Ballet Nacional de Cuba Performs in Nanaimo
Whether you are especially fond of ballet, or you simply want to enjoy a night appreciating the fine art of dance that best depicts the study of precision and perfection, don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to watch the world-famous Ballet Nacional de Cuba perform live in Nanaimo, slated February 7, Tuesday.
World Famous Performers
Ballet Nacional de Cuba is a world-famous ballet company known for their stunning combination of classical Russian ballet used to wonderfully showcase the colorful and enthralling culture of Cuba. It’s an interesting mix of passion and rhythm, all performed by seasoned ballet dancers set to astound everyone with their flawless display of superior techniques that earned them raving reviews around the world.
Their performance in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, is part of their Canadian Tour, which includes performances in 6 key cities, showcasing highly diverse choreographic styles this ballet company has been known for.
Among the popular performance pieces included in their repertoire include En las sombras de un vals, which showcases the choreography of Alicia Alonso of the Josef Strauss piece. The show will also include Eduardo Blanco’s Acentos performing with the music of the popular Cuban group Luna Negra. They will also feature The Nutcracker Suite, which is the 2nd act of the Swan Lake as well as another Eduardo Blanco’s Idilio, with the music of Luis Enrique Bakalov.
About Ballet Nacional de Cuba
This ballet company is widely recognized as the most popular and important ever formed at the famous Cuban School of Ballet, and has been widely regarded as the fruits of the talent of Alicia Alonso (a prima ballerina) and Fernando Alonso, along with Fernando’s brother Alberto Alonso, who was Cuba’s first ever male professional ballet dancer.
This ballet company came into being through Fidel Castro’s commitment to promote the arts and make it available for everyone in Cuba back in 1959. Deeply intertwined with the colorful history of the country, the Revolution marked the birth of ballet in Cuba. The company received $200, 000 from the Castro Government, which paved the way for the beginning of their illustrious history. Even now, the Cuban government actively supports Ballet Nacional de Cuba.
Event Details:
Date: February 7, 2012 (Tuesday)
Location: Port Theatre
125 Front Street, Nanaimo
Ticket Prices: Adult -- $ 60
Member -- $ 56
Accommodations
If you are planning to visit Nanaimo in Vancouver Island, BC, ensure a comfortable and relaxing vacation by booking your accommodations among one of the most popular places to stay, our sponsor THE BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo:
THE BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo
70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC
Canada V9R 5H4
Toll Free: 1-(800)661-2449
Phone: (250)754-6835
Fax: (250) 754-2638
When planning a weekend getaway with the family or booking a business trip to Nanaimo, check out Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo. Known to provide an ideal haven for tourists and visitors, the hotel is fully equipped with premium facilities and amenities complemented with world-class service.
Conveniently located at the center of the city’s downtown area, enjoy easy access to some of the popular attractions in the area along with the spectacular view of the Nanaimo Harbour.
This boutique style hotel boasts 70 beautifully furnished guest rooms that showcase the magnificent fusion of classic elegance and modern conveniences, giving you real value for your money.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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I just spent a day on Gabriola Island and in a word it was very relaxing. Gabriola is a large scenic gulf island - just a 20 minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island.
Gabriola Island is 14 km (9 miles) long and 4 km (2 miles wide), has many parks and is a wonderful place to unwind. It was a beautiful summer day but not too hot. The average summer temperature is a very comfortable 22 C (72 F). Even in the winter the temperature seldom goes below freezing. No wonder over 4,000 people call Gabriola Island home all year round.
Exploring Gabriola Island
There are a few different ways but our route was simple. The ferry lands on the west side of the Island near the norther tip. We took the South Road which takes you down the west side of the Island to the southern tip, and then it connects with North Road which takes you back up the Island on the Eastern side. Then we explored the northern tip of the Island. Here are some the highlights.
Drumberg Provincial Park
A couple of killometers off the South Road took us to Drumberg Provincial Park which is the southern tip of the Island. Off the South Road you go right on Stalker Road and just follow the signs. It is a narrow dirt road for the last portion, so we had to pull over to let oncoming cars pass. There is parking for about 20 cars and the beach was not crowded at all. A few boats went by but I don’t think there is much anchorage.
The main actvities are sun bathing, swimming, hiking, picnicing and scuba diving. There are trails leading both right and left. The left trail goes up a small bluff with a great waterfront view of scenic Gabriola Passage, the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains on the Mainland.
![Silva Bay - Gabriola Island - Sept 2011 202 Silva Bay - Gabriola Island](http://www.amazingvancouverisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Silva-Bay-Gabriola-Island-Sept-2011-202-e1315256168957.jpg)
Silva Bay on Gabriola Island Southern Tip
Silva Bay is at the southern end of Gabriola Island fronting Georgia Straight and is sheltered by the Flattop Islands. The Silva Bay Marina is right out of a postcard - calling it beautiful would be an understatement. There is even shipyard school where you can learn how to build wooden boats. One of the operators, Silva Bay Kayak Adventures offer dinghy and kayaking rentals ad guided adventures.
Descanso Bay
The Descanso Bay Regional Park is on Taylor Road, a short distance from the ferry terminal. The oceanfront park activities include boating, sun bathing, swimming, kayaking as well as overnight camping. The Descanso Bay Park is next door to the larger Cox Community Park which has a number of hiking trails.
Entrance Island Lighthouse
North of Gabriola Island is the Entrace Island Lighthouse at the mouth of Nanaimo harbour. The lighthouse build in 1875 provides important navigation aid to kayakers, boats, sea planes and even the annual collection of bathtubs racing around the harbour.
The lighthouse, with its white tower rising 20 meters (65 feet), and brightly color roofs is very picturesque against the blue ocean.
![Gabriola Island - Entrance Island - Sept 2011 Entrance Island Lighthouse on Gabriola Island](http://www.amazingvancouverisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Gabriola-Island-Entrance-Island-Sept-2011-e1315256503906.jpg) - Entrance Island Lighthouse on Gabriola Island
Nanaimo Accommodations
There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western.
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Nanaimo Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo over looking picturesque Nanaimo Harbour. Our charming heritage boutique-style hotel is decorated in a style that blends old world class with modern conveniences to make your stay at this Nanaimo hotel a comfortable and memorable one!
Offering spectacular views of Nanaimo, along with Nanaimo’s inner harbour, the BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel features 70 well-appointed guestrooms. Our Nanaimo hotel also features a popular onsite restaurant: Deep Blue, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, complimentary overnight parking, and more!
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo, 70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5H4
Toll Free: 1-(800)661-2449 Local : (250)754-6835 Fax: (250) 754-2638 Email: email: reservations@dorchesternanaimo.com
Enjoy all that the Nanaimo area has to offer and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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Newcastle Island is part of the picturesque Nanaimo Harbour. You can view it from the edge of downtown Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The Island has no cars and is accessible only by boat which makes it an ideal “away from the crowds” destination to enjoy the ocean views.
The main activity is to walk around the Island which takes 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. There is also a camp store and concession with limited items for sale.
It is a First Nations park with artifacts and totem poles and is managed by them as well.
Newcastle Island Pavilion
There is a beautiful old pavilion built in the 1930s close to the ferry dock. The historic pavilion can be rented for weddings and other special events.
The day we were on the Island there was a wedding going full swing in the afternoon – at a guess I would say it could accommodate 150 guests. The bridal party photo shoot was down near the beach and they were have the time of their lives.
Even if you didn’t get invited to a wedding you can enjoy dancing on the sprung dance floor. Check with them for the dance schedule.
Ferry Service to Newcastle Island
There is regular ferry service from Maffeo Sutton Park, near the entrance to downtown Nanaimo. The trip just takes a few minutes in a small passenger ferry – called pickle boats, no doubt due to their green paint job. Some of the windows are open which allowed me to take some great photos of a passing sail boat and the harbour. The price is nominal and you can even take your dog for free. It is however an on-leash park.
Newcastle Island Swimming
The tide-swept beaches are is striking especially the section between Newcastle Island and Protection Island which is just a rocks throw away to the south. It has a very gentle slope with a sandy beach ideal for young children to enjoy and swim. If the walk is too long, consider renting a bike on the Island.
Newcastle Island Camping
There are designated campsites on different parts of the Island with lots of open spaces to wander in or play games. There are 5 group campsites and 18 individual sites along with burn pits, tent pads and picnic tables. You can even buy fire wood if you need it.
Biking and Hiking
There are a number of different biking and hiking trails from gentle to more challenging. The Island is fairly flat so there are no mountains to navigate.
Booting and Moorage
There is some moorage on the wharf and ample moorage in the harbour. We saw a few dozen power boats and sailboats flying both Canadian and American Flags. Moorage fees apply after 6pm.
Even if you don’t own a yacht you can rent a kayak and explore the shores.
Nanaimo Accommodations
There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western.
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Nanaimo Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo over looking picturesque Nanaimo Harbour. Our charming heritage boutique-style hotel is decorated in a style that blends old world class with modern conveniences to make your stay at this Nanaimo hotel a comfortable and memorable one!
Offering spectacular views of Nanaimo, along with Nanaimo’s inner harbour, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Dorchester Hotel features 70 well-appointed guestrooms. Our Nanaimo hotel also features a popular onsite restaurant: Deep Blue, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, complimentary overnight parking, and more!
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo, 70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5H4
Toll Free: 1-(800)661-2449 Local : (250)754-6835 Fax: (250) 754-2638 Email: email: reservations@dorchesternanaimo.com
Enjoy all that the Nanaimo area has to offer and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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Some time in the past the native peoples skillfully carved wolves, sea creatures and symbolic designs into the sandstone surfaces of the rock. Using stone tools, these beautiful etchings represent an art form seen in other locations but rarely in such concentrations. The sandstone display of the original creations is along a walkway on a hill that overlooks the Nanaimo Harbour.
Prehistoric Rock Carvings
A petroglyph is a line drawing or carving on rock, especially one made by prehistoric people. These prehistoric rock carvings are the main attraction at the small park. Some 1,000 years ago the First Nations people of the area created the carvings without the aid of modern carving tools.
Locations of the Rock Art Carvings
The rock art carvings were carefully chosen where the forces of nature were the strongest such as caves and waterfalls. The locations were typically near water. Looking through the tall trees you can see the Nanaimo harbour.
Petroglyph Park Interpretive Area
The park has an interpretive area with information panels to describe the petrographs. The rock carvings were created by a people who had no written language to commemorate their special events or rituals.
Create Your Own Souvenir
In the main interpretative area you can make a rubbing of the castings from the concrete replicas. By rubbing charcoal or crayon over paper or cloth you can create a reverse imprint and voila you have your own souvenir. You will need to bring your own supplies as there is no store on site.
Petroglyph Park Sandstone Gallery
Overlooking Nanaimo Harbour on a hill is the sandstone gallery of petrographs. Amid the tall trees and brush you can view these carvings. You will conjure up images of times past when the carvings were done a thousand years ago.
Getting to Petroglyph Provincial Park
Petroglyph Provincial Park is located at the south end of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. It is 4 km (2.5 miles) south on Highway 1 – the Trans-Canada Highway – just watch for the exit.
Nanaimo Accommodations
There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western which is just a couple of blocks from the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (VICC).
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Nanaimo Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo over looking picturesque Nanaimo Harbour. Our charming heritage boutique-style hotel is decorated in a style that blends old world class with modern conveniences to make your stay at this Nanaimo hotel a comfortable and memorable one!
Offering spectacular views of Nanaimo, along with Nanaimo’s inner harbour, the BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel features 70 well-appointed guestrooms. Our Nanaimo hotel also features a popular onsite restaurant: Deep Blue, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, complimentary overnight parking, and more!
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo, 70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5H4 Toll Free: 1-(800)661-2449 Local : (250)754-6835 Fax: (250) 754-2638 Email: email: reservations@dorchesternanaimo.com
Enjoy all that the Nanaimo area has to offer and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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The Vancouver Island Conference Centre is located in beautiful downtown Nanaimo on the sheltered eastern coast about mid Island. It is just a block from the spectacular Nanaimo Harbour, waterfront parks and walkways. The award winning conference centre, opened in 2008, is considered to be the finest full-service convention center on Vancouver Island.
The conference centre has a number of conference and meeting spaces including a 13,000 sq ft ballroom which is divisible, 9 multi-purpose meeting rooms, business centre, a 200-seat tiered auditorium and a 800-seat Port Theatre adjacent to the conference center.
The Vancouver Island Conference Centre, a favorite amongst conference planners, received the prestigious Silver Service Award from Meeting Professionals International. It is conveniently located to service all parts of the Island.
Vancouver Island Conference Centre Facilities
The conference centre can accommodate:
• conferences for up to 1,300 attendees
• trade shows
• small and mid-sized meeting with first-class audio-visual including screens and projectors in each meeting room
• weddings for up to 1,300 guests
The conference centre provides professional service, friendly people all in an a relaxed environment and views to rave about. Nanaimo has one of Canada’s most temperate climates – never too hot or too cold.
Getting to the Vancouver Island Conference Centre
• A 20 minute flight from Vancouver International airport, then a 15 minute drive.
• Sea plane service from Vancouver and other locations, then a few blocks walk.
• Scenic BC Ferry service from Vancouver’s Departure Bay (West Vancouver) or Tsawwassen (South of Vancouver close to the US Border)
• Ferry service from Washington State to Victoria at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, then a 1.5 hour drive to Nanaimo.
• By highway from all parts of the Island.
Contact Info for the Vancouver Island Conference Centre
Tel: 250-244-4050 or 1-866-430-MEET (6338).
Fax: 250-244-4055 email: meet@viconference.com.
Nanaimo Accommodations
There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western which is just a couple of blocks from the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (VICC)
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Nanaimo Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo over looking picturesque Nanaimo Harbour. Our charming heritage boutique-style hotel is decorated in a style that blends old world class with modern conveniences to make your stay at this Nanaimo hotel a comfortable and memorable one!
Offering spectacular views of Nanaimo, along with Nanaimo’s inner harbour, the BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel features 70 well-appointed guestrooms. Our Nanaimo hotel also features a popular onsite restaurant: Deep Blue, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, complimentary overnight parking, and more!
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo, 70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5H4
Toll Free: 1-(800)661-2449 Local : (250)754-6835 Fax: (250) 754-2638 Email: email: reservations@dorchesternanaimo.com
Enjoy all that the Nanaimo area has to offer and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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Nanaimo, on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, has some 200 parks that range from waterfront beaches to lakes to forests and everything in between. Almost all have really excellent walking trails. Nanaimo has one of most beautiful harbours on the West Coast– the waterfront promenade is truly the jewel of the city. The historic Bastion, the last genuine Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in existence, is at one of the entraces to the promenade just above the Plaza.
Nanaimo Walking Path
In addition to hosting many events, races and festivals, the promenade has a great walking path along the waterfront.
The park entrance is literally right across the street from downtown Nanaimo and just a block from the Convention Centre. There is ample parking with additional parking available just down the street at the Port Theatre or Convention Centre.
Nanaimo Pioneer Plaza Shopping Arcade
Along the promenade there are several small cafés and shops offering gifts, ice cream, coffee and even English tea.
Nanaimo Fish and Chips
On a commercial fishing boat wharf, just below the promenade, is the best fish and chips shop in the Nanaimo area. You get to sit outside in the sun while enjoying homemade fish and chips right adjacent to the fishing boats that caught the fish in the first place.
Lighthouse Bistro Pub
Further down the promenade is the Lighthouse Bistro Pub which was originally a seaman’s beacon and float plane terminal. It was converted into a pub and restaurant. A great place for a romantic seafood dinner. Originally built as a float plane terminal and seamans beacon, we have converted this historic building into a beatuiful restaurant and pub.
Originally built as a float plane terminal and seamans beacon, we have converted this historic building into a beatuiful restaurant and pub.
Originally built as a float plane terminal and seamans beacon, we have converted this historic building into a beatuiful restaurant and pub.
Each time I have walked by, the outdoor seating area has been full, so the food must be good and the view of the wharf and fishing boats is wonderful.
The dock where the seaplane’s land and depart is right off the Lighthouse Bistro Pub.
There is float plane scheduled service from Nanaimo harbour to Vancouver.
Swy-a-Lana Lagoon
The Swy-a-Lana Lagoon with its excellent children’s playground is socated next to Maffeo Sutton Park. The man-made logoon features a pedestrian overpass. Jutting out from the walkway is a padestrian fishing pier. The other day when I was there, I watched a number of dragon boat races. The participants were all ages including seniors.
Further on down the promenade, after the play area and open space, is a continuation of the walkway which goes for quite a distance. I’ve never walked it but I think it ends at another wharf for recreational sailing and boating.
Come enjoy Nanaimo’s beautiful waterfront – you won’t be disappointed.
Accommodation Vancouver Island
A message from our sponsor
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo
70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC
Canada V9R 5H4
Toll Free: 1-(800)661-2449 Local : (250)754-6835
Fax: (250) 754-2638
Email: reservations@dorchesternanaimo.com
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Nanaimo Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo over looking picturesque Nanaimo Harbour. Our charming heritage boutique-style hotel is decorated in a style that blends old world class with modern conveniences to make your stay at this Nanaimo hotel a comfortable and memorable one!
Offering spectacular views of Nanaimo, along with Nanaimo’s inner harbour, the BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel features 70 well-appointed guestrooms. Our Nanaimo hotel also features a popular onsite restaurant: Deep Blue, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, complimentary overnight parking, and more!
If you’ve been diving or snorkeling in Nanaimo share your experience.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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English River Falls Park, north of Nanaimo, is a pristine wilderness park that is part of the well serviced Provincial park system. Located along the Englishman River, the park features two spectacular waterfalls dropping into fairly deep canyons.
The park is located in an old growth forest of Cedar, Douglas fir and maple. It is centrally located on Vancouver Island, about a half hour drive from Nanaimo going north.
Hiking Trails
The Park has campgrounds, hiking trails and spectacular views all along the way. I visited the park at the end of June when the weather was perfect. Walking a short distance from the parking lot we could hear the roar of the waterfall.
There are plenty of locations to view the river and waterfalls including climbing down the canyon rocks for a closer look. A walking bridge took us to the otherside of the river with even better viewing of the upper river turning into a crashing waterfall.
You can reach the other, smaller waterfall at the other end of the hiking trail. You can view the salmon runs in the fall.
Picnic Areas
There is a large area for picnics adjacent parking lot which has a viewing platform overlooking the river. Flush toilets and water is available. Picnic areas are now free.
Camping
The campground netseled in the forest with some 100 spots is open with full services from May to September. In the off seaon, the camping is still accessible but may not have full services there.
There is also an adventure playground between campsites 26 and 28 with a climbing apparatus swings and slides. The camping fees are $21 per day and you can reserve.
Swimming
You can swim in the river but I suspect it is a bit cold. I didn’t try it myself but the deep crystal-clear pool just below the lower falls looked inviting. As a note there are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Fishing and Other
Fishing is not a permitted at Englishman River Falls Park. If you are interested in fishing nearby check with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for allowed fishing areas. You need a fishing license for any fishing or angling in BC.
Bicycle helmets are mandatory in BC and cycling is is permitted on the roadways only. You can bring your pet but you need to keep them on a leash at all times.
Getting to Englishman Falls
Going North on Highway 19 from Nanaimo exit onto Highway 4 near Parksville then travel to Errington Road and follow the directions.
Park Contact: R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd., E-mail: office@rlcparks.ca Tel: (250) 474-1336
Nanaimo Accommodation
There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo, 70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5H4
Toll Free: 1-(800)661-2449 Local : (250)754-6835 Fax: (250) 754-2638 Email: reservations@dorchesternanaimo.com
The BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Nanaimo Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo over looking picturesque Nanaimo Harbour. Our charming heritage boutique-style hotel is decorated in a style that blends old world class with modern conveniences to make your stay at this Nanaimo hotel a comfortable and memorable one!
Offering spectacular views of Nanaimo, along with Nanaimo’s inner harbour, the BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dorchester Hotel features 70 well-appointed guestrooms. Our Nanaimo hotel also features a popular onsite restaurant: Deep Blue, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, complimentary overnight parking, and more!
Enjoy all that the Nanaimo area has to offer and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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Scuba is a great passion, perhaps even a preoccupation in Nanaimo. There are numerous Dive Shops, and Dive enthusiasts. Even local artists express their admiration for the activity by creating marine murals on the sides of buildings. And certainly when all the natural elements add up to an amazing diving experience, as they do in Nanaimo, it’s easy to become a bit preoccupied.
When Jacques Cousteau, the foremost leading authority on all things oceanic labeled the surrounding Nanaimo and Vancouver Island waters “the best temperate water diving in the world, second only to the Red Sea”, scuba divers world-wide headed for this amazing island.
Vancouver Island – Great Weather 365 Days a Year
One of the sweetest things about diving in Nanaimo is that you can do it all year long, any day you choose. Protected from winds and currents, Nanaimo is blessed with average year-round temperatures of 4°C – 24 °C (40°F -75°F), making it a truly great vacation destination spot for outdoor activities.
You can go fishing or kayaking, do bicycle tours, tackle a hiking trail, go golfing at the nearby Arbutus Ridge or Cowichan Golf and Country Clubs, and of course, you can join the majority of outdoor enthusiasts in a dive.
Diving the Amazing Man-Made Reefs
With the purpose of creating and preserving a marine life community, a series of artificial reefs have been created. In order to accomplish that, decommissioned and decontaminated ships, buses, trains, and subway cars are intentionally sunk in order to create an undersea-wall, so to speak, that sea-microorganisms like algae, coral, plankton, sponges, etc., can adhere to. This adhered to structure then attracts oysters and fish, octopuses and eels, and the created sea-life community is born.
Providing the rainbow colours of amazing sea-life views the following three reefs are 15 minutes from Nanaimo and are not to be missed. The HMCS Saskatchewan: this naval destroyer has had over 100,000 divers since first sunk in 1997; HMCS Cape Breton: considered a signature dive among the best of them, is the 2nd largest artificial reef in the world; The RivTow: Referred to as an ideal novice diver’s reef, the RivTow yields great underwater pictures for friends and family at about 44’, providing years of memories of an amazing diving adventure.
Let’s Go Snorkeling with the Seals
Snake Island, 5 kilometers (just under 4 miles) from the heart of downtown Nanaimo, is just the place to snorkel with the harbor seals who hang out, just awaiting your arrival.
These amazing and playful fin-footed marine mammals seem to enjoy a good romp – I can hardly wait to join them. How about you?
Safe Scuba Diving
I’m sure this goes without saying, and yet, I say it anyway: Follow the standard rules for scuba diving, i.e., don’t leave home without your equipment – dive lights, a compass, a depth gage, and reference lines; boats can appear at any point, and sometimes they don’t announce their arrival so check for boats and other approaching vessels while you are in the water; keep an eye on the weather and watch for changes; get to know local shops and divers and don’t be afraid to ask for information and assistance.
Vancouver Island is one of the friendliest places on earth and its people will be more than happy to guide you towards a safe and amazing dive.
If you’ve been diving or snorkeling in Nanaimo share your experience.
More information about scuba diving in Nanaimo.
If you’ve been diving or snorkeling in Nanaimo share your experience.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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From an amazing start in 1967 as part of Nanaimo’s Centennial activities, the Bathtub race has become an annual event dubbed the Nanaimo “Great” International World Championship Bathtub Race along with a 4 day Nanaimo Marine Festival.
Nanaimo Bath Tub Race
This unique Vancouver Island race was originally across the straits of George to Fisherman’s Cover near Vancouver on the mainland. The adventurous tubbers now race around two local islands, Entrance and Winchelsea, then back to Departure Bay in Nanaimo.
Nanaimo Marine Festival
The Nanaimo Marine Festival also hosts an number of other events and activities that fun to watch and participate in.
The 2011 festival’s theme is a salute to the Canadian Naval Centennial and the salute will also be the theme for the “Sail Past on Wheels Fun Parade” on the Saturday of Bathtub weekend.
Nanaimo Marine Festival 2011 Events and Activities
Event details are courtesy of Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society. Please check their website for up-to-date details.
With many of the events free, this an excellent family and fun event.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
•Kick Off – July 21st with the opening of the LNBS (Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society) Marine Festival Food Fair
•Kiddies Harborside Playdock
•Kiddies Karnival
•”Tim Hortons” Marine Festival Entertainment Stage
•Children’s programs at Maffeo Sutton and Swy-a-lana Lagoon parks (adjacent to the Nanaimo Harbor).
•Many informative static displays on boat safety, military, water sports plus many others.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
•July 23rd at 10:30 am the annual “Sail Past on Wheels Fun Parade” takes place through the Old City Quarter and the City Center ending up at Maffeo Sutton Park.
•The Loyal Order of the Moose Bavarian Garden held in Maffeo Sutton park.
•Various events in the harbor.
•Evening – 10pm – The Quality Foods Festival of Lights & Music fireworks display
Sunday, July 24, 2011
•The 45th annual “Great” International World Championship Bathtub Race starting at 11:00 am. (approximately 1 1/2 hour)
•Marine Festival Food Fair
•Kiddies Karnival
•Harborside Playdock,
All during the events there are a number of great places for food and refreshments.
Getting To Nanaimo
Nanaimo is the 2nd largest city on the east coast of beautiful Vancouver Island and is one of the main ferry terminals from the Vancouver mainland. It is the gateway to a host of gulf islands, destinations and attractions for residents and visitors. The ferry service has frequent sailings from two Vancouver terminals, Departure Bay and Tsawwassen. More information at BC Ferries.
Separated by the Straight of Georgia, Nanaimo is 55km (34 miles) west of Vancouver and 110 km (68 miles) north of the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. There is easy highway access from anywhere on Vancouver Island.
Via Rail offers service from Victoria in the south and Courtenay in the North. More information at Via Rail .
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.
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