Vancouver Island Travel Forum

A friend of mine has invited me to spend a Saturday night at the Empress with her because they're having that $100 a night deal in celebration of their 100 year anniversary. We're taking the bus down to Tsawwassen and walking on the ferry. Once at Swartz Bay, we're taking the bus into downtown Victoria. I have no idea what we'll be doing on the first day, but I'm not so concerned. Maybe we'll go to Butchart Gardens as *gasp* I've never been. And I really do love gardens, even in the darkest gloomiest days of November. But there are other places I've never been to in Victoria either, like Emily Carr's house or any of the art galleries. You can check out my Victoria VT page to see where I have been. I'm more interested in local history, nature, or the local arts scene than I am about things like wax museums.

The next morning my friend, however, is going to take VIA's Malahat train route up to Courtenay to visit one of her ex-colleagues where she plans to spend the next night. Initially I was thinking of sticking around in Victoria for the day and heading back to Vancouver later in the afternoon by bus to Swartz Bay.

But I'm now thinking of joining my friend on the train, but getting off at Nanaimo and exploring around there for a few hours before heading back across the ferry to Horseshoe Bay. I've only ever driven through Nanaimo and I know its reputation, but I'm still curious. What could one do in Nanaimo for an afternoon in early March?

Gabriola Island is a 10 minute ferry from Nanaimo Harbour. It is a neat little Island.

How is Gabriola if you're travelling on foot? I've been to Galiano, Pender, and Saltspring and I'd never consider visiting those islands without some sort of transportation. Is Gabriola the same way?

There is a bit to see around the terminal area but it is a great island to do a circle of. there seems to be alot of hitchhiking going on. I will check to see if there is a bicycle rental, I have a few friends living there.

Thanks!

250-247-0247 is the phone number. It is recommended to call ahead