The Nanaimo Bar
The World-famous Nanaimo Bar
The Nanaimo Bar Trail
This self guided tour takes you through downtown and the Old City Quarter tasting different versions of the infamous Nanaimo Bar. A tour you might wish to break up over a couple of days as it could get overwhelmingly sweet! I suggest you walk as you might need to burn off a few calories before testing the next selection. After tasting the assortment, try making it yourself.
The History
Start at the Nanaimo Museum, sitting on a Nanaimo Bar bench, read through the history of the Bar and view the original recipe.
Traditional
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.
- Serious Coffee 300-60 Commercial Street (adjacent to the Museum)
- Perkins Coffee Co. 234 Commercial Street
- Bocca Café 427 Fitzwilliam St (Old City Quarter)
- McLean’s Specialty Foods 426 Fitzwilliam St (Old City Quarter)
- Javawocky Coffee House 8-90 Front Street (on the Harbourfront Walkway)
- A Wee Cupcakery 407 Fitzwilliam Street (Old City Quarter)
- Tea Leaf Specialty Teas & Cafe 138 Commercial Street (downtown)
Organic with French Influence
A lighter, little less sweet option than the traditional, all natural and fresh ingredients with French flair. Mon Petit Choux 120 Commercial Street.
Deep Fried
Yes, the traditional bar, deep fried. I thought there was a rule that anything dipped in batter is double delicious? Go just to experience this funky hangout. Pirate Chips, 1 Commercial Street.
Ice Cream
If you’d prefer to have your Nanaimo bar scooped and surrounded by waffle cone, try the ice cream version available at the Tea on The Quay, located along the harbour walkway at Suite 4-90 Front Street.
Ice Cream Sundae
A little fancier than just traditional ice cream is the sundae version with whip on top. Jakeob’s Ice Cream Parlour located in the 306 Fitzwilliam St offers this incredible, stackable delight.
Cheesecake
A popular dessert with a “Nanaimo" twist. Enjoy two long time favourites served like a cake and layered like the bar in the newly renovated, urban underwater themed Minnoz Restaurant and Lounge with great harbour views.
Cupcake
One of the many flavours A Wee Cupcakery makes is the Nanaimo Bar. You will find the same graham cracker, coconut base with fluffy custard flavour cake, topped off with chocolate of course. Delightful. You will find A Wee Cupcakery in the Old City Quarter.
Martini
Yes, for those who prefer to sip their sweets, the Modern Café has created a Nanaimo Bar Martini! A yummy blend of Vanilla Vodka, Crème de Cacao, Espresso and Coconut Syrup laced with Chocolate. If tasting late at night, ask for the decaf version. Cheers.
Fudge
When travelling from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is offering a Nanaimo Bar flavoured fudge. A sweet send off!
Ice Cream Sandwich
If the Nanaimo Bar Ice cream didn't tickle your fancy enough, delve into the 2 Chefs Affair version of this famous treat - the Nanaimo Bar Ice Cream Sandwich. Layer upon layer of icy goodness! Located at 123B Commercial Street, downtown.
Vegan Nanaimo Bar (Gluten Free)
For a lighter, healthier version of this signature bar, try the Vegan/Gluten Free version at two locations in town: The Blue Jewel Bakery (3018 Ross Rd) and Tea Leaf Specialty Teas & Cafe (13B Commercial St). Mother nature will thank you.
Shooter
Looking to kick-off your evening downtown or just up for trying a tasty new shooter? Look no further than Millers Pub on the waterfront, by the Departure Bay Ferry terminal. Stop in for a bite and try this tasty concoction of sweet heaven. Located at 1840 Stewart Ave.
Cocktail
Who says you can't have dessert WITH your dinner? Make sure you hit up this stop at the Grand Hotel (4898 Rutherford Road) and try the Nanaimo Bar cocktail...a delightful drink based on our favourite treat.
Cafe Latte
For a tasty after-dinner coffee (or when out for coffee with friends), make sure to venture back to the Modern Café to savour this newest trail addition. With a sweet aroma of Nanaimo Bar mixed with a java twist, this drink will be one you will remember.
-- Developed by Chelsea Barr and Destination Nanaimo
The Official Nanaimo Bar Recipe
So, you're in Nanaimo (or your vacation just ended and you can't wait to get back) and you can't get those legendary Nanaimo Bars out of your head? Well don't worry, because you can easily make them from the comfort of your own kitchen!
The origins of the Nanaimo Bar are hard to pin down, but several theories exist. Ask some people and they will tell you that a Nanaimo housewife is the inventor. About 35 years ago, a Nanaimo woman entered her special recipe for chocolate squares in a magazine contest. She won, and dubbed her award-winning bars after the town she lived in. Ask someone else, and they will tell you that the Nanaimo Bar was first created many years before that, with miners' wives putting the scrumptious dessert in their husbands' lunches.
In 1985, Nanaimo Mayor Graeme Roberts held a contest to find the definitive Nanaimo Bar recipe. Nearly 100 entries were received, but in the end it was Joyce Hardcastle's recipe that took top spot and earned the title of Nanaimo's Official Nanaimo Bar Recipe. It must be good, because she won by unanimous vote!
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