Nanaimo harbor was the scene of a bathtub race extravaganza at the first race in 1967. As the City of Nanaimo's "Centennial Event" that year, close to 200 tubbers (in every type of craft imaginable) entered the fun competition and amazingly, 47 completed the 36 mile course to Vancouver's Fisherman's Cove across the straits of Georgia.

Laughter could be heard everywhere as the guests of the Painted Turtle headed down to Swy-a-Lana Lagoon on Sunday.  The Silly Boat Regatta was in full swing and a goodtime was had by all. The first team to sink last year came out on top on Sunday, despite losing a rudder in the championship race at the 25th annual Silly Boat Regatta at Swy-a-Lana Lagoon. Creative craziness abounded at the sink-or-swim races, where a record 57 teams donned costumes in their quest to help kids. The regatta is a fundraiser for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, which reduced its wait lists for children seeking experts from three years to one, thanks in part to the Silly Boat Regatta. As many as 10,000 people could be found at Swy-a-Lana Lagoon on Sunday, where it was shoulder-to-shoulder for spectators crammed along the crab dock, beach and bridge to take in the action.

The Harbour City really is a haven for anybody who loves to be active as outdoor activities in Nanaimo are in abundance - so sport minded travellers and groups are naturally drawn to this area. Whatever adrenalin level you like to reach, the second largest city on Vancouver Island can get you there! The coastal location and the mild Van Isle weather are just two of the reasons why outdoor activities in Nanaimo are so popular. From hiking to bungy jumping, and boating to scuba diving, there's always an excuse in this BC city to be enjoying the great outdoors! Did you know that Nanaimo was the first location in North America to have a permanent and legal bungy jumping site? Bungy jumping is one of the more extreme outdoor activities in Nanaimo that travellers can enjoy, though if this sounds a little too extreme for you, don't worry the city has plenty more down to earth outdoor activities to try too!

One of the main attractions of Vancouver Island it the fantastic waterfront views. A great way to enjoy the waterfront is to go for a leisurely stroll around the Nanaimo Seawall, also known as the Harbour front Walkway. Starting at the downtown harbour you can follow the four kilometres of walkway all the way to the BC Ferries terminal. On the way you will pass the seaplane terminal, Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Park, and the Nanaimo Yacht Club. Boats abound along the waterway, as well as water creatures native to the area. Keep your eyes peeled for a seal or two; they are always ready to make mischief. Along the Nanaimo Seawall you will find ample opportunity to experience some of Nanaimo's fantastic Native Art and Canadian crafts, as the walkway has tons of fun shops along the way. When you feel like you need a pick me up, grab a tea or coffee along with a freshly baked scone or cinnamon bun. Don't forget to sample one of the area's world famous Nanaimo bars!

Join the Celebration     -     Saturday, July 18th, 2009

1pm to 3pm

We are celebrating by: Opening our largest Feature Exhibit Yet

Saturday 18th: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sunday 19th: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Silly Boat Regatta celebrates its 25th Anniversary! Presenting Sponsor Coast Capital Savings invites you to the 25th Annual Silly Boat Regatta – a fun, free, family event in support of a special cause, Our Children! Saturday's Festivities: Join the Quality Foods team the "S.S. Minnow" for a Gilligan’s Island themed afternoon featuring a look-a-like contest (4 PM). Do you see yourself as "the Professor" or "Ginger"? Come on down and join the fun! Winners of the "look-a-like" contest win a “three hour tour” on the actual S.S. Minnow on Sunday July 19, 2009. Browse the Silly Boat Regatta historical displays and enjoy performances from Raincoast Music (2 PM) and award winning songwriter, singer, and actor Rick Scott (3 PM).

If you are looking for a unique eating experience while visiting Nanaimo, BC then look no further (well actually just look across the harbour) than the Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant on Protection Island, in the downtown Nanaimo harbour. Furthermore, when you are done eating you can take a leisurely tour around the island, which is home to a fascinating group of artists and those who like to live the leisurely island live. Getting to the pub is simple: head to the Nanaimo Harbour City Marina. You can walk down from Promenade Dr and Front St. The first boat at the bottom is where you wait for the ferry. The ferry leaves Nanaimo on the hour, and the cost is $8 for an adult, round trip. Feel free to stay as long as you like, as long as you catch the last ferry back at 11:10pm Sun-Wed or 12:10am Thurs-Sat. Make sure you check the current schedule and fees here: http://www.dinghydockpub.com/ferry-information/ The pub was originally build in 1989 and is family owned and operated. The name originated from back when there wasn't room for everyone to put their boats, so they would tie up their dinghies to the pub. Interestingly enough, the pub can actually float on its own, and is registered as a boat.

There is no doubt that there are many things to do when visiting Nanaimo BC, but those who like to sightsee should not miss the opportunity to visit Nanaimo's Old City Quarter. Here you will find lovingly restored 100 year old buildings, a variety of fun shopping and some great dining. Located just a few blocks from the harbour, the Old City Quarter is quaint and charming. Here you will find shopping opportunities that appear nowhere else in the world, along with some fantastic architecture. Make sure you visit

While there are a wide variety of things to do when visiting Nanaimo, BC, one cannot overlook the beauty and natural wonder of Newcastle Island. Located within Nanaimo Harbour, this Provincial Marine Park is an amazing place to visit for a taste of the natural wonder of BC combined with a rich cultural history. There are several ways to get to Newcastle Island, the most popular being the regular ferry service which leaves from Maffeo Sutton Park. Ferries leave every 20 minutes throughout the day during the peak season (May 18 to Sept 4), and there is a regular sailing schedule thru the rest of the year. Return fares are $8 per adult and $4 for children under the age of eleven. You can also reach the island with Nanaimo Harbour Tours or the Newcastle Island Channel Tour. You are also welcome to arrive on your own boat, canoe or kayak.

This week will be busy for guest of the Painted Turtle Guesthouse.  Several events are scheduled for the Harbour City and the weather forecast looks good. Here is a list of some of the Nanaimo events Painted Turtle guest will take in.

• Celtfest 2009 presents their fifth annual series of concerts and ceilidhs in Nanaimo building on the growing recognition of Vancouver Island as Canada’s ‘other’ Celtic Coast.
• Pacific Rim Summer Festival 2009 - A festival of music and perfor