Hello,
Welcome to Painted Turtle Travel Talks, our new look e-newsletter detailing all the latest stories, events, travel products and information of interest to you - our friends, referral partners and guests.
Your hosts,
Angie & Bruce Barnard
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What's new at the Guesthouse?
Hot Deals & Specials |
Guesthouse feature story gets freelance journalist top grade
Freelance journalist Leisa Evans of Calgary, Alberta was inspired by Nanaimo and her stay at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse in 2007, and decided that her adventures in Nanaimo must be told. Leisa describes her first impressions of the ‘Turtle’ below.
“In North America, the word hostel conjures up many negative images. Noisy hallways, rampant theft, and rundown living quarters…travellers are therefore surprised upon their first entry into the Painted Turtle Guesthouse in Nanaimo, B.C. After climbing the stairs and rounding the corner into the common living area, it quickly becomes apparent this is a hostel like no other. In fact, it quickly becomes apparent this is simply no hostel.”
Click here for the full story (click on 'Painted Turtle').
Guesthouse staff on a once-in-a-lifetime research mission
Guesthouse staff and Vancouver Island University student, Doug Craig is on a cultural student exchange at INHOLLAND University, where he joined a tourism research team comprised of 7 international students to conduct research in Swaziland & South Africa. The team is focused on Community based Tourism and keeping environmental, social and cultural sustainability at the forefront of their research.
To find out more about the team’s adventures, contact their tour coordinator on jan.sommer@inholland.nl
Concierge desk opens to service travelers'
The Painted Turtle Guesthouse concierge desk is open for business! The concierge desk is a FREE service that will enhance guests’ experience by connecting them directly to exceptional visitor experiences including transport, adventures and activities in the area. Favourites include Sailing Charters, Kayaking Newcastle Island, Whale watching, VIA Rail and Tofino Bus. Our concierge desk supports the philosophy of the Guesthouse by providing exceptional customer service and ANOTHER point of differentiation between the Guesthouse and other budget ‘travelers’ accommodation.
Opening Hours: 8am-11am and 3pm-8pm
Location: Guesthouse lobby, 121 Bastion Street
4-Play & Stay Package, $299
We all love 4-Play, and what better way to get your blood pumping than to bungee, zip and swing across the Nanaimo River as part of Vancouver Island's best adrenaline package ever! Wildplay and the Painted Turtle Guesthouse have teamed up to present a full day of activites and a two-night stay in Nanaimo for $299 per person, plus taxes. Click here for more details.
BOOK NOW for summer special occasions!
The summer is fast approaching. If you have an upcoming special meeting/conference, sports competion, or special occasion book your accommodation NOW at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse...perfect for all types of groups. Please contact Angie at angie@paintedturtle.ca
7th night FREE for visiting friends and family
Have friends or family visiting this summer, but don't have room to accommodate them? Send them to the Painted Turtle Guesthouse - they will be really glad you did. Weekly rates:
Dormitory $150 per person plus taxes.
Single Room $402.00 plus taxes (double occupancy available).
For more information please call the Painted Turtle at 250-753-4432.
New Executive Director at Tourism Nanaimo
Tourism Nanaimo has recently welcomed new Executive Director J. Mark Drysdale to their team. Originallly from Nanaimo, Mark is joining Tourism Nanaimo from the Boys and Girls club Suncoast, Saint Petersburg, Florida, where he was the Associate Executive Director from 2005-2007. Prior to that Mark was the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Nanaimo from 1996-2000. His love for Vancouver Island has brought him back to Nanaimo. Congratulations Mark and welcome back! Mark can be contacted on mark@tourismnanaimo.com
Wow! Nanaimo receives 2008 Traveler’s Choice Award
Nanaimo is the proud winner of the 2008 Traveler’s Choice Award in the category “top 25 destinations” by TripAdvisor. “Whether it’s for their unique beauty, or abundance of attractions, the 2008 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards honour the most beloved destinations from around the world,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “Determined by millions of travelers, the Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards are unique because they single out not just popular places but truly exceptional places that enthral travelers and keep them coming back.” Congrats Nanaimo! Click here to download Top 25 Destinations brochure.
Get Out There Magazine's free event listings
Looking to advertise your events for FREE or looking for an excellent source for major outdoor and recreational pursuits/events in the pacific northwest, look no further! Get Out There Magazine is another great source for online event listings and free event advertising. Click here to go to Get Out There Magazine online.
For local and Vancouver Island events, don’t forget to visit www.harbourliving.ca
Delicious Bites Restaurant opens on Newcastle Island
Delicious Bites Restaurant will be open 7 days/week - serving breakfast, lunch and dinner - with weekend brunches. The theme will be West Coast/Jamaican Fusion. Fresh, delicious and affordable cuisine for the masses!
They are now accepting dinner reservations 250-729-9662 or email: rachel@deliciousbitescatering.com
Click here to view menu sample.
2008 Cruise Ship schedule
It’s that time of year again and Nanaimo is kicking it up a notch with even more Cruise Ships scheduled to dock in our Harbour. With two large vessels docking on September 21st Nanaimo can expect over 4, 000 Cruise Ship Visitors. For the full schedule please click on the following: Cruise Ship Schedule
The Ultimate Travel Playlist Contest
ENTER TO WIN...Hostelling International Canada invites you to submit your favourite music playlist during your travels. Not only do they want to know what you’re playing but they want your unique and fun stories behind the music! One randomly selected winner will get a copy of Lonely Planet's A Year of Adventures that'll give you a year's worth of week-by-week travel inspiration.
Click here for full contest details and to submit your playlist.
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Toll-free: 1.866.309.4432 | Phone: (250) 753.4432 | Fax: (250) 753.4434
Painted Turtle Guesthouse, 121 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3A2 Canada [map]
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