Restaurants in Nanaimo and Gabriola Island

In central Nanaimo there are several casual spots worth knowing about. Tina's Diner, 187 Commercial St. (tel. 205/753-5333; www.tinasdiner.com), is a classic '50s diner with big eggy breakfasts and sandwiches for lunch. McClean's Specialty Foods, 426 Fitzwilliam St. (tel. 250/754-0100; www.mcleansfoods.com), offers over 100 varieties of cheese, including many from Vancouver Island, plus other picnic comestibles. Mon Petit Choux, 101-120 Commercial St. (tel. 250/753-6057; www.monpetitchoux.ca), is a quintessential French bakery with excellent breads and pastries, plus an espresso bar. Light meals are available for breakfast and lunch.

Two Popular Pubs -- In summer, for a pint of ale and a burger in a marvelous location, take the 10-minute Protection Connection ferry ride to the Dinghy Dock Floating Marine Pub, on Protection Island (tel. 250/753-2373). It's exactly what its name says -- a floating pub -- and boasts spectacular sunset views of Nanaimo and the Vancouver Island mountains. The ferry leaves on the hour from the Commercial Inlet boat basin, below Pioneer Waterfront Plaza.

You'll get a wonderful view of the harbor from the Lighthouse Bistro and Pub, off Harbourside Walkway at 50 Anchor Way (tel. 250/754-3212). Open daily from 11am to midnight and until 1am in summer (the restaurant closes earlier), this floating pub is adjacent to the city's floatplane base -- watch these boats take off just beside your table.