Nanaimo Infusion to Draw Hundreds of Americans to Canada

NANAIMO, B.C. — Americans are getting set to storm the shores of Vancouver Island April 24 to 26 for Tod Maffin’s Nanaimo Infusion 2026. It started last year with a viral video by Maffin and Nanaimo residents inviting Americans who support Canada to come to the island.

The second Nanaimo Infusion will again include a gathering and “family photo” at Maffeo Sutton Park on Saturday, April 25. Maffin said this year’s Infusion is now expected to draw over 700 visitors from the United States.

For people in places like Blaine and Bellingham, the concept is not abstract. It is just a short trip across the water, but one that comes with real logistical questions. Where do you stay? How do you get there? And what should you know before making the trip?

PNW Daily spoke with Maffin this week to find out more from “The Very Model of a Modern Day Canadian.”

“If you are driving up from the Blaine and Bellingham area, you want be on the Tsawwassen ferry,” Maffin explained. “It’s very easy to get to, it’s basically right there, so you’re going to drive about 20-25 into Canada.”

Getting There: Plan Ahead or Take Your Chances

Routes connecting the mainland to Vancouver Island, particularly those operated by BC Ferries, can fill up quickly during peak periods.

“Do not wing it!” Maffin said.

Maffin has one non-negotiable piece of advice about the ferry: “Make a reservation, make a reservation, for God’s sake, make a reservation,” Maffin said.

While standby travel is possible, it comes with uncertainty that could disrupt tight schedules.

“The problem is, if you do not come with a reservation, then you will sit there through sailing waits,” Maffin explained. “So if you are three sailing waits behind, that’s six hours.”

About the Journey

Once you’re on the ferry, the journey from the “lower mainland” as Canadians call British Columbia takes two hours.

“It’s a beautiful ride,” Maffin said. “It’s like a mini cruise ship. Don’t think this is a tiny boat, there are two restaurants and snack bars and gift shops, and places for kids.”  

Skipping the reservation can mean sitting through multiple standby sailing waits.

“The problem is, if you do not come with a reservation, then you will sit there through sailing waits,” Maffin explained. “So if you are three sailing waits behind, that’s six hours.”

Where to Stay in Nanaimo Right Now

With the event drawing attention, accommodations are tightening. Hotels near downtown and the waterfront tend to fill first.

“It’s not too late, some hotels are full, but not all,” Maffin said. “There’s still room. We’re a town of over 100,000 people so, you know, we’ve got a decent amount of space.”

He added: “But I would book soon.”

For those striking out on traditional lodging, short-term rentals remain a viable fallback. Visitors can also check the Nanaimo Infusion Discord.

“In our Discord, you can go to the channel called Accommodations,” Maffin said. “There are some people there that are offering places for people to stay. Not a lot, but that’s an option.”

Island Life: Connected or Isolated?

“There are a million people on this island,” Maffin said. “It’s bigger than the country of Belgium.”

The ferry system provides access, but cost and scheduling does shape how often residents travel back and forth.

“It’s only isolated in all the good ways,” Maffin said. “You feel like you can breathe a little bit deeper.”

The U.S. Under the Trump Adminstration

Tod’s Nanaimo Infusion is a touchpoint for a broader shift in how people in the United States look at the world under the Trump administration. The invitation is not only for those seeking to move to the area permanently, however.

“Just come up here,” Maffin said. “Help us remember that your country won’t always be this crazy.”

“Help us remember that even though your country is attacking us financially, geopolitically, threatening our sovereignty,” Maffin paused, “…come here and show people by your presence that America’s not like that.”

Background: Who Tod Maffin Is and Why This Event Matters

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney may speak for Canada, but Tod Maffin speaks for its soul.

“I watch each CBC debate, like I’m their ombudsmainian. I cheer for the Québec Nordiques, then watch them get betrayed again,” Maffin sings in his latest invitation to the island. “I keep the ‘u’ in neighbour like a linguistic contrarian.”

Maffin is a Canadian broadcaster and digital media strategist with a long history in radio, technology commentary, and audience development. His commentary and analysis began reaching audiences well beyond traditional Canadian broadcast circles as digital media shifted over the past decade.

Look for Locals Wearing Welcome Stickers

This year, locals will wear stickers indicating specific interests, making it easier for visitors to connect with people who share common ground.