Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Arts
Lovers of the arts will find Nanaimo to be quite the cultural center, with the main focus
being the
Port Theatre
(125 Front St., 250/754-8550,
www.porttheatre.com
). This mag-
nificent 800-seat theater inanarchitecturally pleasing circular concrete-and-glass building
opposite the harbor showcases theater productions, musicals, and music performances by
a wide range of artists. The
Nanaimo Theatre Group
(250/758-7224) presents live per-
formances at the Bailey Studio (2373 Rosstown Rd.).
The
Nanaimo Art Gallery
(150CommercialSt.,250/754-1750,10am-5pmTues.-Sat.,
donation) displays and sells works by a diverse range of island artists.
Events
OnthelastSundayofeveryJuly,thewatersoffNanaimocomealiveforthe
World Cham-
pionship Bathtub Race
(250/753-7223,
www.bathtubbing.com
), the grand finale of the
annual
Nanaimo Marine Festival.
Originally,competitorsracedacrosstheStraitofGeor-
gia between Nanaimo and Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver. Today they leave from downtown
Nanaimo, racing around Entrance and Winchelsea Islands to the finish line at Departure
Bay in a modified bathtub fitted with a 7.5-horsepower outboard motor. The racers are es-
corted by hundreds of boats of the more regular variety, loaded with people just waiting
for the competitors to sink! Every bathtubber wins a prize—a golden plug for entering, a
small trophy for making it to the other side of the strait, and a silver plunger for the first
tub to sink! These days, the sport and the festivities around it have grown enormously, at-
tracting tens of thousands of visitors to Nanaimo. And “tubbing,” as the locals call it, has
spread to other provincial communities, where preliminary races qualify entrants for the
big one.
Under $50
A few of Nanaimo's older motels offer rooms under $50 outside of summer, but only
Nanaimo International Hostel
(65 Nicol St., 250/753-1188,
www.nanaimohostel.com
,
dorms $20) falls into this price range year-round. In a converted house, this accommoda-
tionenjoysaconvenientlocationthreeblocksfromthetrainstationandsevenblocksfrom
the bus depot. The hostel operates year-round, providing dormitory-style accommodations
and campsites, a kitchen, laundry facility, TV room, and bicycle rentals. Guests can get
discounts at many local restaurants and attractions. Check-in is after 4pm.
