nanaimo bars and other island delights

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: those chocolate and custard cookie Nanaimo bars and
jazz singer and Nanaimo native Diana Krall.



After spending several days in Nanaimo recently, however, my feelings have changed.

To read the rest of my story in The Herald, click on A stroll around Nanaimo.

IF YOU GO

Coast Bastion Inn
800.716.6199
Rates from $132 CAD

Painted Turtle Guesthouse
866.309.4432
Rates $20-$75 CAD

Dinghy Dock Pub & Family Restaurant

BC Ferries
From Tsawwassen, BC to Nanaimo at Duke Point

Washington State Ferries
From Anacortes, WA to Sidney, BC on Vancouver Island

Harbour Living - Nanaimo's Events Website