Stressful & unsafe two weeks. Minimal and unhelpful response from Nanaimo Yacht Charters (NYC)…read more This was our 2nd time chartering from NYC and decided to charter the same boat (52 foot power boat - Rock n Rye). Previous year had small issues on the boat but overall positive experience. This year was drastically different. Boat had not been maintained and we were sent out on a very unsafe boat. Night 1: Windlass stopped operating and lost generator power. This began two weeks of major power issues, the inability to anchor due to slow response and service, and incurring unexpected costs. We were forced to stay at marina's the entire time. At one point, the anchor came dislodged in the middle of Johnston strait banging against the boat. We were stressed and exhausted after week 1. We spent two days in Port McNeill waiting for the windless to be fixed. Going in to week 2, the windshield exploded above the galley - yes- while sitting at the marina on a calm evening. We then had a broken windshield, continued power issues (not enough power to operate much of anything while not on shore power). The first night we attempted to anchor after the windlass was supposedly fixed, there was not enough power to drop or pull up anchor without re-setting the fuse every 10 seconds. After two very expensive and stressful weeks we met with Andrew, the owner, who assured us he would 'make it right' and 'cover our costs'. It's been three months and we have been trying to reach him and he has not responded. We hope you don't make the same choice we did . Go with a different, reliable, safe and responsive charter company.

We just returned from our 4th year of chartering with Nanaimo Yacht Charters. As usual, the boat…read morewas well-prepared (we've used a different boat each time), Ian was as generous with his time as he needed to be, and the equipment was all present and worked (we didn't ever use the anchor windlass, though). We sail early in the season, when the wind is best, but also know that wind usually is a bit variable in this area, and very light as summer whams up. We've always found Ian, Sherry and Lorraine to have plenty of suggestions and advice about where to sail and stop, different activities, and they want to see us have fun (without breaking the boat, preferably). When we've had problems, Ian has been quick to answer the phone and offer suggestions. And it's worth the price of admission to watch them bring the boat back into the slip at the return. Nanaimo is also a great location for going to Princess Louisa Inlet, Desolation Sound, or the Gulf Islands, better than Vancouver or Sidney if you're interested in those destinations. Dodd Narrows is a great introduction to navigating BC waters.

I had recently moved back from seven years living in Jolly olde England, where my license had…read morelapsed. They drove on the wrong side of the road and far too fast for me, so I never bothered to get a British license. Because of this, I had to take a written and a driving test to have my license reinstated. Brushing up on skills learned 15 years earlier with a couple of lessons from Wallace Driving School definitely helped me out. When I needed clarification on a couple of minor points, they were happy to answer my questions over the phone. I passed my driving test - doing a lot better than I thought I would in my nervous state - and that evening Steve Wallace, the owner of the school, called me himself to ask about my test results. They really a lovely group of people who did everything they could to accommodate me. Thank you so much!

From the owner: Wallace Driving School incorporates the latest technologies as well as patience and personal…read moreattention to help get you, and keep you, in the driver's seat. Our experienced driving instructors will assess your needs and abilities and then adapt your training sessions to your specific learning style.

Surinder was a great instructor stayed on track and present with me and the task of refining and…read morehoning my driving skills. I am grateful Tessa

Streetwise Driving gave me the confidence and skills to pass my N test. Surinder was helpful,…read morepatient and firm. He made sure I knew what I needed to know for the road test. I am very glad I chose Streetwise Driving School.

Sohan is VERY patient and communicative. Was terrified of learning to drive - but he put me…read morecomplete at ease. HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!! Lisa

Before I took lessons with Nanaimo Driving School, I had unsuccessfully gone through two different…read moredriving schools and left my lessons feeling not confident in my driving skills. I decided to give lessons another try and called Sohan at Nanaimo Driving School. I choose the "beginners package" which consists of five one-hour lessons in the instructor's car. Sohan was accommodating with his schedule, which made booking appointments easy. I am a very nervous driver but Sohan made me feel completely at ease. He is patient, laid back, and kind. After completing the lessons with Nanaimo Driving School, I had finally successfully gained the skills and confidence in my driving I needed to take the road test. I passed my road test and got my N thanks to the help of Sohan and Nanaimo Driving School. 100% will recommend to everyone I know. In my opinion, after going through a couple of driving schools, this is the best driving school in Nanaimo. I will be booking more lessons when it is time to prepare for my full license.

Damon is an excellent instructor and is very professional in his approach. He helped me fine tune…read moremy driving and pass my exam, pin pointing the silly mistakes I was making which led to failure in my previous Class 5 driving tests. I would recommend ABS Driving School everybody...... Nadeem

From the owner: Trust our patient and courteous instructions to learn how to drive! At ABS Driving School in…read moreNanaimo, we offer driving classes for all ages that will cover all your basics, from the rules of the road to parallel parking and safe driving. Call us today to join a class.