The winter of 2010 has shaped up nicely. Only one real day of snow so far (although it was a doozy and then melted the next day) and not an overly annoying amount of rain… Temperatures have been really nice and all in all - shaping up for a great winter destination for tourists and [...]

Although winter in Nanaimo has been cold and wet this year, we at the Painted Turtle haven’t let the weather dampen our spirit!  Recently, we enjoyed a get-together at a local ice rink in Nanaimo, to try our hand at curling!

Here, Verena gets ready with a special pair of curling shoes.

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It’s close to Christmas!!!

Only days to the second of advent and Christmas preparations are in full swing.

It’s close to Christmas!
On Tuesday, November 24th, we turned the Great Room into a [...]

Before our readers go any further: We do work… Sometimes!
The Painted Turtle Guesthouse Staff does enjoy a group outing every once and awhile! There are days that we are hard at work, and those are rewarded by days of play, like at the Parksville Paradise Fun Park! It was only a 30 minute drive for [...]

We love students! Every year, international students from around the world stay at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse while studying at Vancouver Island University… Here are the frosh week activities and other information of interest to new VIU students!

This following information is courtesy of VIU News:
VIU Campus Rec Orientation - Presented by VIU Campus Rec
VIU Campus [...]

Nanaimoites experienced a great show when the Canadian Snowbirds 431 Air Demonstration Squadron wing into town and put on a spectacular  aerial demonstration over Nanaimo Harbour.  All those staying at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse traveled the 2 blocks to the waterfront to take in this special event.  See the videos.

With Nanaimo full of retail and big block stores, you would think all that us locals did was shop.  But in fact, us Nanaimo-ites would prefer to be outdoors and this city offers more than enough to satisfy our craving for adventure…not retail therapy.  One of the most popular activities in [...]

If you didn’t have a chance to pickup your own Painted Turtle t-shirt or hoodie, don’t fret.  Now you can order your favourite PTG wear through our website.  Just email the Painted Turtle staff (PTG email link) with the colour and size you would like.  We will then contact you to finalize the order and [...]

When you visit Nanaimo, you will immediately notice how rich and diverse the culture is here.  In 2008, Nanaimo was awarded Cultural Capital of Canada and for good reason; especially when it comes to cuisine.  There are so many varieties of places to eat all over the city but one of my [...]