Listen here to 106.9 The Wolf, a radio station that plays pure classic rock with a touch of new rock, the best of all time, from Canada.
106.9 The Wolf (CHWF-FM) is a gritty rock station on Vancouver Island, located in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Its strong signal covers much of the metropolitan region, including nearby areas like Greater Vancouver, but its heart is in the Mid-Island.
- It is owned by Island Radio (a division of the Jim Pattison Group) and focuses on no-nonsense rock.
- CHWF signed on the air on July 1, 1981, as CKEG at 1350 AM, Nanaimo’s second station, with a general format for the coastal community.
Initially, it was a local station operated by Central Island Broadcasting, competing with the pioneering CHUB. In 1994, following the merger with Nanaimo Broadcasting, it was authorized to migrate to FM at 106.9 MHz, changing to CHWF and adopting a more modern approach.
In 2005, Central Island Broadcasting rebranded itself as Island Radio, expanding with stations in Parksville, Courtenay, and Port Alberni.
The branding “106.9 The Wolf” arrived around 2010, positioning it as the island’s rock station, with an emphasis on classic rock to capture the 25-54 male audience.
By 2025, it had established itself as the #1 station in its demographic, with a strong community connection.
Content and Programming
106.9 The Wolf is pure classic rock with hints of new rock, an energetic blend of the best of all time: from Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses to Foo Fighters, Green Day, and new releases like those of Greta Van Fleet.
Its motto – “Not for the faint of heart!” – reflects that raw and fun rock, with less chatter and more riffs for road trips along the Pacific Rim Highway or afternoons on the beach at Piper’s Lagoon.
The programming is local and rock-oriented, with live shows that prioritize music and community.
