Tucked between mountains and the sea is the isolated yet remarkable town of Chemainus, BC. This amazing place was once a hub of activity for miners, fishers and loggers, but when these industries failed the First Nations and other peoples in the area converted the town into an artists’ mecca, and now boast the widest [...]

Hi, I’m Courtney

I’m a second year university student who just began working at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse this May.  At school I am studying Economics and Global Studies and working in an environment filled with people from all over the world is my ideal setting!
Everyday I learn of a new place or [...]

Thirsty Camel Cafe

Overall Rating

Decor

Customer Service

Food Quality

Deliciousness

Price (Under $10 * - Over $20 ****))

Vegetarian

Winner 1st place Best Vegetarian, 2nd place overall restaurant, and 3rd place Mediterranean and Lunches in the 2009 Nanaimo News Bulletin Best of the City contest.
Serving delicious, fresh and healthy Middle Eastern food. There are plenty of Vegetarian [...]

Friday, August 6th, 2010  at 8:00 PM

Watch your favorite films under the stars in the plaza!
Admission is by cash or non-perishable food donation for the Loaves and Fishes community food bank. Bleachers will be set-up in the plaza, or bring your own lawn chair. Movies will start at 8pm, popcorn and refreshments [...]

German travellers have known for a long time now that the spectacular scenery, abundance of wild life and clean air, and the often rugged terrain makes central Vancouver Island a “must” for any serious hiker or backpacker looking for an outdoor adventure.

For starters, hiking is cheap (often free) and works well into the limited budget [...]

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 - Sunday, August 15th, 2010
9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

You’ll marvel at these unbelievable feats of artistry and engineering and won’t want to miss any of the many great activities on the beach!
July & August is “Beach Festival” month in Parksville.
“Come early - stay late” - that’s our [...]

Monday, August 2nd, 2010
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
In addition to taking in an exciting day of music, storytelling, children’s games and activities, enjoy perusing the wares of local quality Craftspeople and Artisans.
Enjoy the richness of the events and performances while taking in the warm hospitality of the Nanaimo community. Coaltown Festival is [...]

This weekend, July 9-11 2010 is the Dragon Boat Festival in Nanaimo, and the Painted Turtle Guesthouse is pleased to be hosting a few teams from out of town.
The Painted Turtle Guesthouse is pleased to be hosting two teams for the 2009 Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival.  As of now, the guesthouse is alive with [...]

Until you visit Vancouver Island, it’s hard to imagine just how much this slice of British Columbia has to offer. You could spend months touring around Van Isle and still not get to see everything, so it’s important that you plan your trip well!
Using Nanaimo as your central Vancouver Island base [...]

On a warm summer night there is nothing like boarding the Protection Island ferry to venture over to the Dinghy Dock Pub. North America’s only floating pub is situated on Protection Island in Nanaimo’s harbour. The Dinghy Dock is a favourite among locals and tourists, not only is their new menu full of delicious fresh [...]