An Outdoors Affair
There are few things more quintessential of summer than a picnic. From sandy beaches to mountain tops, grassy fields to backyards, they are a portable gathering place that inches us closer to nature and can encompass an impressive spread.
Initially, picnics were actually an indoor affair created by the French—much like a potluck in which guests would bring a contribution. Yet, over time, they moved into fresh air, quickly becoming enshrined in book pages by the likes of Jane Austen. More recently, they have become a popular (and photo-worthy) engagement event—an elevated spread with a magical view, a bottle of something bubbly and often loved ones hiding in wait to join the happy couple at the perfect moment.
In 2012, the infamous Dîner en Blanc (an elegant “white picnic”) was formed in Paris. Now taking place in 80 cities around the world, including Vancouver and Victoria, they are a secretive event where thousands of guests wear white to attend a gourmet pop-up dining experience in a public space, with the location announced at the last minute—an astounding visual experience for passersby.
Yet most picnics have little obstacle to access. They are, in their simplest, joyful form, an outing or occasion that involves taking a packed meal to be eaten outdoors, inclusive of all who wish to create a moment to take in a view, to pause on a trail, to be close to water with a side of nourishing food.
Across our islands there are undoubtedly innumerable locations to have such a moment. Leaning into the meadowy, countryside settings of the picnics encapsulated in novels, the likes of provincial parks East Sooke Regional Park, Ruckle Provincial Park on Salt Spring Island, Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville and Goose Spit Park in Comox are just a few that provide tall grasses and open field-like spaces.
Other locations come about from businesses offering their own picnic experiences, such as Bilston Creek Farm. Their fire pits are replaced by picnics in the orchard come summer—a wonderful family gathering place. Think carefully curated cheese boxes, a Ploughman’s Lunch, an Afternoon Tea package, and plenty of options to add drinks (their Lavender Simple Syrup in a cold drink is a real treat). For a girl’s day out, head to 40 Knots Winery in the Comox Valley; take your choice of their recommended picnic goodies onto the lawn overlooking their 20-acre vineyard with a cold glass of the Pinot Gris.
Across the Island, curated boxes are an option to pick-up and relocate to wherever you wish. Fresh, local produce with your favourite view is sure to impress visitors and loved ones. Out west, Picnic Charcuterie is a sure choice in Tofino. If you’re gathering around the mid-island, it’s Jam & Co., who also include a couple of other B.C.-made products. In the south, The Farmer’s Daughter Picnic Box for two is a quick fix, Hungry Hummingbird delivers to Victoria and surrounding communities and The Local Picnic offers a variety of delightful picnic options to fill your heart and satiate your appetite.
Building your own picnic is also a tempting option with so many Island-based goodies on offer. A small handful of locations for suggested breads and buns include Tru Grain, Working Culture and Portofino European Bakery. For cheese, enjoy the likes of a Natural Pastures brie, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks or artisan goat cheese from Salt Spring Island Cheese. Opt for local butchers and farmers’ markets to discover cured meats from the Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley and Duncan areas. Stands across the Island in summer are also a go-to for fresh veggies and fruits, while there’s likely going to be a tub of Holy Homous from Victoria, some organic wine and a Hornby Island Pate in the cool box too.
Top photo by Hattie Root Photography of The Farmer's Daughter; middle left photo courtesy of Bilston Creek Farm; middle right photo by Emily Yew Photography of Jam & Co. Events; bottom photo courtesy of 40 Knots.
