A Countryside Escape from the City

By Guest Blogger Chris Istace

The hustle and bustle of daily life in the big city keeps us running at a fast pace but sometimes we dream of a time when things were a little simpler and a little slower. A place where you could stroll down to the river and go for a dip or swing by the pub to enjoy a pint in the garden after picking up suppers menu items at the farmers’ market.

Credit: Chris Istace

That time and place exists right now. Just take a short drive south of Nanaimo to the countryside community of Cedar. The region is also featured in Tourism Nanaimo’s Top 10 Things To Do list via the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan Trail.

Read more here: http://explorenanaimobc.com/2016/09/08/countryside-escape-city-life/ 

Christmas Shopping in Nanaimo: Tips & Tricks

Since the shopping window is closing in on us, we thought we’d poll some local shopping areas in and around Nanaimo & Region to see what tips and tricks they may have to be successful this season! Thanks to Woodgrove Centre, the Old City Quarter, Nanaimo North Town Centre, Country Club Centre & the DNBIA for helping us with this short blog!

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Woodgrove Centre

• Extended shopping hours now in effect until Dec. 23: open Monday- Saturday from 9:30am-9:00pm and Sunday from 9:30am-6:00pm
• Have your gift cards beautifully wrapped for a suggested donation. Gift wrap booth located near A Step Ahead Footwear
• Woodgrove Centre gift cards go the distance! Now redeemable at Mayfair Shopping Centre
  

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  The Old City Quarter

• Shopping in the Old City Quarter this Christmas? Help us Light Up a Life for your chance to WIN! Drop off a donation for the Haven House at one of our three collection points and you will be automatically entered into a draw to win a gift basket full of goodies from our local merchants and restaurants! Drop off locations include: Sartorial, The Teak Tree and Lobelia’s Lair. Donation items requested include:
  • New socks & underwear for women and children
  •  New pajamas
  •  Regular size bottles of shampoo/conditioner
  •  New toiletries, cosmetics, hair brushes and beauty products
  • Non-perishable food items
• Hop off the Christmas Trolley to enjoy some live festive Christmas music every Saturday from 12-2 during the holiday season at Fitzgate.
• On Saturday, December 12th come and watch Aaron Grant sculpt blocks of ice into pieces of art! He will be working throughout the day, so come down and watch him work and then view his final masterpiece!
• Free parking evenings and weekends in the Old City Quarter!
  

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Nanaimo North Town Centre

• Gift Wrap by donation until December 24: Mon-Fri- 10am-7pm, Sat & Sun- 11am-5pm, Dec 24- 10am-5pm
• Santa Photos: Sat & Sun: 11am-1pm & 2-5pm. Monday – Friday 11am-2pm & 3-7pm. Pet Photos with Santa until December 23! Wed & Thurs 4-7pm
• Christmas with the Vancouver Island Symphony: Saturday December 12 @ 11am. Enjoy the sounds of the season while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies! Santa will be available for photos too!
• Late Night Shopping: Monday – Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1am-5pm & Christmas Eve 10am-5pm. Boxing Day 8am-6pm.
• Festival of Trees: Come and see the beautiful forest of trees sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Vote for your favourite tree and make a donation to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

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Country Club Centre

Enjoy the ease of Christmas shopping at Country Club Centre, with over 50 stores and services, including Save On Foods, Best Buy, Atmosphere, La-Z-Boy, Shoppers Drug Mart and JYSK.

• Give the gift of choice this Christmas & purchase a Country Club gift card (Available at the info/lotto booth).
• If the kids get fussy while shopping stop & visit Santa or have them play at one of the kids play areas.
• Do you find yourself not having enough time to wrap all those Christmas gifts?  No problem!  Beginning on Dec. 15 get all your gifts wrapped by donation to charity at our gift wrapping station (Located at Centre Court).

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Downtown Nanaimo 

• Visit dnbia.ca/parking for all the free evening and weekend parking locations and to check out the low rates during the day. Visiting shops at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre? Stay warm and dry and park for free for two hours in spots #80 to 91
• Everything old is new again downtown try Very Vintage, China Steps Emporium, the Space Age Bachelor Pad or Romantic Ruins for antiques to the unique.
• Give the gift of time – purchase gift certificates to restaurants, bakeries, catering companies, spas, automobile servicing companies, photographers – the list is endless!
• It’s the Arts & Culture District – from art supplies to art suppliers – framing to fine art – dance and theatre company tickets – vocal and acting lessons – give the gift of a dream to someone you love this year.
• For fun family time visit Santa’s Workshop, ride the Downtown Christmas Trolley, watch an ice sculpture at work or watch for strolling carolers. Downtown load your “Holi-date” activity guide today.

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Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

~Tourism Nanaimo 

 

Shop Local: Shop your Nanaimo Neighbourhood!

Small businesses play a key role in making neighbourhoods thriving places to live, work and play! Shop the Neighbourhood is a free national initiative of Yellow Pages that celebrates the fact that shopping local makes a difference in all our lives.

On November 28th, Canadians nationwide will be encouraged to make a local purchase and take advantage of exclusive event day deals offered by the businesses in their neighbourhood.

The Tourism Nanaimo staff decided to blog about our favourite places to ‘shop local’ in Nanaimo & Region. Enjoy!

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Amanda’s Pick

When I first moved to Nanaimo, Quintessential quickly became one of my favourite stores.  Now after all these years and despite the store moving to a more central downtown location, I love this place more than ever.  Located right smack-dab in the middle of Commercial Street, no trip to the downtown neighbourhood is complete without a stop at this wonderful clothing and accessory store. The store caters to women and now also carries a small selection of high end baby clothes, toys, and accessories.  Whether you are looking for great shower gifts, birthdays, even stocking stuffers, you are in luck.   This store is packed with a wide selection of high quality, in-style fashions for all shapes and sizes.  You can’t help but walk out with something new for your closet.

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Lesley’s Pick

The Flying Fish, located downtown on Commercial St, is a favourite shopping spot for me. They have a wonderful variety of merchandise from clothing to jewelry to kitchenware and stunning furniture. The products are top quality and if you’re looking for a unique, interesting gift for a friend you’re sure to find something fun here. And, you can pick up a cheeky card while you’re at it! The staff are friendly and helpful, the décor and ambiance of the store is warm and welcoming and the selection of items changes regularly. One of the most interesting aspects of the store…the wall of super fun, imaginative, cool clocks you’ve ever seen!

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Chelsea’s Pick(s)

I shop local. Not only is important to support local shopping but local dining as well. We do our best to choose restaurants that are independently owned and pride themselves on supporting local growers such as Gabriel’s Cafe. They buy from small farms that raise their animals on open pastures where they enjoy a natural environment resulting in more nutritious meat, eggs and produce. They create their fabulous dishes using products from places you’ll recognize such as Cedar Beef, Columbia Bakery and Fredrich’s Honey. This local hangout also has funky upcycled features such as the tables made from the old Fiesta Bowling Lanes, coffee bean bags for back rests and a sign made from pallets. They feature local artists on their walls and dedicated an entire indoor wall to growing herbs. The food is delicious, nutritious and as local as possible. We will continue to shop and dine local!

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Kara’s Pick

I love shopping locally. After having a baby girl last year I was so happy to find Huckleberry Baby Shop and it quickly became my favourite place to shop in Nanaimo! They have so many great products for moms and their babies. You name it they have it! They have lots of the big names that we all know but they also have a great selection of funky local product too. Their newest renovation to the store includes a tea bar – so you can sip on a nice warm cup of tea while you shop. But more than just the products they sell they offer a very warm and welcoming environment. Many of my visits included a lovely conversation with the owner Cristi and one of her adorable children who were hanging out with their mom. Huckleberry also provides a great social network and ways to meet other mom’s and babies by hosting lots of fun events.

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Megan’s Pick 

Much like Kara, I have a little one (two, actually), so naturally I’m drawn to anything that is kid-related when I’m out shopping. Honestly I had never even stepped foot in Pumpkin Pie Kids until I had a baby, but now it’s my go-to store! I love the variety of items they carry…from great quality shoes for my oldest (love the Stride-Rites) to fun dress up clothes for my 2 year old. I also love to pop in here when I’m in need of a baby shower gift or a birthday present for a friends’ kid. The staff is awesome too. If they don’t have something in stock for you, they can order it in and call you when it arrives. Great service! I love to watch for their sales, too. I went in when they were blowing out their summer stock getting ready for the fall, and scored majorly on back to school stuff  for my son. Some items were 70% off – if you know me, you know I love a good deal! A bonus: it’s in the Old City Quarter shopping district, which usually means a stop in BOCCA Cafe for a specialty coffee or A Wee Cupcakery for a Nanaimo Bar Cupcake post-shop. Love this little neighbhourhood store!

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Sound off in the comments below ~ what’s YOUR favourite store to shop local at? Where are you shopping locally for Christmas this year?

A reminder that the Downtown Nanaimo’s “Shop the Neighbourhood” Campaign kicks off on Saturday, November 28th. Click HERE to view all participating businesses. We love to see that Flying Fish, Pumpkin Pie and Quintessential are all participating – woohoo! Happy shopping!

What’s Up: September 1st – 6th

What’s Up This Week ~ September 1-6, 2015

Wondering what’s up in Nanaimo this week? We’ve got you covered!

Featured Event: A Terrible Beauty: Edward Burtynsky in Dialogue with Emily Carr
Toronto-based photographer Edward Burtynsky work is presented in dialogue with a selection of paintings and drawings by Emily Carr, at the Nanaimo Museum this Friday September 3rd. Both artists sought to record the changing landscape and our place in it, although being from different time periods 50 years apart. Burtynsky is internationally renowned for his fascinating images of natural and man-made landscapes. Emily Carr is one of Canada’s best known artists. The exhibit is made of photographs produced by Burtynsky between 1983 and 2013. The paintings and drawings by Emily Carr are from the early 20^th century. The exhibit will be at the Nanaimo Museum from September 3^rd – November 21^st.

  

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1^ST

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2^ND

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

12:00-2:00 pm Annual Woodgrove Centre Scavenger Hunt – by DONATION. Help raise awareness of the Give & Get Program with a fun-filled scavenger hunt at Woodgrove Centre! Clues will be given out through social media channels, as well as at locations with lots of prizes and free t-shirts to the first 50 pre-registered participants.

4:00-6:30 pm Bowen Road Farmers Market at Beban Park.

7:00pm – Nanaimo Clippers vs. Victoria Grizzlies – Junior A Hockey at Frank Crane Arena.

7:00-9:00 pm Wine Wednesdays at ACMe Foods Co. (live music by Marty Steele).

Come cheer on your Nanaimo Clippers!

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3^RD

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

12:00-12:30 pm Guided Bastion Tours by the Nanaimo Museum, by DONATION.

4:00-9:00 pm Maffeo-Sutton Park Market.

6:30 – 7:30 pm Author Reading: Wagon Days – come listen to Lawrence Winkler share his stories of the Old West, what it had be, and what replaced it. Event @ Vancouver Island Regional Library’s North Nanaimo Branch – FREE EVENT

7:00 pm Nanaimo Bird Nerd Tour – if you are a bird lover then this tour is for you! Nanaimo Walking Tours will help you spot your favourites. There are close to 300 species of birds in the Nanaimo region from the Great Blue Heron to the Roufus Hummingbird to the Common Loon. Experience the charm of Nanaimo as you explore the beautiful waterfront. – Meet at the Nanaimo Bastion at 7:00pm, cost is $25 per adult.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4^TH 

10:00am – 5:00pm A Terrible Beauty: Edward Burtynsky in Dialogue with Emily Carr Exhibit Opening – Nanaimo Museum *please see featured event*

10:00am – 5:00pm O Horizon @ the Nanaimo Art Gallery. Through sculptural installation and poetry, the artists reflect on the powerful roles language and culture play in the way that we understand the natural environment. Featured at the Nanaimo Art Gallery from September 4^th– October 31^st.

10:00 – 4:00 pm Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

   

2:00 – 6:00 pm Bastion Waterfront Farmers Market, Pioneer Plaza next to Bastion. This market has a great selection of farmers, growers, bakers, crafters and so many more vendors. Enjoy live music and local products on Nanaimo’s original farmers market every Friday from 2-6pm right next to the Bastion.

6:00 – 8:00 pm Live Music at New York Style Pizza with Marty Steele

7:00pm Wendy McNeill & Geoff Berner – Live in Nanaimo @ the Vault Cafe.

7:00pm – Nanaimo Clippers vs. Cowichan Valley Capitals at Frank Crane Arena.

Vault Cafe | Photo credit: @viranlly on Instagram

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5^TH

10:00-4:00 pm Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

10:30am-12:00 pm Art Lab (5-11years), registration required, at the Nanaimo Art Gallery, $12/child. ***Only One Session Left!!!***

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

10:00pm – 12:00am – The Herbicidal Maniacs live @ Pipers Pub – Join five longtime Vancouver Island Musicians this Saturday at Pipers Pub, and listen to their creative and original lyrics and melodies. They are the definition of West Coast Sound!

The Herbicidal Maniacs | Photo credit: The Herbicidal Maniacs

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6^TH

10:00-2:00 pm Cedar Farmers Market at the Crow and Gate Pub Field in Cedar.

10:00-4:00 pm Morningstar Bison Ranch Tours, train ride $20/adult $5/child.

11:45 am Daily Cannon Firing Ceremony next to the historical Bastion.

1:00-4:00pm Jazz Jam Sundays – This even will be running every Sunday in the downstairs room of Acme Restaurant

1:30-4:00 pm Lantzville Farmers Market, at the St. Phillip’s Church in Lantzville.

Cedar Farmer’s Market

For more local events, check out our events page at tourismnanaimo.com/events

Check back next Tuesday for more local events and happenings in Nanaimo!

Farmers’ Markets: The Best Way to Enjoy Grocery Shopping

Hi there, it’s Amanda 🙂

Not too many people can say they love grocery shopping, especially with a 1.5 year old.  I won’t lie, it can be a bit of a chore.  So between May and October I like to change things up and head outdoors to one of the many farmers’ markets in the area.

I love the idea of buying bread from a baker, meat from a butcher, and produce from a farmer.  The Bowen Road Farmers’ Market is one of the best markets to find all your produce, meats and breads.  This market prides itself on being one of the only produce based markets.  The timing is perfect for me, Wednesdays between 4 and 6:30pm.  I can pick my little guy up from daycare and head straight over to the market.   There is such a great atmosphere at this market.  On hot days be sure to try some locally made ice cream from one of the vendors.

Fun at the Bowen Road Farmers’ Market

If you are looking for a unique gift or some snacks before heading over to Newcastle Island, stop by the Bastion Waterfront Farmers’ Market on Fridays between 2pm and 6pm.  Primarily a crafters market, it is a great place to find a little something for yourself or a friend.  After you are done shopping, take the opportunity to wander Nanaimo’s waterfront and be sure to check out the Bastion one of Nanaimo’s oldest buildings.

Bastion Waterfront Market (Credit: Bastion Waterfront Market)

Make Sundays a full day of family of fun in the Cedar Yellow Point region.  The Cedar’s Farmers’ Market takes place every Sunday, from 10am – 2pm.  This is one of the largest markets in the area and has a large array of vendors from crafters to produce, to bakers and butchers.  Skip breakfast and try the fresh waffles and locally roasted coffee.

Cedar Farmer’s Market

There is something whimsical and romantic about shopping at Farmers’ Markets.  Maybe it is the live music in the background, the artsy vendors, or the novelty of buying locally.  Whatever it is I am hooked!

Before I sign off here are some tips to make sure your next Farmers’ Market trip is successful:

• Arrive early – “Early bird gets the worm”
• Bring small bills. The vendors will appreciate it
• Do a once a round. You don’t want to miss anything
• Bring your own bag. It’s hard to carry a watermelon, eggs, and your veggies in your hands
• Take your time, soak in the experience and do it right

Oh – and these aren’t the only Farmers’ Markets in Nanaimo & Region. For a full list of markets in the area, visit www.tourismnanaimo.com/farmers-markets. 

Enjoy and happy shopping!

–Amanda

What’s Up: Christmas in Downtown Nanaimo

Happy Wednesday, fellow blog readers!

Today we thought we’d follow suit with the Christmas themes that seem to be all around us now and talk about…well, Christmas! Did you know all the cool things you can do with the family in Nanaimo this time of year? From horse-drawn trolley rides to ice carving to Santa’s workshop – Downtown Nanaimo has it all.

The Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association has worked really hard to pull together some awesome things for the family to experience downtown this Christmas! On Saturday November 29th, Santa flew in via Harbour Air Seaplane and made his way to his workshop at 101 Gordon Street (below the Nanaimo Museum) where he welcomed families with cookies, hot chocolate, Christmas movies and crafts. He then was the star in the annual Santa Claus Parade that evening – which was a hit! It was the biggest Santa Claus parade we’ve ever had! Floats were lit up with lots of twinkling Christmas lights and people braved the cold(er) temperatures to take in the fun. Even our beloved giant bathtub was in the parade.

Nanaimo’s giant bathtub strolls down Commercial Street

Running now until December 6th is the Nanaimo Museum’s “1950’s Christmas“. Take a trip down memory lane to see nostalgic toys, artifacts, fashion and photos from the 1950’s. This feature exhibit is a hit for families of all ages!

On Saturday, Dec.6th, check out Nanaimo Art Gallery’s “Ornament Day“. It’s a chance for children ages 5-11 years to create an ornament to give as a gift, hang on a tree or display at home. It runs from 10:30am – 12:00pm downtown at the Nanaimo Art Gallery Lab. Afterwards, wander up with the kids to the Old City Quarter to listen to some free local music, which goes from noon until 2:00pm.

Families can also partake in Free Trolley Rides on Saturdays from 12pm – 4pm that take you up to the Old City Quarter. It’s a hop on, hop off service that picks up at the Museum entrance on Commercial Street or up on Wesley Street. Make sure to say “hi” to the horses first…their names are Fred and Barney!

Fred & Barney, the beautiful Belgian horses, pull the Christmas trolley downtown

On Saturday, December 13th, come down to Diana Krall Plaza and take in some Ice Sculpting Demonstrations starting at 10am. Then, visit the Nanaimo Museum from 12pm – 3pm for their event “Under the Christmas Tree” where you can make a Christmas tree ornament while listening to story telling by Margaret Murphy. Santa’s Workshop will also be open from 12pm – 5pm and Sunday from 12pm – 4pm.

1950’s Christmas at the Nanaimo Museum

Before we know it, Christmas Eve will be upon us so make sure to put some time aside between shopping and wrapping and come downtown. There is a TON to explore here!

Let us know – did you explore any of downtown this Christmas? What has been your favourite activity? Leave us a comment below!

Next time we will resume our “Get to Know the Tourism Staff” profiles and check in with Chelsea Barr, our Destination Marketing Officer.

Rainy Day Activities in Nanaimo

Well, it looks like our luck has run out this week – rain is in our forecast. Of course, our weather changes so unpredictably, so who knows, maybe by the time you’re reading this it’ll be sunny the rest of the month. However, just in case the rain is here to stay, here are a few Tourism Nanaimo approved activities for those grey, rainy days:

Take in Nanaimo’s History

Explore the Nanaimo Museum where you can completely immerse yourself in Nanaimo’s proud and diverse culture. From First Nations to Coal Miners to Chinese Immigrants, there is so much to learn about our long and fruitful history! The Nanaimo Museum has many permanent exhibits, but they also feature really cool travelling exhibits. For example, the current featured exhibit is “Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in WW2”. Visiting from the Military Museums in Calgary, this exhibit tells the stories of Canada’s troops in the Pacific during World War II. The “Ring of Fire” exhibit runs until November 15th, 2014.

Learn the history of the Nanaimo Bar! |Credit: Sean Helmn

Experience Local Art

Rainy days are great for getting lost in one of Nanaimo’s many art galleries. Head down to Commercial Street where you can visit the Nanaimo Art Gallery and Barton Leier Mixta. The Nanaimo Art Gallery features works by both Vancouver Island and Canadian artists including art, jewelry, ceramics, textile art, and more. Including works of their own, Grant Leier and Nixie Barton’s gallery also features an eclectic range of leather bags, backpacks, journals, and purses fair-traded from India. One block over, on Bastion Street, you can peruse the Artisans’ Studio and Hill’s Native Art. The Artisans’ Studio is self-defined as “A local artist co-operative with a global reach”. This studio sells artwork, jewelry, hand-made gifts (and more) from Nanaimo, Vancouver Island & surround island artists. Hill’s Native Art is a gallery and gift store that exclusively showcases First Nations and Inuit arts and crafts. If you’re looking for authentic Aboriginal artwork, this is the place to go. Lastly, stroll up to the Old City Quarter and visit G.E.M. Gates & Gifts Showroom where you can find a unique selection of artwork including handcrafted metalwork by Laura Ewing and G.E.M. owner George.

Dry off and cozy up in a local café 

What better way to seek shelter from the rain than to cozy up in a warm, inviting café, listening to soothing coffee shop tunes, people watching, and catching up with a friend? Luckily there are plenty of cafés where you can do just that. If you’re already out and about exploring art galleries downtown, there are a number of cafés where you can dry off. On Commercial Street, enjoy a cup of joe at Perkins Coffee Company, an espresso at Mon Petit Choux, or a London Fog at Serious Coffee. If you’re looking for a view, head to the harbourfront walkway where you can enjoy a latté at Javawocky or a hot brew at Tea on the Quay.

Wildlife watching at Piper’s Lagoon

One of my favourite rainy day activities is to go wildlife watching. This is for a few reasons. One, rain seems to bring out wildlife. Whether that’s because it’s cooler out, it’s quieter or there’s just something in the atmosphere, I don’t know. Speaking of quiet, my second reason for why rainy days equal great wildlife watching days is that there’s a lot less people hanging about. Lastly, thanks to grey skies, your eyes don’t have to battle harsh sun to catch a glimpse of a flying bald eagle.

When all else fails, embrace it!

When you live on the Island, you learn to fully embrace the rain. Since we live in a perpetual grey state in the winter months, it’s really hard to avoid the rain – but that’s why umbrellas and wellies were invented! My absolute favourite time to explore hiking trails is in the rain – beside the puddle jumping, the vibrant forest greens are so captivating and easy to get lost in. The sights, smells, and sounds of a rainy day walk in the forest is my all-time favourite way to enjoy a day in the rain. Try the quiet, yet majestic, Benson Creek Falls Regional Park:

What are your favourite rainy day activities? Let us know in the comments below!

– Sean

(For more ideas on fun activities in Nanaimo, check out our ‘Things to Do’ page here!)

Nanaimo Farmers Markets in the Fall

Happy Friday!

This past week a visitor came in to our Northfield Visitor Centre and was upset to find she had missed our farmers market season. Not so fast! I informed her that many of our farmers markets actually go on through to the end of October. Since this visitor was unaware of our market season in the fall, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to write all about Nanaimo’s “fall” farmers markets.

Bowen Road Farmers Market

Food! Food! Food! The Bowen Road Farmers Market is all about bringing you the best produce, baked goods, and meats within a 50 mile radius of Nanaimo. Artisan meats from Ravenston Farm, freshly baked bread (and treats!) from Bodhi’s Bakery, and honey from Fredrich’s Honey are just a few of the top notch vendors at BRFM:

You can find the Bowen Road Farmers Market on the VIEx grounds in Beban Park. BRFM runs Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 6:30pm, mid to late October (weather depending).

Thursday Park Market

A new addition late in the summer season, the Thursday Park Market sets up shop Thursday nights in Maffeo Sutton Park. Take the scenic stroll along the Harbourfront Walkway to the Park Market where you will find this all-inclusive vendor and street performer market! Live musical acts will entertain you as you peruse artisan tents, local food vendors, and great food trucks!

The Thursday Park Market runs Thursdays, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, until rainy season.

Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market

“Nanaimo’s Original Farmers Market“, one of the oldest mid-island markets, is in its 18th season! This veteran of Nanaimo farmers markets operates out of the historic Pioneer Plaza in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. In addition to a great variety of vendors, the NDFM hosts a great variety of musical acts including the intoxicating marimba band – Kumbana Marimba!

The Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market runs Fridays, 10:00am – 2:00pm, until October 10th.

Nanaimo Friday Evening Market

Another new addition to the Nanaimo farmers market scene, the Nanaimo Friday Evening Market‘s heartbeat is vendors who “Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Raise it or Catch it” (via DNBIA). Centrally located in Diana Krall Plaza, this market is working in conjunction with stores in the downtown to help grow Nanaimo’s Friday night scene! To learn more about this market head to the DNBIA’s website here.

The Nanaimo Friday Evening Market runs Fridays, 4:00pm – 8:00pm, until September 26th.

Cedar Farmers’ Market

The Cedar Farmers’ Market is easily one of Nanaimo’s largest markets – boasting over 85 vendors! With such a large number of artisans, bakers, and farmers, there is a delightful variety of tents to explore. From freshly grown produce to delicious baked goods and handmade, local crafts, the CFM has nearly every sweet treat, meat or veggie, and hand-crafted good under the sun!

The CFM is located in the field in front the Crow & Gate Pub, so after exploring the market, head on over to this English-style pub for a pint in their magnificent garden!

The Cedar Farmers Market runs Sundays, 10:00am – 2:00pm. until October 26th.

Lantzville Farmers Market

Another Sunday market in Nanaimo, the Lantzville Farmers Market is all about being local. This market offers the best that Lantzville and Nanaimo have to offer! Their motto is “Fresh, Local, and Friendly” and, boy, do they ever fit that bill! There’s always warm, smiling faces that welcome you to this diverse and plentiful farmers market.

The Lantzville Farmers Market runs Sundays, 1:30pm – 4:00pm, until the end of October.

Have you been to any of these markets? Do you have a favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

– Sean

I-Pick, U-Pick, We all pick!

Hey y’all!

I wanted to do something with my niece and nephew that was fun, somewhat educational, and healthy. I thought going to some u-pick farms would be perfect for them to learn about where their food comes from, and to get them to pick everything out themselves.

U-Pick Farms

Steld Blueberry Farm

Blueberries are Steld Farm’s main product. They are located in Yellow Point, and the best the blueberries become available late July to early August. They do also carry pork, beef, and eggs—all naturally fed!

Dudnik’s Garden and U-Pick Berry Farm

Berry’s are easily my favourite fruit, I could eat them for days. At Dudnik’s Garden and U-Pick Berry Farm they have strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, red and green gooseberries, and red and black currants. Depending on the weather, strawberries can be ready mid-June, and the rest early to mid-July. The berry season can even last into October, so I hope you have lots of pails handy! Dudnik’s also has fresh carrots, cabbage, and new potatoes currently available, as well as other vegetables available in September.

Nanoose Edibles

Nanoose Edibles offers so many delicious organic items! Fruits, vegetables, herbs, chicken eggs, and even flowers. Yummy crab apples, or belle de boskoop apples, grapes, melons, pears, berries, squash, and yummy summer zucchini. Lots of vegetables to pick from too – from beets to endive to pac choi, the list is huge!

Hazelwood Herb Farm

Wow, I did not realize how many herbs there were to choose from, from all letters of the alphabet! Hazelwood Herb Farm grows hundreds of herbs to choose from, and I’m not exaggerating! They have the classics: basil, dill, oregano, etc. Or they have some crazy fun ones like Lime Balm, Chocolate Mint, and Marshmallow herbs, yummy!

Tips for u-pick farms:

• Call ahead, make sure crops are ready for pickin’ and that they are open they day you go!
• Early bird catches the worm! Or in this case, avoids the heat of the day and gets fresh produce!
• Almost all farms only take cash, so make sure you have some.
• Have a large group or want a tour? Most farms will do that with advance notice.

Now once you get all your delicious, fresh, organic, local ingredients, cook something up from the Sea Salt Cookbook for your family!

– Laura

Shopping Along Rutherford Boardwalk

Nanaimo has so many little hidden gems and the Boardwalk on Rutherford definitely falls into this category. It is located right at the top of Rutherford hill in North Nanaimo.

Quilted Duck Gift Shop

Tucked away in this centre you can find the Quilted Duck Gift Cottage, which is a decoration and gift paradise. You can find a selection of candles and soaps, pictures, paintings, beautiful napkins along with ceramic and glass ornaments, wooden signs, cushions, and so much more. Around Christmas the entire shop gets transformed into a Christmas wonderland with countless ornaments, tree decorations, basically everything that you need to get into Christmas mood.

Kimberly’s Fashion

Kimberly’s Fashion is right next to the Quilted Duck Gift Cottage is a little boutique selling a variety of women’s clothing. This bright and inviting boutique have a selection of summer dresses, cocktail dresses, more formal evening wear for special occasions, and casual classics. They also have a vast array of accessories and soaps, and every woman’s dream, handbags.

Dig This

This store is just behind the other two shops, but don’t miss out on this hidden gem as it holds all sorts of outdoor decorations. Their main focus is on the outdoor and garden accessories such as metal flowerbed ornaments, water elements, stone art, garden furniture, but you can also find smaller items such as little garden lights, solar lights, glass art and other beautiful decorations and gift ideas for the garden lovers.

Bodhi’s Artisan Bakery

Bodhi’s sells freshly baked breads, French croissants, cinnamon buns, and other sweet and savory goods. You can get some freshly made and local sandwiches and enjoy a nice cup of coffee for to go, or inside the little store or on the patio, weather permitting. So come in and stop by and stock up on your baking needs.

Namul Korean Restaurant

Namul combines traditional Korean cuisine with some more modern twists All their dishes come in different spice levels so that everyone will find the right fit. The menu ranges from classic BiBimBab with Beef Bulgogi, fried rice, noodles, beef, chicken and pork to seafood dishes and soups.

Hilltop Bistro

Hilltop Bistro is an award winning restaurant, serving fine cuisine in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Reservations are recommended as they get quite busy. They have an al a carte menu or a set three course menu to choose from. They use local products wherever they can.

– Helga