NANAIMO IN SIXTY SECONDS

Beautiful Nanaimo waterfront

Flying the colors of our friend and neighbor next door

Summertime sailing across from Piper's Lagoon Park

The firing of the cannons during the summertime happens daily around noon  near the Bastion in the waterfront.

Popular Nanaimo Waterfront in the summertime

Entrance Signage South of Downtown Nanaimo 

Fall Colors in the Waterfront

Nanaimo ranks as one of the most liveable cities in Canada, having a very favorable temperate climate, a favorable balance of lifestyle, investment opportunities and employment. It is centrally located on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. It is about 112 kms. north of Victoria. Nanaimo is the hub for the Mid and North Vancouver Island.

It is fortunate enough to be surrounded by ocean and one of the most beautiful wilderness and coastlines in the world. It is blessed with breathtaking and outstanding views, friendly people and unforgettable natural attractions. Since it is centrally located, it can be reached by ferries, airplanes, car,bus and railways. With its laid-back and very relaxed atmosphere and warm weather, it is considered to be the retirement and summer capital of Canada. At the present time, it is estimated that about 84,350 people reside in Nanaimo and the number continue to climb each year. It is a fast growing urban center centrally located in Vancouver Island.

A GLIMPSE OF NANAIMO

This Great National Land Building is located in the heart of Downtown Nanaimo.

  

The famed Bastion located near the waterfront .

The ever-popular walkway bridge in the Swy-lana Lagoon  just overlooking Newscastle Island on the left and Protection Island on the right.

That's where I buy my freshly caught prawns!

The Nanaimo Marine Fuel Dock 

Newcastle Island across the Nanaimo waterfront walkway.

The Old City Quarter on a quiet Sunday afternoon..Sorry folks, no shopping today..

St. Paul's Anglican Church

Former Firehouse Station built in the late 1880's now converted into an upscale Restaurant famed for its delicious desserts.

Nanaimo means " Gathering Place" from the traditional Native people Hul'q'umin'um' language. Downtown Nanaimo is considered the Heart of the City. It is blessed to have a spectacular waterfront, excellent transportation links, diverse shopping, arts and and cultural events which attract residents, tourists and visitors from all parts of Canada and abroad. Today's posting only shows  just a sampling of what Nanaimo downtown area has to offer, most notably the revitalized area called the Old City Quarter and the waterfront area. Nanaimo is truly an exciting place to enjoy and visit!

BOWEN PARK in Winter

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bowen Park is a substantial large tract of parkland located Northwest of Downtown Nanaimo. The Park was named after the Bowen Brothers who managed the Western Fuel and Electric Company back in the late 1800's. They gave the land to the City in 1885 and it was later registered as a park in 1931. It is consisted of 36 hectares most of which are still undeveloped. A series of interpretative trails line along the Millstone River. There's a scenic waterfall and a fish ladder. There's also an amazing Rhododendron Grove consisting of over 350 different species. The best time to view them is in the early spring. There are lots of things you can do in the park: There's an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, walking trails,  a "frolf" disc golf or freesbee courses scattered around the park, skate bowl, senior centre, 2 huge picnic shelters with children's playground one of which is gated, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, seasonal petting zoo, duck pond ( year-round). In the fall, the red colorful maple trees are at its best to view,  there are great hills for winter tobogganing (when it does snow) and of course, spring and summer bring out the spectacular blooming of the rhododendrons and the roses. To get to Bowen Park from downtown Nanaimo, drive north to Comox Road, turn left and look for several park entrances on the right. Watch for the railroad tracks , pass it and choose your choice of park entrance. There are kingfishers, river otter, eagles, merganser, freshwater bullhead, raccoon, heron, American bullfrog, pumpkin seed sunfish , crayfish and other small animals around to see, if you're lucky. The photos were just taken on December 31,2011 and some of the ornamental trees were already starting to bloom!