construction is largely intact, but it’s currently closed to the public as it awaits further structural renovations. As well as being the third-oldest building in B.C., the Bastion is the oldest original free-standing HBC fort in North America and the only known Hudson’s Bay Company fort that focused primarily on coal mining rather than fur trading.

Paintb

Pawn

all

Northwest Native Art Tools Jewellery Musical Instruments Electronics & Paintball Supplies Collateral Loans Open 7 Days per week

Nicol St. Pawnbrokers 124 Nicol Street

753-3355

www.nicolpawn.ca Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Check out the shopping options

anaimo is known to many as the city of malls, and while we certainly do have those, we’ve got plenty of other shopping options as well.

From unique boutiques to big, one-stop shopping centres, the Harbour City has a full range of shopping hot spots. Starting in north Nanaimo, Woodgrove Centre is Vancouver Island’s largest shopping centre and a sure place to ﬁnd almost anything you are looking for. With more than 150 shops, the centre’s wide selection brings people from south Island and north Island to Nanaimo to shop for the day. Heading south on the Island Highway, Nanaimo North Town Centre was renovated in recent years and features plenty of its

own great retail options. A little furth south is another shopping centre of similar size – Country Club Centre. Nanaimo’s downtown and Old City Quarter yield one-ofa-kind knick-knacks, clothing items, artwork and household pieces. A stroll along Nanaimo’s Inner Harbour brings shoppers past more stores and coffee shops in the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza shopping area. Port Place shopping centre is just off the harbour walkway as well. It’s undergoing a major transformation, but still has a few anchor tenants open throughout the construction. If shoppers head up Bastion Street into the Old City Quarter, the unique little boutiques and art stores continue. For plaza-style shopping check out Brooks Landing, University Village (formerly Harewood Mall), Terminal Park, Longwood Station, Northridge Centre, Woodgrove Crossing and Dickinson Crossing.

can help

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

MEDIchair

Watch a face glow with pride... as someone who has been housebound gets back to afternoon shopping or returns to strolling down the seawall.

We carry a line of affordable products to rent or purchase, that allow you or a loved one to continue getting out there and enjoying all the wonderful experiences Nanaimo has to offer.

• Are you interested in some gentle exercise? • 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!!

500 Bowen Rd.

For more information, please contact Donn at 758-5639 or Sharon at 753-3846 or check out our webpage at www.nanaimolawnbowling.com

mobility scooters t walkers manual & power wheelchairs canes t crutches and more!!!

CAMPING R . V. CABINS nanaimo.medichair.ca 30

Unit 106 - 2517 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo (250) 756-9875 t 1-800-667-1406

westwoodlakecampgrounds.com 250-753-3922

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

SNORKEL WITH THE SEALS –

Spend a few hours swimming with the harbour seals at Snake Island. Call Ca Sundown Diving at 1-888-773-3483 or Diver’s Choice Charters at 1-866-716-8867. 1-866-7

MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL – A slice

of francophone tradition comes alive each February at the Maple Sugar Festival, with popular French musicians and local talent, along with francophone traditions and entertainment.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL – The beach

courts at Bowen Park are a popular place throughout the summer, whether it’s for a fun pickup game with friends or as part of a league. For more information on leagues, go to www.nanaimosport.com.

JACK POINT/ BIGGS PARK –

Biggs Park starts with a trail along the water just west of the Duke Point Highway with excellent views of the Nanaimo River estuary and the City of Nanaimo. The pathway leads to a trail through woods and rocky shoreline.

CHASE RIVER ESTUARY – Trails,

viewing platforms and boardwalks for bird watching or views of the estuary at 1150 Island Highway, south of Haliburton Street.

KAYAKING – There

are numerous inlets, bays and protected waters to explore, as well as destinations such as Newcastle, Protection and Decourcey islands.

Your Community TV Station is just a Click away Event Filming and Production • Streamcasting Via the Internet • Disc Duplication • Audio, Video and Film, Transfer Services to Disc or File • Rentals

Allen Felker at 250-244-1774 5342 Somerset Dr. Nanaimo BC. V9T-2K6 www.vitv.ca info@vitv.ca news@vitv.ca

Go ahead and dream… plan your next vacation.

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Cycling city 94 From ﬂat road pedalling to singletrack trails, the Harbour City has biking opportunities for two-wheelers of all abilities. The city has one of the largest trail networks on Vancouver Island. For some good road rides, cyclists can start on the Parkway Trail or the E&N trail. The Parkway Trail stretches 20 kilometres from Woodgrove Centre to Chase River, and is a paved trail running along the highway with a few good thigh-burning ups and downs as well as great views of Mount Benson. The E&N Trail, running alongside the Island Highway, hooks up with the Parkway Trail and is a little bit more of a ﬂat and leisurely ride. There are also good off-pavement nature rides through Cable Bay and Hemer parks in Cedar, and Westwood Lake boasts a scenic six-kilometre loop. For those who want to do some road riding but are a little car shy, try Nanaimo River Road in south Nanaimo. Nanaimo’s surrounding islands also offer good bike paths. For an extra $2, take your bike on the ferry to Newcastle Island and ride around the small island, or try the roads of Gabriola Island. An updated bike routes map can be found in the Backroads Map Book, available in grocery stores.

MOUNTAIN BIKING – World class

mountain biking can be found just minutes from downtown Nanaimo. Local riders challenge themselves on technical singletrack at the Abyss, near the top of Harewood Mines Road, where challenging climbs, rocket-fast downhills and switchbacks test rider skills. The trails at Doumont Road (top of Weigles Road) offer a variety of terrain from ﬁre roads to winding singletrack, as well as jumps and ladders. Your best

bet is to tag along with the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club, which goes on several rides a week to the best spots. For more information, check out www. nanaimomountainbikeclub.com. The Island Cup mountain bike race series also visits Nanaimo in April and May. A 90-minute drive away for more hardcore riders is Mount Washington, sporting a downhill network similar to one found at Whistler during the summer months.

The Toast of the Town... Savita and Dave invite you to enjoy Nanaimo’s Finest Indian Food • Ocean View • Belly Dancing Friday & Saturday evenings • Fully Licensed • Private Parties Welcome Woodgrove Centre - Specials every day! Parksville location 487 Island Hwy East 250-390-7922

(next to Skylite Motel) 250-951-0682

#1-1400 Wingrove St. (across from Departure Bay Beach)

250-729-7922

• We have a seperate banquet room, with seating for 50, for your special event. • 32

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Go off the beaten track to

95 Gabriola BY BRUCE MASON

or thousands of years folks have been visiting, settling and exploring Gabriola Island, dating back to Aboriginal villages, through numerous European expeditions and ongoing waves of residents and tourists. There’s a great deal to discover. The name (it’s pronounced GAY-briola) is thought to be a misspelling of the Spanish word gaviota (“seagull”). Gabriola is also referred to as “Petroglyph Island” because of the famed large number of ancient stone engravings, and “Isle of the Arts,” recognizing one of the largest per capita concentrations of artists in Canada. Locals refer to it as “The Rock.” Highly recommended as a ﬁrst stop is the website: www.gabriolaisland.org, packed with information, including answers to most frequently asked questions and updated regularly by chamber of commerce manager Carol Ramsay. “The most common mistake by visitors is to just drive North and South roads

Island

Gabriola Island has plenty of trails and beaches to keep recreational wanderers happy (photo courtesy Judy Preston). INSET: Gabriola also has many examples of ancient Aboriginal stone engravings. Replicas at the museum are available to make rubbings.

around the perimeter of the Island. We’ve got a detailed street map and can help them ﬁnd the ‘hidden gems’ of Gabriola.” Ramsay and her staff of trained and friendly volunteers can be found at the Visitor Centre at Twin Beaches Mall. Make your ﬁrst left turn from the ferry. Bring along individual questions on where to stay, eat, shop, explore and relax and pick up copy of Go Gabriola! and the trail map, 23 Walks on Gabriola. See page 34

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

CONTACT:

Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Centre PO Box 249 #5 - 377 Berry Point Road Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0 Phone: 250-247-9332 E-mail: giccmanager@shaw.ca)

LEFT: Drumbeg Park features an easy walk beneath Garry oaks, along fascinating sandstone formations leading to a panoramic view of Flat Top Islands (photo courtesy Elias Wakan). BELOW: Gabriola’s charming and challenging golf course is carved around Lake Hoggan (photo courtesy Andre Lemieux).

The Island is the same size of Manhattan:14 km (8.6 miles) long and 4.2 km (2 miles) wide, boasts a park as big as Central Park and almost as much to do as in the Big Apple. The climate is Mediterranean and the year-round population, about 5,000, doubles in summer. Gabriola has more than its share of renowned Gulf Island beauty, including four waterfront parks, endless trails and a charming and challenging golf course carved around tiny Lake Hoggan. It’s also the most accessible of the islands, by a 20-minute commuter ferry from Nanaimo, ﬂoat plane, or boat and is rated among the top cycling spots in BC. Here are some highlights recommended by previous visitors: Drumbeg Park features an easy walk beneath Garry oaks, along fascinating sandstone formations leading to a panoramic view of Flat Top Islands. Nearby is Page’s Resort and Marina

with a charming bookstore that wows everyone with a surprising selection of Island authors. Beaches? Gabriola boasts the largest number of beach accesses on the Gulf Islands – more than 30. A winner for families is Paradise Island Alpaca Farm where kids can get up close and personal. Petroglyph Trail is also a big hit, but on the Museum grounds you will ﬁnd them all in one spot and you can make copies to take home. If you are interested in agriculture or want to stretch your legs, visit

the Commons. The Farmers’ Market is Saturday mornings in season and a great source of local produce is Good Earth. Tried and true favourites include: spectacular Malaspina Galleries, Twin Beaches, Sandwell Park and serene Berry Point, overlooking the Entrance Island lighthouse, with the roar of the sea – and sea lions – at your feet and a little-known walking maze nearby. Folklife Village, one of the world’s only recycled shopping malls – a pavilion during Expo 86 – is where you will ﬁnd Artworks, a gallery that displays the creations of more than 100 island artists and features regular exhibition openings. In the same location is Raspberry’s Jazz Café, a popular eatery, people-watching hangout and meeting place and the irresistible window outside the real estate ofﬁce listing properties for sale.

JIM’S KAYAKING Discover the Gulf Islands LESSONS • RENTALS • DAYTRIPS www.jimskayaking.com 250-247-8335 or 250-751-5887 34

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

The heart and soul of Gabriola is the Roxy Lounge and Culture Club across the street, an intimate and totally unique 50-vintage-seat theatre with superb acoustics, earning a reputation among the finest musicians and their fans and described by the CBC as a “national treasure.” Also check out the Gabriola Theatre, where legendary 90-year old actor Antony Holland stages popular performance readings. There are plenty of places to eat from the deck of the Skol Pub at the ferry terminal to Silva Bay at the other end of the Island, which also has a Laundromat and public showers. For sunsets: Surf Lodge. The Old A Frame has attracted a large and growing following and the health food crowd frequents the Harvest Thyme Cafe and Health Store. Visitors returning to the Island will find lots of new attractions, including the justopened Madrona Marketplace, Robert’s Place (in the previous location of Suzy’s Diner), and the sanctuary, Coats’ Marsh. As well, Gabriola offers more and improved services in accommodation, camping, taxi, bicycle, car and scooter rentals, parks and trails, diving and fish-

ing charters, kayak and canoe rentals, opportunities for touring artist studios year-round and a lifetime’s worth of trails and beaches. People from around the world arrive to study at Canada’s only full-time wooden boat building school (at Silva Bay), the Island School of the Building Arts (near Drumbeg) and the Haven Foundation (Davis Bay). Like everywhere else on Gabriola, a warm welcome is waiting, along with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, especially for those who come prepared to explore (and wonder if they should stay). The major attraction is Gabriolans themselves, who have dubbed 2010 “The Year of the Clinic.” Determined to improve island healthcare, they will appreciate your support. TOP: Steve Berthelot (right) has created a “national treasure” with his Roxy Lounge and Social Club. Next door is Robert Stutzman and David Chapman’s Robert’s Place specializing in handcrafted food. BELOW: Natural sandstone formations abound (photo courtesy Richard Pullano).

DESCANSO BAY REGIONAL PARK

Camping Year Round 32 sites / $15 per night Beautiful 40-acre ocean front. Launching site for kayakers & canoers. Day use picnic, hiking trails, swimming 1 km from Ferry Ferr Terminal

Folklife Village

image by Jordan Sorrenti

Gabriola Island (250) 247-8255 www.rdn.bc.ca

H]dee^c\ Sh S hop opp piing ing ng 8ZcigZ Ce C entre nttre n re

575 North Road Gabriola Island

~ Shops & Services ~ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Coast Realty (Gabriola Village Ltd.) Gabriola Artworks Gabriola Law Ofﬁce Jeremy Maude Gallery Take Two DVD Rentals Jay Friesen Home Design Medicine Centre Raspberry’s Jazz Café Vancouver Island Regional Library Village Food Market Village Liquor Store Village Paint & Hardware Wooden Hanger Clothing

250-247-2088 250-247-7412 250-247-7122 250-247-7373 250-247-8455 250-247-8310 250-247-9959 250-247-7878 250-247-8755 250-247-7616 250-247-9266 250-247-8599

★ Direct Cash ATM ★ Lease Enquiries ~ Steve Wohlleben, Manager 250-816-8070 / steve.wohlleben@dtzbarnicke.com

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

Gabriola Island Ferry Schedule

Depart Nanaimo 6:15 am Daily Except Sun & Dec. 25/Jan. 1

7:15 am Daily Except Dec 25/Jan 1

8:20 am 9:30 am 10:35 am Daily Except Wed are (DC)

11:40 am 12:45 pm

1:55 pm 3:45 pm 4:50 pm 5:55 pm 6:55 pm 7:55 pm 8:55 pm

Daily Except Wed

9:55 pm 10:55 pm

Depart Gabriola

5:45 am Daily Except Dec. 25/Jan. 1

6:45 am Daily Except Sun & Dec. 25/Jan. 1

7:50 am 8:55 am 10:05 am 11:10 am 12:15 pm 1:20 pm

3:10 pm 4:15 pm

Daily Except Wed are (DC)

5:20 pm 6:25 pm 7:25 pm 8:25 pm 9:25 pm Daily Except Wed

10:25 pm

DC Wednesday - Dangerous Cargo - NO PASSENGERS

www.bcferries.ca • 1-888-223-3779 35

lar French musicians and local talent, along with francophone traditions and entertainment.

SALMON SIDE CHANNEL – This new channel, located in Bowen Park, is the perfect place for a stroll and to learn more about the the environment we live in. Ducks, otters and

VANCOUVER ISLAND EXHIBITION – Nanaimo’s

annual agricultural celebration and fair takes place Aug. 20-22. Crowds from around the Island come to see the livestock exhibition with live music, carnival rides, games and other events

– What gets your adrenaline pumping? Maybe a leap off of North America’s only legal bungy bridge toward the roaring Nanaimo River? How about a two-hour treetop adventure on Wild Plays’ TreeGo course, where adventurists challenge themselves 30 feet off the forest floor on an aerial obstacle course. It’s safe, fun and a total rush. Call 1-888-668-7874 or visit www.wildplayparks.com

a beaver inhabit the channel year round, and late September through December are the best times to see coho salmon.

at Beban Park. Call 250-758-3247 or visit www.viex.ca.

MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL – A slice

of francophone tradition comes alive each February at the Maple Sugar Festival, with popu-

Copper Kettle B&B English Garden & Patio European or English Breakfast 15 min walk along Seawall to downtown boutiques & cafés

250-740-3977

Visit the Vancouver Island Regional Library, grab a book, kick back and enjoy. The library also offers summer reading programs for children. For hours and information call 250-753-1154 (Harbourfront) or 250-758-5544 (Wellington).

Open 7 Days A Week

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Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

101

Step ba back in time at

Fascinating Rhythm BY CHRIS BUSH

here aren’t too many music stores you can walk into and ﬁnd a Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In comedy album from 1967 – or an unopened copy of Dusty Springﬁeld’s Dusty in Memphis from 1969. Fascinating Rhythm has been on Commercial Street in downtown Nanaimo since 2001 and draws music buffs from across Canada and the U.S. If music triggers memories, wandering through the store’s two-metre-tall aisles of vinyl records is like time travelling through decades of the 20th Century. The

name Fascinating Rhythm dates back as the title of a popular 1924 song written by George Gershwin. Store owner Steve Lebitschnig, a former radio station manager, started collecting records and old radios when he was young. “I’ve always loved anything to do with old records and radio,” Lebitschnig said. The hobby turned into a business. Lebitschnig guesses he has about 40,000 titles in vinyl and about that many again in CDs and DVDs. Blue Rays are starting to infiltrate the shelves too, but the core business old music on old formats like LPs, 45s and 78s. He even has some Edison cylinders from the late 1800s and plenty of old 78s to play on the store’s Gramophone. The store’s merchandising is pretty simple in that nothing is really hard to find once you figure out the layout and organization of the stock. The tone of the store’s interior decor is pretty much determined by Lebitschig’s collection of table top and mantle radios

that lent their distinct voices to most recorded music from the 1920s through the ’70s and and now take up most of any shelf space not taken up by records and CDs. There is even an Electronics International Executive Bathroom Radio still in its original box. The unit from the early 1970s doubled as a radio and toilet paper roll holder and it’s hard to decide which of its roles was intended to be more entertaining. Concert posters – originals and reprints – are everywhere. Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Bo Diddley, B.B. King, Cream, King Crimson. Lebitschnig says the ones with ticket prices advertised on them are often the originals. There are racks of sheet music dating back as far as the oldest record albums and even some instruments scattered around, including a child-size Harmony guitar. Fascinating Rhythm is unique enough to be featured on CBC Radio’s Vinyl Cafe twice in the last six months, as one of show host Stuart McLean’s ﬁve favourite record stores in Canada, and one he said came closest of any he’s seen to what he imagined when he created his ﬁctional Vinyl Cafe.

Come to John’s and get a FREE sponge!

1707 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo 250-741-1777 www.johnsbedrooms.com Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

From page 5

Best Authentic Chinese Smorgasbord In The Area! No

Great MSG “All you can eat Prices! T Tuesday to Sunday” Added! Delivery and Take-out available Air conditioned

#3 - 508 8th Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

250-753-9541 2

Beban Park Golf Course 18 Hole Par 54 Club Rentals Available Phone 756-0108 Located – South end of Beban Park by the Tennis Courts

H ndds--on Ha on Fun in th he B Baarn r yaard r & Ho Hors rseb rs e acck Trrai eb aill Ri Ridees

www. ww w.ti t ge ti g rl r illyf yfar a m. ar m.ca ca 25025 0-24 2 824 8-24 2408 24 08 16692 9 E Err rrin in ngtton Rd. d

“We have a lot of climbers that do nothing but boulder,” said Roy. Lead climbing is like what you do outdoors, only inside. To lead climb you need your own rope. Roy said you have to be a strong climber, but not necessarily have mastered the most difﬁcult top rope climbs. “We’re getting more and more people into lead climbing in our facility because we’re setting easier routes,” she said. The Romper Room offers lead climbing and outdoor climbing courses. With a location like Nanaimo, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense for a climber to ignore the outdoor option. “We have people come from all over to climb on Vancouver Island,” said Roy. “Nanaimo has lots of outdoor climbing available.” If you’re an experienced climber and just want to know where to go, the Romper Room carries guidebooks. Apart from being a fun activity, climbing is good exercise. You’ll deﬁnitely break a sweat and feel those muscles afterward. “It’s a real mental challenge as well,” said Roy, adding that for some, the challenge is simply overcoming their fears, but for others it’s making that decision of where to move next. Making the right move is important, as I discovered when I grabbed the silver light bulb hold instead of the orange Buddha hold and found myself stuck. Luckily Matt the belayer took pity on me and lowered me back down. “Climbing isn’t all about strength,” said Roy.

Roy said practically anyone can rock climb. “If you have legs you can do it,” she said. “We’ve had blind, we’ve had amputees.” Roy recommended anyone getting into in climbing should get a belay ticket. “Once you get your belay ticket you don’t have to buy a membership, you can buy a pass,” she said. “Come with your buddy, buy a day pass, stay as long as you want.” The Romper Room offers a variety of programs to meet all experience levels. If you’re just learning and need a Romper Room belayer to do the rope work for you, you’ll need to book in advance. For more information on available programs, please visit www.climbromperroom.com or call the Romper Room at 250-751-7625.

Be a Kidney Hero. Join the Kidney Walk – A Walk with a Difference. You could win a prize. You WILL save a life. Like all other walks, The Kidney Walk is a fundraiser and comes with entertainment and incentives. BUT for this Walk, we don’t just want your pledges. We want your kidneys! Not now – later, when you don’t need them anymore. Come to the walk, bring your pledges, and sign up to be an organ donor. Now THAT’S a Kidney Hero. 38

Sunday, August 8 Maffeo-Sutton Park Registration: 9:00 am Walk: 10:00 am Pledge forms at select Coastal Community Credit Unions, or online at www.kidney.ca/bcwalk

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

“ But those who hope the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on winds like eables; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” - Isaiah 40:31 St. Peter’s Roman Catholic

Nanaimo Welcomes You to

Attend the Church of Your Choice

250-753-3570 • 301 Machleary St. “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church”. Matthew 16.18 All are invited as we celebrate the 50th year of the building of our church. Come and participate in the holy liturgy of the mass. Tea, coffee and fellowship after 10:30 mass. www.stpetersnanaimo.ca

St. Andrew’s Prebyterian

Seventh Day Adventist Church

250-758-2676 • 4235 Departure Bay Road

758-1334 • 2400 Highland Blvd.

Come worship with us! Join us in prayer and praise as we learn to walk more closely with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Hear Bible-based messages that are challenging and relevant. Feel God’s love grow in Sunday school, Bible studies, activities and mission projects.

Nanaimo Seventh-day Adventist Church strives to fullﬁll the great commission given by Jesus Christ, which encompasses preaching and teaching the scriptures contained in the Holy Bible and caring for the physical, spiritual and social needs of its members and individuals in its area and wider community regardless of race, color, creed, age or nationality.

www.sapcnanaimobc.ca

Calvary Fellowship Nanaimo

St. Paul’s Anglican

250-729-0698 • 205 Howard St. (Fairview Elementary)

250-753-2523 • 29 Church Street

At Calvary Fellowship our desire is to know God and His purposes for us. To do that we carefully study week by week chapter by chapter, the most popular and most widely read book 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

Proclaiming God’s love and the faith of Christ cruciﬁed and resurrected through Christ centered music, preaching and liturgy. We welcome you to join us in knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Friend. A spiritual oasis in the middle of the city. www.stpaulsanglican.bc.ca

St. Andrew’s United Church

Trinity United Church

250-753-1924 • 311 Fitzwilliam St.

390-2513 • 6234 Spartan Road Whether you are looking to attend a service while on holiday or are looking for a permanent church to call home, we welcome you to Trinity United Church. WE offer contemporary worship in a relaxed atmosphere. We are a friendly and welcoming congregation. Come join us at 11am on Sunday.

Built in 1893, St. Andrew’s has 115 years of service to the community 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 a Sunday School for children and teens, a thrﬁt shop offering household goods and clothes and an Outreach program that includes the Nanaimo Food Banks, Brannan Lake, Haven House. email: standrewsunitedchurch@telus.net

Christian Science Society

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

250-753-8036 • 20 Chapel Street

250-754-9082 • 394 Shepherd Avenue

“A church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.” -MB Eddy.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is a Biblical and Confessional church that proclaims Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour for all people, forgiving the sins of all who believe in Him, and giving them eternal life. http://stpaulslutheran.tripod.com

ET Family Curch

Brechin United Church

250-753-0258 • 1300 Princess Royal

250-754-9212 • 1998 Estevan Road

A place where individuals and families can take a fresh step on their spiritual journey and experience God’s love. Our passion is to love God, love others, and serve the world. Our gatherings focus on energetic worship and relevant teaching, in an informal atmosphere. Everyone is welcome! www.nanaimoet.com

BUC is at the crossroads of life, living our faith through worship, great programs for youth and adults and a social conscience. Join us and feel the energy of celebration through music, hospitality and fun making pies together. www.brechinunited.ca

SERVICE TIMES

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian St. Paul’s Anglican Church Sunday 8 am or 10:30 am Sunday 9 am and 11 am

ET Family Church

Prayer Meeting Wed. 7 pm

Sunday 10:30 am

Seventh Day Adventist Church

First Baptist Church

Wed. 11 am

Christian Science Society St. Paul’s Lutheran

Sunday 9 am or 11 am

Sunday 10:30 Reading Room Fri. 11-4

Sunday 11 am

St. Andrew’s United Church

Saturday 11 am

Trinity United Church

Brechin United St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Sunday 10:30 am Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 Calvary Fellowship Nanaimo Church

Sunday 11 am

a.m. Mass on weekdays exept Monday

Sunday 10:30 am Bible Study,

Sunday 9 am and 10:30 am

Thank you and GOD Bless! Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010

NANCING % 60FIFINANCING MONTHS.

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Jim Pattison Hyundai Nanaimo 4123 Wellington Road • Nanaimo, BC 250-758-6585 • Toll Free 1-866-758-6585 4123 Wellington Rd. www.pattisonhyundainanaimo.com Nanaimo, 250-758-6585 D#23669 D#23669

Nanaimo News Bulletin - 101 Things to See and Do in Nanaimo 2010