M V Quimsam leaving Nanaimo Harbour for Gabriola Island
Known as Petroglyph Island, a nickname acquired because of its wealth of ancient native stone carvings, Gabriola Island is one of the enchanting Gulf Islands of British Columbia. The island's name is derived from Punta de Gaviota (Cape Seagull), the name given by the Spanish to the southeastern part of the island in 1791. This name was later corrupted to Gaviola and later to Gabriola. Other island names dating back to Spanish exploration of the Strait of Georgia include Descanso Bay and Malaspina Galleries. Nanaimo Harbour and Newcastle Island Famous for its varied landscapes and more than two dozen parks, the city of Nanaimo boasts one of the prettiest waterfronts in Canada, conveniently located to serve as a home base for exploring Vancouver Island. Nanaimo is the only all-purpose port city on Vancouver Island, with every facility required to serve both the commercial and recreational needs of business and tourism. Once the location of five separate native villages, its name derives from a Coast Salish word, Sney-ny-mo, the "meeting place" - a perfect description of the rapidly-growing harbour community at the centre of Vancouver Island's highway and ferry system. A playground of land and sea activities, Nanaimo is a perfect place for a family vacation, a year-round golf getaway, or a romantic weekend. Incorporated in 1874, Nanaimo is the third oldest city in British Columbia and the second largest on Vancouver Island, located on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island, 70 miles (112 km) north of Victoria. A former coal-mining town, Nanaimo has evolved into something very different, with a clean, accessible waterfront, cultural festivals in the summer, a university campus with a marvellous view, and superb dining. The bustling harbour is the central focus for visitors to Nanaimo, with freighters, fishing boats, tugboats and barges, sail boats and float planes all coming and going in a hive of activity in the harbour.
Size: 5620px × 3733px
Location: Nanaimo Harbour Vancouver Island BC British Columbia Canada
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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