Shopping for Art in Nanaimo!

Hey y’all!

I’ve been looking to fill my house with some art, local art to be specific. I love supporting my local artists, and it’s pretty easy to when all the art they make is beautiful! So if you are looking for something a little more than just a souvenir magnet, here are some great places to pick it up from!

Hills Native Art

Being aboriginal myself, I just love this place. But ya don’t have to be aboriginal to enjoy the beautiful pieces of art and embrace the culture. They offer apparel, moccasins and the famous Cowichan Sweater, jewelry, blankets, toys—you name it. And of course they have the art gallery! Beautiful traditional masks, carvings, prints, and argillite pieces. All coming from the many different groups of First Nations in B.C.

Artisans’ Studio

This quaint little place is big in art; showcasing over 40 local artists! Artist’s from Nanaimo, Vancouver Island and surrounding islands. Dainty, handmade cards, fun and unique pieces, warm woolly pieces and beautiful paintings and photography displaying our beautiful city, as well as surrounding areas. So, if you couldn’t get enough of our sunsets, mountains or wildlife—bring them home!

Nanaimo Art Gallery

So many great pieces to choose from! The Nanaimo Art Gallery features local Vancouver Island artists as well as Canadian artists. Lots of awesome original art and prints, ceramic and glass pieces, jewelry, the list can go on and on…And, all of the proceeds support the local artists and Nanaimo Art Gallery programs, how can you say no!?

Lexi Diamonds and Gifts

When looking at this one, I thought to myself “Ouu diamonds!”, and not just diamonds, Canadian diamonds! I had to restraint myself…but other than the obvious gorgeous diamonds, they have some beautiful art work as well. Some awesome West Coast pieces, Inuit art, and really cool dish ware and vases.

Blue Poppy Garden Gallery

If you want to take a “piece” of the ocean with you, this is place. I say “piece”, because they have so many different ocean themed items. For wearing: sparkly and funky jewelry, for the home: beautiful glass dishware and candle holders, and of course for the garden: bird feeders, musical wind chimes, and tons of great little garden accents.

~ Laura

Outdoor Stores in Nanaimo

Hey everybody!

With all of our parks in Nanaimo and our easy access to any body of water of our choice, Westwood Lake, Long Lake, the Nanaimo River, or the ocean, it’s a given that we would need to have our fair share of great outdoor stores to choose from!

Within Nanaimo we have four large stores, Atmosphere, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Wholesale Sports, Alberni Outpost, and we are soon to be adding a fifth Cabela’s. While all of these stores offer similar items a few specialize in specific sports and activities!

If you are wanting to spend the day out on the water, Alberni Outpost has specialized in water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding, by having a secondary location, in Departure Bay, where you are able to do day or hour rentals!

If you wanting to have some help with any rock climbing questions or tips, Valhalla Pure is the place that has been able to help me the most!

The largest selections from all the stores, is without a doubt Wholesale Sports which is the largest sporting goods store in Nanaimo!

Which is your favourite outdoor store?

Nanaimo Souvenir Shopping: Postcards, Art, Wood Carvings, and More!

Whether you are on vacation and are looking for some nice souvenirs, or if you’re a local looking for some presents to send friends or family living abroad, Nanaimo can offer you great little shops and boutiques in downtown to find that special something that will remind you and your friends and family of a great vacation and visit to Nanaimo.
Museum Gift Shop

The local museum is always a good stop on your visit, because besides portraying Nanaimo’s history from coal mining until today, the Nanaimo Museum also has a large, well-stocked gift shop right adjacent. Here you can find hand crafted jewellery from local artists, art cards, Nanaimo Bar souvenirs and a variety of books and posters as well as souvenirs from Nanaimo’s iconic building the Bastion, scarves, games, art cutlery, and so much more. So take in some history and on your way out stop and wander through this beautifully presented gift shop.

Hills Native Art Gallery

You can find this gallery on Bastion Street also in the heart of downtown. Here you can find everything on local and BC based First Nations art. You will find educational and interpretive books, illustrations, art posters, cards, leather works, clothing, scarves, shoes, clothing, wood carving, medallions, magnets, jewellery all designed and produced by Nanaimo and BC Native artists. This two story shop will let you discover some hidden gems.

Newfoundland to Nanaimo

Newfoundland to Nanaimo is a small souvenir shop right on the Waterfront Walkway, but don’t underestimate this souvenir mecca in Downtown. They have something for everyone, whether you are for Nanaimo and Vancouver Island postcards, branded clothing, beautiful pottery, magnets, key chains and a vast selection of other unique gift and souvenir ideas, this is the place to spend some time and have a look around.

Northfield Visitor Centre

Our Northfield Visitor Centre location on the Parkway Highway has a selection of books, postcards, Morden Mine Coins and Nanaimo pins, as well as water bottles and the famous Nanaimo Bar recipe on a tea towel. If you are looking for something more specific, the visitor centre staff will gladly point you in the right direction.

~ Helga

Children’s Shopping in Downtown Nanaimo

Hey y’all!

I have a couple of nieces and nephews I needed to do some shopping for, well I didn’t really need to, I just enjoy to, hehe. Anyways, I went to a few different children’s stores downtown to look for the perfect gifts.

The first stop on my children’s shopping spree was Pumpkin Pie which is located in the Old City Quarter and has been open for 21 years! They have a large assortment of children’s items; baby gear for bath time, teething items, diapers, baby carriers, the list goes on and on! They have baby wear for casual, formal, swim and sleep, as well as formal and casual wear for girls and boys up to size 8! In addition to clothing they sell all kinds of shoes from boots to runners. They offer some toys for the smaller ages, lots of fun bath toys here! Pumpkin Pie is in the process of setting up an online shopping site too!

Credit: Pumpkin Pie Kids

Credit: Pumpkin Pie Kids

The second stop I made was at QBaby, which opened in October. This store focuses on the birth stages of life up to 24 months. They have a wide range of baby accessories from strollers to cribs to diapers and clothing. The clothing for the little ones here is just to die for! Cozy sleepers and classy clothing for a baby’s day out. They sell one type of diaper here, Funky Fluff which is a reusable cloth diaper. There are stylish, and sustainable! Although, they do focus more on the younger stages of life, they have many different toys, and not just for the wee little ones!

My third stop was The Children’s Treehouse, which opened up in November. This treehouse is full of fun goodies for all ages. They have sand toys, kites and beach balls – perfect for this time of year! They also have tons of books and puzzles for those quieter, rainier days.  Along with all of that, there are the classic Playmobil and train sets. They do offer some clothing for the wee little ones, as well as lots of fun toys for that stage in life.

Finally, I worked my way down to Maliah Magoo’s Children’s Wear. This store is mostly girls’ clothing, mainly focusing on 6 months up to 12 years of age, with the exception of a few items for wee little girls and boys from birth-6 months of age. Tons of adorable and dazzling outfits! They have everyday clothing items and some fanciful tutus and hair accessories. Lots of Frozen themed items, and I know how popular that is these days having a 6 year old niece, (Let It Go will forever be stuck in my head…)!

After a long day of shopping for the kidlets, I decided that I earned an adult treat – a Nanaimo Bar Martini from the Modern Café next door, perfect end to the day!

– Laura

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Street Shopping

Hey everybody!

This week I decided to leave the malls behind and check out some of the shops that downtown Nanaimo has to offer! Downtown Nanaimo, and its many subsections, has a staggering amount of shops to pick through, so I decided to focus on what Commercial Street has to offer!

Commercial Street has everything from cooking wear and other home items at Flying Fish to ladies fashion at Quintessentials.

If you are interested in updating your style I suggest taking the day and hitting up a few places! For the latest fashions you’ll want to check out Catwalk Fashions, Lucid or Quintessentials. Within one of these shops you will be able to find that funky dress, summery maxi skirt, or new kicks you’ve been looking for! If you’re into consignment shops, that don’t have your grandma’s wardrobe in them, check out Funk Your Fashion!

After going to Om Town yoga every day you may be in need for some new yoga pants, Lotuswear has you covered with their Canadian made yoga wear, to help you get your Zen on!

After a long day of shopping I always like to go to one of the coffee shops right at my fingertips! Depending on your mood you’ve got plenty of choices; Mon Petit Choux is a quaint little café that will transport you over to France for a short time. If you are feeling like being extra healthy after your day check out Powerhouse Foods! Powerhouse offers an entire menu of gluten free and vegan items (that are yummy too!) Try their Raspberry Cheesecake; Good Lord it is good!  If an ordinary cup of coffee in a relaxing environment is more your style head to Serious Coffee or Perkins Coffee House!

These are just a few of the many great shopping spots on Commercial Street. Let us know where you like to shop on Commercial Street in the comments below!

– Jenna

Much to Discover in Old City Quarter!

Nanaimo has many great shopping areas featuring great, local shops and boutiques. One such area is Old City Quarter. Featuring a diverse selection of restaurants, cafés, clothing and specialty stores, OCQ has something for everyone. If you’re feeling peckish, check out Bocca Café:

Grab a latté and a freshly, home-baked treat (may we suggest the Cranberry & White Chocolate loaf?!) and sit outside at one of their uniquely hand-painted tables. Perhaps you’re looking for a unique gift for a friend? If so, head into the quaint Blue Poppy Garden Galley.It is so unbelievably adorable in here! From outdoor garden art to glass work to jewelry, this garden gallery has a little something for everyone.

 

In addition to cafés, the Old City Quarter houses a number of great restaurants. One such restaurant is Asteras Greek Traverna – one of Nanaimo’s few truly authentic Greek restaurants.The roast lamb, a favourite among Asteras patrons, melts in your mouth – it’s so delicious!

These are only a few of the many great shops and restaurants located in Nanaimo’s historic Old City Quarter. So grab a friend, a family member, or even just yourself, and enjoy this great, truly local shopping experience.

– Sarah & Sean

EQ Profile: Free Spirit

Happy Thursday!

Have you ever wondered what type of traveller you are? Whether you’re more of a history buff, or perhaps a thrill-seeker? The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has created this handy dandy quiz to help you better understand exactly what type of traveller you are. We’ve decided to customize an example itinerary for each of the nine traveller types starting with Free Spirits. We’ll be posting itineraries throughout the summer, so if you’re not a Free Spirit, do not fret! We’ll have an itinerary for you soon.

According to the CTC, if you’re Free Spirit, you are:

Something of a thrill-seeking hedonist, travel satisfies your insatiable need for the exciting and the exotic.   You like the best of everything and want to be surrounded by others who feel the same way.   You have a lot of energy and want to see and do everything.  It all adds to the fun!   Young, or young-at-heart, you travel for the thrill and emotional charge of doing things.   You just can’t stay at home.   Why would you?!

Free Spirits are most likely to be seen at a tourism hot spot, participating in a group tour, staying in a luxury hotel, dining out at a top restaurant,  and going out for a night on the town in a local night club. Here are our ideas for you fun-loving, adventurous Free Spirits!

Tourism Hot Spot & Group Tour: Newcastle Paddleboard Lunch Tour

Credit: Tourism Nanaimo

So you’ve just arrived in Nanaimo and you’re looking for something adventurous to do! Alberni Outpost offers a number of great adventures for you to partake in. Our suggestion? The Newcastle Paddleboard Lunch Tour. This tour runs from April 5th to September 13th on Saturdays from 11am-3pm. Alberni Outpost will take you around the scenic Nanaimo Harbour as you explore the shores of Newcastle Island. No need to worry about bringing your own meal, this tour includes a shore lunch!

Credit: Cinnabar Vista Productions/Tourism Nanaimo

Luxury Hotel: Coast Bastion Hotel

Once you’ve paddled your way around the Harbour, it’s time to check-in to your luxury hotel. The Coast Bastion is located right in the heart of Downtown Nanaimo and boasts beautiful scenic views of the harbour. Complete with a fitness centre and the Pure Spa & Oxygen Bar, the Coast Bastion has all the amenities you’ll need. Plus, not only are they pet-friendly, but the Coast Bastion are pet lovers! They can accommodate you and your furry one(s) for a nominal nightly pet fee.

Credit: Coast Bastion

Top Restaurant: Hill Top Bistro

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel room, take some time to stroll along Commercial Street. Here you’ll find tons of amazing shops, cafes, and local eateries. There are plenty of great restaurants in Downtown Nanaimo, however, for you top restauranteurs, we suggest the Hill Top Bistro.

Located on top of Rutherford Hill, the Hill Top Bistro has a menu to die for. In fact, Hill Top was voted as 2013’s best restaurant on Vancouver Island! Reservations here are recommended, so be sure to reserve your spot for a meal you won’t forget!

Night Club: Level Two

After dinner, we suggest you head back Downtown for a dusk-lit stroll along the Harbourfront Walkway.

On Saturday’s there’s usually great local buskers – from guitarists to marimba bands, there’s always great music to be heard on the waterfront! If you’re still looking for more nightlife action, we suggest hitting up Level Two for some great dancing! Level Two always has terrific dj’s playing tunes that will surely get you into the groove.

Credit: Elephant Room Photography/Tourism Nanaimo

That wraps up our itinerary for all you Free Spirits! The above ideas are merely suggestions for you to consider. There’s much, much more to explore in Nanaimo! Plus, even if you aren’t a Free Spirit, why not try out some (or all!) of the suggestions on this list?! There is great fun to be had!

For more information, check out our Free Spirit tag for more ideas on things to see and do in Nanaimo!

– Sean & Sarah

A Quarter of the Old City Quarter

I love the morning. I used to hate the morning, but now I drink coffee! It helps that the sun is high in the sky when I wake up at 7. After I get up I make my choice of a cup of coffee, an Americano, or a latte! Last week, I decided to take advantage of my morning before work started and headed down to the Old City Quarter in Downtown Nanaimo. I went over to Fitzwilliam and Wesley Street to stroll around. My first stop was Bocca Café! I got a latte and a vegan pumpkin date muffin to nibble on. I love trying out new coffee shops in Nanaimo! (We have a lot!) I love the colourful atmosphere in Bocca! The barista was so nice and complimented the blue feather that I have in my hair right now. The coffee was really really good too! It wasn’t bitter or too overwhelming. The flavour and intensity were just right.

 

Next I wandered through the alley and around the corner, window shopping. Around the next block was West Coast Classic Floral Design. In front of the shop were succulents potted and sitting on a white ladder. I knew I wanted to get a succulent and start a little pot of them. There were lots to choose from. I decided to make a mixed pot of succulents and bought my first one that morning! Now I’m on the hunt for more! Yay! The owner, Sandra Dunn, told me all about succulents: where and how plant them, how much water they like, what to do in the winter and more!  Popping into the shop is always such a treat! I like seeing what’s in season, smelling the flowers, and taking everything in. It is always so cheery! Underneath is a picture of Sandra in West Coast Classic Floral Design.

 

There are so many more amazing shops in the Old City Quarter to explore. I can’t wait to go back! I am dying to try some cupcakes from A Wee Cupcakery. I love shopping at My Undies and admiring all the beautiful lingerie! What do you love about the Old City Quarter? What else should I do next time I go?

~ Sarah