2 p.m. | When in Nanaimo…

A visit to Nanaimo is not complete without one too many Nanaimo bars — the rich, three-layered Canadian delicacy whose key ingredients include shredded coconut, custard and chocolate. With origins tracing back to the late 1940s and early 1950s, the iconic dessert did, in fact, originate in Nanaimo, and there are no shortage of varieties to try. From peanut butter and maple bacon-topped bars to Nanaimo bar milkshakes, fudge, and cheesecake, the self-guided Nanaimo Bar Trail offers sweet tooths a guide to the city’s best Nanaimo offerings.

Red’s Bakery is widely celebrated, an institution beloved by locals for decades. But Brix + Mortar SocialHouse, which launched in 2025, is nipping at its heals with a standout Nanaimo bar boasting a thick coconut base, a creamy layer of custard and a delicate top coat of chocolate ganache. 

7 p.m. | One of everything

One of the top places to dine in Nanaimo, Black Rabbit Kitchen showcases an eclectic menu built around simple ingredients prepared in an elevated manner: radishes on a bed of whipped miso butter drizzled with hot honey; cured scallops with white kimchi and Asian pear cut into the shape of a rabbit; and — my personal favourite — house pickles neatly arranged on a plate of crème fraîche.

Above the fully stocked bar, a hand-lettered chalkboard menu showcases the day’s menu, which includes a solid lineup of vegan and vegetarian options. There’s also a drool-worthy display case of baked goods. The mandatory Nanaimo bar shares space with a myriad of other tempting items, including the lemon bar, a personal favourite. 

The Vault also hosts a variety of events, from jazz nights and drag shows to art exhibits and open-mic nights. Upstairs, The Vault Bazaar hosts a series of unique shops and studios, offering another reason to linger after breakfast.

Noon | Country roads and cold pints

Surrounded by beautiful gardens and serving up classic English pub fare, Crow & Gate Pub is a 20-minute drive south of Nanaimo, tucked away in the community of Yellow Point. As you wind along country roads, you may find yourself wondering if you’ve taken a wrong turn, but this is part of the charm.

6 p.m. | A pirate’s life for me

Home to Canada’s only registered floating pub and restaurant, Protection Island is a 70-hectare, car-free community located about 1.5 kilometres northeast of Nanaimo. Accessible via a 10-minute ferry ride from the Nanaimo Harbour, Protection Island boasts about 330 full-time residents, along with a small fire station, library, community centre and a host of parks with pirate-themed names.

While Protection Island has its share of quiet, sandy beaches, many visitors head directly to the Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant to enjoy a crispy plate of fish and chips while admiring the Nanaimo skyline. An extensive drink menu features unique cocktails like the Smugglers Smooch, Mermaid Lemonade, Wrecked Pirate and plenty of alcohol-free options.

The Protection Island Ferry runs year-round (even if the pub is closed), departing Nanaimo at 10 minutes past the hour and returning from Protection Island on the hour.

7 p.m. | Raise a glass

Tucked beneath the streets of downtown Nanaimo, Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar is both warm and welcoming — the perfect spot for a romantic date night or simply a memorable evening.

The Embers specialty is a picture-perfect, customizable charcuterie board. Each board begins with a generous spread of crackers, nuts, dried fruit, chutneys and other accompaniments before guests choose from an extensive selection of cured meats, cheeses and specialty add-ons. Think extra-old cheddar from P.E.I.’s Cows Creamery, Grana Padano from Italy and Manchego from Spain, paired with everything from Italian Genoa salami and German Schinkenspeck to Ontario-made capocollo.