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Touring the
Nanaimo Area
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| "The Hub City", as Nanaimo
has been known, is a perfect place to base yourself for day tours of the
Central Island. Within easy driving distance are such places as Cathedral
Grove, Little Qualicum Falls, Parksville, Cassidy, and Chemainus. Slightly
longer drives, but still an easy one day round trip, are the Lake Cowichan
area, Mt. Washington, Port Alberni, Sproat Lake, and the Comox Valley.
Cathedral Grove, with 800 year old trees, is an excellent spot to head. This well perserved old-growth stand of trees is awesome. Trails with signs explaining what you see wind through the area and what you'll see can be very large. The largest tree is over 30 feet in circumference. A trip to Little Qualicum Falls can easily be combined with your visit to Cathedral Grove. A system of trails and bridges offer great views of the falls and in the summer the deep pools are perfect for swimming. Also, nearby is the Village of Coombs with goats grazing on the market roof, heritage buildings, and minigolf. In July you could go to the rodeo, fiddle jamboree, or bluegrass festival. A short drive north from Nanaimo you'll find Parksville and Qualicum Beach. In April the area you can go to the Brant Festival, held when thousands of migrating Brant geese stop in the area. By visiting The Old School House in Qualicum Beach you can find out about the many artists and crafts people in the area. And don't forget the International Sand Castle Competition in Parksville held on the massive sandy tidal beach. Special all terrain wheelchairs, for public use are available through Mobility Accessible Parksville at the District 69 Recreation office located in the arena complex at Parksville Community Park. To find out about this service call (250) 248-6144. A visit to Cassidy will make an interesting day. You can go to the Nanaimo airport and charter a plane for an aerial tour of the area. Tour the Nanaimo Salmon Hatchery and then take one of the side roads across the highway and tour the Nanaimo Lakes area. You will find boat launches, hiking trails and panoramic views. From downtown Nanaimo you can take a 20 minute ferry ride to Gabriola Island or go for a guided sea tour on a charter boat. The undiscovered "Queen" of the Gulf Islands, Gabriola, offers history, animals in their natural habitat, 3 waterfront situated provincial parks, golfing, kayaking and much more. The island is known for having many artists and craftspeople among it's population of two thousand eight hundred people. Fishing, diving, and sailing charters, boat rentals and bicycle rentals are available right downtown. Charter tours can include a dinner cruise and a boat up to 73 feet long. Many more touring possibilies are available in the Central Island in places such as Lantzville, Nanoose, Horne Lake, Big Qualicum River and Ladysmith. Yellow Point is a popular spot just north of Ladysmith. |
Visits: 24967 |