For a city with less than 100,000 people, you might consider Nanaimo sleepy. But during the fall, Nanaimo is packed with activities that will leave you feeling warm, cozy, and maybe a little spooked. As Nanaimo is home to our advertising agency, we’re sharing our top five fall activities to add to your bucket list this season.
1. Go for a hayride and pick a pumpkin at Silver Meadow’s Farm.
That’s right. Hayrides, a corn maze, and a massive pumpkin patch are yours to discover at Silver Meadows Farm. Open everyday from 9:30 am to 5:30pm in October, you, your family, and your furry friend can pick your own pumpkins to carve or bake. End your day with at the hotdog stand and grab some farm-fresh produce to take home.
2. Channel the paranormal on a haunted ghost tour.
Every fall, the Nanaimo Museum hosts the Haunted Nanaimo Lantern Tour. Walk the streets of downtown to haunted landmarks while listening to local stories of the strange and unexplained. Tickets sell out fast so if you missed your chance, don’t worry. Nanoose Bay hosts an annual Halloween Walk at Bumble Bees Farm. You can either get spooked on the all-ages walk or test your courage and go after dark for their scary walk. Not recommended for children under six.
3. Gather your friends and “Prost!” at Nanaimo’s Oktoberfest.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak, the Nanaimo Oktoberfest promises three good things—beer, food, and music. The 19+ event will take place at Beban Park Social Centre on October 21st. Starting at 6:00 pm, your ticket covers your first beer, bratwurst, and pretzel. Music includes a live performance from the Doctors of Rock n Roll and you can also try your luck with the 50/50 draw. All proceeds go to the Nanaimo Food Share Society while all other funds raised from tickets will go back into the community through the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak. Grab your tickets here.
4. Follow the pumpkin spice trail and get a taste of Nanaimo.
We’re doing our own twist on the famous Nanaimo Bar Trail and dubbing it the Pumpkin Spice Trail. You can drop by any of these locations during the fall as you’ll be sure to find treats that celebrate the season. If you’re looking for something with a little more punch, go on a brewery tour to any of Nanaimo’s craft beer locations. Are wine or spirits more of your thing? Book a wine tour and visit one of the many vineyards around the city or drop by Arbutus Distillery and try one of their alchemical spirits.
5. Get a bountiful harvest from a local farm or farmer’s market.
Fall is the best time for fresh fruits and vegetables. Gardens are harvested, local farms stock their produce stands, and the Island Roots year-round farmer’s market switches over from its summer vendors to its winter lineup. Featuring Vancouver Island farmers, producers, and artisans, you’ll find plenty of handmade, hand-baked, and hand-grown goods. If you feel like going for a drive, drop by one of the many local farms in the area or visit Coombs Market before it closes its doors in December for the winter season.
Be sure to wear the right gear for Nanaimo’s fall weather!
No matter which activity you try, be sure to gear up for the season. Nanaimo cools down significantly and gets pretty rainy as we move closer to winter. Hoodies, jackets, toques, and boots will be your best friend. Pro tip—if you own a business or work in sales, have an advertising agency create some cool branded fall swag. Our graphic design team created branded hoodies, hats, socks, and totes bags, that will keep us warm and stylish all season long. Be sure to reach out if you’d like us to design your team some too.
