Come for the weekend. Stay for the country. ❤️
It is a weekend (April 24-26, 2026) where you can come visit one of the most beautiful places on the planet. And in the process, check out the Nanaimo BC area, as maybe a place you could move with your family to.
👉🏻 You do not have to work in healthcare or live in the U.S. to attend. This is open to everyone!
It started last year with a viral video by Nanaimo residents Tod and Jocelyn Maffin.
In the video, they invited Americans who support Canada to come to Vancouver Island on one specific weekend, and help support the area’s economy by shopping in our stores, eating in our restaurants, etc.
It was a huge hit.
So we’re doing it again!
CBC coverage of the first Tod’s Nanaimo Infusion
CBC coverage of the first Tod’s Nanaimo Infusion
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✅ **Join the Email List** …and check out the Events Calendar.
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Other than a big family photo at Maffeo Sutton park on April 25 at noon, there are no official events. Just time for you to enjoy all the beauty, shops, great eating, and friendly people that Vancouver Island has to offer.
That said, there are lots of events happening in and around the community too!
We will have five info tables for your questions — immigration, housing, schools, healthcare jobs, and the local queer community.
If you are a local, do not bring down your own table. We will have “I’m a Local, Ask Me About” nametags you can write your area of interest on. The park will be very busy, and we only have a specific area booked, so you will not be permitted to set up your own table or booth.
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The Complete Guide to Visiting Nanaimo
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This is not a “ticketed” event. You do not need to “register” or “apply.” Just book your travel and accommodation (see “The Basics” below), get a ❗red lanyard to wear when you’re here, and come enjoy the area!
We ask people to wear ❗red lanyards, just so everyone can identify who’s here for the Infusion. But it’s not mandatory and you’ll never be asked for it.
You can get them from this small Canadian business (they can only ship to Canadian addresses now, owing to the shipping timelines) or really any number of places like dollar stores, Canadian Tire, hell even Amazon if you must.
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The Nanaimo Art Gallery downtown is offering free admission to anyone wearing a ❗red lanyard on Infusion weekend!!
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Our Discord is the best part of this.
#adopt-a-visitor channel where locals will pair up with you, pick you up at the ferry, show you around town, etc.!</aside>
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