Guide - 416

Restaurants

1909 Kitchen

Website

Bravocados Bistro

Website

Bravocados Bistro is a plant-based restaurant in Tofino that creates delicious vegan dishes that everyone will love. From healthy to indulgent dishes, their menu covers salads, appies, burgers, desserts and more. The staff are all passionate about plant-based eating and are excited about sharing their love of it with their customers. 


BRAVOCADOS BISTRO
368 Main Street, Tofino | (250) 725-3667
bravocadosbistro.ca


Bravocados Bistro is also part of our Island Eats series, where owner and chef Dave Thielman gives you some tips and tricks on preparing the vegan recipes he submitted to the Island Eats cookbook. 

The Island Eats series is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service Canada.

Wildside Grill

Website

Avenue Bistro

Bicycle Pizza

Website

Bicycle Pizza is a cross between New York and California style with a little Mediterranean flair thrown in for good measure. But categorizing pizza is a silly thing to do. Who cares? It’s delicious! The dough is old-school with no funny ingredients: soft flour (with a bit of whole wheat), water, yeast and salt, and a little elbow grease too, as it’s mixed and rolled by hand.


BICYCLE PIZZA
1191 Verdier Avenue, Brentwood Bay, Victoria | (250) 588-1351
eatbicyclepizza.com


Bicycle Pizza offers thin crust, handmade, mostly round pizza for pre-order online and take-out only. The new pizza business on the Saanich Peninsula is locally owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Andrew and Vanessa Johnson. Operating out of Beauregard Cafe in Brentwood Bay, customers pick up their pizza at the cafe (available Wednesday to Friday, every week).

 

We recently caught up with Andrew so we could hear first-hand about why he and Vanessa decided to open Bicycle Pizza and learn about the connection between bikes and pizza (and we may have had to indulge in some taste-testing ourselves, of course). Watch the video below to hear more about their pizza-cooking experience, their pies' signature crust and exactly how to order your own freshly made pizza for take-out.
 

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Website

Watch the VIDEO on our sustainable practices!


Located on a dramatic headland above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is surrounded by the Wild Pacific Trail and the rugged rocky coast of West Vancouver Island. Their stunning Ucluelet resort is minutes from Vancouver Island’s amazing beaches, forests, restaurants and attractions, including Pacific Rim National Park, Long Beach, Ucluelet Aquarium and Barkley Sound. Only 40 km from the village of Tofino. Experiences with these wild shores and dense temperate rainforest take your spirit to a deeper level.


BLACK ROCK OCEANFRONT RESORT
596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet |  250-726-4800
blackrockresort.com


The team at Black Rock is passionate about making sure they're doing their part to help preserve the beauty of this rainforest and the ocean that surrounds us. They support sustainability by being conscious of everything they're using in the hotel to ensure they are promoting environmentally friendly practices. Learn more about the Black Rock Green Team and their passion for becoming a zero-waste hotel in the video below.

The Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is also home to Currents Restaurant and it's open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner where you can indulge in artisan-inspired West Coast cuisine and mesmerizing ocean views – where passionate flavors and natural décor combine to reflect the essence of our coastal environment. Witness the power and magnificence of the Wild West Coast, front and centre. During the summer months, soak up the sunshine and breathe in the fresh ocean air on their outdoor patio.

Big Beach Bar & Lounge is open daily and provides expansive views of the impressive beach through their floor-to-ceiling windows.Enjoy a snack from their light menu and create cozy memories with friends and family while sipping cocktails fireside. 

Bridgemans West Coast Eatery

Website

Brie & Barrel Bistro

Website

Brie & Barrel has an always changing menu to accompany their always growing list of wines, which features the best of both local and international libations. Their luxurious covered patio space with its beautiful garden is an intimate, relaxing atmosphere in which to gather around a fire-top table and enjoy a delicious, hand-crafted meal. 


BRIE & BARREL
5059 Argyle St., Port Alberni | (250) 724-0010
www.brieandbarrel.com


Brie & Barrel is also part of our Island Eats video series, giving you an inside look into their recipe contribution to the Island Eats cookbook.

The Island Eats series is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service Canada.

De L'île Restaurant

Website

De L'île Restaurant is a bakery by day and restaurant by night.


DE L'ILE RESTRAURANT
129 2nd Ave. West, Qualicum Beach | (778) 953-5034
delilerestaurant.ca


The bakery offers European style pastries and sourdough bread. The restaurant is a reflection of its surroundings, focusing on ingredients that are farmed and foraged from around Vancouver island. The ever-changing menu is based around highlighting vegetables to their full potential, and is supplemented with fresh local seafood to create a distinctive west coast cuisine.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–2pm and 5:30pm–9pm

Dolphins Resort & Anglers

The best kept secret on Vancouver Island, just 10 minutes north from downtown Campbell River, awaits one of the most enchanting destinations: the Dolphins Resort. Open year round the panabode cabins nestled amongst the trees exude tranquility, romance and relaxation. These quaint cabins are uniquely furnished with antiques and wood burning fireplaces presenting an ambiance of warmth and old-fashioned charm.

The breath taking views overlooking Discovery Passage, majestic firs and lush gardens makes Dolphins a wonderful get away for outdoor enthusiasts, a romantic interlude or to just kick back and relax. Finish off an adventure filled day with gazing out over the ocean while planning your next adventure, soaking in the steamy hot tub outside your door.

 
Anglers Dining at Dolphins Resort features gourmet west coast cuisine served in an intimate oceanfront setting. Open to both guests and the public, Anglers features a pacific rim inspired menu reflecting the seasonal bounty of Campbell River and Vancouver Island.

Bakeries & Patisseries

Summit Bread Co

Website

Common Loaf Bake Shop

Website

Fish Markets, Fisheries & CSFs, Services - Food

The Fish Store

Website

Coffee & Tea Houses

The Foggy Bean Coffee Company

Website

Bean Drinking

Cafes & Bistros

10 Acres Restaurants & Farm

Website

The bounty from 10 Acres Restaurants & Farm is the foundation of their four dining location menus—season by season. Enjoy the most delicious brunch, lunch, dinner and late night menus from food available in-season from the sustainable 10-acre farm, located just 20 minutes from their downtown locations.


10 ACRES RESTAURANT & FARM
(250) 220-8008 | 10acres.ca

The Bistro
611 Courtney St, Victoria

Commons
620 Humboldt St, Downtown Victoria

The Pier
2538 Beacon Ave, Sidney Waterfront

The Cafe
9805 Seaport Pl, Sidney | (250) 655-9765


10 Acres Bistro is also a part of our Island Eats series, where Katrina Archibald shares the secrets to their delicious recipe included in the Island Eats cookbook. 

The Island Eats Series is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service Canada.


They offer four unique dining locations: two in the bustling hub of Victoria and two in the seaside town of Sidney. The flagship restaurant is the Bistro, where you'll find the highest number of farm ingredients gracing their menu. From casual meet-ups to dressy date nights, the Bistro is an evening destination and experience. The Commons, also in Victoria, features a unique and uncommon gastropub menu accompanied by a lively atmosphere. Out in Sidney, choose between the Pier for panoramic seaside views and a menu particularly influenced by the bounty of the sea, and the Cafe, where you'll find in-house-made croissants, danishes, cookies, cakes, bread, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, ready-made market meals, and ice-cream, sorbet, & gelato.

Bread & Honey Food Co.

Cold Shoulder Cafe

Website

Coffee Roasters

32 Lakes Coffee Roasters

Website

32 Lakes Coffee Roasters offers delicious coffee with the goal of negating their carbon footprint. Ordering from them online also means that your order is roasted fresh, giving you the freshest coffee experience you could hope for. Their beans are ordered seasonally prioritizing flavour, environmental sustainability and social initiatives. You can order online or visit their Powell River cafe and bakery, which is open Tuesday to Saturday.


32 LAKES COFFEE ROASTERS
Powell River
32lakes.com


Vineyards & Wineries

40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery

Website

40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery takes wine making seriously, promising their product to be ethically produced through sustainable farming practices.


40 KNOTS VINEYARD AND ESTATE WINERY
2400 Anderton Road, Comox 1-855-941-8810
40knotswinery.com


One of the largest wineries on Vancouver Island, 40 Knots takes pride in the high quality of wines they produce. Their unique location boasts 24 acres of wind-swept, sun-soaked property facing the Salish Sea, where the salty air directly influences the flavours and quality of their wine. Their range of wines includes four noble varieties (Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir), two German hybrids (Schonberger; Siegerrebe), and one French hybrid (Pinot Auxerrois), which means there's a bottle sure to please everyone at the table.

It is not only the wine at 40 Knots that is beautifully crafted, but also the landscape and buildings themselves. Immerse yourself in a true Vancouver Island experience as you wander through their interpretive trail or take part in a guided tour, and then become acquainted with the variety of wines by partaking in a complimentary wine tasting. The vineyard balcony and terrace are the perfect places to soak up the sunshine and take in the relaxing ambiance. You can even complement your wine with a delightful picnic basket packed with local cheeses, baguettes, smoked salmon, and their own pickled grapes.

And while there’s nothing quite like kicking back and relaxing in a glass of wine, theres now another way to bring the relaxing and rejuvenating components of grapes into your self-care routine, with 40 Knots Vineyard and Winery’s VinoSpa line. Pamper yourself with products made from their ethically farmed grapes, which contain high nutrient levels that can help improve blood circulation, reduce wrinkles and revitalize skin. 

Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery

Website

A conscious, handcrafted winery committed to 100% plant based wines made without the use of animal products.

Winemaking at Beaufort starts in the vineyard, where they are proud to have recieved their organic certification. Beaufort strives for vine balance, healthy soil and microbiology, and optimal ripeness at harvest. They are dedicated to crafting excellent, small batch wines in our cool climate, and to sharing them with friends in their tasting room.


BEAUFORT VINEYARD & ESTATE WINERY
5854 Pickering Road, Courtenay | (250) 338-1357
beaufortwines.ca


Bring a picnic and enjoy the views from the deck.  Their tasting room is open Friday to Sunday, noon until 5pm, from May until September. Open by appointment only at other times of the year. Beaufort is located 5 minutes north of Courtenay off the Old Island Highway. Visit their website for more information.

 

Blue Grouse Estate Winery

Picturesque, friendly and memorable: when it’s time, Blue Grouse Estate Winery is the perfect place to plan a date or an outing with friends to soak up the sunshine while enjoying the views and delicious wine.
 


BLUE GROUSE ESTATE WINERY
2182 Lakeside Road, Duncan | (250) 743-3834
bluegrouse.ca


 

Blue Grouse Estate Winery is a family-owned business that takes pride in its sustainable farming practices and quality of wine. Visiting the winery is more than just a stop to pick up wine—it's an entire experience for all your senses. Plan for your future visit to pass through an idyllic landscape to enter a beautiful tasting room that provides the opportunity to sit outside and soak up the sun while you sip their wine and nibble on a charcuterie board. (Winter provides its own cozy experience at the winery, when you can also enjoy some house made soup during their "Soup Saturdays.") 

Let's not forget about the wines! Winemaker Bailey Williamson produces an Estate-grown label and a secondary label, called “Quill,” which incorporates other Vancouver Island and Okanagan grapes. Varieties include Ortega, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and a traditional method sparkling wine named after the owners’ daughter: Paula. The wines are highly sought after, selling out year after year, and have been collecting numerous accolades and positive critical acclaim.

And you needn't just take our word for how great this winery is: the people have spoken. For two years in a row, Blue Grouse Estate Winery was named Best Island Winery by the readers of Times-Colonist, Vancouver Island's main newspaper. Clearly, it's time to order a case (or two) of their wine and plan your future trip to their idyllic location to do some relaxing and wine tasting.


Church & State Wines

Deep Cove Winery

Website

At Deep Cove Winery, they take pride in small lot, hand-crafted wines. Each bottle is hand made and bottled on-site to ensure their standard of high quality. The estate vineyard has been committed to sustainable growing practices since 2017 and will continue to ensure that their wines are a true reflection of the beauty that British Columbia has to offer.

Husband and wife team, Elyse and Tasem Ramadan saw the promise in the terroir and for their young family when they decided to begin their journey in the winemaking business. Nestled between Horth Hill Regional Park and Deep Cove, the clay soil land is not only protected from wind and moderated by the Pacific overlooks, it offers the warmest spot in the region, advantageous for the ripening of the 3 acres of grapes that were originally planted over 18 years ago.

Bars, Pubs & Wine Bars, Restaurants, Wine, Beer & Liquor Shops

Ace Brewing Company

Website

We purchase the finest ingredients, local when quality isn't sacrificed, ensuring our final product has the highest level of integrity. We are dedicated to producing brews made with fine detail and high standards. If we call it a lager, it will be a real lager.

ACE BREWING COMPANY
150 Mansfield Drive, Courtenay | (250) 338-1182
www.acebrewing.ca


We purchase the finest ingredients, local when quality isn't sacrificed, ensuring our final product has the highest level of integrity. We are dedicated to producing brews made with fine detail and high standards. If we call it a lager, it will be a real lager.

From signature lagers to innovative, unique varieties crafted by our award-winning brewer, quality is what you will experience at Ace Brewing Company. Our atmosphere will intrigue you, our setting will welcome you and our brews will have you return.

 

Retail - Non-Food, Specialty & Artisanal Shops

Alcove Homegrown Living

Website

Alcove Homegrown Living is a boutique shop in the heart of Qualicum Beach selling beautifully curated, artisan made products created within 150 kilometers of our store. 


Alcove Homegrown Living
689 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach | (250) 594-5483
alcoveliving.ca


Alcove is a business that is passionate about supporting the local community and the artisans who produce high quality products and services. Alcove takes pride in offering unique products to make the shopping experience interesting and meaningful, whether you are looking for a special gift or something for yourself. The shop is constantly changing to offer a fresh selection of locally curated products.

Bookstores & Gift Shops, Kitchen & Home, Kitchenwares

Alison Kent Home Kitchen

Website

The kitchen is truly the heart of the home, and this year more so than ever! Alison Kent Home Kitchen is here to help you connect to this central space of warmth, creativity, love and sustenance through thoughtfully designed items such as gently embroidered table linens in softly muted colors, or a set of unique conversation starting food tables.


ALISON KENT HOME KITCHEN
Vancouver, B.C. | (778) 859-9150
alisonkenthomekitchen.com


 

Whether you prefer to cook quick and simple meals or challenging multi-course affairs for a few grateful guests, Alison Kent Home Kitchen is the ultimate online shop and gathering place for all things kitchen. Pull up a chair, grab a glass of your favorite wine and wander through the Home Kitchen 'Gather' pages featuring musings about food, tips for entertaining, and more. Elevate meals at home with personally designed, artisan-crafted kitchen wares, and find the support you need to compose a space conducive to the all-important kitchen dance. 

 

Ice Cream Shops

Aloha Cart Life Shave Ice

Website

Aloha Cart Life Shave Ice is the perfect place to go during the heat of summer when you desperately need a refreshing way to cool down.


ALOHA CART LIFE SHAVE ICE
12 5th Street, Courtenay
instagram.com/aloha_cart_life_shave_ice


Located in Courtenay's newest food truck hub at the Courtenay Garage, enjoy live music and a relaxed ambiance when you visit Aloha Cart for some flavourful shaved ice. Choose from a variety of flavours—you're sure to find one every member of the family will love, then enjoy your summer treat on the waterfront patio.

Automotive

Ambassador Transportation

Website

Ambassador Transportation was founded on a vision of providing the very best transportation service possible, capitalizing on our extensive knowledge of Vancouver Island and demanding the best from our professional and experienced drivers. Friendly, safe and reliable, the team at Ambassador is commited to getting you to your destination in style - whether you are on your way to the airport or looking to spend an afternoon touring the region's wineries and culinary destinations.

Established in 2005, Ambassador Transportation Corp. is a locally owned and family operated luxury ground transportation service located in the Comox Valley. With a commitment to safety, the East family and all of the employees and drivers are positive and passionate in everything they do. Their comfortable vans have room for luggage, golf clubs and fishing gear as well as roof racks for bikes, skis, and other equipment. Ambassador provides service within the Valley as well as Parksville, Qualicum, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Mount Washington and Campbell River.

“Ambassador transports you in safety and style.”

Coastline Mazda

Website

Combining plenty of zip with efficiency and affordability, the Mazda brand has become very popular with Canadians. And in recent years, Mazda has taken a quantum leap forward, jumping to the top of the market in fuel efficiency and performance, and earning special distinction in safety from the IIHS. The unmistakable new look of Mazda lineup, from the classic Mazda3 sedan to the new CX-3 compact crossover, has shown car buyers that compromise is best left for the competition.

The Coastline dealership as a whole has received the honour of being ‘Top in the District’ for customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and resource training. They credit these achievements to the great people they get to work with every day. They are also very proud of their new environmentally conscious, state-of-the-art building.

Distilleries

Ampersand Distilling Company

Bespoke Spirits House

Website

Bespoke Spirits House is an artisan distillery located in the beautiful seaside community of Parksville on Vancouver Island.


BESPOKE SPIRITS HOUSE
#105 - 425 Stanford Ave E, Parksville | (250) 228-5385
bespokespiritshouse.com


They handcraft distilled gin and vodka spirits that highlight the best flavours of their locally sourced ingredients. The spirits can be bought in their store or ordered from their tasting room. Once the pandemic allows, they also look forward to opening their lounge.

Owner Shelly Heppner brings together her eclectic background to create her quality spirits. Previously from a business and corporate background, she found herself inspired to jump into distilling while visiting a local farmers' market when she moved to Vancouver Island. Her creativity and inventive nature are the perfect combination for coming up with spirits that evoke unique, West Coast flavours.

Travel & Leisure

AquaLink

Website

Just off the shores of southern Vancouver Island is a group of five Gulf Islands: Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender and Saturna Island. Each of the islands offer a similar, laid-back, vacation-mode vibe, while also hosting a variety of different sights, activities and people.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to explore these Islands, September might be the perfect month to do so. A new pilot project by the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership called AquaLink will provide the opportunity to travel with ease between the Islands on Saturdays and Sundays. The Gulf Islands Water Taxi service will have a scheduled morning and afternoon run between the five islands, so you can choose your own adventure: go from Salt Spring all the way to Saturna; or start from Galiano and go to Mayne; how about Mayne to Pender? The choice is yours, but there are limited seats available, so it might be best to check your calendar and book your trip sooner than later.


AQUALINK
Southern Gulf Islands
aqualink.ca


And if you’re not fully sure what to do on the islands, AquaLink also gives you the opportunity to book accommodations, restaurant reservations and other activities when you book the water taxi. The water taxi is also dog-friendly, so if your furry pal is capable of sitting on your lap or remain sitting between your legs, you don’t have to leave your pet behind.  

Exploring these beautiful islands will allow you to experience the feeling of vacation while staying local. What a perfect way wind down the summer season!

Breweries, Distilleries, Flowers & Herbs, Restaurants, Wine, Beer & Liquor Shops

Arbutus Distillery

Website

Arbutus Distillery sources 100% B.C.-grown fermentables, creating unique and unconventional spirits and cocktails. 


ARBUTUS DISTILLERY
1890 Boxwood Road, Nanaimo | 250-714-0027
arbutusdistillery.com


In addition to brewing, fermenting, distilling and bottling on-site, the business also grows many of their own botanicals, which are hanging on racks throughout the location. From spirits, whisky and kombucha, the distillery offers uniquely B.C. drinks.

Mike Pizzitelli, head distiller, knows what he’s talking about when it comes to producing flavourful liquor. With a science and biology background, Pizzitelli combines science, art and passion to his work. He even spent time in Scotland, where he gained education in proper brewing and distilling techniques. 

Pop in to Arbutus Distillery for a signature cocktail or buy a bottle of one of their uniquely flavoured spirits to experiment mixing with your drinks at home. 

Farms, Orchards & Mills, Retail - Non-Food

Arbutus Meadows Farm

Website

Arbutus Meadows Farm is located in beautiful Nanoose Bay, British Columbia. It is a 100 acre piece of beauty and is filled with heritage animals, loads of lavender and a breath of fresh air! Come by and visit the shop and experience the soothing aromas of handcrafted, artisan made lavender products and more!


ARBUTUS MEADOWS FARM
1515 Island Hwy E, Nanoose Bay | (250) 951-1378
arbutusmeadows.com


Activities, Restaurants, Travel & Leisure

Arrowsmith Golf Course and Micky J's Bar & Grill

Website

Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club offers a full service Clubhouse for the enjoyment of golfers and guests with a large covered outdoor patio overlooking the 18th green, Mount Arrrowsmith, and a lake with fountain. 


ARROWSMITH GOLF COURSE & MICKY J'S BAR & GRILL
2250 Fowler Road, Qualicum Beach | (250) 752-9727
golfarrowsmith.com


Micky J's Bar & Grill is the place for a beverage after your game, and they offer a wide variety of menu choices as well as provide a great home for tournaments and banquets. And even if the weather is a little bit inclement, the heated and covered fresh air patio is comfortable and offers a beautiful view over the golf course.

Farm Markets & Stands, Farms, Orchards & Mills

Arrowvale Campground and Collins Farm

Website

Sundays and Saturdays in October, 10:30am to 3:30pm.

Small admission fee.

Hotels, Inns & B&Bs

Artisan Suites on Bowen Island

Website

Bowen Island is located just outside of Vancouver, which makes it a perfectly convenient place to get away from the busyness of city life—and Artisan Suites on Bowen Island is a great option for boutique accommodation. There are four boutique squites to choose from, all of which feature luxurious beds and modern decor. Pick from gorgeous views of the mountains, ocean, park and forest and let the relaxing atmosphere wash over you. 


ARTISAN SUITES ON BOWEN ISLAND
535 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island | (604) 330-7491
artisansuitesonbowen.com


Artisan Square is a beautiful location to wander around—shop the local stores and galleries, sign up for a fitness class or pamper yourself with a day at a spa, all within walking distance of your accommodations at Artisan Suites. There are a variety of places to dine at, though nothing quite beats the convenience of Artisan Eats Cafe—located directly below Artisan Suites and offering handmade French pastries, locally roasted coffee, fresh sandwiches, soups, bowls & burgers.

Cafes & Bistros, Restaurants

Atlas Cafe

Website

Every small town has a favourite downtown restaurant. The one on main street where you meet your girlfriends for lunch before shopping, take your Mom for brunch on her birthday, close your latest business deal, and celebrate special occasions with family and friends.  Atlas Cafe is that restaurant for Courtenay.


ATLAS CAFE
250 6th Street, Courtenay | (250) 338-9838
atlascafe.ca


Founded in 1995, Atlas has been family owned and operated for 25 years. With a passion for local, quality ingredients before it became the obvious trend, and a team that values and provides exceptional service, providing consistent customer-focused experiences has become the trademark of Atlas Cafe. 

Showcasing local, seasonal products with weekly fresh sheets, preparing innovative cocktails with Vancouver Island artisan spirits, and offering an extensive B.C. wine & beer list, has set Atlas Cafe apart from the rest. They are the home of perfectly overstuffed breakfasts, bustling lunches and inspired dinners. It’s where friends and family share laughs, colleagues share ideas, and the entire community gathers to share our passion for great food.


Kitchen & Home, Retail - Non-Food

Avenue B Home Decor

Website

New to Sidney, Avenue B is making a name for themselves as the destination shopping experience for small-scale, stylish furnishings for your home. Everything they carry follows the idea of being modern, charming, and dynamic, giving you the opportunity to curate your own style within its classy and timeless pieces. Whether you're looking to overhaul your space with new furniture, rugs and lamps or just want to add some personalized decor through pillows, organization solutions and coffee table pieces, Avenue B offers a little of everything to suit your needs. 


AVENUE B HOME DECOR
101-2417 Beacon Avenue, Sidney | (778) 426-4663
avenuebhomedecor.com


 

 

 

Travel & Leisure, Vineyards & Wineries

Averill Creek Vineyard

Website

Nestled into the side of Mt. Prevost in the Cowichan Valley is an incredibly distinctive and modern vineyard offering a divine opportunity to sip on cool climate wines while enjoying the stunning ocean view.


AVERILL CREEK VINEYARD
6552 North Road, Duncan | (250) 709-9986
averillcreek.ca


Averill Creek Vineyard is located in the heart of the east coast of Vancouver Island, where the cool, pacific climate lends itself to expressive, mouth watering whites and world-class Pinot Noirs. Their collection of hand-crafted fine wines, produced from their 30-acre, south-facing mountain vineyard, has helped raise the profile of Vancouver Island terroir and its winemaking in Canada and internationally.

Breathtaking ocean views on the patio in a vineyard setting complement the wine-tasting experience at Averill Creek’s modern facility. Seasonal events such as harvest dinners, library tastings, Food Truck Fridays, and an annual Open House are the perfect reason for frequent visits. Stop in to enjoy a complimentary tasting flight, or pre-order a gourmet picnic lunch to enjoy on the patio; their knowledgeable team would be delighted to welcome you.

Bars, Pubs & Wine Bars, Restaurants

Bare Bones Fish House & Smokery

Website

Bare Bones Fish House & Smokery is a contemporary restaurant offering an innovative seafood and in house smoked meat driven menu.

Our globally inspired 100% GLUTEN-FREE MENU showcases a diverse range of fish, quality meats, tacos, burgers and bowls. Warm and inviting, our space's beauty and history are humbling.


BARE BONES FISH HOUSE & SMOKERY
4828 Johnston Road, Port Alberni | (250) 720-0900
www.barebonesfishhouse.ca


 

Photos by VIshal Dewli


 

Blackfin Pub

Cedars Restaurant & Lounge

Website

Cedars' award-winning culinary team is creating local, regional and international dishes that will please your palate and warm your heart! The stone oven & seasonal menu showcase the freshness of the season with appetizers and entrées that embrace rustic dishes with a contemporary spin. Enjoy Parksville’s best lounge and updated outdoor patio.


CEDARS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
1155 Resort Drive, Parksville | (250) 248-2333
tigh-na-mara.com/dine/cedars-restaurant-lounge


Catering & Meal Delivery

Barnes & Maracle

Website

Sarah Barnes and Star Maracle share a food philosophy and cooking style, making them the perfect partners to create indulgent food experiences in the Cowichan Valley.


BARNES & MARACLE
Cowichan Valley | (250) 710-1058 
barnesandmaracle.com


The two food specialists have created a Delicious Delivery menu, which features meals that use fresh local ingredients and require little to no preparation. Place your orders Sunday through Wednesday, and have the delicious dishes delivered right to your home on Friday between 3:00pm and 5:00pm that week. From snacks to bowls to stirfrys to desserts, they take away the stress of trying to figure out what to cook and put back in the joy of enjoying food with loved ones and fueling your body with delicious, local ingredients.

They also offer elegant dining experiences, working with their customers to create unique and memorably catered events. Whether through creating meals for a buffet service or family style meal, bar service and full service, multi-course plated and wine paired evenings, Sarah and Star can help ensure that your event leaves guests impressed—and full of delicious food. 

Farmers Markets

Bastion Square Market

Website

Sundays, 11:00am - 4:00pm
May - September

Cedar Farmers' Market

Website

Sundays, 10:00am - 2:00pm
May - October

Chemainus Wednesday Market

Website

Wednesdays, 10:00am - 3:00pm
May - September

Cobble Hill Farmers' Market

Website

Sundays, 10:00am - 3:00pm
June - October

Comox Valley Wednesday Market

Website

Wednesdays, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
June 26, 2019 - August 28, 2019

Comox Valley Winter Farmers' Market

Website

360 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay

Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM

cvfm.ca

Cumberland Market

Website

Sundays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
July - September

Denman Island Farmers' Market

Website

Saturdays, 9:30am - 12:30pm
May - October

Breweries, Restaurants

Beach Fire Brewing Company

Website

This brewery with a tasting room and a lounge is open six days a week with communal harvest tables and a hand hewn western maple bar. Social eating and drinking are encouraged!


BEACH FIRE BREWING COMPANY
594 11th Ave, Campbell River | (250) 914-3473
beachfirebrewing.ca


All beer and food are made in house from scratch while incorporating local ingredients wherever possible. Honey ale from local bee keepers, local fish and shellfish, and produce grown locally in Campbell River.  You won't be bored here with seasonally changing beers and a food menu that changes twice a day.  

Beach Fire Brewing is also part of our Island Eats series, where you get an inside look into their delicious recipe contribution to the Island Eats cookbook.

The Island Eats Series is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service Canada.

Catering & Meal Delivery, Event Venue

Beach Street Marketing

Website

Beach Street Marketing is a Vancouver Island food and beverage consultant specializing in event and promotions.


BEACH STREET MARKETING
Parksville
facebook.com/beachstreetmarketing


Beach Street Marketing offers a variety of promotion and event services so you can make sure your business is presented in its best light. Discuss potential promotional events where they can help you organize fundraisers, BBQs, game nights, contests, and more. Or hire them to be your experienced and knowledgeable bartenders at your next event; they would also be happy to discuss wine and beer pairings for your menu. And if you really want to take the stress away, let them cater the event for you with live preparation and fresh courses for a memorable dinner.

Butchers & Meat Purveyors

Black Market Meats

Website

Financial Services

Blue Heron Group - CIBC

Website

Blue Heron Group has your best interests at heart. They believe in sustainable investing when assisting clients with income protection, education planning, retirement income planning and more. They understand that every person has different goals, and they listen to what your plans are. With this information, they curate a retirement plan that takes into account your goals, investments and income. 


BLUE HERON GROUP - CIBC
730 View Street, 6th Floor, Victoria | (250) 361-2284
cibcwg.com/blueheronadvisorygroup


The advisory team takes a long-term approach to their financial planning, meeting with you to update and adjust the plan as your life changes. They look toward having a long-term relationship with you in order to best serve your financial needs.

Cafes & Bistros, Ice Cream Shops

Blue Spruce Ice Cream

Website

Combining the emotional connection that we have to our food with fresh ingredients and chef inspired flavours is something that the Comox Valley does exceptionally well.  And it is with this in mind, that Jonathan Frazier and Kirsten Wood became the purveyors of Blue Spruce Ice Cream in beautiful downtown Courtenay. 


BLUE SPRUCE ICE CREAM
526 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay | (250) 871-3221
bluespruceicecream.com


Offering traditional dairy-based ice cream as well as vegan and gluten free options, each flavour is unique and provides an abundant and authentic Comox Valley vibe. These small batch, artisanal desserts are sure to deliver the freshness of local ingredients to your taste buds. The menu changes almost daily, but you are always likely to find new flavours to sample – their signature “Spruce Tip”, for example, which integrates locally harvested spruce tips with vanilla, honey, and a touch of lemon.  

Whether you sit on the patio to enjoy a “taster flight” of ice cream, relive childhood memories with a double cone or an ice cream sandwich, or take a couple of pints’ home for later, Blue Spruce is a not-to-be-missed stop any time of the year.

Blue Spruce is also part of our Island Eats series, where you can watch Kirsten as she describes the delicious spruce tip recipes included in the Island Eats cookbook.

The Island Eats Series is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service Canada.

Cafes & Bistros, Coffee & Tea Houses

Boardwalk Cafe

Cafes & Bistros, Event Venue, Restaurants

Boardwalk Restaurant

Website

Boardwalk Restaurant is known for their fabulous fare and their stunning views that overlook the ocean out to Savary Island.


BOARDWALK RESTAURANT
9673 Longacre Road, Lund | (604) 483-2201
boardwalkrestaurantpowellriverlund.com 


They specialize in local seafood, such as pernod oysters and blackened salmon, and also showcase the harvest of local farms and markets. And almost their entire menu is gluten-free—even their famous fish 'n' chips! 

This is also a perfect venue for a getaway event where they will curate a menu according to the occasion. From weddings to business dinners to cocktail receptions and more, they are happy to discuss how they can be a part of your next event. But here's a tip: the sunset view is absolutely stunning, so evening events get the added bonus of a natural, ever-changing, gorgeous background.

Bakeries & Patisseries, Bars, Pubs & Wine Bars, Cafes & Bistros, Restaurants

Boom + Batten

Website

If you’re looking for a place to eat that provides an inviting atmosphere, delicious local cuisine and incomparable views, then a visit to Victoria’s Boom + Batten is definitely in order.


BOOM + BATTEN 
2 Paul Kane Place, Victoria | 250-940-5850
boomandbatten.com


Entering through the café, a bakery display tempts you before you’ve even entered the restaurant. But as you continue through, evidence of the masterfully designed space beckons you to take in the expanse of the restaurant, where every table has a view of the waterfront. The warm atmosphere would be a great background for events of all kinds: anniversaries, birthdays, business lunches or a casual meet-up with an old friend for a beer and a pizza. Featuring an earth-stone wood and gas fire oven, Boom + Batten offers a range of pizzas that respect the traditional Neapolitan way of making the dish. In addition to the aromatic pizza, the restaurant is proud to provide cuisine that reflects the bountiful sources provided in and around the Island, from the seafood to the locally sourced meat and vegetables.

Executive Chef Sam Harris, who has been at the helm of other prominent restaurant openings, says this restaurant provided him with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Harris, along with Chef de Cuisine Dion Ouellet, curated the impressive menu featuring local fare, which also showcases tasty classic-with-a-twist pastries from Pastry Chef Dominique Laurencelle. Passionate about their work, the culinary team have developed an in-house apprenticeship program to train budding chefs in preparing delicious Island cuisine.  

 

Hotels, Inns & B&Bs, Restaurants, Travel & Leisure

Brentwood Bay Resort

Website

Brentwood Bay Resort offers 35 beautiful rooms with incredible ocean views, jetted tubs and private balconies, making it a perfect serene getaway—that isn't too far away.

Brentwood Bay is also a part of our Island Eats Series, giving you an inside look into one of their delicious recipes.

The Island Eats Series is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service Canada.


BRENTWOOD BAY RESORT
849 Verdier Avenue, Victoria | (250) 544-2079
brentwoodbayresort.com


The Butchart Gardens offers a luscious outdoor experience just across the bay, and there are a variety of wineries and breweries just minutes away from Brentwood Bay Resort, making it the perfect hub for all your city explorations. But they also have a wide selection of amenities on site, so you can choose to truly escape the business of daily life by retreating into their hospitality. For example, they have a spa with a variety of services as well as a hot tub and heated outdoor pool. The Arbutus Room restaurant offers an ever-changing, multi-course menu that is complemented by live, local music, and the nearby marnia offers kayak and paddleboard rentals during the summer. 

Breakfast & Bruncheries, Services - Food

Bridgemans West Coast Eatery

Website

Bridgemans West Coast Eatery has great West Coast fare to go with their world class marina. They offer dishes that are imaginative, yet grounded in the unique hard working community that they serve. From the greeting you receive until your final goodbye, there building bridges one customer at a time.

 

Bars, Pubs & Wine Bars, Breweries, Restaurants

Canoe Brew Pub

Website

Enjoy the timeless waterfront location, soaring timber frame and rustic brick architecture of Canoe Brewpub as you share good times with your favourite people. 


CANOE BREW PUB
450 Swift Street, Victoria | (250) 361-1940
canoebrewpub.com


Canoe Brewpub is located at the foot of downtown Victoria's historic Chinatown, and features one of the best outdoor patios along Victoria's Inner Harbour. Canoe Brewpub is located at the foot of downtown Victoria's historic Chinatown, and features one of the best outdoor patios along Victoria's Inner Harbour.

Experience great handcrafted beer, real food made with care and live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. With a pub, a lounge, a dining room, patios, knowledgeable staff and free parking, it’s a perfect place to share good times with friends and family of all ages!

Retail - Food

Caplansky's Deli Mustard

Website

 


CAPLANSKY'S DELI MUSTARD
1-360 Campbell St, Tofino | (778) 587-3852
www.caplanskys.com



Like your first kiss, you’ll remember the first time you taste Caplansky’s Deli Mustard. All natural, GMO-free, nut free, gluten free and vegan, the first thing you’ll notice is the creamy texture. All killer, no filler as the kids say.

Based in Tofino, Caplansky’s Deli Mustard is proudly Canadian. But forget about all that. Tasting is believing. You’ll find them in the best butcher shops on Vancouver Island.

Wine, Beer & Liquor Shops

Cascadia Liquor - Courtenay

Cascadia Liquor - Eagle Creek Village

Cascadia Liquor - Quadra

Cascadia Liquor Store

Website

Cascadia is a full-service group of Vancouver Island-based liquor stores, dedicated to elevating the liquor retail experience by delivering outstanding service, a surprising product range with a focus on local, organic and hard-to-find products from the Pacific Northwest and from around the world, all at everyday best value pricing.

Cascadia is proud to carry a broad range of local, organic, small batch and hard-to-find products from the Pacific Northwest. Locally owned and operated with seven locations across Vancouver Island, each store offers a bright and welcoming shopping environment, friendly staff and outstanding service led by our resident product experts. Cascadian wine experts can help any wine enthusiast navigate through the intricacies of cellaring and ageing, track down that unique bottle to round out your collection, and find the perfect pairing for the “oh so special” occasion. Prefer hops over grapes? They've got beer experts as well.  

Cascadia is committed to respecting its people, partners and planet through an in-store charitable fundraising program, a sustainability program and has been recognized at the highest level through the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification Program. Proud member of The Truffles Group of companies.

 

Cook St Liquor

Breweries

Category 12 Brewing

Website

Category 12 Brewing is where science combines with art to create a unique beer experience. Head brewer and founder Michael Kuzyk has over 25 years experience brewing beer, and he incorporates knowledge from his doctorate in microbiology and biochemistry to meticulously create exceptional beer. Using local ingredients wherever possible, Category 12 prides itself on its connection to its producers and its community.


CATEGORY 12 BREWING
2200 Keating Cross Road, Victoria | (250) 652-9668
category12beer.com


Michael's partnership with his wife Karen is the perfect match for the business as well, as her passion for art and marketing perfectly complements Michael's passion for beer. Together, they've created a brand that is as delicious as it is visually appealing. Enjoy a fresh pint in their tap room while admiring the funky art on the walls. They aim to provide an atmosphere where anyone can enjoy kicking back and enjoying a beer, and their bistro (appropriately named the Food Lab to keep in rhythm with the science focus!) offers a delicious menu that features local products. 

Read more about Category 12 Brewing in our article Category 12 Brewing: Where Science and Art Meet Beer, and take a look at the video below for a visual peek into their beer-making process!

Category 12 Teaser from Karen Elgersma Media on Vimeo.

Cumberland Brewing Company

Specialty & Artisanal Shops

Catie's Hot Dilled Beans

Website

Catie has long been dedicated to supporting local farmers and enjoys having a personal relationship with them – from visiting their farms to select the best of the day’s harvest to promoting their produce in her products. 

For over two decades, she has proudly played a role in the evolving and vibrant food scene on Vancouver Island, keeping her footprint small and passionately supporting sustainable food production.

From her beginnings in the early ’90s supplying her signature Hot Dilled Beans to a few local pubs and restaurants, to today’s line featuring two dozen delectable products, Catie has built her company from the ground up and remains true to her roots, personally ensuring the quality of every jar that comes out of her kitchen.


CATIE'S HOT DILLED BEANS
2005 Dorman Rd., Qualicum Beach | (250) 927-5194
catieshotdilledbeans.com


Catie uses local ingredients to hand-make the small batches of her jams, jellies and pickled vegetables with traditional methods. Using local ingredients is a pivotal point to her business, and she prides herself on the relationships she curates with local farmers. She now offers over 20 varieties and ensures each jar she sells is of her signature high-quality taste.

Photos by Sabrina Currie

Catering & Meal Delivery, Cooking Classes, Programs & Schools, Specialty & Artisanal Shops

Chez Vous Artisan Foods

Chocolatiers & Confectioneries

Chocolate Pearl

Chocolate Pearl is a Small but beautiful chocolate shop located in Duncan, BC. The atmosphere is family friendly. All of the beautiful chocolates are hand crafted on site by the local chocolatier.


CHOCOLATE PEARL
133 Craig Street, Duncan | 7784222462


The fillings are all sourced from local, natural ingredients. Tea, wine, fruit, sea salt and honey which are used in some of the chocolates are all from local Vancouver island and Salt Spring Island suppliers. There are no artificial flavours or preservatives. Chocolate look like little works of art and there is a lot of attention to detail. Chocolate used is of a very high quality and is fair trade.

Chocolate Tofino

Website

Chocolate Tofino

Cococo Chocolatiers

Website

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Cococo Chocolatiers are expert manufacturers and retailers of award-winning artisanal chocolates and purveyors of fine cocoa confectionery including Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut® products.


COCOCO CHOCOLATIERS
777 Royal Oak Drive, Victoria, BC | (250) 744-1596
cococochocolatiers.com


 

They strive to be sustainable and environmental in their practices—they only use couverture chocolate made with Rainforest Alliance Certified™ cocoa and cocoa butter, both traceable and fairly traded, which helps drive positive change for West African farming communities. Cococo is also an active member in the World Cocoa Foundation and an original signatory of the Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI) to help prevent deforestation in cocoa growing regions.

Food Carts, Stands & Trucks

Churro Chica

Website

Churro Chica knows how to do churros just right: crispy and soft, melt-in-your-mouth and accompanied by your choice of caramel or chocolate sauce, with a dollop of ice cream, and more.


CHURRO CHICA
12 5th Street, Courtenay | (438) 869-0456
facebook.com/people/Churro-Chica


But don't be fooled by the name—they do more than just churros, so if you want something savoury to enjoy before your sweet, sweet, churro dessert, they've got options for you—like loaded hot dog options and delicious corn. The Churro Chicas are always eager to serve you with a smile, so make your way to the Courtenay Garage location and enjoy the waterfront patio seating while you eat your delicious treats.

Courtenay Garage

The mission of Courtenay Garage is to empower creative people and build a place for people, food, music, arts and culture to thrive. Courtenay Garage currently has five popular food truck vendors set up (Phat ParrotChurro ChicaJackknife PizzaPupusaria Las Gemelas and Aloha Cart Shave Ice) and has begun scheduling live music on the weekends. They offer open mic for musicians Monday through Thursday, and they’ve started a local craft fair on Sunday to bring interest to local artists.


COURTENAY GARAGE
12 5th Street, Courtenay 
facebook.com/thecourtenayslough


The Courtenay Garage has big plans to develop into a community hub, with an eye to becoming the Granville Island of the Comox Valley. WIth its ideal central location and close proximity to parks and downtown Courtenay, the vibrant little gathering place has a bright future. Check it out for yourself and enjoy a delicious food truck dish while you're there!

 

Bookstores & Gift Shops, Flowers & Herbs, Kitchen & Home

Clay & Green

Clay & Green is a shop that specializes in tropical plants and locally sourced home goods such as pottery and blown glass. Knowledgeable staff can help you to choose plants that will thrive in the specific conditions in your home or office. Earth-friendly choices in plant pots and locally designed and homemade essentials are constantly being added to the shop.


CLAY & GREEN
146 West 2nd Avenue, Qualicum Beach
www.clayandgreen.ca


Farm Markets & Stands

Clever Crow Farm

Website

Clever Crow Farm has been around since 2014, when owners Brian and Lia McCormick bought the land and built a beautiful, prosperous farm.


CLEVER CROW FARM
7911 Island Hwy, Black Creek | (250) 465-0448
clevercrowfarm.com


Their five acres of land is dedicated to growing long rows of fresh vegetables, grasslands with wild flowers, fruit trees and natural forested areas. They believe in the importance of diversification within their land, and their over 30 birdhouses and the various bird residents that make their home there are a testament to this belief. 

Clever Crow is renowned in the Comox Valley for their leafy greens. Their number one selling product is a mixed salad greens with scattered edible flower petals, but you can also buy the individual components of the mixed greens on their own, which includes red and green lettuce varieties, spinach, mizuna, arugula, kale, chard, frisse, and radicchio.

Beyond greens, they sell plant starters in the spring for you to get your own garden off to a strong start, and during the summer you can purchase their home-grown vegetables from their farm store. If you're in the market for poultry, you can also purchase frozen chickens from them from May to September. And if that's not enough for you, wander the aisles of their farm store for baked-fresh muffins, granola, soup, chilli and more. 

Farms, Orchards & Mills

Coastal Black

Website

Open every Saturday & Sunday in October
10:00am to 4:00pm

Buy tickets online at coastalblack.ca.

 

 

Education & Food Literacy, Retail - Non-Food

Coho Books

Website

Coho Books is a charming, locally owned and operated bookstore in Campbell River. As active members of the community they aim to provide exceptional service to their customers while ofering new books, greeting cards, giftware, a large selection of journals, calendars, daybooks and a well stocked section of clearance books. 

Bookstores & Gift Shops

Common Foundry

Website

Common Foundry celebrates everyday objects for their simplicity, beauty, and fundamental utility. Thoughtfully designed goods have the power to enrich lives and elevate familiar tasks and actions.


COMMON FOUNDRY
295 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, BC 
commonfoundry.com 


Their boutique shop in Nanaimo carries an always-changing selection of curated design goods and books, as well as unique stationery items such as fountain pens, inks, writing paper, notebooks, greeting cards and fine pens and pencils.

 

Activities, Travel & Leisure

Comox Valley Airport

Website

The Comox Valley Airport has been a hub of the Valley since 1996, and it now offers daily non-stop flights to and from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton (and even a seasonal non-stop flight to Puerto Vallarta so you can escape the winter blues!). Air Canada, WestJet and Pacific Coastal all fly through YQQ.


COMOX VALLEY AIRPORT
1250 Knight Road, Comox | (250) 890-0829
comoxairport.com


On The Fly Cafe, in true Island style, has homemade lunches, dinners and baked goods and can cater to the gluten-free crowd. They are open at 4:30 a.m. seven days a week, so early flight hunger won’t be a problem. YQQ also has daily volunteers brimming with helpful information to offer passengers about boarding times, luggage and tourism and accomodation in the Comox Valley. And while you're waiting to pick someone up or waiting to depart yourself, make sure to pop in to Mid Island Gifts, where local Vancouver Island artists and artisans are featured. The store is continually rotating and showcasing new talent, so you'll probably find something new each time you visit!

Desolation Sound Yacht Charters

Website

Desolation Sound Yacht Charters is based in Comox, offering Bareboat and Skippered Chartering opportunities to the cruising grounds of Desolation Sound, the Broughton Archipelago and Princess Louisa Inlet.


DESOLATION SOUND YACHT CHARTERS
1797 Comox Ave #101, Comox | (250) 339-7222
desolationsoundyachtcharters.com


Whether you're a pro at yachting or it's your first time aboard one, the staff at Desolation Sound Yacht Charters will ensure your experience is a beautiful and exciting one. Take advantage of the in-depth local knowledge of their trained in-house skippers, who will ensure your itinerary allows you to see as much of the breathtaking scenery as possible. Their fleet of exclusive sail and motor yachts are impeccably maintained and serviced, and the skippers are highly trained and qualified to ensure your safety as well as your enjoyment. 

The business has grown on a foundation of love and experience for the activity. Bringing with them over 30 years of experience, Merion (aka Maz) Martin and Jennifer Knox-Martin became the proud owners/operators of DSYC in 2012 (originally founded in 1978). As young adults, Maz and Jennifer worked in the superyacht industry in Europe and the Caribbean. Maz is hailed as one of the most highly respected, knowledgeable, and trusted mariners in the business, with several transatlantic crossings over 100,000 sea miles under his belt. Jennifer is not only a knowledgeable yachtswoman but an impressive chef. Her career includes management of luxury villas in the South of France and creating culinary masterpieces on yachts for guests of all stature. Together, they provide the highest level of service to Desolation Sound Yacht Charters, and they would love to welcome you aboard.

Destination Greater Victoria

Website

Destination Greater Victoria is the official online Visitor Centre for the region. 


DESTINATION GREATER VICTORIA
812 Wharf St, Victoria | 1-800-663-3883
tourismvictoria.com


If you haven't been to Victoria, it's about time you make it a priority. And if you're a local, why not try playing tourist in your own city? Victoria is a gorgeous seaside city with a mild climate, which means there are gardens that bloom year-round and greenery that actually stays green to help you fight off the winter blues. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled West Coast Island experience, Victoria caters to any and all interests, making it the perfect place to stay and play. There is also a wide variety of local restaurants that pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients and prioritizing food sustainability.

Non-Profits & Organizations

Comox Valley Economic Development Society

Website

The Comox Valley Economic Development office is a non-profit society with annual funding from the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, and the Comox Valley Regional District areas A, B and C. Their board of directors is composed of 16 members, and their mission is to encourage expansion of the Comox Valley to enhance the region's wealth and employment opportunities.


COMOX VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY
Comox Valley | 1-877-848-2427
discovercomoxvalley.com


 

Farm Markets & Stands, Farmers Markets, Farms, Orchards & Mills, Flowers & Herbs

Comox Valley Farmers' Market

Website

The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Association in a not for profit society that has been bringing local food to local folks since 1992. Over the last twenty-five plus years it has have grown from a seasonal Saturday market with a dozen vendors selling product off the tailgate of their pickup truck to a year-round Saturday market and two seasonal markets with over one hundred vendors selling a wide array of products that are grown, made, baked, raised or wild harvested within the Comox Valley and Strathcona Regional District.


 

COMOX VALLEY FARMERS' MARKET
Comox Valley
cvfm.ca


The farmers and producers offer fresh in season fruits and vegetables, wild harvested foods, small scale meat and seafood, eggs, artisan food products, ready to eat food and drink and craft beer, wine and spirits.

When you shop at a Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, you’re not just buying fresh, delicious, nutritionally dense food directly from local producers, you are also contributing direct and indirect dollars that benefits the local and regional economy and keeping local farmland in sustainable food production.

The market is not only a place to pick up your weekly groceries but a healthy family-oriented community gathering place where you can meet and catch up over a cup of hot coffee and a cinnamon bun while listening to the live local entertainment.  There are lots of opportunities to taste something new or gather ideas about spicing up an old favorite.  There is something for everyone.

Bees & Honey, Flowers & Herbs, Retail - Food

Country Bee Honey Farm

Honey is considered one of the world's most adulterated foods, just behind olive oil and milk. But when you try the real stuff—the stuff that comes straight out of a local beekeepers' hive—it's an amazing tasting experience. The nectar of each flower produces a different flavour and combining different nectars into one jar creates a roller-coaster of flavours as the honey melts on your tongue. 

Country Bee Honey Farm in Saanichton, B.C., helps people discover the differences in pure honey by offering honey variety packs, so you can personally experience the wide spectrum of exquisite flavours. Their bees are based in various locations on the Saanich Peninsula, with each location offering diverse floral nectars. Twice a year, owners Jason and Lindsay Dault extract the excess honey from the hives. Honey from each location is jarred separately, so you can literally taste your way around the Saanich Peninsula. 


COUNTRY BEE HONEY FARM
6440 West Saanich Road, Saanichton | (250) 580-0263
countrybeehoney.ca


Beyond its delicious flavours, pure honey is, in many ways, a magical substance. This natural sweetener contains beneficial enzymes and proteins and is packed with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Plus, since it is created from local flowers, it can also be used as a remedy for seasonal allergies: slowly introduce this honey with its local pollen into your diet as a natural way to diminish your allergy symptoms.

Known largely for their wide selection of honey, there is a lot at Country Bee Honey Farm you won’t want to miss out on. Take a stroll through their beautiful pollinator gardens and visit the farm animals; depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to see lambs, newborn goats, ducklings or baby bunnies. 

Located at 6440 West Saanich Road in Saanichton, B.C., and open seven days a week, this is a must-visit for this summer’s adventures. Each visit to the farm will bring you a different experience, but one thing stays the same…there is always something exciting to see and experience at Country Bee Honey Farm!

Restaurants, Retail - Food

Crabby Bob's Seafood

Website

Crabby Bob's Seafood Inc. has been around since 1999, where it started with humble beginnings—that is, with Crabby Bob selling crabs from his boat. The business has changed hands a couple times since then, and now the business has products available all over the entire country.


CRABBY BOB'S SEAFOOD
705 Island Highway, Finger-6, Campbell River | (250) 830-1155
crabbybobs.ca


Although you can find their products across Canada, the experience of visiting Crabby Bob's is a one-location-only experience. They offer a large menu filled with fresh seafood options prepared right on site—it doesn't get more local than this!

Activities, Breweries, Event Venue

Craft Beer & Wilderness Retreat

Website

 

The setting, Nootka Sound Resort, is a luxurious floating lodge on the Wild West Coast of Vancouver Island, where participants are invited to learn from and network with professional brewers, enjoy gourmet food & beer pairings, and explore the wilderness.   

The 2019 retreat welcomes Kent Courtice of Boombox Brewing Company, Rebecca Kneen and Brian MacIsaac from Crannog Ales, and Ryan Parfitt of Luppolo Brewing Company – all local BC breweries.  Their expertise and their beer is unquestionably some of the best in North America!

Craft Beer and Wilderness Retreat at Nootka Sound Resort celebrates beer for the art form it has become. Gone are the days when mass produced standard international lagers were the only choice. Today’s craft brewers are reaching new heights in creativity and artistic expression.

This article by Brian K. Smith of What's Brewing, and the following video by Island Soul Films, provide just a glimpse of all that awaits for this year’s event.  Sign up for the newsletter to keep up-to-date.

Restaurants, Travel & Leisure

Crown Isle Resort & The Atrium

Website

Crown Isle Resort is a world-class destination golf resort with course-side accommodation and a 48,000 sq.ft. Resort Centre with restaurant/bar, fitness centre, and conference facilities in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, BC.


CROWN ISLE RESORT
399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay | (250) 703-5000
crownisle.com


Crown Isle’s gorgeous clubhouse offers two dining options with the Timber Room Bar & Grill and The Atrium.

The Atrium at Crown Isle offers fine dining in a spectacular newly renovated setting overlooking the 18th green and Comox Glacier. Enjoy a pop-up restaurant experience with a fresh menu and theme that will change completely each season. The Atrium is open for dinner service Wednesday to Saturday, year round.

The Timber Room Bar & Grill offers a deliciously wonderful “gastro-pub” menu. From steaks to salmon, teriyaki bowls to tacos, burgers and ribs, our menu has been designed to please all! Family-friendly and open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ambiance is playful and social – full of logging memorabilia, live sports on the multiple screens, great music playing in the background, and a cozy fireplace section. When the weather warms up, the Comox Valley’s largest and most scenic patio overlooking the 18th green welcomes golfers, hotel guests, and local patrons alike. Come for a beverage, stay for a meal.

Breweries, Juices & Juice Bars

Cultured Kombucha

Website

Brewed in Vic West (Victoria, BC), Cultured Kombucha is focused on making a delicious, non-alcoholic beverage inspired by the transformation that takes place during fermentation—the ever-changing dynamic of flavours!


CULTURED KOMBUCHA
Victoria, B.C. | 250.813.1769
culturedkombucha.ca


Their aim is to excite your tastebuds while nourishing your body with beneficial enzymes and healthy bacteria. They offer on-tap enjoyment and have a number of growler and meowler fill stations around Victoria, as well as fresh pour by-the-glass in select restaurants.

 

 

Cheese & Dairy, Retail - Food

Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

Website

Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese is the Cowichan Valley's premier charcuterie shop.


CURE ARTISAN MEAT AND CHEESE
5-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay 
facebook.com/cureartisanmeatandcheese


They have everything you need to create a beautiful charcuterie board that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds. They feature house made pates, sausages and cured meats, as well as a large selection of local and imported cheese. Let your creative and adventurous sides take over; pick up some varieties that you've never tried before (and grab some favourite items, too!), then get to work creating the perfect charcuterie board to tuck into as an appetizer or for your next family game night movie night.

Bakeries & Patisseries, Coffee & Tea Houses

Daves' Bakery

Website

Daves' Bakery offers a wide variety of delicious baked goods made in house daily!

Choose from non dairy, wheat free, and yeast free bread options. 

Come in and indulge!

 

Bakeries & Patisseries, Cheese & Dairy, Groceries & Markets, Retail - Food, Services - Food

Deep Cove Market

Website

Deep Cove Market exemplifies the phrase "Shop Something Different" with its wide variety of fresh local market selections.

Deep Cove Market is nestled in a supportive country community. They offer unique, local and delectable culinary creations for your kitchen and theirs. Boasting local seasonal produce from numerous Peninsula growers, including local artisan cheeses, free-range eggs , seasonal local berries and BC fruit, poultry and organics, the Deep Cove Market team believe in sustainability and local support. Their kitchen also has daily lunch specials and locally roasted coffee. 


DEEP COVE MARKET
10940 West Saanich Road, North Saanich | (250) 656-2547
deepcovemarket.com


Now celebrating over 14 years in business and the proud recipient of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award in 2007, the Deep Cove Market is continuing to grow and serve their community.  

   

Breweries, Distilleries, Vineyards & Wineries, Wine, Beer & Liquor Shops

DEVINE Distillery

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Using BC-grown ingredients, the passionate team of friends and family at DEVINE Distillery offers small-batch, handcrafted spirits.


DEVINE DISTILLERY
6181B Old West Saanich Road, Victoria | 250-665-6983
devinedistillery.com


Their vineyards are certified organic, and their products have no additives, preservatives, or artificial flavours. The experienced and knowledgeable staff mill, mash, ferment and distill their acclaimed Old World style gin infused with homegrown botanicals, Honeyshine "rum" made with wild BC honey, and eau de vie brandy made with locally grown organic fruit. They are widely recognized for their two award-winning whiskies, both of which are distilled using grains grown minutes from the distillery on the Saanich Peninsula.

The craft distillery and small lot vineyard is a family-run affair. Check out their website and online store to see what goes into making award-winning spirits and purchase a bottle to try at home.  The Vancouver Island terroir truly shines through their homegrown and handcrafted spirits.

Fish Markets, Fisheries & CSFs

Dockside Smoked Fish Store

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