south of Nanaimo on the Trans-Canada Highway to Petroglyph Park, a two-acre site that protects ancient rock drawings. Up a steep gravel pathway, interpretive panels explain the petroglyphs and concrete casts enable visitors to make rubbings. A little farther on, a large, flat rock is scored with swirling images of fish, sea creatures, and human forms. Up a hill shaded by madrone (arbutus) trees, we found more petroglyphs carved into the sandstone, including “G Simpson,” a modern day would-be carver who had left his name amidst the ancient images. Back on the waterfront, we spotted a First Nations artist carving a stylized hummingbird on a piece of cedar. I greeted him, but then realized he couldn’t hear me because his iPod earbuds were blasting a rap song. Typical Nanaimo—where past and present live in perfect harmony.
First Nations artisans keep carving traditions alive and compliment the various cultural and recreational opportunities Nanaimo has to offer.
For more information, visit: ● tourismnanaimo.com ● nanaimomuseum.ca
● nanaimoharbourferry.com ● themoderncafe.ca
Nanaimo is a 90 minute drive from Victoria, or a short flight from Seattle on Kenmore Air (seasonal schedule applies).
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