Nanaimo is the travel hub for all of Vancouver Island

With a population of more than 72,000 , it's the second largest city on the Island. During the summer, at noon each day, the Bastion Guards (originally formed to defend against possible Indian raids), wearing 19th-century uniforms, fire the old cannon. I really enjoyed the Waterfront after a supper at the Lighthouse Bistro & Pub located right over the water.The waterfront promenade overlooks the harbor in the downtown area, offering a great view.

Home Of The Nanaimo Bar Nanaimo has a profound history, from the ancient ancestry of its First Peoples, through the arrival of the European explorers and the Hudson's Bay Company. Nanaimo's modern history was from deposits of coal. If you have a chance visit the Nanaimo Museum and Community Archives for a look at a colourful and cultural past, or take a short trip just south of town to Petroglyph Park where you can see rock carvings left by Nanaimo's earliest inhabitants.

I recommend the COAST BASTION INN 11 BASTION STREET Phone: 250-753-6601 Fax: 250-753-4155 Other: 800-663-1144

The Coast Bastion Inn has a downtown waterfront location. All water view units, extra large family units, restaurant, licensed lounge, banquet facilities, conference facilities, sauna, whirlpool and exercise room. Family plan, corporate and off-season rates, seniors discount. It also has a stair lift up to the dining room which is excellent for wheelchairs, but too small for scooters. Rooms are good size.

Vancouver Island has so much to offer, so make sure you have lots of time to explore. Don’t rush- Remember No Hurry... No Worry.