Nanaimo Visitor's Guide 2008 - 16

Festivals & Events All-Out Celebrations It’s safe to say this town gears up for any kind of celebration. We cheer on bathtubs (yes, bathtubs) zipping across the harbour. We fire cannons outside the historic Bastion. And we oooh and aaah at high-flying acrobats from around the world.Year-round, there’s always something going. Annual Bathtub Race and Marine Festival. For a listing of Nanaimo’s major festivals and events, check out the calendar on the pages that follow or for a more complete list go online at www.tourismnanaimo.com. Fast Facts • Before the race, Dragon Boat Festival paddlers paint the eyes of the dragon head on their boat, an ancient Chinese tradition that rouses the dragons to life. In the 2006 season Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island Raiders Junior Football team went undefeated and won the national title. Throughout July and August free outdoor concerts run in Maffeo Sutton Park every Sunday evening and in Harbourfront Plaza every Saturday afternoon. • Sports & adventure Nanaimo is most famous for bathtub races, of all things. Each year since 1967, tubbers from as far away as Australia have come to bounce their way through the Georgia Strait in a grueling 58-km (36-mi.) competition. In summer you can also see the 2,400-year-old Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing or watch one leg of a biennial yacht race that encircles the island. For hometown excitement, join locals in cheering on their hockey, football and lacrosse teams. • Food & culture You can literally taste your way through the culture and traditions of Nanaimo. Try maple toffee on snow and other French Canadian customs at the Maple Sugar Festival. Cast your vote for the best clam concoction at Chowder Fest, or sample local gourmet dishes at Bite of Nanaimo. Insider’s Tip Each year Nanaimo’s best and brightest fireworks display happens in the harbour the eve of the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race. Especially for kids There’s also plenty of family fun here. Daring and hilarious performers come from faraway countries to delight audiences at the Vancouver Island International Children’s Festival. In summer, stop by the Vancouver Island Exhibition for an old-fashioned country fair with 4-H animal shows, carnival rides, and live music. Head downtown in October for a big Halloween party, or hear a choir sing your favourite carols at Christmastime. 16 www.tourismnanaimo.com

Nanaimo Visitor's Guide 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Nanaimo Visitor's Guide 2008