The Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association orchestrates Nanaimo International Jazz Festival. This annual festival takes place in Nanaimo; however, the association also plans professional jazz events throughout the year. Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association has very strict goals to achieve. They provide opportunities for local and international jazz artists, increase tourism to Nanaimo through jazz performances, develop more appreciation and audience for jazz music by more performances, cooperate with other jazz festivals and organizations to achieve the same and similar goals.
The association has put together a dedicated team called the Standing Artistic Advisory Committee (SAAC). Their job is to provide the Board of Directors with all the information they need about artists who may perform in Nanaimo in order to the final choice.
Nanaimo International Jazz Festival holds on Protection Island, east of Nanaimo Harbour, Vancouver Island. Newcastle Island and Protection Island have unique scenery. The beautiful parks with the ocean view are truly breathtaking.
There are ferries at the harbour, specifically Protection Island Ferry, to have access to Protection Island. Strolling in one of the parks like Gallows Point Light Park, Pirates Park, or Captain Flint Park can do wonders for your pleasure. If you want to get a drink, then go to Dinghy Dock Pub at the edge of the water, west of Protection Island, and have yourself a wonderful time.
To reach Protection Island, you have to leave Nanaimo by travelling on the Protection Island Ferry. It offers daily service from the harbour. You can also have a private boat or kayak.
From Nanaimo:
While you are in Nanaimo, find Protection Island Ferry at 151 Front St, east of the city, to start your journey.
From Victoria:
Getting to Protection Island Ferry 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 follow it for 1 km (0.6 miles). Take a slight right toward Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and go on for 72 m (236.2 ft). Use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and drive 109 km (67.7 miles). Turn right onto Esplanade (signs for Gabriola 1st), and after 89 m (291.9 ft), continue onto Front St. Destination will be on the right. After 450 m (1476.3 ft) more, you will reach Protection Island Ferry.
Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association has been operating since 2016 and has achieved so many accomplishments. The 2019 Festival was a true success. 105 local musicians performed to an audience of about 3,000 at 14 events, almost ten of which were free, in six downtown venues. Nanaimo has an important connection with jazz. Some of the artists achieved national and international recognition and were appraised in their professional performances.
Protection Island has marvellous views and great parks to relax and enjoy nature. While you are on Protection Island, enjoy the sports court (basketball, pickleball, hockey, kids playbox). There are also art & music classes, a library, and even a museum. Beacon House community hall and a community garden are great gathering spots around the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Area.
By the way, you can take a ferry and head down to downtown Nanaimo for more entertainment and exciting places. Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is a lush green, breathtakingly beautiful park. It is a fantastic choice for spending time with family and friends. You can even have a picnic there. Newcastle Island also provides the perfect opportunity for water sports but be sure to check with the authorities about the right place and time of doing it.