Nanaimo Bars and Other Vancouver Island Delights

Photo by Sue Frause

I'd never really been smitten with Nanaimo. It's the type of town where I'd stop for lunch on my way to Tofino or Campbell River. Nanaimo, 70 miles north of Victoria on the east side of Vancouver Island, is the island's second largest city. More than 2,000 years ago, it was the home of five Coast Salish villages and became a Hudson's Bay Co. outpost in the mid-1800's.

My impressions of Nanaimo are far less historical: Nanaimo Bars and jazz singer and Nanaimo native Diana Krall. Sweet treats and sweet music, not a bad combination. And a good way to start exploring this Vancouver Island city.

Photo by Sue Frause

If You Go

Coast Bastion Inn

800.716.6199

Painted Turtle Guesthouse

866.309.4432

Dinghy Dock Pub & Family Restaurant