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All photos taken July 22, 2021, during our visit to Nanaimo.
We took this day to travel to Nanaimo, so sister M could visit her daughter and grandson. The visits were spread out a bit during the day, so we had plenty of time to wander around the seawall and through Maffeo Sutton Park. We found a parking spot in the park, paid for 6 hours of parking and only explored as far as our feet would carry us.
Nanaimo is a city on the East coast of Vancouver Island, with a population of around 105,000 in the metro area. The name Nanaimo is an anglicized pronunciation of the name of the indigenous peoples of the area, the Snuneymuxw.
Source: Wikipedia
Nanaimo’s claim to fame is the invention of the tasty and delicious no bake Nanaimo bar dessert. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanaimo_bar My Patty makes a great version of these at Christmas and other times.
The day was hot and sunny, so we tried to stay in the shade, as much as possible. It was pleasant being in a waterfront park again.
Flowers and greenery were everywhere….
…as were all manner of watercraft and seaplanes taking off and landing.
We did walk downtown for lunch and our first family meetup…
…before walking back to enjoy ice cream cones in the shade. The reflections in the midday sun were stunning.
We paused to look at the clouds and greenery before our next meetup.
Just as our parking permit permit expired, it was time to drive back to Victoria and our hotel. Our lunch had been so large, we felt no need for any further serious food, but wine and Agent Orange (Hawkins Cheezies) were both on the pre-bedtime menu. A stressful, but informative day.
What places have you travelled recently to visit with family?
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Nanaimo looks like a beautiful place to visit! True story, I was about 7 years old when my Mum’s long-time friend in Ottawa sent us a Nanaimo bar recipe! Every year without fail, it’s part of Christmas! Even when I was in the hospital during Christmas season, we still made it!
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Nanaimo is not without it’s social problems, but it is in a beautiful setting for sure. Nanaimo Bars are a guilty pleasure in this house. Glad you enjoy them too. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Well, I didn’t make them last Christmas. Our kitchen is too small for baking, and so far, I haven’t found a place to get them in Calgary
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Try the Hunterhorn Bakery 6692-4 Street NE. Apparently they have them in numerous flavours. š
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Thank you so much!
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Beautiful photos Allan! Places like that take the sting out of being in a pandemic. The low tide land bridge is very interesting. John
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Absolutely John. Just to get out and see a different place is uplifting. That was the first time we saw the land bridge, so I think many would not know it was there if they did not come at low tide. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Fantastic photos, Allan. I can see that Nanaimo is naturally beautiful, and I love that you are never too far away from the shimmering sea. I would love to visit and catch a seaplane over those countless little islands and take in the views over the Sunshine Coast. What a truly unique place š„° Thanks for sharing and have a good day š¤ Aiva
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Any day on the coast is a good day. We want to do a seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria some day. You just have to pick the right clear day. Thanks for reading Aiva. Allan
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Nanaimo looks really nice. I can’t recall if we visited there or not without looking at the photo album as it was at least 20 years ago. We spent a week on the island and toured around quite a lot banding ourselves between Victoria and Duncan. Really enjoying your photo blogs from this trip.
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If you spent a week on the Island, you likely went up that way. Duncan is kind of half way between Victoria and Nanaimo. Glad you are enjoying Marion. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Nice trip. Nanaimo is a bit of an enigma if you don’t consider the retirees who come to enjoy the moderate weather. A convenient stop on a road trip through Vancouver Island.
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Coal mines helped it get established early and in 1914 it was an internment camp for Ukrainian settlers. BC Ferries really opened up the island for people looking for the island life and cheaper housing than Vancouver. Nanaimo has two ferry terminals to the mainland and one to Gabriola Island, so good connections. I think I would have a hard time adapting to island living and relying on ferry crossings on a regular basis. Thanks for reading. Allan
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I haven’t had a Nanaimo bar in years. I remember my grandmother would always serve them during tea time. Nanaimo looks gorgeous and so do your pictures. Looks like you had fabulous weather for exploring the waterfront.
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We just had some a week ago as we prepare goodies for an upcoming family gathering. Yummy. The weather in Nanaimo that day was quite hot but we were comfortable in the shade. Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend. Allan
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So glad you got to see family! We haven’t been able to travel to see any of our out-of-town family, mostly because of my husband’s treatment. But several of them came to see us, which was so nice! And we are planning some trips this Fall.
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It was great to see family, for sure. So glad your family is coming to visit Ann. Happy travel planning and happy weekend. Allan
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Looks like a nice town by the sea. I like the boat and plane pics on this one.
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It is a great ocean front city, indeed. The afternoon reflections were spectacular. Thanks for reading Scott. Allan
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Nanaimo Bars are one of my favorite sweets š I’ve never visited the city though. The only travelling we have done lately is into Alberta.
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They are delicious for sure. We do not go to Nanaimo often. Hope all is well. Thanks or reading. Allan
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I’ve been to the island so many times, but never to Nanaimo. Maybe next year it will be a trip to the west coast. Beautiful pictures. Maggie
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Hi Maggie. Hope all is well with you. It had been a long time since we were in Nanaimo as well. There is a lot going on North of Victoria. Thanks for reading and the follow. Allan
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