Nanaimo




Shops along Nanaimo's Marina Waterfront

 

We always have a fun time in Nanaimo, there are so many things to see and do, especially during the summer months.  We attended the Farmer’s Market on Friday and saw hundreds of participants competing in the Dragon Boat Festival Races, a weekend event with dragon-style row boats that come from all over British Columbia to compete for the top prize. 

Dragon Boat Races, Nanaimo

Each team consists of 20 members per boat who must do the exact stroke, at the exact time to be proficient.  The event takes place at the Maffeo Stutton waterfront park which is also where the little Harbour Foot Ferry departs for nearby Newcastle Island. 

Harbour Island Ferry at Newcastle

We had great views of the races while riding the foot ferry over to Newcastle Island, Java’s favorite place to play.  The Island is a marine park with open grassy fields, well maintained trails, camp sites, and wonderful views of the city and seascape. 

Java bounding through the Fields

Java loves bounding through the open fields and running along the trails sniffing out the next salt air vista – we agreed this should be her final resting place when the time comes.  

Java leading the way

The island also has historic significance having been the site of an early Native village, a coal mine site in the 1850’s, a Japanese herring saltery in the early 1900’s, and later a sandstone quarry.  Quality sandstone from Newcastle was a source for the construction of the U.S. Mint in San Francisco.  

Pulpstones, Newcastle Island

As time progressed, the rich sandstone reserve focused on the pulp and paper mills.  Pulpstones were used to grind up wood in paper mills across North America.  To cut a pulpstone, a large cylindrical cutter rotated for three hours to reach a depth of approximately 5 feet.  It was lifted out by a derrick after a small blast of gunpowder broke the stone loose.  Then the rough pulpstones were smoothed on a lathe and prepared for shipment.  

Cylindrical Cutter, Newcastle Island

Another favorite stop in Nanaimo is the popular Dinghy Dock Pub on neighboring Protection Island.  Boaters can motor right up to the floating pub, tie-up at the docks, and enjoy great pub food and beers on tap.  Visitors on foot can take the little Protection Island foot ferry that leaves from the Marina for visits to the pub.  

Penny's Palapa, Nanaimo Docks

There are numerous good


Troller's Fish & Chips, Nanaimo Docks

restaurants in Nanaimo, another favorite is Penny’s Palapa located right on the docks in the Nanaimo Boat Basin serving delicious Mexican fare.  Then there’s Troller’s Fish & Chips also located right on the docks for good family fun and convenient for boaters.  Restaurants in town are all within easy walking distance and of course shopping excursions go without saying.  

The Hudson Bay Bastion, Nanaimo

One of Nanaimo’s landmarks is the Bastion overlooking the harbour.  The Bastion was built by the Hudson Bay Company in 1853 to protect the town and was fortified with cannons.  This three-storey structure was built with hand-hewn timbers without any nails and is the oldest free-standing Hudson Bay Co. fort.  Today, the Bastion serves as a tourist information center and as a museum. 

Bastion Museum

A cannon firing takes place daily around noon during the summer months.