LodgingNanaimo.com: Long Lake B and B Lodging Accommodations, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island

Nanaimo is home to some of the world's most beautiful natural scenery. And if you still want more . . . well, check out what you'll find on some easy daytrips a short drive south or a short drive north.

Golfing Add to that a very pleasant climate, considered the mildest in Canada , and you have a year-round playground for all ages.

Enjoy a round of golf at one of many local courses (a number of which hold world-class tournaments). Try our world famous sport fishing in Nanaimo's coastal waters or in our local rivers. Sail through the Gulf Islands or take in some cross-country or downhill Skiing.

For the more adventurous traveler...Nanaimo offers activities you'll never forget, like our new indoor rock climbing facility. Or, for a more relaxed, but no less adventurous experience, there's kayaking or spelunking, (cave exploration).

Nanaimo is also adjacent to the best underwater scenery in Canada as well as a newly sunken artificial reef which is attracting dive enthusiasts from around the world. One of the many dive shops and charter diving operations can be contacted for rentals, sales and instruction.

For family-style adventures, check out Nanaimo's amusement park boasting go-carts, laser tag, batting cages, advanced mini-golf an more.

Activities

Golf

Nanaimo Golf Club - 18 holes 1-250-758-6332

Fairwinds at Schooner Cove (Nanoose) 1-250-468-7666

Morningstar, Parksville - 18 holes 1-250-248-8161

Eaglecrest, Qualicum - 18 holes 1-800-567-1320

Glengary, Qualicum - 18 holes 1-250-752-8786

Winchelsea View - 18 holes 1-250-390-3934

Bath Tub Races

Four full days of fun and activities for the young, old and in between, family oriented and held in NANAIMO, the Sun-porch of Canada, the Jewel of the West and the Bathtub Racing Capital of the World, during the always sunny month of July each year.

Bungy Jumping

Experience the thrill of Bungy Jumping at the world's first and only specially designed Bungy jumping bridge. Located 25 kilometers south of LONG LAKE BED & BREAKFAST.

Birding and Birdwatching

The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store's weekly bird walk in the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area is on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. Participants meet at the Parksville Visitor Centre at Highway 19A and Northwest Bay Road in Parksville at 9:00 A.M. Rain and/or heavy winds will deter us--but we will plan a walk for every week. Everyone is welcome to bring their binoculars and join us for a morning of birding. For the weekly location of the birdwalk, please call Neil Robins at (250) 954-1928 or The Backyard Wildbird & Nature Store at 1-888-249-4145.

Fishing and Boating

B.C. is well known for its excellent salmon fishing. Many different charter operators will take you out for a full day or just a few hours. Boat rentals are also available.

Kayaking

Spend an enjoyable day paddling around our coastline experiencing Vancouver Island's rich wildlife. No previous kayaking experience required. Our recommendation is:

Phone:	(250) 756-0094
Fax:	(250) 756-1908
	2755 Departure Bay Road Nanaimo, B.C. Canada V9S-3W9
Email:	paddle@orcaseakayaking.com
Web Site:	http://www.orcaseakayaking.com/

Diving

Several diving shops offer excursions and lessons along our Shoreline and Gabriola Pass. This area is among the two most highly rated diving areas in the country. Check out our Diving Page.

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Here's a list of suggestions for short excursions you can easily enjoy within a day...

Day-tours North from Nanaimo

Nanoose Art Loop & Scenic Drive
Art-lovers will enjoy this relaxing day of exploring studios and showrooms. Before starting out, pick up a copy of their brochure from Nanaimo's Tourist Information Centre. It shows you exactly where many of the different studios are. You can view paintings, pottery, sculptures, photography and handmade crafts.

Horseback Riding
Start with leisurely trail rides through forest and mountain country. Or book time to ride in the immense new indoor arena at Arbutus Meadows. 1-250-468-2345

Rathtrevor Beach
This provincial park has one of the greatest beaches in the area as well as an excellent programme of interpretive nature walks. It's a birdwatcher's delight, especially in the spring months when thousands of brant geese stop on their annual migration. In August you can experience Rath Farm Days which demonstrate what the area used to be - a working farm.

Englishman River Falls
Trails lead to waterfalls and inviting pools in this, Vancouver Island's oldest provincial park. The forest species of flora and fauna keep naturalists intrigued and there are a number of good fishing spots here. Be sure to check the British Columbia fishing regulations before you start, though.

Coombs Country Market & "Old West" Village
The market is well-known for the family of goats which nimbly graze on its grass roof. The village is dotted with several heritage buildings which have been lovingly preserved. July is the time for "Old West" activities: a fiddle jamboree, bluegrass festival and rodeo.

Butterfly World and Botanical Garden
Watch where you put your feet once you enter this wondrous place because butterflies are, literally, everywhere. The atrium is a riot of colour as the butterflies spread their wings to catch the warmth of the sun, flutter about, dine on fruits laid out for them and visit with you. They range from those with ten-inch wing spans to others about half an inch wide and have all been carefully chosen to show the amazing variety in the world of butterflies.

Butterfly World and Botanical Garden

Watch where you put your feet once you enter this wondrous place because butterflies are, literally, everywhere. The atrium is a riot of colour as the butterflies spread their wings to catch the warmth of the sun, flutter about, dine on fruits laid out for them and visit with you. They range from those with ten-inch wing spans to others about half an inch wide and have all been carefully chosen to show the amazing variety in the world of butterflies.

Little Qualicum River Falls
A system of bridges across the river offers great views of the falls in this provincial park. You can hike beside the river and stop for a picnic at a number of scenic spots. It's an invigorating place to go at any time of year.

Cathedral Grove
You'll know you've reached this park because massive trees suddenly create an awesome green roof across the road. MacMillan Park-Cathedral Grove is a preserved stand of old-growth forest which is at least 800 years old, if not older. Trails are dotted with interpretive signs explaining what you see. It's difficult to describe these forest giants but maybe one dimension will bring it home: the largest tree in the grove measures over 30 feet around.

Cathedral Grove

You'll know you've reached this park because massive trees suddenly create an awesome green roof across the road. MacMillan Park-Cathedral Grove is a preserved stand of old-growth forest which is at least 800 years old, if not older. Trails are dotted with interpretive signs explaining what you see. It's difficult to describe these forest giants but maybe one dimension will bring it home: the largest tree in the grove measures over 30 feet around.

Port Alberni and area
It's evident that this picturesque town relies on forestry and fishing. The central Harbour Quay contains a clock tower you can climb to view the busy port and Mount Arrowsmith. This is also where the MacMillan Bloedel Forestry Information Centre is located. After wandering through the centre you may want to book a tour to a mill or active logging site. A side road takes you to the beautiful blue-green Stamp River which is teeming with fish during the fall salmon run. Not far out of town is Sproat Lake Provincial Park where forest firefighters moor their massive Martin Mars waterbombers. A great spot for watersports of all types.

Port Alberni and area

It's evident that this picturesque town relies on forestry and fishing. The central Harbour Quay contains a clock tower you can climb to view the busy port and Mount Arrowsmith. This is also where the MacMillan Bloedel Forestry Information Centre is located. After wandering through the centre you may want to book a tour to a mill or active logging site.

A side road takes you to the beautiful blue-green Stamp River which is teeming with fish during the fall salmon run. Not far out of town is Sproat Lake Provincial Park where forest firefighters moor their massive Martin Mars waterbombers. A great spot for watersports of all types.

Parksville-Qualicum Beach
This mecca for golfers (there are five courses in the area) has developed around great beaches. Check out the International Sand Castle Competition in Parksville, where people take their recreation seriously! During the April Brant Festival, migrating Brant geese stop to rest all along the coast and people gather to watch them or take in the many events which happen in both Parksville and Qualicum Beach at the same time. This is another region with a thriving community of artists and craftspeople. For an overview of their work visit The Old School House in Qualicum Beach.

Parksville-Qualicum Beach

This mecca for golfers (there are five courses in the area) has developed around great beaches.

Check out the International Sand Castle Competition in Parksville, where people take their recreation seriously!

During the April Brant Festival, migrating Brant geese stop to rest all along the coast and people gather to watch them or take in the many events which happen in both Parksville and Qualicum Beach at the same time.

This is another region with a thriving community of artists and craftspeople. For an overview of their work visit The Old School House in Qualicum Beach.

Big Qualicum River Fish Hatchery
Spawning salmon and steelhead make this facility really active in the fall and winter, but the opportunity to learn about our local Salmonid Enhancement Programme exists all year `round. You can see how the salmon are raised and what their lives are like once they're released from the protected nursery here. Open 8 am to 4 pm.

Horne Lake Caves
This fragile ecosystem (listed as one of the finest spelunking experiences in North America) has some restrictions placed on access because the softest touch can damage the caves irreparably. The various guided tours which go through the largest, most impressive cave are excellent, combining an education with marvelous sights. In July and August tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis between 10 and 4. At other times of the year you'll have to make reservations. Make sure yo u wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear.

Horne Lake Caves

This fragile ecosystem (listed as one of the finest spelunking experiences in North America) has some restrictions placed on access because the softest touch can damage the caves irreparably. The various guided tours which go through the largest, most impressive cave are excellent, combining an education with marvelous sights. In July and August tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis between 10 and 4. At other times of the year you'll have to make reservations. Make sure yo u wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear.

Denman & Hornby Islands
A 15-minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay takes you to another world. These laid-back islands have friendly people to meet and natural beauty to enjoy. Bicycle touring is a good way to get around, with rentals readily available. You'll probably want to dismount occasionally to hike, beachcomb, swim or picnic. In August, The Hornby Festival attracts high calibre musical performers of all types from all around the world.

Denman & Hornby Islands

A 15-minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay takes you to another world. These laid-back islands have friendly people to meet and natural beauty to enjoy. Bicycle touring is a good way to get around, with rentals readily available. You'll probably want to dismount occasionally to hike, beachcomb, swim or picnic.

In August, The Hornby Festival attracts high calibre musical performers of all types from all around the world.

Mount Washington
Superb skiing in winter, hiking in summer, what more could you ask? Well, how about a natural setting and mountain-top dining throughout the year? In the summer, hikers don't even need to carry their gear. Mount Washington Resort rents llamas to take the load off.

Day Tours South from Nanaimo

Gabriola Island
The most northerly of the Gulf Islands, Gabriola is called their Queen. You can visit this majestic lady easily by taking a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo (across from Harbour Park Mall) to her main dock. There's a ring road which cyclists enjoy taking for its easy ride and, of course, scenery, scenery scenery! The island is home to three provincial parks, all with beaches and tidal pools just waiting to be investigated. Bald eagles and cormorants like to hang out at Eagles' Bluff. Passing boaters can see them quite easily, especially in the late winter and early spring when the herring are running. Another wondrous sight for boaters are the sandstone cliffs of the island which gleam in the sun. The SCUBA diving is superb off the island and it's also a great place for protected ocean kayaking. Land-based recreational opportunities are plentiful as well. Artists and artisans thrive on Gabriola Island and welcome visitors to their galleries and studios. You can meet painters, novelists, sculptors, potters or weavers anywhere you go.

Gabriola Island

The most northerly of the Gulf Islands, Gabriola is called their Queen. You can visit this majestic lady easily by taking a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Nanaimo (across from Harbour Park Mall) to her main dock. There's a ring road which cyclists enjoy taking for its easy ride and, of course, scenery, scenery scenery!

The island is home to three provincial parks, all with beaches and tidal pools just waiting to be investigated. Bald eagles and cormorants like to hang out at Eagles' Bluff. Passing boaters can see them quite easily, especially in the late winter and early spring when the herring are running. Another wondrous sight for boaters are the sandstone cliffs of the island which gleam in the sun.

The SCUBA diving is superb off the island and it's also a great place for protected ocean kayaking. Land-based recreational opportunities are plentiful as well.

Artists and artisans thrive on Gabriola Island and welcome visitors to their galleries and studios. You can meet painters, novelists, sculptors, potters or weavers anywhere you go.

Yellow Point
Just minutes south of Nanaimo, the communities of Cedar and Yellow Point present a real contrast to the city with their rolling landscape and rural setting. Cedar is home to the Harmac Pulp Mill. Tours through the plant are readily available, but you have to phone for an appointment. Take Yellow Point Road to discover Quennel Lake and, on the coast, Stuart Channel. The lake has seven arms and an island in the middle, making it an interesting place for canoeing. Bass and trout are available for the fishing enthusiast. The peaceful waters of the Channel are great for boating, with launches in a number of spots. Roberts Memorial Provincial Park and Blue Heron Park allow for good beach access, while Yellow Point and Hemer Provnicial Park are excellent for picnics and hikes.. You'll also notice a wide array of craft shops and cottage industries, with products ranging from stained glass to pottery, papier mache to linens. The Yellow Point Drama Club is very active and their enthusiasm shows in their theatrical presentations. Check to see if they're producing a show while you're here.

Yellow Point

Just minutes south of Nanaimo, the communities of Cedar and Yellow Point present a real contrast to the city with their rolling landscape and rural setting.

Cedar is home to the Harmac Pulp Mill. Tours through the plant are readily available, but you have to phone for an appointment. Take Yellow Point Road to discover Quennel Lake and, on the coast, Stuart Channel. The lake has seven arms and an island in the middle, making it an interesting place for canoeing. Bass and trout are available for the fishing enthusiast.

The peaceful waters of the Channel are great for boating, with launches in a number of spots. Roberts Memorial Provincial Park and Blue Heron Park allow for good beach access, while Yellow Point and Hemer Provnicial Park are excellent for picnics and hikes.. You'll also notice a wide array of craft shops and cottage industries, with products ranging from stained glass to pottery, papier mache to linens.

The Yellow Point Drama Club is very active and their enthusiasm shows in their theatrical presentations. Check to see if they're producing a show while you're here.

Cassidy
The Bungy Zone is in this area, but there's lots more. Right beside Highway 19 is the Nanaimo Airport with its array of commercial and charter air services. Try an aerial tour of the region. This is also where you'll find the Nanaimo Salmon Hatchery. Just look for Rugby Road north of the airport and follow the signs. September to October is the best time to visit, however, from March to May you can see the juvenile salmon in their outdoor channels. On the other side of the highway, you'll find the Nanaimo Lakes, which are accessible from a number of side roads. There are boat launches in different spots to help you experience some excellent fishing and there's hiking trails to explore. The sweeping views from higher ground take in forest, lakes and river. Auto racing Saturday nights from May to September.

Cassidy

The Bungy Zone is in this area, but there's lots more. Right beside Highway 19 is the Nanaimo Airport with its array of commercial and charter air services. Try an aerial tour of the region.

This is also where you'll find the Nanaimo Salmon Hatchery. Just look for Rugby Road north of the airport and follow the signs. September to October is the best time to visit, however, from March to May you can see the juvenile salmon in their outdoor channels.

On the other side of the highway, you'll find the Nanaimo Lakes, which are accessible from a number of side roads. There are boat launches in different spots to help you experience some excellent fishing and there's hiking trails to explore. The sweeping views from higher ground take in forest, lakes and river.

Auto racing Saturday nights from May to September.

Ladysmith
Here's a town rich in heritage to browse through. Stroll along First Avenue to see the restored buildings and their unique contents. This revitalization project was given the "Western Canada Award for Excellence". Transfer Beach Park has a playground, horseshoe pitch and picnic shelters. The Black Nugget Museum is housed in an old hotel. ;The museum's owner started collecting artifacts when he was just a boy and bought the building which contains them at the ripe old age of 17!

Ladysmith

Here's a town rich in heritage to browse through. Stroll along First Avenue to see the restored buildings and their unique contents. This revitalization project was given the "Western Canada Award for Excellence".

Transfer Beach Park has a playground, horseshoe pitch and picnic shelters.

The Black Nugget Museum is housed in an old hotel. ;The museum's owner started collecting artifacts when he was just a boy and bought the building which contains them at the ripe old age of 17!

Chemainus
This town once boasted one of the largest lumber mills on the continent. But the imminent closure of the last mill in 1983 forced the citizens to take stock and completely re-vamp their community. Tourism has replaced trees as the engine of the economy in "The Little Town that Did." Chemainus became Canada's largest permanent outdoor art gallery. Over 32 murals cover the public buildings, depicting the early life of the area. There's also a popular dinner theatre and numerous shops and galleries.

Chemainus

This town once boasted one of the largest lumber mills on the continent. But the imminent closure of the last mill in 1983 forced the citizens to take stock and completely re-vamp their community. Tourism has replaced trees as the engine of the economy in "The Little Town that Did."

Chemainus became Canada's largest permanent outdoor art gallery. Over 32 murals cover the public buildings, depicting the early life of the area. There's also a popular dinner theatre and numerous shops and galleries.

Duncan
The City of Totems is proud of its First Nations heritage. The 41 totem poles erected around town are linked by yellow footprints painted on the sidewalk, allowing you to take a self-guided tour. You can learn more at the Native Heritage Centre, which features totem pole carving and other crafts, a theatrical presentation called "Great Deeds" and Feast and Legends evenings. At the B.C. Forestry Museum, you can ride a steam train between exhibits. The Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery has an excellent programme of special events every month, including native fishing techniques, wilderness survival techniques and puppet shows. A visit to the facility any day is interesting. There are over 30 displays, a slide show, live fish tanks, an outdoor pond and garden.

Duncan

The City of Totems is proud of its First Nations heritage. The 41 totem poles erected around town are linked by yellow footprints painted on the sidewalk, allowing you to take a self-guided tour.

You can learn more at the Native Heritage Centre, which features totem pole carving and other crafts, a theatrical presentation called "Great Deeds" and Feast and Legends evenings.

At the B.C. Forestry Museum, you can ride a steam train between exhibits.

The Vancouver Island Trout Hatchery has an excellent programme of special events every month, including native fishing techniques, wilderness survival techniques and puppet shows. A visit to the facility any day is interesting. There are over 30 displays, a slide show, live fish tanks, an outdoor pond and garden.

Lake Cowichan & Area
The Cowichan River has a fishing path which stretches 31 kilometres along the bank. Sections of it are for flyfishers only. In the village of Lake Cowichan see Kaatza Station, an award-winning museum in an old railway station. Take the road toward Youbou and experience mind-boggling high technology at the Satellite Earth Station operated by Teleglobe Canada. If you take the south road from the village of Cowichan Lake you'll find the B.C. Forest Research Station at Mesachie Lake. A self-guided tour shows you 33 species of trees which have been imported from around the world. Hiking trails abound in this area, as do campsites and picnic spots. Needless to say, you can also enjoy all the watersports on this magnificent lake.

Lake Cowichan & Area

The Cowichan River has a fishing path which stretches 31 kilometres along the bank. Sections of it are for flyfishers only.

In the village of Lake Cowichan see Kaatza Station, an award-winning museum in an old railway station.

Take the road toward Youbou and experience mind-boggling high technology at the Satellite Earth Station operated by Teleglobe Canada.

If you take the south road from the village of Cowichan Lake you'll find the B.C. Forest Research Station at Mesachie Lake. A self-guided tour shows you 33 species of trees which have been imported from around the world. Hiking trails abound in this area, as do campsites and picnic spots. Needless to say, you can also enjoy all the watersports on this magnificent lake.

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