2022 VANCOUVER ISLAND WINTER ACTIVITIES TO GET YOU THROUGH THIS SEASON
With November coming to an end, we’re gearing up for Nanaimo’s rainy, dark, and coldest time of the year—winter. But for our general contracting team of Vancouver Island locals, winter means spending quality time with friends and family exploring the island without all the tourist frenzy. If you live in Nanaimo or in the surrounding area, here’s our 2022 wrap-up of fun winter activities that will brighten up your season.
Butchart Gardens near Victoria is back with their annual “The Magic of Christmas” light display. Featuring carolers, Twelve Days of Christmas decorations, and plenty of festive treats, the gardens will stay illuminated throughout the entire month of December.
WHEN: December 1 to January 6
COST: $34.00/adult, $17.00/youth, and $3.00/Kid under 12
Looking for something a little closer to Nanaimo? Milner Gardens at Vancouver Island University is also hosting their annual Milner Christmas Magic, where you can grab a warm drink and stroll through an array of lights and cheerful window displays.
WHEN: First three weekends of December
COST: $5.00/adult, $2.00/child, $12.00/household
In partnership with The Mom Market Vancouver Island, drop by Woodgrove Centre and check out this awesome collection of artisans and vendors. Featuring grand prizes, music, Christmas cocktails and mocktails, this takes holiday shopping to another level.
WHEN: December 2-4 and December 9-11
COST: Free
For the first time ever, Arbutus Meadows Farm is hosting a Christmas Market packed with tons of activities for the family to enjoy. From live music to hay wagon rides, a lego winter display, and their very own walk of lights, this one-day event is sure to bring on the holiday magic.
WHEN: December 10 from 3PM to 8PM
COST: Free
Only at the Beach Club Resort in Parksville, Pacific Prime Restaurant offers an outdoor dining experience under a heated (and illuminated) private dome. Whether you’re two or six people, you can immerse yourself in fresh, local, seasonal cuisine by an award-winning culinary team.
WHEN: All season with weather conditions permitting
COST: Dome rental fees are $50 for lunch and $100 for dinner + fixed menu fees
Vancouver Island Expeditions offers this local food and drink tour to some of the best local spots in Central Island. You’ll sip and nibble your way to family-owned vineyards, craft breweries, distilleries, and local food producers without having to drive.
WHEN: Year Round
COST: $80/person
Want to hit the slopes? Mount Washington starts their lifts in December. They have a great lineup of events this season with night skiing, live entertainment, and the Holidays in the Alpine event packed with snow tubing, snowshoe fondue, and fireworks.
WHEN: Starting December 9
COST: Varies per activity
It’s no secret—we value the communities we live in. It’s why we’re committed to building purposeful spaces for people to live, work, and play. Whether it’s a custom home or a multi-family development, our goal as general contractors is to provide opportunities for community growth so we can support each other.
