Tours

Rathtrevor Beach

One of the greatest beaches on the east side of the island. Interesting interpretive nature walks. Birdwatcher's delight, especially in the spring months when thousands of brant geese stop on their annual migration. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the beach.

Whitehouse on Long Lake B&B in Nanaimo

Three Guestsuites newly decorated all with spectacular lake views

King, Queen & twin beds, Private balconies some with BBQ, Private washrooms,

Some jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, In-suite phones

Private dock & beach great for swimming & fishing for trout and bass

Complimentary watercrafts including kayak, canoe, paddleboat

Close to all amenities, golfing, hiking, cycling, fine dining and more 6 minutes from downtown Nanaim

Float plane accessible

Englishman River Falls

Vancouver Island's oldest provincial park. A large bridge overlooking these spectacular falls. A site to see. A vast trail system from the upper falls down to the lower falls. The forest species of flora and fauna keep naturalists intrigued and there are a number of good fishing spots here.

Tiger Lily Farm -1692 Errington Road, Errington B.C. Ph: (250)248-2408 Fx: (250) 248-2478 www.tigerlilyfarm.ca Visit "The BarnYard" and enjoy mingling with the animals - from romping with the rabbits to milking a goat. How about bottle feeding a sheep, or cuddling a baby chick. You can do it all! And kids get a with admission to the Farm. Trail rides available ½ hour to full day excursions.

North Island Recovery

1240 Leffler Road, Errington, B.C. (250) 248-8534 Fx: (250) 248-1274 Website: www.northislandwildliferecoverycenter.org
Email: niwra@nanaimo.ark.com

In 1984, Robin Campbell, NIWRA's founder, discovered a Great Horned Owl entangled in a neighbor's fence,its wing mangled and in need of emergency care.it was Christmas day and the Christmas dinner would have to wait. Spirit, as the Owl was later named became our first of many casualties at the Buckley Bay Wildlife Recovery Centre. In 1986, the newly formed association moved to an eight acre parcel of land in Errington, BC, and changed its name to North Island Wildlife Recovery Association. They have saved and released 25 of the 29 eagles that were found. The largest eagle flight cage (measuring 140' x 30' x 20') of its kind in Canada, which has housed hundreds of eagles being readied for release.

Butterfly World

1080 Winchester Road - (250) 248-7026 www.nature-world.com off # 4 -Coombs

Stroll among the hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies, tropical birds and hummingbirds in the indoor tropical garden. One can examine the life cycle and anatomy of butterflies, find eggs, caterpillars and pupae. Watch butterflies hatching. See giant koi fish and turtles in the large outdoor water garden. Petting zoo for children. Open March-October 7 days a week 10am-5pm.

Port Alberni and area

It's evident that this picturesque town relies on forestry and fishing. The central Harbour Quay contains a clock tower you can climb to view the busy port and Mount Arrowsmith. This is also where the MacMillan Bloedel Forestry Information Centre is located. After wandering through the centre you may want to book a tour to a mill or active logging site.

Stamp River

Side road takes you to the beautiful blue-green Stamp River- which is teeming with fish during the fall salmon run. Not far out of town is Sproat Lake Provincial Park where forest firefighters moor their massive Martin Mars waterbombers. A great spot for watersports of all types.

Parksville-Qualicum Beach

Golfers heaven (there are five courses in the area) has developed around great beaches. Check out the International Sand Castle Competition in Parksville, where people take their recreation seriously!

During the April Brant Festival, migrating Brant geese stop to rest all along the coast and people gather to watch them or take in the many events which happen in both Parksville and Qualicum Beach at the same time. This is another region with a thriving community of artists and craftspeople. For an overview of their work visit The Old School House in Qualicum Beach.

Parksville and Qualicum has many famous pottery galleries and studios. Visit Rathtrevor beach for picnic or let the kids play at Parksville Beach Park.

Mount Washington

Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Box 3069, Courtenay, BC, V9N 5N3 Phone: (250) 338-1386
toll free 1-888-231-1499
Website: http://www.mtwashington.bc.ca/winter03

Super skiing in winter, hiking in summer, what more could you ask? Interpretive tours Saturdays and Sundays. Brunch on Sunday. Mount Washington is one of four ski areas on Vancouver Island.

Mount Washington has long been known for having good snow conditions from early in winter to well past Easter. This accounts, in part, for Mount Washington is being the second-busiest winter recreation destination in BC, behind Whistler/Blackcomb.Mt.

Washington Alpine Resort offers something for everyone, featuring an average snowfall of 900 cm (30 feet), 50 marked runs, snow tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing trails and a snowboard terrain park. A great deal of Mount Washington's charm comes from its location. On a clear day, visitors look out across the Strait of Georgia at a panorama of the Sunshine Coast, from Powell River to Sechelt, with the peaks of the Coast Mountains rising in a long march behind.

Mt. Washington Ski Resort is located 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Courtenay on Vancouver Island. With the new Inland Island Highway and paved Strathcona Parkway to Mt.Washington, traveling time from Victoria is only 3 hours. The Comox Valley and Campbell River Airports are serviced daily by Pacific Coastal Airlines and Air Canada. The Nanaimo ferry terminals are serviced from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen on the Lower Mainland.

Summertime activities include scenic chairlift rides, hiking, mountain biking, guided horseback riding, ATV guided Tours and Fly fishing at Raven Lodge.

Day Tours South from Nanaimo

Gabriola Island www.gabriolaisland.org

The most northerly of the Gulf Islands, Gabriola is called their Queen. You can visit this majestic lady easily by taking a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo (across from Harbour Park Mall) to her main dock. There's a ring road which cyclists enjoy taking for its easy ride and, of course, scenery, scenery scenery!

The island is home to three provincial parks, all with beaches and tidal pools just waiting to be investigated. Bald eagles and cormorants like to hang out at Eagles' Bluff. Passing boaters can see them quite easily, especially in the late winter and early spring when the herring are running. Another wondrous sight for boaters are the sandstone cliffs of the island which gleam in the sun.

The SUBA diving is superb off the island and it's also a great place for protected ocean kayaking. Land-based recreational opportunities are plentiful as well.

Artists and artisans thrive on Gabriola Island and welcome visitors to their galleries and studios. You can meet painters, novelists, sculptors, potters or weavers anywhere you go.

Yellow Point /Cedar

Heading towards Cedar stop at the Calico Cat tea House. This 100 year old home offers the old art of Tea Cup Reading. The resident teacup reader is world famous. Enjoy exquisite homemade food and wonderful ambiance. Reservations suggested: (250) 754-3865 1081 Haliburton Road, Nanaimo. 7 days/week.

Just minutes south of Nanaimo, the communities of Cedar and Yellow Point present a real contrast to the city with their rolling landscape and rural setting. Check out the Crown n Gate Pub http://www.shift.to/crowandgate/ Enjoy the fabulous traditional English menu, rub elbows with the friendly regulars and staff, and relax in the peaceful rural setting. Our gardens are in flower throughout much of the year, and our property-front pond is home or habit to a variety of swans, ducks, and innumerable other fauna and fowl

Cedar is home to the Harmac Pulp Mill. Tours through the plant are readily available, but you have to phone for an appointment. Take Yellow Point Road to discover Quennel Lake and, on the coast, Stuart Channel. The lake has seven arms and an island in the middle, making it an interesting place for canoeing. Bass and trout are available for the fishing enthusiast. Hike along Cable Bay Trail.

Cassidy

The Bungy Zone is in this area, but there's lots more. Right beside Highway 19 is the Nanaimo Airport with its array of commercial and charter air services. Try an aerial tour of the region. This is also where you'll find the Nanaimo Salmon Hatchery. Just look for Rugby Road north of the airport and follow the signs. September to October is the best time to visit, however, from March to May you can see the juvenile salmon in their outdoor channels.

On the other side of the highway, you'll find the Nanaimo Lakes, which are accessible from a number of side roads. There are boat launches in different spots to help you experience some excellent fishing and there's hiking trails to explore. The sweeping views from higher ground take in forest, lakes and river.

Horne Lake Caves

This fragile ecosystem (listed as one of the finest spelunking experiences in North America) has some restrictions placed on access because the softest touch can damage the caves irreparably. The various guided tours which go through the largest, most impressive cave are excellent, combining an education with marvelous sights. In July and August tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis between 10 and 4. At other times of the year you'll have to make reservations. Make sure yo u wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear.

Denman & Hornby Islands

North of Nanaimo and then a 15-minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay takes you to another world. These laid-back islands have friendly people to meet and natural beauty to enjoy. Bicycle touring is a good way to get around, with rentals readily available. You'll probably want to dismount occasionally to hike, beachcomb, swim or picnic. Fabulous Provincial Parks, Artisans Galleries, Restaurants and more.

Introduction   Reservations   Testimonials  Suites   Menu Selections  About Nanaimo    Local Attractions   Boating Events  Arts& theaters   Golfing Transportations &Weather  Parks & Birds   Tours   Links