We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

“Classic Shop. Classic Donuts.”
Review of The Donut Shop

The Donut Shop
Ranked #1 of 4 Dessert in Port Alberni
Restaurant details
Reviewed 28 November 2018

Following a nice lunch, my partner and I made a trip down to the Harbour Quay to indulge in some sweet treats. Apparently the aptly named "Donut Shop" has amassed a large following with the locals – many knowing exactly when some of their favourites (like the wildly popular maple bacon) are scheduled to come out of the fryer. After trying the donuts on offer, we now recognize why this place has become famous for their fried dough treats. Each and every one of the donuts we tried were soft, moist, fluffy and not too sweet. It’s hard to elevate something as commonplace as a donut without making ridiculous trendy flavours, but the folks at The Donut Shop have managed to do so by following a simple formula: Hand-made + Fresh ingredients = Divinity. Seriously, you can literally TASTE the freshness of these donuts in comparison to, say, the merely reheated donuts at a large chain like Tim Hortons. Remember, sometimes simple is best!

FOOD: 5/5
SERVICE: 5/5
VALUE: 5/5
RECOMMENDATION: We enjoyed our donuts to such a degree that we ended up taking a large box back home to Victoria. It's good to indulge sometimes . . . especially when that indulgence is a hand-crafted, delicious donut. A trip to Port Alberni's Harbour is incomplete without a stop at The Donut Shop. Highly recommended!

PS: If you found this review helpful in any way please consider hitting the "helpful" button!

Date of visit: May 2018
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
2  Thank PookyCake
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (168)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language

31 - 35 of 168 reviews

Reviewed 6 November 2018 via mobile

Great customer service and the most delicious donuts!! Definitely worth coming down and enjoying a tasty donut and coffee.

Date of visit: October 2018
Thank beyerNiki
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 November 2018

After a long week at Tofino we stopped in Port Alberni and decided to tour the old downtown area. Are we glad we did! We were in a mood to have a coffee..just a plain old coffee and a place to sit. We wandered around until we saw what we were looking for: older men sitting outside with coffee and donuts...you know, the Old Boys out for coffee group! We went through the door and it was just like I'd stepped back to the 1950s in time...DONUTS.. I mean REAL donuts. The kind we used to eat with our Dads when they took us with them on a Saturday... The place was busy and very local...ladies coming to join others , couples, and those coming off a good run and ready to indulge! We were happy to sit back and watch someone elses' life as the jokes flew and the coffee cups clinked. The donuts were so yummy. And such a variety that I actually got a glazed sour cream cake donut because I couldn't choose!! I mean I have to show a photo.... If you're in the area and want just a fun break with no ostentation...the DONUT SHOP is for you...

Date of visit: October 2018
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank Kerrista
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 13 October 2018

Nice way to break up the drive between Victoria and Tofino. Located on a harbour perfect for a pitstop. We also hit up the drive in in town for lunch and donuts for dessert.

Date of visit: June 2018
1  Thank Sarah W
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 October 2018 via mobile

I gave them 4 pm a call to ask for opening hours (4:30pm) and if they have donuts left. He told me they have some dozens left... 20 minutes later the had nothing left not even one!! Are you kidding me? “It was busy” ... thank you!

Date of visit: October 2018
Thank 937alexj
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samantha b, Owner at The Donut Shop, responded to this reviewResponded 1 November 2018

Hi Alex,

It was unfortunate that you weren't able to arrive earlier when we had many options to choose from. Working only with fresh product in the bakery, and being a small business we don't have the luxury of ensuring a full array 10 minutes before closing, as you arrived. When you called (At 3:40) we did have a few dozen left. It seems that you weren't the only one who came in to enjoy the product at the end of the day. We do our best to guesstimate amounts, however, if we had a full bake for the ten minutes between your arrival and closing, we would have to get rid of so much product, we couldn't afford to stay open. You'll find that any bakery who prides themselves with fresh product will run the same way... whether its a grocery store, restaurant, or small bakery like ours. Next time, we would be happy to reserve a dozen for you at your request!

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Travellers who viewed The Donut Shop also viewed

Port Alberni, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
Port Alberni, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
 
Port Alberni, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
Port Alberni, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
 

Been to The Donut Shop? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos & Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.