Embark on a deliciously unique journey along the Nanaimo Bar Trail! This self-guided adventure weaves through the heart of Nanaimo, offering a taste of our city’s signature sweet 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 dessert, crafted with the fierce independence and creative spirit that Nanaimo is known for. Ready to indulge in a treat as extraordinary as the city itself? Follow the trail and taste the rich, chocolaty heritage of Nanaimo!
CLASSIC NANAIMO BAR
A classic, homemade version, almost identical to the version on display in the museum is available at several coffee houses and café’s around Nanaimo. A few favourites are listed below, so you can decide which is your favourite! CLICK HERE for the “official” Nanaimo Bar recipe by Joyce Hardcastle.
- 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)
- 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
SPECIALTY NANAIMO BARS
- Smokin’ George’s – Alternate between Maple Bacon Topped Nanaimo Bar & Dulche De Leche Nanaimo Bar, Unit 5- 4131 Mostar Rd. (North)
- BOCCA Cafe – 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
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
- Eve Olive – Vegan, Gluten Free and Plant Based, #102 -5281 Rutherford Road
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. You can thank us later! (Downtown)
NANAIMO BAR CHEESECAKE
- 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)
NANAIMO BAR CAKES / CUPCAKES
- 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 COTTON CANDY
- Sweet & Dandy Cotton Candy – Order online or look out for the bright pink cotton candy truck at farmer’s markets and events around town.
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)
INEDIBLE VERSIONS
- House of Kiyo Salon & Spa – Nanaimo Bar Pedicure, #110-256 Wallace Street
- Nanaimo Museum & Tourism Nanaimo Visitor Centre, 101 Gordon Street– Nanaimo Bar Recipe Tea Towels, Nanaimo Bar Socks, greeting cards, postcards – 100 Museum Way (Downtown)
- Island-ish Lifestyle Boutique – Nanaimo Bar Soap, candles and mugs. Boxed Nanaimo Bars for gifting. 5299 B Rutherford Rd (North)
- Nanaimo Museum – Nanaimo Bar History Exhibit, 100 Museum Way (Downtown)
- Nanaimo Museum – Nanaimo Bar Benches, 100 Museum Way (Downtown)
- Serge & Sew – Nanaimo Bar Table Runner Kit, 105 – 6750 n. Island Highway (North)
- Nanaimo Bar Trail Run with GottaRun – run or walk followed by a Nanaimo Bar – available upon request via denise@gottarun.ca
- Newfoundland to Nanaimo Souvenirs & Canadian Gifts –Nanaimo Bath Bar, Aprons, Tea Towels, Post Cards, and T-shirts, decals, magnets – 90 Front Street (downtown)
- Zen Revolution Yoga & Spin – Barre Workout – Upper Studio, 54 Victoria Cres (downtown)
