The Painted Turtle Guesthouse is on the BEST STREET IN CANADA, according to the Canadian Institute of Planners, surpassing several other famous Canadian Streets. 

What makes it so great?!  Commercial Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada is the best street because it promotes social and economic activities, has a memorable & unique character, has design & architectural features that are visually interesting, has sustainable aspects, is accessible by different modes of transportation, and reflects local culture, history, and landscape. 

The commercial hub of the city from the early 1850s through until the 1960s, Commercial Ave was the main drag in one of British Columbia’s earliest planned towns.  Drawn up by the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company, Commercial was designed to draw people up from the Nanaimo Harbour with European-inspired public squares and several narrow streets which shoot off and was traditionally home to local public houses, supply shops, and accommodations for those arriving in port from coastal logging camps and mining operations. 

 These days Commercial is home to not only the Painted Turtle Guesthouse, but also the Port Theatre, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo Art Gallery, a variety of boutiques, several restaurants featuring local favorites such as the Nanaimo Bar dessert, and a few lounges and cafes that host live performers almost every night of the week.  With so much to see and do in less than one square-kilometer, Commercial Avenue has something for everyone and is a must-see when visiting Vancouver Island!

Situated on the corner of Commercial and Bastion, the Painted Turtle Guesthouse offers visitors the perfect vantage point from which to discover the sights, sounds, and tastes this historic avenue has to offer.  Come visit us to see what makes our street the BEST STREET IN CANADA!