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Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

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Aug 29, 2019 Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

How one weekend on Vancouver Island can leave you rested, refreshed, and restored.

For our wedding anniversary, we returned to the place where it all began — Vancouver Island. Fourteen years ago, for our honeymoon we drove up to Vancouver B.C., spent the night, woke up the next day, and took the ferry to Nanaimo. Then we made the gorgeous drive to Tofino. In my naiveté, I had envisioned a honeymoon spent somewhere tropical. What I did not know back then was how restorative it would be to have a quiet place to return to years down the road. A place where we could reflect and feel gratitude for the life we have built together.

Flying to Nanaimo by Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Flash forward a few years and Kenmore Air has made traveling to Vancouver Island a breeze. A little over an hour flight from Seattle and you are quickly descending into a place like no other. A scenic drive through a serpentine, tree-lined highway which skirts along lakes and provincial parks sets the stage for the quiet oasis of Tofino.

Elegance by the Sea at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino

The Wickaninnish Inn provided the perfect backdrop for a tranquil, romantic, and remarkable time away. Upon checking in to the Wickaninnish Inn we instantly felt at home in its graciously laid out rooms. The breathtaking ocean views were merely the cherry on top to the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.

Mere steps from our room at the Wickaninnish Inn was the beach.

Since we flew to Vancouver Island from Seattle we tried to keep our luggage to a minimum. Once at the Wickaninnish Inn we were overjoyed to see the hotel provided rain boots and rain suits for each guest. Eager to explore the area, we donned our rain boots and walked along the beach before our much-anticipated dinner at the Pointe, the Wickaninnish Inn’s oceanfront restaurant.

The show stopping dessert from the ocean inspired tasting menu at the Pointe Restaurant.

In honor of World Ocean Day, we dined on an ocean-inspired tasting menu of everything from barnacles to scallops and a plethora of other sustainable fish. The dessert however, was the real show stopper with a medley of meringues and fruit purees mimicking an underwater seascape. This meal unquestionably set the stage for our time on Vancouver Island and all the area has to offer.

Archipelago Cruises’ Tofino Adventure

The next morning, we set out on Raincoast Maiden with Archipelago Cruises bound for the Broken Islands. I have wanted to visit the Broken Islands for years, so I was eager to see all the wildlife we would encounter. Our trip happened to coincide with eagle mating season so right off the bat we spotted eagle after eagle.

One of many wildlife sightings during our trip with Archipelago Cruises.

On our way out to the Broken Islands we happened upon some friendly harbor seals and a rocky outcropping of several dozen sea lions. When we left Ucluelet in the morning it was overcast with some low-hanging clouds but by midday it was sunny and blue skies. I appreciated the dramatic change in scenery as the sun broke through the clouds and the water’s color changed too many times to count.

Mid-way through our adventure we dropped anchor in a protected cove for lunch. As we feasted on salmon and chicken, we marveled at both the turquoise water and the sheer beauty of the region. Spending the day circumventing the Broken Islands with the fresh air and a constant sea breeze proved to be regenerative in the best possible way.

Dinner at 1909 Kitchen in Tofino

Once we returned from our boat trip, we made our way to 1909 Kitchen for an unforgettable dinner. 1909 Kitchen is the brainchild of Chef Paul Moran, the current Top Chef of Canada. 1909 Kitchen touts itself as an, “ingredient-driven menu sourced and foraged from Tofino’s oceans, shorelines, and forests.” With a backdrop of mountains and coastline, the stage was set for an unforgettable dining evening.

Salmon collar and belly from 1909 Kitchen.

Rather than order from the menu we allowed Chef Moran to cook for us. Plate after plate made its way to our table where his ingenuity was second only to his flavors. At first bite, Chef Moran had this pregnant woman daydreaming of having him take up residence in our home as our personal chef. Avocado tacos, sea beans, stuffed morels, salmon collar, and halibut rounded out our culinary adventure while we hoped that one day he might open a similar restaurant a little closer to Seattle.

Kayak Tour with Vancouver Island’s Remote Passages

On day three, we traveled with Remote Passages for a half-day kayak tour and cultural history tour of Clayoquot Sound. As we paddled through the protected waters of Tofino’s harbor, we meandered our way past houseboats and islands toward our destination of Meares Island. Once on the island we took a forest walk and learned more about rainforest ecology and the local history.

Gearing up to set out on our tour of Clayoquot Sound with Remote Passages.

If you want to really experience a place like Tofino, one of the best ways to do so is on the water. Snagging a boat ride is one of the only ways to reach the remote islands and inlets where this area truly shines.

Stunning Waterside Lodging at Long Beach Lodge

For our last evening, we settled into Long Beach Lodge in one of their ocean view rooms. As we dined on fresh crab and risotto in the Great Room we were enveloped by a wall of fog. It was both otherworldly and a bit eerie to feel like you were smack dab in the heart of a cloud.

After our meal, the fog had lifted a bit so we walked along the beach and then meandered to one of the fire pits facing the ocean. Conversation around the flames inevitably revolved around how we did not want to return home, but stay just a few more days. It was incredible to be reminded just how special a place this is and how easy it can be to reach — with the right transportation.

A foggy morning at Long Beach Lodge.

Our last morning, we walked along the beach and watched the many surfers trying to catch waves and then made the drive back to Nanaimo for our early afternoon flight.

Surfing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Canada — which is perhaps why Tofino seems to be such a well-kept secret. That, and the fact that’s it’s located at the end of the road. Literally. But with its 35 kilometers of beaches and an exposed coast, it offers year-round surfing to surfers of all skill levels. Wet suits are typical and classes abound for those who need additional instruction. Because I was pregnant I decided not to pick up a new skill; though it was fascinating to watch as those young and old did.

Waiting for our ride home.

If you are looking to abandon the day to day and spend your time amongst jaw-dropping scenery then a short flight to Nanaimo or a chartered flight to Tofino is a great place to start.

You can walk miles of sandy beach, try your hand at surfing, enjoy phenomenal culinary experiences and marvel in the natural beauty which surrounds you. And if you are looking for a place to go on your honeymoon or spend your anniversary forget the packed shores of Hawaii and look no further than Vancouver Island.

Book Your Nanaimo Flight

More Fun Adventures

BEYOND THE WELL-WORN TRACK AT EAGLE NOOK

A truly authentic West coast experience requires venturing a little further beyond the well-worn tourist track, to destinations only accessible by boat and seaplane, like Eagle Nook.

THE CARVING SHED AT THE WICKANINNISH INN

The Carving Shed at the Wickaninnish Inn is pure magic. Located in Tofino, it's where master carvers have gathered for decades and gather still.

KID-FRIENDLY VICTORIA WEEKEND

With its interactive museums, plethora of parks, and walkable streets, Victoria offers the perfect kid-friendly getaway the whole family will love.

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Nanaimo Bar Trail Look 2

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Jun 18, 2014

The exact origins of the Nanaimo Bar are unclear, but one thing is certain – Nanaimo knows how to throw down when it comes to this chocolate and custard treat. In years past, Nanaimo was the only place you could find this specialty dessert. Today renditions of this bar pop up all across the globe, but this quaint coastal city is still the best place to sample, savor and indulge Nanaimo Bar style.

In large part, we can thank Chelsea Barr for this. (You can find her at Tourism Nanaimo. The office is located in downtown Nanaimo, near the harbour. If you see her, she deserves a huge high five)

Chelsea recognized the numerous Nanaimo Bar versions throughout the city and slowly began bringing the dessert enthusiast together, creating what we now know as the Nanaimo Bar Trail. If ever you needed an excuse to eat your way through glorious dessert after glorious dessert, this is it.

With a chance to hit up the trail again, I joined King 5 Evening Magazine’s Joan Kinsey, her amazing photographer Mike Hays on a Nanaimo Bar Trail adventure.

We hit up a few of the stops I’d already made, including the Bocca Café where specialty Nanaimo Bars include a Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bar and Chilli Nanaimo Bar. We stopped by Modern Café, where the folks threw down another round of Nanaimo Bar Martinis that’ll knock your socks off. I popped into Mon Petit Choux and strolled past Pirate Chips. Oh, it was a delightful day indeed.

We also visited some new stops along the trail, some new – mind-blowingly impressive stops including:

Nanaimo Bar Chocolate Truffles from Cherub Chocolate
Cherub Chocolate was opened in 2013 by former advertising guru Veronika Kononova. Switching career paths later in life, Veronika had the life experience to know quality is king, especially when it comes to chocolate. Her small batch chocolates are made with only the finest ingredients, hand crafting and packaging each chocolate.

Heck, when I showed up, she was in the midst of making a new batch of Nanaimo Bar Truffles. She had just finished filling the chocolate shells with cream and was about to start prepping their coconut coating. “These are one of our most popular items,” she told me. Popular they sure are. Veronika only had one left when I showed up!

Beyond her Nanaimo Bar Truffle, she also created a Nanaimo Bar Praline. During the summer, she also scoops up Nanaimo Bar ice cream! (Word to the Wise: If you are worried about finding room for multiple stops along the Nanaimo Bar Trail, Veronika’s treats can easily be taken to-go and savored later.)

Truly Decadent Bacon Topped Nanaimo Bar from Smokin’ George’s BBQ
We’re not going to pretend this dessert doesn’t include fat. It does. And, we’re oh so glad for it.

“People think fat is bad,” said Smokin’ George’s BBQ owner, George Kulai. “But it’s not. Fat is good. It’s great. We all need some of it in our diet.”

And here, at this southern inspired, slow smoked BBQ joint, we dug into bacon so flavorful it made entire tables groan with pleasure. As did the poutine – French fries smothered in house made gravy and cheese curds.

(Insider Gravy Tip: George says the trick to exceptional gravy is rendered chicken fat. Rendering the fat from chicken skin, he thickens his gravy with it rather than with flour.)

The Bacon Topped Nanaimo Bar is one of the newest additions to the Nanaimo Bar Trail. Created by the restaurant’s manager, Darcy, this amazing bite of heaven is coconut free and maple infused. The bacon is locally sourced and smoked for four hours with apple wood. It’s then sliced, diced, pan friend and sprinkled on top of their Nanaimo Bars.

“Bacon and maple just go together,” said George.

And boy do they! If you’re looking to also eat lunch or dinner at Smoin’ George’s BBQ, I highly recommend sharing a bar. (All portions are extremely large.) If you ask, they’ll probably even cut one up into bite-sized pieces.

Explore additional stops on the Nanaimo Bar Trail here.

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Nanaimo Bar Trail Look 1

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Jun 11, 2014 Mikaela Cowles

I’m headed back to the sweet, sweet Nanaimo Bar Trail.

That’s right ladies and gents. Right now, I’m headed off on a sugar packed adventure with Evening Magazine’s Joan Kinsey.

In May, I spent two days exploring this harbour city. I discovered lots of amazing things including tea at the Grand Hotel, lunch at Crow & Gate, beers at the Dinghy Dock, breakfast at Blanket and Spoon and so much more.

But, one of the best – one the ‘must-dos’ when you visit Nanaimo – was the Nanaimo Bar Trail.

This year there are 34 stops on the Nanaimo Bar Trail. To hit all of them would take a good deal of time and quite the appetite. As it was, I needed a lot of room in my belly for the seven I did visit. It was totally worth finding the room.

Guided by the Naniamo Bar Trail’s inventor, Chelsea Barr (yes, Barr is really her last name), I visited:

Let’s break it down folks.

The Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake is big enough to be a meal. I highly recommend sharing, especially if you plan to have dinner first. It’s crafted by the folks at Minnoz Steak & Seafood, one of Nanaimo’s best restaurants where dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients and dinner comes with a view.

Calorie free, the Nanaimo Bar Pedicure is no less indulgent than its edible sisters. This multi-stage pedicure includes a chocolate mask that smells so good you – or those you meet post-pedicure – might think about licking your toes. (The rest of the day after my pedicure, I was constantly stopped on the street and complimented for how good I smelled.)

I don’t normally jump on the gluten free bandwagon, but at Mon Petit Choux I’m all aboard. Here the Nanaimo Bar isn’t overly sweet. A touch of cinnamon adds an extra flavor layer and the chocolate ganache top is dark and smooth.

Like a fried Twinkie, a fried Nanaimo Bar seems a little strange. Strange is such a good thing. While it may not be a lot at which to look, this treat is worth every plate licking calorie.

The wholesome goodness of Real Food may make you a little hesitant to try dessert. But, you’ll be thankful for their waist friendly salads once you see their Nanaimo Bar Cake. This towering monstrosity of cake, custard and chocolate is a sight to behold. It tastes as good as it looks. As hard as I tried to only have a few bites, I nearly finished the entire slice by myself. (Sorry for hogging all the goodness Chelsea!)

The Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bar from Bocca Café wasn’t the most traditional. But, this small café didn’t win the 2013 Nanaimo Street Fair competition for nothing. They’re uniquely flavored bars are sweet, smooth and packed with flavor.

Our final stop on the trip was Modern Café where the bartender whipped up a Nanaimo Bar Martini with all kinds of flare. Here, the brick walls and wood tabletops are impressive. But, it’s the chocolate drizzled, coconut infused libation that’ll make you weak in the knees.

Stay tuned. There will be more Nanaimo Bar Trail insights.

Plus, we’re headed to Tofino for surf lessons, a tour of the Wickaninnish Inn and more!

Discover more stops on the Nanaimo Bar Trail here!

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Beaches on Nanaimo’s North End

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May 20, 2014 Mikaela Cowles

Beaches. Beaches upon beaches upon beaches. Nanaimo is called the “Harbor City” for good reason. Here, beaches stretch for miles. A gateway city, Nanaimo has not yet grown into the bustling metropolis of its nearby capitol. It still has the small town charm of locals waving to each other as they pass on the road.

In some cities, prime waterfront real estate like Nanaimo boasts has been so overrun by mega mansions that finding public access is all but impossible. Here, parks dot the landscape. Neighborhoods have been built around public waterfront access. Though narrow in some cases, a wide variety of these urban oases can seem to be all but untouched by modern man.

The landscapes aren’t packed with gawking tourists. (Thank goodness.) They are visited by locals. The exercising mom is as likely a sight as the grandparents taking their grandchild out for a stroll. You’ll see friends sipping coffee as they walk down the beach and lovers holding hands they sit quietly on benches.

Tides flow in and out, opening daily playgrounds of wet sand where curious minds to explore. Some parks are well marked. Others are less so. Each is beautiful. Most of the neighborhood speckled parks can be found on the north end of Nanaimo. Among the ones I visited, these were my favorite:

Blueback Beach Access
Blueback Beach Access starts near the edge of a steep hillside. Its entrance, tucked between homes, is marked by nothing more than two street signs (Blueback Rd. & Icarus Dr.) and the standard notice of city park regulations. The narrow stretch of public access takes foot passengers down more than 100 stairs, some carved into the ground and others built of wood. Occasionally, the towering canopy’s shade breaks, filling the pathway with bursts of sunlight shine. At its base, the rocky beach is strewn with driftwood. As the tide goes out, it gives way to soft sand that molds with your feet as you walk.

Neck Point Park
With more than 36 acres of waterfront, Neck Point Park offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains beyond. Named for it’s connection to a rocky “head” of igneous rock which rests in the water just off its shore, sea lions and sometimes even orcas can occasionally be seen from the tops of its small cliffs. Along its shore, you’ll find rugged rocks, pebble bay beaches and a few sandy ones too. Here, trails twist through Gary Oak groves and the heads of scuba divers can often be seen bobbing just off the coast.

Pipers Lagoon
The size of three football fields, Pipers Lagoon is so close to Neck Point Park they almost seem connected. Sporting the same stunning costal views, its shallow waters are frequently visited by sandpipers, horned grebes, loons, kingfishers, oyster catchers, great blue heron and more. Birdwatchers can often be found sitting silently, binoculars in hand. During low tide, the lagoon offers pedestrian access to Shack Island – a T-shaped slice of short bluffs ringed with cabins.

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Blanket and Spoon – Bed and Breakfast Magic

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May 13, 2014 Mikaela Cowles
Blanket and Spoon – Bed and Breakfast Magic

Tucked into the Woodley Mountain Range, past the goat farm and the ivy covered home that’s long since lost its roof, sits Blanket and Spoon. Here, wind chimes adorn eaves and Adirondack chairs speckle the lawn. This small B&B is nestled in the center of six acres. It looks as though it was plucked from a Jane Austen novel – from a time when days were slower, men opened doors and long afternoons of sipping wine weren’t just dreamed about, they happened. And here, they do.

Your room comes stocked with a small cheese platter and wine. Take it out on the deck or instead opt to curl up on the large daybed. (The 8-inch Tempur-Pedic mattress is so comfortable you might just never get up. Don’t say you weren’t warned.)

Owned and operated by the husband-wife duo, Shayne and Carol Shepherd, this slice of quiet heaven is their home. But, it feels like yours too by the time you leave. Perhaps it’s the feather pillows, multi-head showers and personal hot tub. But, I think it’s the company. The warmth with which the Shepherds greet you and invite you into their home feels like the peaceful familiarity shared between longtime friends – happy to see you, but not overbearing.

The Breakfast*
Arrive hungry. If you need to skip dinner to do so, do it. This isn’t any continental fare. This is an event. Chef Shayne, a French-trained chef who cut his teeth in some of the finest Vancouver restaurants and moonlights at the renowned Mahle House, crafts a meal meant to be savored. His subtle seasonings allow the bold flavors of the locally sourced ingredients to shine. While the menu changes – often daily – it frequently incorporates both sweet and savory courses.

Love cooking? Make sure to get to the kitchen early so you can watch chef Shayne in action. He’s a whiz. The man moves with such skill it hardly looks like work. Where the average cook might be sweating up a storm, fumbling, bumbling and unable to talk – chef Shayne glides from cutting board to stove to grill, all the while happily answering questions.

He and Carol do a wonderful host and hostess dance, filling coffee, plating breakfast and sharing tidbits about the house and the art. They display a collection of pieces by local artist Rob Kernachan.

You might begin with a blueberry puff pastry strudel. When I visited, this baby arrived still warm from the oven and packed with blueberries so sweet the only added sugar came dusted right on top. It was followed by a pear poached in local tea and sprinkled with bee pollen from the nearby honey farm, Fredrich’s Honey. (Bee pollen is antioxidant rich. It’s a little bit hard, reminiscent of chia seeds. While it does have a touch of sweetness, it carries more of a floral note, adding texture and additional depth to a dish.

For the main event, you might have poached eggs on top of grilled asparagus and a chanterelle potato cake, accompanied by bourbon smoked and locally source grilled bacon.

(I just had a foodgasim all over again.)

Unlike pan-fried mashed potatoes with their soft, gummy center, Shayne’s potato cakes are filled with texture and thickly studded with chanterelles. (Shayne forages for his own chanterelles in the Woodley Mountain Range. His picking locations are a closely guarded secret. But for those interested in dabbling with mushroom picking, he and Carol strongly recommend David Arora’s, Mushrooms Demystified. They have a copy on hand and are more than happy to share during your visit.)

*Shayne and Carol are both very conscious of any dietary restrictions or special needs their guests may have. With a little advance notice, they’re more than happy to create something special just for you.

The Suites
While this B&B may be small (it only has two suites), the rooms are anything but. They’re spaciously situated and feature large beds perfect for lounging. But, most impressive are the small details which didn’t go begging. Prior to opening Blanket and Spoon, Carol spent many a night traveling the world, staying in a wide variety of motels, hotels and bed and breakfasts. She discovered the small nuances which really make a room, some of which you might not have even realized you wanted.

From top down/bottom up shades and expertly placed light switches to shower heat lamps and great toiletry products – Carol didn’t miss a beat. She even stocked the Carriage House – their detached suite, featuring a king bed and private hot tub – with hot tub specific towels.

The Grounds
The grounds themselves at Blanket and Spoon are idyllic. There are towering trees, slopping grass hills and flowerbeds teaming with color. A large fire pit sits just behind the house and is ringed with Adirondack chairs. The trails at the base of the Shepherd’s home lead down the mountainside. They twist and turn through forest. Their causeways run past valleys where deer can often be seen. If you’re up for a light hike or easy stroll – this has your name written all over it.

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2 Days in Nanaimo

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Apr 3, 2014 Mikaela Judd

Jaw-dropping mountains and more than 4-kilometers of waterfront walkways make Nanaimo, BC far more than a gateway stop to Central Vancouver Island. Sure it’s the second largest city on Canada’s western landmass and offers easy access to destinations such as Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni. But, it’s also home to a collection of funky art, historic buildings, and quaint pubs. It’s where you’ll find artisan honey producers and a self-guided dessert tour. It’s farm to table restaurants, breakfasts doused in hollandaise and small town charm that’s delightfully welcoming.

Friday

2:00 PM Explore the Cedar & Yellow Point Artisan Trail
At the south end of Nanaimo, where downtown has yet to stretch and the airport welcomes travelers, you’ll find a collection of farms, galleries, and culinary shops. Known as the Cedar & Yellow Point Artisan Trail, there are more than 20 artisan attractions. Discover the difference between “wild” and cultivated cranberry varieties during a Signature Taste Tour at Yellow Point Cranberries. Get a taste of Island honey collected by Master Beekeeper Theo Fredrich Sr. at Fredrich’s Honey. Theo’s been beekeeping for over 60 years! And, explore locally grown herbs at Hazelwood Herb Farm where more than 400 varieties of herb plants are sold.

Yellow Point Cranberries – 4532 Yellow Point Road, Ladysmith, Vancouver Island
Fredrich’s Honey – 2798 Cedar Road, Cedar, B.C.
Hazelwood Herb Farm – 13576 Adshead Road, Ladysmith, B.C.

5:30 PM – Start the Nanaimo Bar Trail off right with a Nanaimo Bartini
Though the exact origins of the Nanaimo Bar remain unconfirmed, this triple layered chocolate, custard and coconut delight is attributed to Nanaimo. The official Nanaimo bar recipe was developed by Joyce Hardcastle in 1985. Over the years, more than 25 local businesses have given it their own twist. Today, they form the Nanaimo Bar Trail, a self-guided sweet exploration where Nanaimo Bars have inspired drinks, cakes and more. To start your sampling off right, begin with a Nanaimo Bartini at ACME Food Co.

ACME Food Co. – 14 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge
Enjoy a short stroll to Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge where modern elegance and exceptional service are paired with a reasonably priced menu. Steak is grilled to order, but it’s the local seafood that shines. Try starters such as Qualicum Bay scallops and Salt Spring Island mussles with chorizo. Larger entrees feature wild BC sockeye salmon and lobster ravioli tossed with local seafood.

Insider Tip: Only a few tables capitalize on Minnoz stunning view of the harbor. Call ahead to reserve.

Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge – 11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

Saturday

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Two Chefs Affair
With a love for food, the husband-wife chef duo, chef Daniel Caron and chef Tammy Deline, offer enticingly addictive cuisine. Two Chefs Affair French toast, aptly titled “Love at first bite,” features a rich egg bread flavored with hints of pumpkin, cinnamon and vanilla. Their famous Eggs Benedict comes topped with lemony house made hollandaise. And, their scrambles are light on the egg and heavy on the extras.

Nanaimo Bar Trail Continued: Those up for a sweet, albeit cold, stop on the Nanaimo Bar Trail should inquire about the Two Chefs’ Ice Cream Sandwich.

Two Chefs Affair – B-123 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC

10:00 AM – Take in the Nanaimo’s History
As the third oldest city in British Columbia, even the streets and buildings in Nanaimo tell a story. Begin learning about the region’s heritage at the Nanaimo Museum. Here you’ll be able to walk through an real-life replica of a coalmine, learn about the First Nations people and more. Then, pick up a Heritage Walking Tour brochure from the museum to continue your exploration. While out and about, be sure not to miss the last standing Hudson Bay Company Bastion. At noon a cannon firing ceremony takes place daily. (The cannon firing ceremony is seasonal from May through Labor Day.)

Nanaimo Museum – 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, B.C.

12:30 PM – Lunch at Gabriel’s Gourmet Cafe
Healthy comfort food is often given an Asian twist at Gabriel’s Gourmet Café. With fare that will satisfy meat eaters, veggie lovers and gluten-free diners alike, you’ll be treated to a menu crafted from local, sustainable products. Though selections change based on availability, you might find items such as a Thai green curry rice bowl with your choice of chicken, tofu or prawns; a curry chicken wrap with apple tomato chutney, cilantro, and green onions; and a three bean chili spiked with chipotle and lime.

2:00 PM – Meander Through Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter (and enjoy a stop on the Nanaimo Bar Trail)
Just up the hill from the waterfront, you’ll find a collection of historic buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Now known as the Old City Quarter, this was originally the city’s economic core. Today the area is a hub for galleries, specialty stores, and eateries. Among the highlights is the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway Station, which continues to serve its original function as a major entry point for the city via a passenger rail service. Also of note is Saint Andrew’s United Church with its stunning collection of stained glass windows and its high hipped roof.

Nanaimo Bar Trail Continued: As your appetite will allow, don’t miss your chance to make another stop (or two) on the Nanaimo Bar Trail. In the Old City Quarter you’ll find selections such as a Nanaimo Bar inspired cupcake at A Wee Cupcakery or a classic Nanaimo Bar at McLean’s Specialty Foods.

McLean’s Specialty Foods – 426 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, B.C.
A Wee Cupcakery – 407 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

6:00 PM – Dinner at Modern Café
Established in 1946, Modern Café puts a contemporary spin on classics. Here, old world brick walls are combined with moody recessed lighting for a sultry vibe that begs you to lean in close to that someone special. Their cuisine’s focus on classic tastes features comforting dishes such as three different variations of Mac & Cheese (Moms, Vegetarian and Modern), a saffron spiced salmon, and braised pork ribs. Those up for sharing will love their tapas menu, a collection of small plates including poutine, fries topped with cheese curds and beer gravy; fish tacos featuring avocado mousse and roasted corn salsa; and coconut prawns.

Nanaimo Bar Trail Continued: Continue your chocolate-custard indulgence with another Nanaimo Bar inspired libation. Here, Modern Café’s Nanaimo Bar Martini features a shot of espresso for an additional depth of flavor.

Modern Café – 221 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

Sunday

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Tina’s Diner
Don’t expect fancy and don’t expect light. Tina’s Diner is true to its name. This local favorite dishes up classic diner fare in a booth and counter setting. Their hollandaise is thick and creamy. Their corned beef hash is studded with onions and packed with well-seasoned potatoes. Those looking for a slight twist on the traditional Eggs Benedict will love the Shrimp Benedict, a seafood inspired breakfast selection that’s sure to fill you up.

Tina’s Diner – 187 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, B.C.

10:30 AM – Hike the Cable Bay Trail
The Cable Bay Trail offers a light, hour-long hike that twists through a forested trail down to an expansive waterfront. Keep an eye out for migrating sea lions. They like to sun themselves on the log booms. Looking for a hike with a little different feel? Pick up a Parks & Trail brochure at the Visitors Center and choose your own.

12:00 PM – Get Tea Leaves Read at Calico Cat Tea House
From defining your personality and taste in significant others to exploring how you deal with confrontation and what your future holds, tea readers at Calico Cat Tea House have been dazzling drinkers for years. But, readings are performed by reservation only, so call ahead. The tea house is also an excellent place to grab a bite to eat. You’ll find a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, crepes and more.

Calico Cat Tea House – 1081 Haliburton Road, Nanaimo B.C.

Photo provided by Tourism Nanaimo

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