About the author: Lauren Semple (she/they) is a strategist, storyteller, lover of leisure, and the voice behind the queer travel blog, Sounds Gay Let’s Go. You've heard about Nanaimo's famous sprawl, but that just means there's more to explore! Our city is home to a tapestry of distinctive…
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Winter here? Oh, we have the goods. While the rest of Canada is hiding under electric blankets, shovelling driveways, and scraping ice off windshields with expired debit cards, Nanaimo is out here living its best flannel life. Rain? That’s just free ambience. Steam rising from a mug, sea lions…
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The days are darker, the drinks are hotter, and suddenly “staying in” feels like a luxury lifestyle choice. In Nanaimo, winter isn’t something we survive; it’s something we romanticize. Think storm watching with a blanket burrito, lazy mornings with fog on the harbour, coastal cabins that smell…
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Local gifts > last-minute Amazon panic. You heard it here first. Nanaimo is stacked with independent shops, makers, artists, bakers, distillers, and creative geniuses turning everyday items into brag-worthy gifts. Whether you’re hunting down something handcrafted, locally sipped, artisan-made, or…
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Looking for bright colour, bold authenticity, and a deep sense of care? That’s what you’ll find with Myles Does My Hair, also known as A Vivid Edge Salon & Spa . Located on Departure Bay Road, this queer-owned salon has become a go-to for personal transformation, gender-inclusive services, and…
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Nanaimo isn’t just a pass-through on the parkway; it’s a destination that deserves your whole weekend. Sure, people love to jet off to vineyard valleys or chase waves up island, but don’t sleep on what’s right here. If you plan your belly, body and soul nourishing escape in Nanaimo, you’ll find a…
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The holidays are the perfect time to shop, eat and explore all the hidden gems in Nanaimo, and we’re about to show you why! To kick off the holiday season, we’re spotlighting the local businesses YOU’VE nominated! From eclectic, one-of-a-kind shops to mouthwatering eats, these businesses are what…
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Nanaimo is home to many amazing independent businesses, artisans, makers, creators and everything in between! With eclectic shops, unique experiences, and handcrafted treasures, finding the ultimate gifts for everyone on your list has never been easier. Why not show some love and shop local this…
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An Update on the Commercial Street Construction As you might’ve noticed, the Commercial Street makeover is in full swing with a new look scheduled to debut in May 2025. While traffic and parking between Wharf and Church Streets are taking a break, you can still cruise through Commercial Street…
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With fall coming to a close, Nanaimo is heading straight into another quiet, peaceful Winter Season. While the Island’s rainy season might have a little bit of a reputation, Nanaimo still boasts some of the warmest winter temperatures in Canada! Looking for more reasons to visit Nanaimo this…
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