Summer is here, and Nanaimo couldn’t be a more vibrant and exciting place to celebrate the season! Although our usual seasonal celebrations – Silly Boat Regatta, Bathtub Days and Night Market — may still be postponed, at least we can now gather in groups safely. Family reunions, block parties and small entertainment events can now commence. In fact, Downtown merchants are planning a weekly lunch-hour series of ‘Corner Concerts’, Fridays through Sundays this summer as part of the celebrations.

 

Nanaimo has so much to offer in the warmer months, from parks to beaches to on-the-water activities, the adventure is endless or, even, slightly eccentric. Climb among the trees, zip-line through them, or take a bungy jump into the rain forest at Wild Play. Paddle board, canoe or kayak around Saysutshun Island, then stop off at the Dinghy Dock – Canada’s only floating pub. Summit Mount Benson via its trails and paths and see the city from a unique viewpoint. Or take a helicopter there!

 

Summertime offers more benign opportunities to enjoy your choice of riverbank, lakefront, or ocean beach and picnics at the park accompanied by your favourite local take out or a shady trail walk. If you’d like to go hiking or biking and would like some guidance, check “101 Things To Do” for contacts there – do the same if you’d like a scenic Island food and bevvie tour.

 

Nightlife in Nanaimo is making its comeback as well, with pubs and clubs opening up for regular service as well as extended patios as part of B.C. ‘s Restart plan. With the ability to stay later at your favourite, local watering hole or restaurant, the night-time environment returns us to those fun, inviting places enjoying each other’s company. Slowly returning to full-capacities and entertainment proves that business is surely bringing us back to the ‘almost normal’ that we’ve missed so much!

 

Use “101 Things To Do” to direct your visiting friends and family members to their next adventures in Nanaimo and keep local business thriving!