It's Amazing What You Can Do Here!
The Pepper Muffin Country Inn is located on the much asked about Jingle Pot Road! Come find out the history of Nanaimo and see why Jingle Pot is just one of the quirky names that roads and streets are named for and taste the famous dessert bar that boasts our city's name.
Nanaimo has lots to offer from theatre to seaside walks, the Old Quarter shopping district to the Arts District - you will find it here.
We often start our g
uests tour of Nanaimo by having them do a large circle tour of our fair city. Heading north clients take the scenic Hammond Bay Road and meander their way east past Neck Point and Piper's Lagoon. Piper's Lagoon is host to a fabulous tidal pool, great views of Shack Island and a fantastic spit beach facing the Strait of Georgia. At the end of the spit is a great point that is fun to hike and is home to the indigenous "Garry Oak" and "Arbutus" tree.
Heading south toward Departure Bay, you can see the ferries come and go and catch a great view of Newcastle Island. Newcastle Island is the perfect day trip within Nanaimo. Visitors can leave their vehicles at Maffeo Sutton Park and walk down to the Newcastle Island ferry terminal, located at Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Park,
just north of downtown. Newcastle Island was bustling in the elder days; it's been home to quarries, a fish packing plant, generations of First Nations residents, and coal mines. All of these facets are visible today as park installations and leavings. Newcastle Island was acquired from the CP Railway by the city in 1955, then passed on to the Province in 1961, at which point it was made into a park. It is quite large, especially considering its proximity to downtown Nanaimo; a walk around the circumference covers more than 7.5 kilometers. The hiking is easy. You can also rent kayaks and paddle around the island. The island has a great beach area with tables and amenities. Take a picnic and enjoy the day.
Next you can stroll a
long the seawall that extends from Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Park to Cameron Island, along the waterfront. Here you can watch seaplanes take off and land, see the many boats in the harbour, maybe even a cruise ship. You may wish to try some local cuisine or have a pint at the waterfront pub. A great experience is the ferry ride from the docks to Protection Island - adjacent to Newcastle Island. This quaint island is accessible only by the "Protection Connection" a foot passenger ferry. The famous floating Dinghy Dock Pub is also situated on this island and is a great outing for lunch or supper.
Our downtown core is home to the Bastion (a Hudson’s Bay Company outpost, built in 1853), Arts District, China Steps, Port Theatre, the Museum and Bowen Park. Shops, galleries and eateries dot the downtown scene. Bowen Park is a hidden gem within the inner city; great trails and a set of falls are its features. Heading west on Fitzwilliam Street you will pass the "Old Quarter" shopping district and make your way past the Aquatic Centre toward the Parkway. Cross the Parkway and you are back on Jingle Pot Road where you will find Westwood Lake. Wes
twood Lake is an ultimate destination for many kinds of Nanaimo-ites, owing to its kilometres of springy pathways for runners and walkers, beaches for swimmers, fish for canoers and a great place to sit back and relax. Make your way on the Jingle Pot Road Loop and you will find yourself back home at the Pepper Muffin Country Inn. Time to kick back, grab something to quench your thirst and soak up the tranquility.
Other exciting sights and scenes within Nanaimo's reach are Petroglyph Park, Wild Play Park, the Cranberry Farms, Hazelwood Herb Farm and Crow and Gate Pub. If here more than a few days, you may wish to add these activities as another Day Tour.
The Dragon Boat Festival is held in July of each year at Maffeo Sutton Park. This fun filled weekend has racers coming from all reaches of BC and the USA. This is truly Nanaimo's finest festival....paddlers united in the fight to beat cancer.
Bath Tub Races are another tradition in Nanaimo which started in 1967. Also held in July each year this event involves community fun with local challenge teams as well as the fast paced final race day with professional tubs competing in the World Championship Bathtub Race.
Day Trip 2 - The Wild West Coast
Day Trip 3 - Experience Salt Spring Island
Day Trip 4 – Find Gems like Telegraph Cove
Day Trip 5 - Explore Markets and Waterfalls
Day Trip 6 - View Murals and Museums
Let Pepper Muffin Country Inn organize a fabulous day of exploring Vancouver Island. Contact us or phone toll free 1-866-956-0473 or (250)756-0473, fax:(250)756-0421.
