There are a variety of things to do on Vancouver Island; outdoor adventures, arts and culture, visiting provincial parks, beach combing, hiking and more. So, if you need some ideas, keep reading, because this article covers some excellent events and things to do on the Island to keep you busy this long weekend.
Nanaimo
The Nanaimo Museum
If you‘re looking for something local to do with your family, the Nanaimo Museum currently has a feature exhibit “Extension BC – Divided in Solidarity “, running from February 9th to May 4th. The exhibit features artifacts relating to the coal mining community of Extension BC, in addition to photographs and maps from the museum‘s archives, art galleries and public collections.
The Nanaimo Museum is also celebrating Family Day in BC, as well as February Heritage month by hosting drop-in heritage themed kids’ activities in the gallery.
The museum will be open 10:00am – 4:00pm on Family Day.
Source/Links: Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo Whats On Digest
Nanaimo Global Film Festival 2018
This festival runs from Thursday, February 8th until Saturday, February 10th. This year’s festival focuses on stories about people around the globe who are reinventing their world and their future. The festival will be hosted at Vancouver Island University.
Source/Link: Nanaimo Film Festival
Qualicum Beach
Spring Sundays at VIUs Milner Gardens & Woodland
This seaside garden in Qualicum Beach on the east coast of Vancouver Island is one of best attractions in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area. If your family is looking forward to getting into the spring spirit, the Milner Gardens & Woodland offers an unspoiled natural beauty on the edge of the oceanside; you can also enjoy a traditional English tea held in historic Milner House. On Sundays beginning February 4th until March 25th, the garden is open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm to enjoy the early spring bulbs.
Source/Link: VIUs Milner Gardens & Woodland
Parksville
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Take the entire family for a stroll and keep a look out for one of the many examples of BC wildlife that be found along the Recovery Centre’s nature trail. There’s also a fantastic area for an outdoor picnic at the magical field of stones and sculptures. The Centre is located in Errington near Parksville, mid-island on the east coast, just 30 minutes north of Nanaimo.
Open 7 days a week from 9am to 4:30pm
Source/Link: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Port Alberni
The MacMillan Provincial Park – Cathedral Grove
Cathedral Grove located in MacMillan Provincial Park in central Vancouver Island, east of Port Alberni on Hwy #4, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on the Island; some more that 800 years old. Visitors can walk through an easy network of trails under the treed canopy of this old-growth coastal forest. On the south side of the highway, you will find the largest Douglas firs and on the northern side of the road, you’ll find groves of ancient Western red cedar watching over nearby Cameron Lake.
Source/Link: BC Parks
Duncan
Duncan Farmer’s Market
Located in the Market Square in downtown Duncan, only a 40–minute drive from Nanaimo, is the Duncan Farmer’s Market; open every Saturday, all year round. This farmer’s market offers fresh local fruits and vegetables, delicious baked goods, jams & jellies, honey, crafts, and a number of assorted local products. Open Fall/Winter from 10am-2pm.
Source/Link: Harbour Living