An island of intrigue

Nanaimoans know how to have fun—be it through cultural events or sporting activities

The city of Nanaimo has ocean views as far as the eye can see and offers visitors an uncrowded yet pleasant city feel. During the summer months, Nanaimo is bustling with events and festivals.

Let the sounds soothe your soul

From April 7 to 9, the Nanaimo Sings! Festival 2011 will be taking place at St. Andrew's United Church and St. Paul's Anglican Church. Eight concerts in total will be performed over the course of the weekend, between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. each evening. The gala concert, presented April 9 at the Port Theatre, combines 400-plus voices in a mass choir finale.

The 19th Annual Island Fantasy Ball is set for May 7 and 8 at Beban Park Social Centre. Watch the world's best dancers come together for a spectacle of technique, costume, drama and emotion. The event opens on Saturday with the International Open Latin Championship; the quick beat of the music and the intense energy and passion of the dancers will delight spectators. On Sunday, the International Open Adult Standard Championship draws in dancers who can waltz, quickstep and foxtrot like nobody's business.

Race for a trip for two

Feeling more on the lucky and adventurous side? On the Canada Day long weekend, teams of two will be competing for a grand prize, all-inclusive trip for two to the Caribbean and $500 spending money. Island Chase is an island version of the TV show Amazing Race. The teams, who must be preregistered, get ready to go on Friday morning and don't stop, except to sleep, until Sunday night.