Hey Tourists...don't miss stopping into this friendly, interesting museum in this friendly,…read moreinteresting town! From Nainamo bars and bathtub races, to hockey and 1920's women's fashion, we thoroughly enjoyed this small museum! They did an especially great job with the coal exhibit part. Even the gift shop is full of interesting items at reasonable prices. They were simply requesting a small donation for admittance, and we were happy to do so.

I'm not going to lie; given that the admission is only $2, I had pretty low expectations for the…read moreNanaimo Museum. However, I was pleasantly surprised! There were so many interesting things to learn about, most especially a large (possibly new? It looks new) exhibit on immigration. Very interesting and touching. The gift shop was nice too, with lots of things to buy at reasonable prices.

If you haven't been here you don't know what you are missing. This is the coolest place. They have…read morecool events and more than 60 local artists display their talents and products there. It is THE place to do all your Christmas shopping. There is something for everyone on your list. Check it out. Support Local Artists -- save carbon emissions -- no need to online shop this Christmas!

The Pacific Arts market is such fun. There are so many different kinds of original arts and crafts…read more I found some unique birthday gifts there. I was also impressed by some high quality paintings at reasonable prices. As I browsed around the corners, I was constantly delighted by finding new little gems of pottery, jewelry, and other crafty little items.

It is a recreated historic town site run by an association. Fee is by donation. There is a…read moremuseum and many town buildings including school, church, homes, blacksmith. And some outdoor equipment. A lot of artifacts and recreated rooms to see inside of the buildings. Centers on the homesteading of a James Craig in the 1890's. Everything is close together so U could easily get through it in a half hour. Worth a visit. They have a Sunday market which plays loud pop music and not historic themed.

What a great surprise! After leaving the shops and restaurants of the Village at the south end of…read moreGaliano, we traveled to the north end to check out some more remote beaches, trails and Stone World. To locals, apparently, this is an entire day trip, although the island is just 27 kilometres long. But it is a long, winding, narrow country road, so going slow is wise, especially with deer and cyclists paying no attention to the cars, and no shoulders on the roads. We finally found Stone World: a fantastic arrangement of large stones set on end, not unike Stonehenge. The story of the carver who created Stone World is an interesting one, and one that his wife (Steve is now unfortunately gone) Barbara Geary, would love to tell, with such enthusiasm (quiet, English style enthusiasm) and love. There is a studio here that showcases her late husband's carving, his archaelogical find, and most of all now, her photographic art. She has a wonderful eye for composition and color: her pieces are definitely art, not just photography, in a lovely cedar gallery on top of Bodega Ridge. The outdoor display of massive standing stones (some weighing tons) are either painted or they are 'layered' like northern inukshuk markers, or laid out as a sundial arrangement. Sheep graze among the stones, while Barbara's soft English accent tells the stories. Quintessentially English experience on a ridge top on an island thousands of miles away. Definitely worth "a day trip" from the south end of Galiano.

Glass artist, Robert Held's shop was the venue for a piece of his handcrafted art glass, seen and…read morepurchased by daughter during a side trip to Parksville while on the Island recently. Knowing my birthday was coming up soon, she caught it for me, and gifted it on-the-day yesterday. I have a particular fondness for art glass, and this lovely piece -- which I will call and use as a paperweight -- is a nice addition to others I have. I do wish I had been to the artist's shop with her, to see it, and the selections on display of his fine work. Along with his biography, many current works are shown on his interesting and informative website. For now, I will treasure having this piece of his beautifuk work, and enjoy seeing (and using) it daily on my desk!!

looks tiny from the outside but huge on the inside. Great store with many treasures. I found it to…read morebe clean and virtually dust free and the staff were all very helpful and pleasant.

We have found several unusual finds at the Willow Street Antique Mall, including some very…read morereasonably-priced First Nations art work. Their collection of antiques is as broad as it is deep. If you're looking for china and glassware, this is your place. Also, there is a range of nautical items and household items, which all seem reasonably priced.

Totally shocked that there are no reviews on Yelp already for this place. It's been there for 25…read moreyears. Easily the best metaphysical, witch and occult store on Van Island. And the oldest. They've got everything you'd expect such a shop to have, and a whole lot you'd hope to find but not expect to. Fantastic crystals, dozens of very cool Tarot decks, incense, herbs. They even have a certified herbalist. Fantastic.

Love this store so much! But the 2 ladies that were working on Saturday may 1st were extremely…read moreunorganized and pretty much ignored me when I came to pay because they were too busy chatting. I usually have an amazing experience at this store but this time I felt very judged and uncomfortable.

I can appreciate the type of store that it is for foodies and those whom like to cook and bake,…read morehowever, the prices for what they are...are way over priced. I am from Vancouver and even the priciest shops in the city aren't this much. The staff are helpful and there's a lot of selection, however, there was nothing for me other than a walk through.

Best fun shop in Nanaimo. Lots of treasures from around the world. Funny card section. Lots of…read morefurniture with a bit of an edge. Great spot for finding interesting gifts. Beautiful Pandora and jewlery selection. A fun / lively staff that are there to help you and figure what works best for you. The BEST Christmas window displays in town. Lots of thought and love has gone into making this shop. One of Nanaimo's best treasures. Downtown shopping area has been turned around, check it out. Way more fun than the mall or malls( plural for Nanaimo).