Nanaimo Bar Trail

Comments 6 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Chelsea Barr from the City of Nanaimo has been promoting the city’s latest (and sweetest) attraction. She’s put together the “Nanaimo Bar Trail” in honor of the famous 3-layer chocolate dessert invented in (and named after) Nanaimo.

Nanaimo Bars
Photo credit: edwardkimuk on Flickr

Normally served up in bar form with a layer of vanilla custard between a bed of coconut and a solid chocolate topper, the Nanaimo Bar is being transformed into many different creations around the city. Keira and I had the chance to explore a few of these decadent treats during our recent visit to the Harbour City.

NanaimoBar (10)
Photo credit: C&C Cupcakery on Flickr

A Wee Cupcakery
Location: 407 Fitzwilliam Street
Website: AWeeCupcakery.com
Specialty: The Nanaimo Bar Cupcake

While there were no Nanaimo Bar cupcakes on display by the time we strolled into the shop we had our pick from gluten-free creations, dark vanilla, gingerbread, and red velvet cupcakes topped with healthy dollop of sour cream icing. It’s also conveniently located just down the street from Jakeobs Ice Cream who serves up a massive Nanaimo Bar-theme ice cream sundae.

Nanaimo Bar MartiniModern Cafe
Location: 221 Commercial Street
Website: TheModernCafe.ca
Specialty: The Nanaimo Bar Martini

Vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, espresso, coconut syrup and a healthy swirl of chocolate sauce makes this super sweet martini complete. The addition of the coconut syrup and chocolate sauce really give it a Nanaimo Bar-like taste and if you’re enjoying one late in the evening, you can ask for decaf espresso.

Deep Fried Nanaimo BarPirate Chips
Location: 1 Commercial Street
Website: Go Nanaimo Blog
Specialty: The Deep-Fried Nanaimo Bar

Known for their deep-fried specialties (from fish and fries to Mars bars), Pirate Chips serves up a piping hot deep-fried Nanaimo Bar coated in a light cinnamon batter. This crispy treat is melted and chewy on the inside, while it doesn’t lose the flavours from each layer of the bar.

Other stops on the tour include Mon Petit Choux for an organic version, the Nanaimo Museum for a brief history of the dessert, and Minnoz in the Coast Hotel for a Nanaimo Bar cheesecake. You can read about all of Chelsea’s recommended stops in this article she wrote for EAT Magazine or stop into one (or all) of the locations we visited this month.

Follow all articles from our girls getaway in Nanaimo and Victoria this November by viewing my Vancouver Island category.

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6 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. CurtisWednesday, November 24th, 2010 — 1:02pm PST

    Those all look DELICIOUS!!!!!
    (coming from a big traditional nanaimo bar fan)

  2. Chelsea BarrThursday, November 25th, 2010 — 11:14am PST

    Thanks for sharing @miss604, already looking forward to my next Nanaimo Bar Martini (a personal fave)

  3. CassandraWednesday, December 1st, 2010 — 9:44am PST

    Sounds like I must hit the Nanaimo Bar Trail soon! AND then hit the hiking trail to burn off those calories. Delish!

  4. Nellies Dutch DeliMonday, March 14th, 2011 — 1:10pm PDT

    How about you put Nellies Dutch Deli on your Nanaimo bar trail. We are located in Rock City Centre, Nanaimo.
    We make one of the best Nanaimo Bars in Town and are now teaming up with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to help make their fudge nanaimo bar.

  5. Blue Jewel Bakery CafeTuesday, May 24th, 2011 — 1:56pm PDT

    Hi Everyone, just wanted to let you know that we offer a Homemade Vegan Gluten Free Nanaimo Bar that is to “Live For” :} Cheers~

  6. Nanaimo Travel Guide – what to do, where to eat, where to stayFriday, January 4th, 2013 — 12:37pm PST

    […] the Nanaimo Bar? Taste your way through the Nanaimo Bar Trail. Here’s a Nanaimo Bar […]

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