Waterfront Confections

About

Canadian (New), Cafes

Price Range : Under $10 ($)

  • star
    Yelp rating
    4.5 stars

Location

Adress: Front Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R

Phone: (250) 591-5559

Work Hours

Mon 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Tue 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Wed 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Thu 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Fri 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Sat 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am-8:00 pm

Business info

  • list_alt
    Takes Reservations
    No
  • directions_car
    Delivery
    No
  • move_to_inbox
    Take-out
    Yes
  • directions_bike
    Bike Parking
    Yes
  • accessibility
    Good for Kids
    Yes
  • group
    Good for Groups
    Yes
  • volume_up
    Noise Level
    Loud
  • local_bar
    Alcohol
    No
  • transit_enterexit
    Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • wifi
    Wi-Fi
    No
  • tv
    Has TV
    Yes
  • fastfood
    Caters
    No

Reviews

  • Jenny A.

    star star star star star 6 June 2026

    I scream for ice cream!

    On my trip to Nanaimo, I indulged (three times!) in their delicious ice cream. All the locals informed that it was THE spot for the BEST ice cream. And they were right!

    I had the Barnicle Swirl, Nanaimo Bar, and the Key Lime Pie. I would recommend sampling the ice cream flavours before you make a decision. It can be hit or miss depending on your palette. I sampled the root beer it was also scrumptious... next time perhaps. :)

  • Heather J.

    star star star star star_border 30 May 2026

    When will the Lower Mainland embrace the gelato trend? Have not enough of you discovered the joy of gelato on a balmy night in Europe to reach a critical mass for gelaterias to appear? I lament for this fact. Italians, Austrians, Germans flocking to our ski hills and our forests, demand change. Demand gelato.

    Nanaimo does have Waterfront Confections to settle your sweet tooth. They feature 40 vaunted flavours of delicious ice cream from Island Farms, if memory serves, and a variety of gelato. I confess I returned thrice to sample the various gelato because once you see an empty mango coconut swirl basin, you're going to come back like a deranged seagull to the spot a child once dropped a large box of French fries until you have your precious mango coconut delight. And for the record, it was worth every hopeful look. There's a reason that one sells out by midday -- it's darn good, thank you.

    Sample to your heart's content and know several of these flavours can be unpredictable. Under no circumstances trust that bubblegum toxic blue blast unless you've endured the teeth-rotting saccharine aftertaste. Of course, kids love it. The maple walnut is an enduring standby for the adults. Green tea gelato went down beautifully with a creamy finish I wasn't expecting. The flavours range from standard west coast fare like tiger tiger (orange with licorice) to classic Italian (tiramisu) to some that might best be served with a fork and a crust on them.

    You can sit out on the patio and watch the activity in the harbour. The long summer hours (open until 10PM) is a real plus in a city without much dessert culture.

    Protip:
    There's 5 minute parking on the deck above the shop, so if you want to run down at 9:30 PM you don't have to pay.

    Damage:
    Two waffle cones sets you back about $8. For a baby cone atop that, add $2.50.

  • Risa D.

    star star star star star_border 30 May 2026

    Want some triple salted licorice or Dutch honey licorice or candy corn or ice cream or sorbet or gelato? You wouldn't guess it walking by but this tiny shop has all of these and more: watermelon salt water toffee! Peppermint sticks! Coke bottle gummies! So much more. If you are walking with your little cousins along the sea wall and they want to take you to the candy shop and you don't usually get into candy but you say yes anyway, you'll be glad that you did.

  • Bryanne T.

    star star star star star 29 May 2026

    Found this by chance and decided to try it based on the line up outside the door.  Definitely the best local made ice cream we've had.  My kids, 4 & 2 yrs old devoured theirs and wanted more... Moon mist and cotton candy. I tasted them and they were so nicely flavoured I was pleasantly surprised. The adults had New York cheesecake and chocolate peanut butter and we both said it was the best!

  • J S.

    star star star star star_border 19 May 2026

    A decent selection of vegan sorbets. Friendly service. Tight and small inside though.

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