Telegraph Harbour to Nanaimo

Our arrival in Nanaimo each spring serves one primary purpose: provisioning.

Over the years we have refined the process into something between a supply run and a well-rehearsed expedition. Crossing the border means there are certain items we prefer — or are required — to purchase in Canada, and after enough seasons cruising the coast, we have developed a reliable network of favorite shops.

Of course, provisioning in Nanaimo has also become an excuse to revisit some traditions along the way.

No trip into town begins without a stop at The Harbour Chandler. For cruisers heading north, it is arguably the best-equipped chandlery north of Bellingham. Conveniently within walking distance of the marina, it has become one of those mandatory stops where you inevitably walk out with at least one thing you did not know you needed.

Also within easy walking distance is Quality Foods Port Place, located in Terminal Park Mall alongside a liquor store and London Drugs. Even though we rent a car while in town, we are always reminded how much provisioning can be handled on foot from the marina.

And speaking of rental cars, Budget Car Rental will deliver directly to the Harbour Air office at the marina. That level of convenience matters when you are trying to maximize efficiency between weather windows.

For the major provisioning run, however, our destination is always Nesvog Meats. Before we arrive, I send them a detailed order covering nearly all our protein needs for the next five months aboard. Everything is packed and waiting when we get there. It transforms what could be an exhausting day of shopping into a remarkably smooth operation.

This year we added a few new discoveries to the routine.

For produce, we found ourselves impressed with Country Grocer, while herbs came from GardenWorks Nanaimo.

One of the pleasures of provisioning days is that, once the work is done, there is time left to enjoy the town itself.

This year we discovered Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar, another easy walk from the marina. The atmosphere is eclectic and relaxed, with an excellent wine selection and a build-your-own charcuterie menu that encourages lingering longer than originally planned.

build-your-own charcuterie pLATTER

But the culinary highlight of this Nanaimo stop was undoubtedly Horang Korean Inspired Restaurant & Bar.

if it is “tastier than yesterday” , I cannot wait ot come back

We arrived not quite knowing what to expect and left wondering how soon we could return. The fried chicken alone is worth the visit. The Horang Kimbap Crunch Prawn Roll may be one of the more unique dishes we have encountered along the coast — a towering combination of textures and flavors substantial enough for two to four people to share. Finish the meal with the Biscoff Tiramisu and you will understand why Horang has now earned permanent placement on our Nanaimo “must-do” list.

Horang Kimbap Crunch Prawn Roll

bob in his happy place enjoying great food

the Biscoff Tiramisu had to come back to the boat to be enjoyed after some digestion had occured

And then there is Penny’s Palapa.

Located right on the marina docks, it has long been woven into the culture of Nanaimo boating life. Ask almost any cruiser who has stayed at the marina and chances are they have eaten there at least once. At this point, we probably return as much for the tradition and nostalgia as for the menu itself.

This year also brought one final new experience.

Karen has wanted to visit Pipers Lagoon Park for years, and thanks to our efficient provisioning, we finally had the time. The walk combines beaches, rocky shorelines and elevated viewpoints that perfectly capture the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island’s coastline. At low tide, the route becomes especially easy since you can avoid climbing across the larger rock sections while still reaching the best viewpoints.

After days aboard, it was the perfect reminder that even a “work stop” during a cruise can still hold a little adventure.