Nanaimo Heritage Festival takes place in May every year since 1863. Back then, it was called Empire days. In 2015, the name changed to Nanaimo Heritage Days to recognize and respect the culture and traditions, heritages, and histories that come together within the city of Nanaimo and encourage diversity. This event would not be so popular without the help of local businesses and volunteers who are committed to ensuring Nanaimo Heritage Festival success. During these past few years, this event has become 100% community-organized and volunteer based and non-profit. The festival sections are a parade, gourmet food, Show ‘n Shine, and lots of free entertainment, activities, including face painting and bouncy castle. The Nanaimo Heritage Festival Parade starts at 1 PM every year in downtown Nanaimo at Victoria Crescent, through Commercial Street, onto Front Street, and ends down at Maffeo Sutton Park.
Nanaimo Heritage Festival Location
Nanaimo Heritage Festival Parade starts at Victoria Crescent, downtown Nanaimo. It then goes through Commercial Street, onto Front Street, and ends down at Maffeo Sutton Park. Victoria Crescent has many good restaurants and cafes all around it. Places like Nana sushi, Cambie Bar & Grill – Nanaimo, A&W Canada allow you to grab a bite before the parade. Port Place is a shopping mall near Victoria Crescent you can browse the place and buy what you want. Another option for spending time is going to James Street Game Room and enjoying yourself while playing good games.
How to Get to Nanaimo Heritage Festival by Car
From Nanaimo: Nanaimo Heritage Festival is placed at Victoria Crescent, downtown Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.
From Victoria:
Getting to Victoria Crescent from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 110 km (68.3 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) and turn left onto Esplanade. After 70 m (229.6 ft), turn right onto Victoria Crescent. Go 45 m (147.6 ft) more to reach Victoria Crescent.
History of Nanaimo Heritage Festival
“Empire Days” was the previous name of the Nanaimo Heritage Festival. The initial celebration was on May 25th, 1863, and the first written records can be found in the May 30th, 1863 edition of the British Colonist newspaper.
Things to do around the Nanaimo Heritage Festival Area
The parade ends at Maffeo Sutton Park, which is near the downtown of Nanaimo and close to its charms. It would be an actual loss if you go to the Maffeo Sutton Park and don't visit the White Sails Brewing or Cliffside Brewing Company. You can also have a wonderful time dining in Lighthouse Bistro with the view of the ocean. If you be there in time for sunset, you could get mind-blowing pictures. Stretch your legs and enjoy a natural and beautiful space by taking a walk to the Queen Elizabeth II Promenade Park. For having a decent drink, The Nanaimo Bar, which is down the Front street and close to the park, is a proper choice.
Nanaimo Heritage Festival Activities
Swimming
Westwood Lake Park has a great swimming spot. It has freshwater, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Swimming in Chase River on hot days of summer is another option. The upper and lower dams are pretty clean to swim.
Wildlife viewing / Bird watching
Morrell Nature Sanctuary, south of Westwood Lake Park with great trails, is where you can spend a whole day enjoying nature and wildlife.
Fishing
Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is 1.1 km (0.6 mi) to the north, the closest place for fishing.
Hiking
Westwood Lake Park, Colliery Dam Park, and Morrell Nature Sanctuary have hiking trails.
Camping
Westwood Lake Campgrounds and Nature Nourishes are among the closest campgrounds in the area.
Boating (motorized boat)
Nanaimo Yacht Club Marina and is 2 km (1.2 mi) to the north.
Kayaking, Stand Up Paddling, Canoeing
Nanaimo Paddling Center is 1 km (0.6 mi) to the north.
Jetski
Coastal Watercraft Rentals LTD is 3.4 km (2.1 mi) to the north.
Sunbathing
At Cathers Lake Beach Access 3, have the pleasure of Sunbathing by going 5.3 km (3.2 mi) to the west.
Due to the possibility of any change in festival details, checking the official website is recommended.
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