The first Nanaimo Bath Tub Race occurred in 1967. It was one of Nanaimo's centennial events, an annual and iconic one. Great International World Championship Bathtub Race accompanied by four-day Nanaimo Marine Festival. This unique and important Vancouver Island race was originally from across the Strait of Georgia to Fisherman's Cove near Vancouver. Now the race is around two local islands, Entrance Island and Winchelsea Islands, then back to Departure Bay in Nanaimo.
The race doesn't have any complications. Put an outboard motor on actual bathtubs, which converts them into boats. Then race them like an actual tuber which what the contestants of the race are called. The race has brought hours and hours of fun and entertainment to Vancouver Island citizens and is so notable that there is even a Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society. The design of the early boats was eccentric and made from a variety of materials. Today, the tubs are much simpler, and most racing bathtub boats are monohull with outboard motors.
Nanaimo Bath Tub Race starts at the Nanaimo Harbour and takes about 58 kilometres (36 miles) going up the coast to Lantzville, navigating around small islands. So the racers can experience the area more efficiently, and since every race needs a winner, try to be first at the finish line, which is at Maffeo Sutton Park. For more information about the race, visit the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society at 170 Wallace St, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. The race location is downtown, so before or after the race, you have plenty of opportunities to explore. The city is lovely with many landmarks. Visit the museums and galleries nearby or go for a drink or a meal in good pubs and restaurants.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from downtown Nanaimo to Nanaimo Harbour is Bastion St and Front St. It is 700 m (2296.5 ft) and takes about 10 minutes.
Head east on Wallace St toward Fraser St and go on for 13 m (42.6 ft). With a slight left onto Bastion St, follow it for 300 m (984.2 ft). Turn right onto Front St and after 290 m (951.4 ft), turn left onto Promenade Dr. Continue 95 m (311.6 ft) more to reach Nanaimo Harbour.
From Victoria:
Getting to Nanaimo Harbour from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 111 km (68.9 miles) and takes about an hour and a half.
Head west on Pandora Ave toward Government St and go on for 99 m (324.8 ft). Turn right onto Government St and after 1 km (0.6 miles) take a slight right toward Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Follow it for 72 m (236.2 ft) and use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 109 km (67.7 miles). Turn right onto Esplanade (signs for Gabriola 1st) and go on for 89 m (292 ft). Continue onto Front St, and after 400 m (1312.3 ft), turn right onto Promenade Dr. Drive 95 m (311.6 ft) more to reach Nanaimo Harbour.
The idea for bathtub racing came up, as a result, to present Nanaimo to the world. The first race occurred in 1967, beginning with the "Nanaimo to Vancouver Great International World Championship Bathtub Race." Frank Ney, Nanaimo's mayor at that time, had been dressing as a pirate to tour the town and communities' surroundings. He was one of the most prominent supporters and devoted participants of the annual race from its beginning to his death in 1992.
Until the 1990s, the race was known as a part of the Sea Fest, aka Vancouver's Annual Sea Festival, and tubbers raced from Nanaimo to Vancouver's Kitsilano Beach. Now the course beginning and ending is in Nanaimo Harbour. Nanaimo Bathtub Race is the most famous globally, and it is held on the last weekend of July every year.
Downtown is where the top Nanaimo activities are available. You can throw an axe at a target like a Viking warrior in Axe & Grind, an axe-throwing club. With so many take-outs and dine-in restaurants like Modern Café or The View Oceanside Grill, it would be a total loss if you don't try some of them. Port Theatre on Front St is where you can see a play or enjoy a concert. Since the docks are nearby, have a walk there in the evening to watch the sunset.