Provisioning in Nanaimo, Day 1

Nanaimo is a mandatory stop on our way up. Here we can top off our U.S. provisions with items we cannot bring across the border. Also, boat maintenance items can be sourced here at the great chandlery.

I was up early this morning to get a “Uride”, BC’s homegrown version of Uber. I had to pick up the rental car at the Nanaimo Airport this morning so we could provision with ease. Nothing but praise for “Uride” . You can set up a ride in advance, and my driver was on time and friendly.

Our key provisioning stops:

The Harbour Chandler Ltd – Walking distance from the docks. They have it all. Very well equipped for the fisherman. This year we bought prawn bait.

SaveOn at the Country Club Plaza – There are lots of good grocery stores, but this is our first stop and seldom do we have to scout something at another. There is a Thrifty Foods within walking distance of the docks. It’s good if you don’t have a car.

Nesvog Meats & Sausage Co. at the Terminal Mall. They have another location, but this one has better hours.  We fax in our meat order for the trip, and they have it all wrapped and frozen and ready for us when we arrive. No hunting from one store to the other to get what you want. If they don’t have it, they will try to get it for you. Super nice people.

McLean’s Specialty Foods – Special Bacon and imported cheeses and all manner of things you don’t see anywhere else.

Green Thumb Garden Center – Fresh Basil plants and potting supplies so Karen can have fresh basil all summer long.

We also went to Costco, Home Depot and Canadian Tire – Nanaimo is a real city and there are a ton of shopping options. And don’t forget London Drug – sounds like a drug store but has all manner of things from TVs to phones to cameras.