The weather is finally co-operating (barring any June storms) the nights are short, the sun is out and that can only mean one thing- it's patio season.
Summer is my favourite time of year -- my birthday is at the start, I dragon boat all summer and I (like nearly everyone) love sitting outside and enjoying dinner or just some beverages on a patio. And Nanaimo has a great selection of patios to choose from. I lived in Edmonton and while I do love that city, whenever I go back I realize you can't beat the views on the Island. So here's a guide to my selection of the best place to sit and watch the clouds or the stars. Your favourites may be on here or you may learn some news places to try.
10. Amrikko's Indian Grill (1400 Wingrove) Departure Bay's Indian restaurant has a view of the bay and great Indian food. A nice place to go for dinner around sunset and then walk off the dinner with a stroll on the beach. If you left room get an ice cream cone.
9. Cactus Club (8-5800 Turner Rd.)- No views from this patio but it's nicely closed in and has big heat lamps, plenty of greenery and a cozy fireplace. Good for margaritas, martinis and dinner.
8. Delicados (358 Wesley St.) In the middle of the Old City Quarter and the location of the Summer Solstice party (June 24) one of the summer's best outdoor gatherings.
Say hello to summer and enjoy a falafel wrap and margaritas.
7. Longwood Brew Pub (5775 Turner Rd.) Everyone knows about the selection of beers and good food. A nice place to enjoy it outside.
6. Nanaimo Golf Course (2800 Highland Blvd.) After a day on the course, the driving range or you could just dress the part and pretend you golf. This patio has an amazing view of the course, the ponds and in the distance, Departure Bay.
5. Lighthouse Bistro (50 Anchor Way) One of the best views in the city from the top of this pub. Weeknights the pub is filled with thirsty dragon boaters, weekends the deck is full of tourists and locals.
4. Crow and Gate (2313 Yellow Point Rd.) It's worth the drive to Yellow Point for this quaint English style pub. A pond filled with swans, ducks and other waterfowl greets you. The patio, located in the back is like sitting in a big English garden.
3. Miller's (102-1840 Stewart Ave.) Great ocean view, close to the ferries and a nice enclosed space. Weekends feature live music and a fun place to meet with friends.
2. Muddy Water's (1724 Stewart Ave.) the wrap around patio is literally on top of the water in Newcastle channel, you can't get much closer than that.
A fun place to work on your tan and have some wings after work.
1. The Dinghy Dock (8 Pirates Lane, Protection Island) A short boat ride to North America's only floating pub -- in my opinion the best place to sit outside, have something off the barbecue and enjoy what the West Coast has to offer in the summer.