Happy Birthday Canada – Nanaimo Style!

Canada celebrates its 150th birthday on Saturday July 1, 2017 - and Nanaimo wants to party! Here are three fabulous ways to celebrate Canada’s big birthday in the Nanaimo region…
 

1. Park Life

There’ll be a plethora of fabulous food vendors and a special Shaw Kids’ Zone at Maffeo-Sutton Park.  There will be a tonne of entertainment at the park’s Lion’s Pavilion Stage between 10am and 3pm, including sets by Kumbanna Marimba, Purple Pirate and Wunderbread. On the Community Stage between 11am and 3pm you can catch everything from the Bastion City Cloggers and traditional Chinese dancers to Scottish country dancers and ballroom and Latin demonstrations
 
There will also be a special 150 Celebration Show at the Lion’s Pavilion from 7pm to 10pm, featuring the Canada 150 Choir, Celtic roots band Tiller’s Folly and violinist Calvin Dyck.
 

2. On the Waterfront

There’ll be a commemorative bathtub run from Nanaimo to Vancouver, leaving the Nanaimo harbour front at 11am; while at the Visiting Vessel Pier, tours of HMCS Nanaimo will be available between 1pm and 4pm. And all the action will come to a magnificent crescendo with a special fireworks celebration at Nanaimo Harbour at dusk.
 

3. Paddling in Parksville

Just 30 minutes north of Nanaimo at Parksville, you can celebrate Canada Day in a very special way with a paddle off the Parksville shoreline to watch the fireworks from the water. No experience is necessary and the tour includes the services of a certified guide, all gear and full instruction. You can even opt for a double kayak if you want to share the experience. The tour takes place from 8.30pm to 11pm. For more information visit rdn.bc.ca/recreation.
 
If you’re looking for a great hotel in Nanaimo, check out the historic Best Western Dorchester Hotel. Situated right downtown near bustling Nanaimo Harbour, it offers excellent views, outstanding service and immaculate rooms and suites.