Canada’s Tastiest Trail, No Hiking Boots Required: Exploring the Nanaimo Bar Trail

Apologies in advance, this make you a bit hungry…

As we know, the infamous Nanaimo Bar originated in BC’s very own Nanaimo, but did you know that there is a Nanaimo Bar Trail dedicated to discovering all the city’s Nanaimo Bar offerings? It’s a must-do on any Nanaimo itinerary. 

The self-guided adventure weaves through the heart of Nanaimo, offering a taste of the signature dessert in all its inventive glory. From classic confections to bold new twists, explore the diverse culinary creations inspired by the legendary Nanaimo Bar. Each stop on the trail showcases a different interpretation of this beloved sweet, crafted with the fierce independence and creative spirit that Nanaimo is known for. 

Ready to embark on a delicious adventure this spring? Follow the trail below and taste the rich, chocolatey heritage of Nanaimo!

CLASSIC NANAIMO BARS

• A Wee Cupcakery – 407 Fitzwilliam St. (Old City Quarter)

• Serious Coffee Downtown – 300-60 Commercial Street (Downtown)

• Serious Coffee North – 6357-B Hammond Bay Rd. (North)

• Hearthstone Artisan Bakery – 115A 50 Tenth Street (South)

• Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar – 500 North Road (Gabriola Island)

• Ground Up Cafe – 560 North Road (Gabriola Island)

• Red’s Bakery – 101 Commercial St, Nanaimo (Downtown)

• Vault Cafe – 499 Wallace St, Nanaimo (Downtown)

• Drip Coffee – 2835 Departure Bay Road and 1515 Dufferin Crescent 

• La Isla Cafe – 250 Prideaux Street

• Island-ish Lifestyle Boutique – 5299 B Rutherford Rd (North)

• Brix & Mortar Socialhouse – 234 Commercial Street (Downtown)

SPECIALTY NANAIMO BARS

• Smokin’ George’s – Alternate between Maple Bacon Topped Nanaimo Bar & Dulche De Leche Nanaimo Bar, Unit 5- 4131 Mostar Rd. (North)

• – All Nanaimo Bars are Gluten Free – 7 kinds including Traditional, Peanut butter and salted caramel – 427 Fitzwilliam St. (Old City Quarter)

• Hearthstone Artisan Bakery – Peanut Butter Crunch Nanaimo Bar – 115A 50 Tenth Street (South)

• Red’s Bakery – Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bar – 101 Commercial St, Nanaimo (Downtown)

• Nellie’s European Deli – Nut Free – 500-2980 Rock City Road, Rock City Plaza

• Mama Sue’s Granola Bars – Regular and Gluten Free, Island Roots Farmers’ Market & Cedar Farmers’ Market

• The GAYbriola Bar – Pride Specialty Bar (available during Pride only), Slow Rise Bakery (Gabriola Island) 

ORGANIC / VEGAN / RAW / GLUTEN FREE NANAIMO BARS

• Mon Petit Choux – Wheat Free, 120 Commercial St. (Downtown)

• BOCCA Cafe – Gluten Free, Gluten and Dairy Free options – 427 Fitzwilliam St. (Old City Quarter)

• White Rabbit Coffee Co. – Gluten and vegan-friendly, 321 Selby Street

NANAIMO BAR ICE CREAM VARIATIONS

• Living Forest Cafe – Nanaimo Bar Milkshake (seasonal), 6 Maki Rd. (South)

• Waterfront Confections – come taste a delicious version of the Nanaimo Bar via GELATO. (Downtown)

NANAIMO BAR CHEESECAKE / CAKES / CUPCAKES

• Minnoz Restaurant – 11 Bastion St. (Downtown)

• Modern Cafe – 221 Commercial St. (Downtown)

• Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant – 5775 Turner Rd. (North)

• Red’s Bakery – 101 Commercial St, Nanaimo (Downtown)

• A Wee Cupcakery – 407 Fitzwilliam St. – Fridays & Saturdays & by chance (Old City Quarter)

• Real Food Fast Cafe – Nanaimo Cake – 321 Wesley Street, Old City

• Hearthstone Artisan Bakery – Nanaimo Bar Cakes and Cupcakes – 115A 50 Tenth Street (South)

NANAIMO BAR MACARON

• Burnt Honey – French Macaron: A classic Nanaimo bar in macaron form (gluten-free) – 96-3200 North Island Hwy (Country Club Centre)

NANAIMO BAR SPRING ROLL

• Noodlebox Nanaimo (Port Place) – 107-648 Terminal Avenue (Downtown) – call ahead for availability (778-441-4494)

NANAIMO BAR FUDGE

• Cabela’s – 6902 Island Highway (North)

NANAIMO BAR WAFFLE

• Waffle Magic – come try a tasty, fresh waffle topped with Nanaimo Bar fixin’s. Gluten Free Available (Old City Quarter)

NANAIMO BAR SWEETS

• Sweet & Dandy Cotton Candy – Order online or look out for the bright pink cotton candy truck at farmer’s markets and events around town.

• Island-ish Lifestyle Boutique – Nanaimo Bar Lollipops. 5299 B Rutherford Rd (North)

• Wolf Brewing Company – Nanaimo Bar Pretzel Dessert Dogs. #2 940 Old Victoria Road

NANAIMO BAR COCKTAILS/ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

• The Grand Hotel – Nanaimo Bar Cocktail, 4898 Rutherford Rd. (North)

• The Nanaimo BAR – Nanaimo Bar Cocktail/Shot/Martini, #2, 75 Front Street (Downtown)

• The Nanaimo Bar Porter – Vancouver Island Brewing, available at most liquor stores.

NANAIMO BAR TEA AND COFFEE

• BOCCA Cafe – Nanaimo Bar Latte, 427 Fitzwilliam St. (Old City Quarter)

• Island-ish Lifestyle Boutique – Nanaimo Bar Tea made locally on Vancouver Island, 5299 B Rutherford Rd (North)