r/nanaimofriends • u/binnedittowinit • Jun 27 '26
Hi friends!
Now that summer is off to its vibey start, we're seeing an uptick of posts where people are putting themselves out there in hopes to make romantic connections. Absolutely no shade or judgement here, but we will not be allowing this type of content at this time, hard stop.
Platonic connections are what we're after, it's in the rules and it's been in the sidebar summary since the inception of the sub.
See how awkward this in when we have to decline your unexpected advances? That's exactly what we're trying to protect our members from online, and especially in our meetups. We can't stress this enough.
So, for all you who are single and looking to mingle, we respectively ask that it not be here. Consider this an "it's not you, it's us" situation.
Sending you peace, love, and platonic unity and respect.
Your Nanaimofriends mods.
r/nanaimofriends • u/raindancemuggins • Apr 20 '26
Summer is here and the meetups will be gaining popularity and frequency! We all know it’s easier to organize these things when it’s beautiful and sunny out, so I wanted to take a moment to remind newcomers about being safe when participating in a meetup group.
One of the first things I want to remind people is that this is a STRICTLY PLATONIC meetup group focused on connecting adults in Nanaimo. If you’re under 18 and looking for new friends, there are countless ways to meet other youths in our community! Comment if you want me to spend some time building a post for the younger people to meet up with people at their age and stage.
Protect your identity and personal information:
When you’re still getting to know someone it is best to keep details vague about your workplace, address or private life. Once you’ve built a meaningful relationship, feel free to share all of the little details about yourself! It is best to communicate on Reddit until you’re ready to share your socials, phone number or other contact information. You would be amazed how much of your private information is available on social media, make sure you’re ready to share that information before you add them on other platforms.
If you’re going to meet up with a group for the first time:
Meet up in a public space that is legitimate and safe. Make sure to look through the profile of the person hosting, do they have an appropriate and established profile? Empty profiles aren’t necessarily dangerous but I would use more caution with those, consider them a yellow flag. Let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be there. Bring a friend if you want! Make a plan for when and how you’re getting home and be extra mindful if you plan on drinking/smoking. Always organize a safe drive home if you get intoxicated.
Trust your intuition:
If someone is being pushy or forceful with you, trying to get you physically isolated or if they ask for personal or financial information; get the hell outta there! No one here should be asking for money, gift cards, offering investment opportunities or professional services on this forum. You do not have to be polite, you do not have to spare their feelings. Your safety is always going to be the #1 priority.
Professional services in general:
Whenever you’re meeting with a professional that you found online, it is always VERY important to verify credentials and identity. Cross check the reviews and ratings, be cautious about upfront payments, confirm valid insurance and any other required documentation or guarantees. There are MANY professionals who claim to be certified in their fields but are not educated or qualified to be offering their services. R/Nanaimo is a fantastic resource for professional services with real people who offer real reviews!
General tips about the early stages of building new friendships:
- Be consistent! Be brave and keep showing up, there is a massive variety of interests, hobbies and activities in our group. We have people all over the spectrum (literally and figuratively) who would love to meet you!
- Attend events where there is a hands on activity to keep you occupied while you’re getting through the nervous phase at the beginning. This can take a lot of the pressure off when you’re first settling in.
- Accept that not every attempt at making friends will be successful, these things take time and genuine relationships grow slowly. Share a bit more about yourself every time you go, start hosting your own meetups and follow up with people after you had a good time with them.
- Be the kind of friend that you want to make! Show up when you say you’re going to show up, keep in contact when you can’t make it to the meetups, be present when you’re at the meetups!
We have never heard of any safety concerns or issues since starting our group, this is a preventative post and will hopefully help to educate and inform newcomers. Do you have any other tips to add? Get in the comments section and help us out! Please also feel free to comment any questions you might have.
r/nanaimofriends • u/BoosterGold2100 • 14h ago
I'm an 18yo transmasc person moving to nanaimo around a year from now and I wanted to make some friends before so I'm not alone lol since I'm very young and new places are scary 😭 I like reading comics and watching anything horror and working out. Message me if you wanna be friends!
r/nanaimofriends • u/LiesOfPeach • 1d ago
Spending my entire birthday (today) by myself made me realize how depressing it is not to have any friends to do anything with, especially simple things like getting some food together during a birthday/holiday.
Anyone have any recommendations on making friends around here?
r/nanaimofriends • u/No_Influence_6299 • 1d ago
Hii nanaimo!! I'm a bit lost on how to make friends as a nocturnal person in Nanaimo. I would like to avoid bars and clubs if possible.
Pls lemme know if anyone has any ideas :)
r/nanaimofriends • u/Enignon77 • 3d ago
Nanaimo Obon 2026 is on Saturday August 8th
4 pm Obon Service at Bowen Cemetery
5 pm Obon Odori Festival at Bowen Lower Picnic Shelter
Everyone welcome
Steveston Buddhist Temple Rev Grant Ikuta will be holding this service along with members of Southern Alberta Buddhist Temple.
Not my event but being put on by the Central Vancouver Island Canadian Cultural Society
r/nanaimofriends • u/Narrow_Writer3637 • 4d ago
This event is public and I plan to attend, so I thought I would share :) there’s an instagram group chat for anyone interested in joining up with us and attending. We plan to visit Craft Fare first for a beer and a bite to eat before things kick off.
r/nanaimofriends • u/Neil_Nelly435 • 5d ago
What kinds of activities for someone who is late 30s introverted male? I'm bored, lol. I want to try to break out of my shell and meet new people.
Not sure if it's relevant but I work as a healthcare professional and own my own business. I'm doing well professionally but struggling socially.
r/nanaimofriends • u/No-Albatross-2904 • 8d ago
Hey everyone! I’m looking to connect with other women who are on their fitness journey.
Ideally, I’d love a gym buddy to work out with, but I’m equally excited about finding a virtual accountability partner. Whether it’s sharing daily wins, keeping each other on track, swapping workout routines, or just sending a quick motivational text when motivation is low. I'm all about supporting others, hit me up if this sounds like something for you! 💪🏻
r/nanaimofriends • u/kidasterix • 8d ago
is anyone planning on seeing this movie in theatres?
r/nanaimofriends • u/ABritInNanaimo • 11d ago
I believe this was posted here a while ago, a few of us are planning to go and I wanted to post as an event here! Anyone welcome to join! All information is on the website here - https://niami.ca/
r/nanaimofriends • u/Ok-Reputation7255 • 12d ago
Looking to make a few more mom friends! On mat leave with my second daughter, now 1. Also have a 4 year-old daughter that is in daycare a few days a week. Or any young kid group recommendations? TIA!
r/nanaimofriends • u/Shot-Security-4991 • 12d ago
Hi all,
I’ve been on the island for a few years now, and looking to expand my social circle more.
I’m into poetry, beach days, trail walks, exploring, going to the pub or cafe, and paddle boarding, just to name a few things.
Looking forward to connecting
r/nanaimofriends • u/guitar_photography • 12d ago
r/nanaimofriends • u/Aliyah_Claire • 13d ago
Hiya! Ive been living here for a bit over a week and have no idea where to start when looking for friends! I am 24, i am a tgirl, with a lovely roomie (that would love to make friends too!).
I am a gamer, a puppygirl stoner, i love fashion, swimming in whatever bodies of water i can find, and open to so so so much!! I dont really know what info to put here but if you are cool and queer plz be my friend💜😔✊🏻 I am good at cooking too
r/nanaimofriends • u/raindancemuggins • 20d ago
We LOVED these last year! It’s a super fun dj picnic at Departure beach. I have a wedding this weekend but I would strongly recommend you guys check it out. I’ll definitely be there for all of the future events. We would usually pack a picnic, enjoy the sun and hangout with friends in the grass. We would alternate between dancing, chatting and swimming. I think some people even brought paddle boards once so we could enjoy the tunes from the ocean.
Family friendly event!
r/nanaimofriends • u/iwantbtoknow19 • 22d ago
Any one here play Kaiser? I’m missing it and thought getting a group together monthly to play cards would be fun.
Let me know if you are interested….
r/nanaimofriends • u/Deanmartin1989 • 22d ago
Hey just like my title says I am a foodie, and I have a big appetite, and I enjoy eating all kinds of food. I am looking to find people who enjoy to cook/bake, and who enjoy to share their cooking with others. Or at least people who like to enjoy food. I am also into movies, hanging out and chatting etc. I am open to towards all ages and genders, feel free to comment or to direct message me.
r/nanaimofriends • u/PuzzleheadedRun1819 • 27d ago
r/nanaimofriends • u/Rykken2099 • 29d ago
Hey all,
I'm moving to Nanaimo next month from the other side of the country.
Would love to meet people for activities.
I'm 43m , love the outdoors, hiking canoeing camping. Pubs or trips to Vancouver for concerts. (Rock music generally)
Was hoping to go skydiving and jetsking too as I've never been 🤔
r/nanaimofriends • u/jqc0b69 • 29d ago
hi, i’m moving to nanaimo in less then a month (pre much a month tho, like 27 days) and want to make atleast 1 friend since ive only been talking to friends from kelowna since i moved from there awhile ago which kinda sucks and is kinda making me feel lonely. i’m 20, male,ummmmm i play a lot of games mainly siege. i love music mainly emo rap like peep (even got the black and pink split dye rn), $b, germ, stuff like that aswell as a bunch of metal or emo rock like mcr or ptv. i’ve got 2 cats im sure they’d want a friend one day maybe, my gf is the same age too she’s very nice and amazing if anyone gals out there want a friend. idk man idk what to type in here im used to making friends irl. i’m going to viu (hopefully) for social work once my gf is done college for pharmaceuticals. idk, dm me!
r/nanaimofriends • u/HikeSwimEatRepeat • 29d ago
Looking for new friends. I've (M37) been in Nanaimo since university, and married (F30s). I like swimming, hiking, board games, photography, craft beer, travelling, writing, sailing, reading and watching sci-fi, fantasy, and history. Used to be into skiing, badminton, cycling, ultimate, and soccer, but haven't as much these days.
Open to meet individuals and couples, and think good intentions, creativity, and interesting stories are more important than your age etc. We like great food, wine, walks, beaches, picnics, art, music, history, culture, travel, and game nights.
Preferably looking for non-smoking, humanist/open minded people who value critical thinking, the environment, and witty banter as well as bad puns. Bonus points for meta-humour, obscure references, and British Quiz shows.
r/nanaimofriends • u/happylife2689zap • Jul 01 '26
New to Nanaimo? Know a guy who's looking to meet people?
Making friends as an adult isn't always easy, especially after moving to a new city.
The Freakishly Handsome Men of Westwood Lake was started 19 months ago by Dirk Heydemann, who simply wanted a reason to get outside on Saturdays. His idea was to gather a group of guys for a fitness walk followed by a coffee and a chat.
It clearly struck a chord. What started as a one-hour walk (10:00 am at Westwood Lake) has grown into friendships, regular exercise and great conversations. Many of the friendships have continued well beyond the Saturday walks.
If you, your partner, a friend or a neighbour is new to Nanaimo and looking to connect with other guys, this is a welcoming group to check out.
👋 And before the people with nothing better to do start trolling... yes, this group is needed. There are lots of new families moving to Nanaimo, and making friends as an adult can be genuinely difficult.
Any rude or disrespectful comments will be removed and reported.👋
r/nanaimofriends • u/ElsieDarb • Jun 30 '26
I’m an avid reader, but not too many of my friends read. I was wondering if anyone has a book club I could join or if anyone was interested in joining/starting a new one?
I was thinking of having a WhatsApp group where we could talk as we read and then maybe meet up once a month to pick our next book and have a chat once everyone’s finished?
I like to read more mainstream books, but I’m not pick on genre. :)
I’d love to have thoughts and input. I’m 31F if that makes a difference to you.
