A cruise to Nanaimo, a harbor city on Vancouver Island’s east coast, offers a mix of urbanity and natural beauty. Nanaimo’s downtown core showcases the island’s independent spirit with local galleries, trendy boutiques and micro-breweries. Those with a sweet tooth should seek out the Nanaimo Bar, Canada’s most famous dessert featuring layers of chocolate ganache, custard and coconut. Just outside the city, outdoor recreation and intriguing culinary opportunities abound. Visit a cranberry farm, enjoy a family-style meal at a restaurant in Nanoose Bay, or soar over the island in a float plane.