Sweet, iconic, and oh-so-decadent, the Nanaimo Bar is the dessert that put us on the map. With layers of coconut crumb, creamy custard, and rich chocolate ganache, this no-bake beauty is more than just a treat, it’s a local legend. And lucky for you, you’ve landed in the only city that can officially claim it.
Here in Nanaimo, we don’t just make Nanaimo Bars, we elevate them. From classic takes to bold twists (think gelato, cocktails, and even soap), our local bakers, chefs, and creators are in a full-on friendly competition to see who can serve up the most drool-worthy version.
To help you navigate the sweet scene, we’ve got an entire Nanaimo Bar Trail ready to go and to make things even easier, we’ve whipped up a 2-day itinerary that’ll lead you straight to the best bites (and sips) in town.
So grab a fork, bring your stretchy pants, let’s dig in.
On Saturday, May 17, something truly legendary is happening in Nanaimo. The talented students at Vancouver Island University’s Baking & Pastry Arts Program are attempting to set a world record by creating the largest Nanaimo Bar ever made. We’re talking a jaw-dropping 1,100 pounds of chocolatey, coconuty, custardy goodness. Yes, you read that right. One thousand, one hundred pounds of dessert history in the making. And the best part? You’re invited to witness the whole thing, cheer them on, and even snag a taste of this record-breaking treat. It’s going to be sweet, stacked, and absolutely unforgettable.
Day 1
Morning
Start off with the Classics!
Rise and shine, sugar lovers! It’s time to kick off your Nanaimo Bar adventure with the real deal. The OG-style Nanaimo Bar, just like the one proudly on display at the Nanaimo Museum, is served up fresh at cozy cafés and coffee shops all over town. Whether you like yours traditional or with a twist, these local gems know how to do it right.
Swing by A Wee Cupcakery in the Old City Quarter for a bite-sized bar that packs a serious punch, or check out Vault Café for retro vibes and rich layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut perfection. Downtown, Red’s Bakery and Serious Coffee both serve up nostalgic goodness, while Hearthstone Artisan Bakery down south puts a handmade spin on this local legend. Craving coffee and a treat near the beach? Drip Coffee has you covered. Looking for a quieter corner to really embrace the taste? La Isla Café offers a quieter corner to enjoy your bar in peace. And if you’re ready to hop the ferry, Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar on Gabriola Island is worth the crossing. Yes, even island neighbours want in on the Nanaimo Bar magic.
Pro tip: Pair it with your morning coffee and start your day the Nanaimo way. Oh, and if you’re feeling ambitious? Click here for the official recipe by Nanaimo Bar legend Joyce Hardcastle and try your hand at it later.
Afternoon
Nanaimo Bar Experiences? Tell me more…
After a sweet start, it’s time to balance things out… sort of…
Head to the Nanaimo Museum to dive into the surprisingly storied past of the Nanaimo Bar. Did you know it has its own exhibit (and even its own photo-worthy benches)? If you’re feeling crafty, swing by Serge & Sew to pick up a Nanaimo Bar table runner kit so you can sew a little sweetness into your home decor. Want to earn your next bite? Book a GottaRun Trail Tour, where you’ll run (or walk!) the Nanaimo Bar Trail and finish off with a well-deserved treat. Prefer a stretch over a sprint? Try a barre workout at Zen Revolution Yoga & Spin! It’s low-impact, high-reward, and right downtown. No matter how you spend the afternoon, there’s always room for another bar.
Need a treat that fits your lifestyle? We’ve got you. The Nanaimo Bar Trail is stacked with organic, raw, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly options that don’t skimp on the indulgence. Pop into Mon Petit Choux for a wheat-free take on the classic, or head to BOCCA Café where gluten-free and dairy-free variations are ready to wow your tastebuds. Craving something vegan-friendly? White Rabbit Coffee Co. has you covered with dreamy options that check all the boxes.
Night
Drinks?
Cap off your Nanaimo Bar adventure for the day in true treat-yourself fashion with a stay at The Grand Hotel Nanaimo. After a full day of sampling, strolling, and snacking, this cozy, elegant spot is the perfect place to wind down. But don’t call it a night just yet! Swing by the hotel’s lounge for a Nanaimo Bar Cocktail. It’s creamy, dreamy, and just the right amount of indulgent, basically the nightcap your dessert-loving heart deserves. Cozy up, clink glasses, and toast to a day well spent on the sweetest trail around.
Day 2
Morning
More Unique Experiences
Rise and shine! It’s day two of your Nanaimo Bar journey, and we’re kicking things off in the sweetest way possible. Head to Waffle Magic in the Old City Quarter, where they’re serving up warm, fluffy waffles topped with all the Nanaimo Bar fixin’s your breakfast dreams are made of. Trust us, this is no ordinary start to the day.
Once you’ve fueled up, it’s time to explore the non-edible side of the trail, because why not bring the Nanaimo Bar love home with you? Pamper yourself with a decadent Nanaimo Bar Pedicure at House of Kiyo Salon & Spa, then pop into the Nanaimo Museum and Visitor Centre for recipe tea towels, socks, postcards, and other cheeky keepsakes. At Island-ish Lifestyle Boutique, you’ll find Nanaimo Bar soaps, candles, mugs, and even boxed bars ready for gifting (or hoarding, we won’t judge). And don’t miss Newfoundland to Nanaimo Souvenirs, packed with everything from Nanaimo Bar aprons to bath bars, magnets, and tees.
Your suitcase? It’s about to get a lot sweeter.
Afternoon
A New Take on the Classic
Alright, suitcases = full. But stomachs? Starting to grumble. Sounds like it’s time to treat yourself to a few final bites, but this time, with a twist. We’re diving fork-first into some seriously creative takes on the classic Nanaimo Bar.
Craving a crunchy surprise? Noodlebox Nanaimo is rolling out Nanaimo Bar spring rolls (yes, you read that right). Prefer your treat on a plate? Sink your fork into Nanaimo Bar cheesecakes at Minnoz Restaurant, Modern Café, or Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant. All rich, dreamy, and totally photo-worthy.
For something whimsical, hunt down the fluffy magic of Sweet and Dandy’s Nanaimo Bar Cotton Candy. Yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s amazing.
And if you’re still standing, it’s time to sample the specialty bar lineup: Smokin’ George’s rotates between maple bacon and dulce de leche-topped bars. At BOCCA Café, everything’s gluten-free and the variety? Unreal. Think traditional, peanut butter, salted caramel, and more. Hearthstone Artisan Bakery and Red’s Bakery both serve up decadent peanut butter versions, and if you’re on the nut-free side, Nellie’s European Deli has you covered.
This isn’t just dessert, it’s a culinary comeback tour, and your tastebuds have VIP tickets.
Evening
One more drink and a few more specialties…
Cap off your sweet escape with some truly next-level Nanaimo Bar-inspired sips and scoops. Start strong at The Nanaimo BAR, where you can cheers your trailblazing efforts with a Nanaimo Bar cocktail, shot, or martini, shaken, not stirred. Craving something cool and creamy? Waterfront Confections serves up Nanaimo Bar gelato that’ll leave you dreaming in layers. And if you’re lucky enough to catch the seasonal Nanaimo Bar Milkshake at Living Forest Café, don’t think, drink.
So are you ready to dive into Nanaimo’s sweetest adventure? Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the creative twists, or the irresistible bites, the Nanaimo Bar Trail has something for every dessert lover. It’s more than just a treat, it’s a full-on journey through the city’s rich, tasty history. So, grab your appetite, throw on those stretchy pants, and let the indulgence begin. Trust us, you’ll want to make room for more.
