The Bastion
Whether by bike or on foot exploring the best of Nanaimo should take no more than a day. The best way to get there is by a 20 minute flight from downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo by seaplane, this way you can see everything and make it on a same day return! If you have kids or are thinking of eloping, the ferry from Horseshoe Bay might be a better idea to bring a car across with you.
Historic cannon preparing for it’s noon performance
Home to the Vancouver Island Military Museum and many, many antique shops Nanaimo is best for those who want to relax, take in the sea, and listen to the seagulls signalling for food. My personal favourite food to eat is the iconic Nanaimo bar. Just visit the tourist information centre in the Bastion for an informational factsheet about the Nanaimo bar and follow the map around to try the best desserts in the city! An agglomeration of layered custard, chocolate, and pastry, the Nanaimo bar is a savoury mix of sweet, sweet, and sweet. Metaphorically, everyone’s grandmother has a secret recipe for their own Nanaimo bar!
At noon every day, the cannon will be fired to the tune of a bagpipe, you could even apply to light the cannon as a guest! Children love it, parents love it because it’s free, and the seagulls are afraid of it because it’s loud. Head into the old city quarter in the afternoon for a stroll around a historic neighbourhood, you might even do your groceries in one of their speciality import stores.
Think about retirement here, maybe?
Nanaimo bars:
