Why thousands of Americans may 'invade' Vancouver Island this weekend | Daily Hive

EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock

If a TikTok user’s plans pan out, things could get slightly crazy on Vancouver Island this weekend, thanks to some visiting Americans.

Back in February, Tod Maffin, a former journalist, put out a video suggesting a plan for Americans who support Canada to come as part of what he called “Tod’s Nanaimo Invasion.”

Over two months later, it sounds like Americans got the message.

You might also like:

In his original video, Maffin suggests that Americans who support Canada pick a day to converge in Nanaimo. He even said that he would host an event. One of the reasons he suggested the plan was to boost Nanaimo’s economy.

@todmaffin Should we do this?! #nanaimo ♬ original sound – Tod Maffin 🇨🇦

“We just pick a day and all of you show up,” he says.

He had a few disclaimers for Americans, like the fact that Canada supports LGBTQ folks and that the streets are clean. He also told Americans how far their money would go in Canada.

One user responded to the original video, “Here’s the problem. We won’t want to go back to the U.S.”

It appears that Maffin is a Canadian of his word.

Since that video was posted in mid-February, steam has been building up to this upcoming weekend. On Maffin’s website, he claims that over 2,000 people signed up to say they’re more than likely to show up, beginning on Friday.

“How many actually will? No idea, but even if a tenth of those show up, that’ll have a huge positive impact on the mid-Island’s economy,” he adds.

“It’s like Doug’s Winter Party, except there’ll be bannock.”

The festivities begin on Friday at the food truck fest in Maffeo Sutton Park. On Saturday, there will also be a “huge family photo” at the Lions Pavilion.

In a recent video, some Americans have commented that they’ve already arrived on the island and are loving it.

“I’m already here, loving the island! Made the drive to Tofino 😱 but 🤩 it’s beautiful here,” one user commented.

It’s also not just Americans who are showing up for the big Vancouver Island bash. Folks from other parts of Canada, including Alberta, have also stated that they’ll be visiting the island to take part in the festivities.

Did you know about this, and are you planning to check out the island’s festivities this weekend? Let us know in the comments.