Experience Nanaimo Like You’re on Vacation
Learn how to experience Nanaimo like a tourist. Explore local spots, slow down your routine, and rediscover the best of Vancouver Island living.
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The Journal.
Life on the Island. A closer look at home.
Ideas, local stories and perspectives from our archive. For today’s numbers, explore Market Intelligence.
Lifestyle
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Home Design in 2025 and What’s Shaping 2026.
A refined look at interior design trends shaping 2025 and what top designers and Architectural Digest predict for 2026, from colour and texture to form and atmosphere.
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Nanaimo Raked #1 for Quality of Life in British Columbia and 2nd in Canada.
Explore the lifestyle, neighbourhoods, and quality of life that make this central Vancouver Island city so easy to love.
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Vancouver Island Winter Activities: Cozy Micro-Adventures Close to Home
Explore Vancouver Island winter activities like storm watching, cozy cafés, and easy micro-adventures close to home.
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Cozy Holiday Hosting — The Effortless Trend Everyone Loves
Learn how to host a cozy-casual holiday gathering with simple décor, easy food ideas, and stress-free entertaining tips for the season.
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Vancouver Island Holiday Events This December
Vancouver Island holiday events for December 2025 include festive markets, coastal light displays, concerts, and local seasonal experiences.
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Design Notes: October Inspiration from Near and Far
Vancouver Island organizations like Power To Be and the RAD Society are empowering people with disabilities to enjoy off-road adventures!
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Designing with the Island in Mind
Learn how to optimize your condo or studio space with these helpful tips from Gillette and Associates!
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How to Make a Small Space Feel Like a Stylish Home
Learn how to optimize your condo or studio space with these helpful tips from Gillette and Associates!
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Creating the Perfect Breakfast Nook
Transform your kitchen into a cozy retreat with our guide to creating the perfect breakfast nook with Gillette and Associate
Read the storyWheels and Wilderness: Inclusive Off-Roading on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island organizations like Power To Be and the RAD Society are empowering people with disabilities to enjoy off-road adventures!
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A Guide to Central Vancouver Island’s Luxury Spas
For those seeking to unwind in a truly luxurious setting, Nanaimo to Parksville are home to some of British Columbia's most celebrated spas.
Read the storyTrail to Tranquility: Nanaimo’s Forests Redefine Healthy Living
Discover how Nanaimo's stunning forest trails are redefining well-being and enhancing the real estate lifestyle.
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Architecture Can Embrace the Wild
Discover how West Coast Vancouver Island homes blend architecture and nature, inspired by designs like Oregon’s Newberg Residence.
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The Benson Burn & the Bento Box
Learn about Mount Benson and Chris Rigby's hike experience with his trusted sidekick, Hugo, leading to a relaxing evening with a Bento Box.
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Must Visit Parks in Nanaimo
Explore just a few of the most exciting parks in Nanaimo with trails, beaches, and recreational activities.
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The Benefits of Cold Plunging
Discover the powerful benefits of cold plunging, from improved circulation and reduced muscle soreness to enhanced mood and better sleep.
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Setting Resolutions That Stick in 2025
Discover actionable tips and insights for sticking to resolutions in 2025, inspired by Atomic Habits and The Power of Habit.
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Christmas Markets in Vancouver
Discover how easy it is to visit Vancouver Christmas Markets from Nanaimo in just 70 minutes with the Hullo ferry!
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Whale Watching on Vancouver Island
Experience the thrill of whale watching on Vancouver Island. Discover top spots, tips, and local insights.
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Trending Summer Colors
Summer Home Refresh: Discover trending colors and staging tips to brighten your space with Pantone hues and local paint options in Nanaimo
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Support Local This Season – Nanaimo’s Guide to Holiday Giving
Explore Nanaimo's holiday giving guide, emphasizing support for local businesses and initiatives on Vancouver Island.
Read the storyCookies for Santa
Discover Vancouver Island real estate and festive holiday baking tips, including Cookies for Santa, on our blog
Read the storyExploring Vancouver Island during the Holiday Season
Discover Vancouver Island this holiday season with our guide to winter wonders. Explore local attractions, events, and activities.
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How to Grow a Herb Garden this Spring
Herbs are useful in cooking and other lifestyle needs. Learn about how to grow a herb garden with Gillette and Associates today!
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Holiday Baking
Celebrate holiday cheer with these DG selected holiday baking recipes! Spice things up and try a new snack this festive season!
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Destination Long Beach
Explore our list of beaches on Vancouver Island that make the perfect getaway for surfing, storm watching or even a romantic weekend away!
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STRONG POST-COVID RECOVERY CONTINUES
A strong market can bring a distorted perspective as we sometimes focus on the current rather than taking the bigger picture into account, it is important to look at the overall market. Using almost…
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10 Fun Fall Activities
1. CARVE PUMPKINS Picking out a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch is such a fun activity and the best part is when you get to carve your pumpkin at home! If there isn’t an open patch near you have your…
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Hiking Trails of Vancouver Island
1. Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, Nanaimo The Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is an experience rich in history, culture and entertainment. Known as Saysutshun by the Snuneymuxw…
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Vancouver Island Backyard Adventures
1. Dingy Dock Pub, Protection Island An attraction since 1989 and moored off beautiful Protection Island this floating pub offers an incredible view of Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. Take the local…
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Safe Camping Tips 2020
Safe camping tips from Derek Gillette, with over 30 years of experience in the Nanaimo Real Estate Market!
Read the storyHappy Canada Day!
We have compiled the following suggestions of activities you can do with your family that are safe ways to celebrate closer to home! Cook Up Festive Canadian Foods Enjoy a backyard BBQ with the…
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Holiday Festivities Around Vancouver Island 2019
MILNER CHRISTMAS MAGIC Location: 2179 West Island Hwy, Qualicum Beach. When: Friday to Sunday for the first three weeks of December The annual Milner Christmas family festival of lights and music in…
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Fun things to do with Dad this Father’s Day
This Father's Day weekend is a time to celebrate DAD. We've compiled a list of some fun events happening in and around Nanaimo.
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Summer Outdoor Activities to Stay Fit
Hike with Friends and Loved Ones We have so many wonderful hiking trails in and around Nanaimo. It’s fun to go to old favourites and discover new ones. You can make your hike a day trip with the…
Read the storySummer Time on the West Coast – BBQ and Desserts Ideas
Explore an array of Summer BBQ Recipes - perfect for a trying new things or hosting. For more Summer activities check out our blog!
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Back to School Organization Tips
1. Create a filing system. Files aren’t just for offices – they’re also a great way to keep your home organized! Set aside a drawer to hold your files and buy some folders. You can set aside one…
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Farmer’s Markets; Discover the Spice of Life, Variety!
Wouldn’t you rather stroll colorful outdoor stalls on a sunny day than roll your cart around a grocery store or wander around the mall with its bad lighting and piped in music? Coming to the Farmer’s…
Read the storyVegetable Gardening Cheat Sheet
Have no fear… after all the general principle is easy: plant seed, add water and watch the vegetable grow. The logistics on the other hand are a bit more complicated. When do you plant everything?…
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Gardening With Kids
March and April are typically the best months to begin planning the garden and to start seedlings indoors so they can be ready for transplanting once the frost and cooler nights have passed. Follow…
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A Beginners Guide to HYGGE
Frequently rated as being the happiest Country on earth, despite the bleak desolate winters, Denmark seem to have the perfect recipe for beating the winter blues. The Scandinavian term for…
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Holiday Hosting Tips
Learn about Holiday Hosting and how to maximize your skills while you invite your friends to events and occasions
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New Years Resolutions for Your Home
Explore these fulfilling New Year's Resolutions for you and your family this year to maximize your time and bond.
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