British Columbia Destinations

Consider Nanaimo for coastal reprieve from winter

Thinking of spending the winter on the Pacific coast? Consider Nanaimo.

Situated mid-Vancouver Island on the Strait of Georgia, Nanaimo offers a temperate climate, a beautiful natural setting and good transportation links.

The second largest community on Vancouver island, it is known as the Harbour City, and boasts a splendid waterfront promenade and park. Downtown Nanaimo is the site of numerous restaurants, boutiques and art galleries, as well as the iconic Bastion, the remnant of a 19th century Hudson’s Bay Company trading post.

Hometown to jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall, Nanaimo boasts such a lively theatre and arts scene that it was named a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2008.

It is a great place to spend the day outdoors. Here you can hike a rainforest mountain, take panoramic pictures of Georgia Strait, and cool off in a river canyon all in the same day.

The city is a gateway to the year-round wilderness and outdoor activities of central and northern Vancouver Island, and as a base for wildlife watching trips on which you can see orca, bear, and eagles.

Gabriola Island and the picturesque communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach are just a few minutes away, while there is direct ferry service to the British Columbia mainland and the province’s capital, Victoria, is near at hand.

If you are interested in living the island lifestyle in Nanaimo, a good place to do it is the vibrant community of Origin at Longwood. Nestled in a tranquil forested setting, it offers elegant dining and amenities that include a wellness spa with fitness centre, salt-water pool and sauna.

Weekly, monthly or seasonal rates are available but suites are limited. For further information call toll-free at 1-877-951-7755, email ajhoward@originlongwood.ca or go to www.originlongwood.ca.