Guide - 416

Restaurants

Shed

Website

Shelter Restaurant

Website

Shipwreck Pizza

Website

Shipwreck Pizza is a new addition to Ucluelet's food scene, but the experienced chefs behind it are anything but beginners, which is evidenced by the incredible menu offerings sure to make your mouth water.


SHIPWRECK PIZZA
250 Main Street, Ucluelet | (250)726-3400, or (250) 726-7400
shipwreckpizza.com


Their tasty savoury pies are appropriately named to keep with the theme of their Shipwreck title: try out offerings such as the Davey Jones (garlic white sauce, potato, bacon, caramelized onions, sour cream), the Perfect Storm (banana peppers, green peppers, pineapple & ground sausage) or the Kracken (pepperoni, capicola, bacon, ground beef, mushrooms). They're currently a cash-only, pick-up only business and are open from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.

 

Sobo Restaurant

Website

Started as a food truck in 2003, SOBO has grown into an award-winning, full-service restaurant in the popular and picturesque town of Tofino on the West Coast. Short for "sophisticated bohemian," SOBO offers a delicious menu featuring grassroots gourmet cuisine using local, organic and wild foraged ingredients. 


SOBO RESTAURANT
311 Neill Street, Tofino | (250) 725-2341
sobo.ca/site


SOBO Restaurant is also part of our Island Eats series, where owner/chef Lisa Ahier talks about the delicious local ingredients she uses in her vegan burger recipe contribution to the Island Eats cookbook.

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

Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria & Market

Website

Swept Away Inn

Website

Eight years ago, Daniel and Bouchra Savard purchased a 100-foot converted tugboat. For the last six years, they have been operating the boat as a seven-bedroom B&B with a Moroccan/French cuisine restaurant. They combine Daniel’s love of boats and pastries with Bouchra’s experience growing up in Morocco and using authentic ingredients in her cooking. Bouchra’s deep knowledge of spices and slow cooking combine to create delicious and healthy dishes, which are served as pre-fixed family-style meals with multiple courses served during a three-hour dining experience. 

Swept Away Inn is also part of our Island Eats series, so you can get an inside look into their delicious Moroccan dish featured in the Island Eats cookbook.

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


SWEPT AWAY INN
1-5505 Argyle St, Port Alberni | (250) 918-8298
sweptawayinn.com


 

Tacofino

Website

The Great Room at Long Beach Lodge

Website

The Pointe Restaurant

Website

The Vine Restaurant

The White Whale

Website

The White Whale in Comox Valley is a hub for great beer where you can taste some (or all) of the ever-changing rotation of sixteen BC craft beers on tap.


THE WHITE WHALE
975 Comox Rd, Courtenay | (250) 338-1468
whitewhalecourtenay.ca


They are also known for their love of local ingredients, and Chef Jeff takes great care to source and cook with local in mind. In fact, you can have a special interactive dining experience where he will prepare a meal to your guidelines using only local ingredients.

Tofino Resort + Marina - 1909 Kitchen

Website

There’s no better place to enjoy a meal than on their jaw-dropping waterfront patio, or inside against a backdrop of mountains and coastline.

The executive chef of one of Tofino’s newest restaurants has been quietly serving up some of the most delicious, perfectly executed food in the country. A relatively new addition to the food scene in Tofino, it’s a favourite with locals and tourists alike, recently making the long list of Air Canada enRoute’s 2018 Best New Restaurants.


TOFINO RESORT AND MARINA - 1909 KITCHEN
634 Campbell Street, Tofino | (250) 726-6122
tofinoresortandmarina.com


Discover the taste of Tofino at 1909 Kitchen. The restaurant boasts an ingredient-driven menu, sourced and foraged from Tofino’s oceans, shoreline and forests. Bring your day’s catch if you wish, and our chef will prepare and cook it for you in our 1000 degree wood fired Mugnaini oven.

Distilleries

Shelter Point Distillery

Website

Shelter Point Distillery is located on 380 acres in Oyster River, BC, about halfway up the eastern side of Vancouver Island. Farmed for generations, Shelter Point remains one of the last seaside farms on the Island. What makes their whisky and vodka so bold and distinctive? Well, for one, they use only a single grain: barley. They do no blending, and all of the grain is either grown on their farm or purchased from BC farmers. The other unique ingredient is the pure spring water which comes from a mountain-fed aquifer located directly beneath their land.

Shelter Point Distillery handcrafts their 100% Single Malt Whisky, distilled batch-by-batch in traditional copper pot stills from two-row barley, and aged in American oak barrels in their oceanfront warehouse. When it comes to artisanal whisky, every element matters—and in the unique Vancouver Island, temperate rainforest climate, even the sunsets and sea air become integral.

Sheringham Distillery

Website

Sheringham Distillery makes small batches of hand-crafted spirits (Seaside Gin, Kazuki Gin, Akvavit, Vodka & Seasonals) with 100% B.C. agricultural products, sourcing local ingredients from Vancouver Island whenever possible.


SHERINGHAM DISTILLERY
6731 West Coast Rd, Sooke | (778) 425-2019
sheringhamdistillery.com


 

All of their products are mashed, fermented and distilled at their distillery, and they are committed to quality & sustainability. To this end, even the by-product of their spent grains are distributed to local farmers as a healthy source of high protein livestock feed. They strive to source not only their drinking products from B.C., but also the other aspects of their business from B.C. as well. The boxes their bottles arrive in are even re-used as their distribution boxes to cement their efforts to reuse, recycle and compost whenever possible. 

Check out their website for some great recipe inspiration for all their products.

 

Sheringham Distillery

Website

The Distillery - Tofino

Tofino Distillery

Website

Victoria Distillers

Wayward Distillation House

Website

Wayward Distillation House is a true craft distillery located in the heart of the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Balancing tradition with creativity, Wayward is the first distillery in Canada using honey as the base for all of its spirits. Wayward produces true craft Unruly Gin, Unruly Vodka and other spirits in the heart of the Comox Valley. 


WAYWARD DISTILLATION HOUSE
2931 Moray Avenue, Courtenay | (250) 871-0424
waywarddistillery.com


With this as a curious starting point, the only obvious direction to take is an unpredictable one. Their signature Unruly Vodka and Unruly Gin are beautiful, hand-crafted examples of what can happen when unruly people meet unruly bees. Couple this with their seasonally changing, ultra-small batch experimental Wayward Order Line and you will truly understand their need to break moulds and blaze trails.

The distillery and tasting bar is located in Courtenay on Vancouver Island. Pop by for a complimentary taste and stay for a tour to learn a bit about the art of distilling and exactly where your favorite spirits come from.  Enjoy tastings or try their amazing "mini cocktails".

Bakeries & Patisseries

Shirley Delicious

Website

Shirley Delicious is one of those great little gems you discover as you drive down some winding back road.  A full parking lot and a never-ending lineup confirm that this is definitely worth the stop.  Freshly baked goods, speciality coffees & tea, homemade lunch specials, fresh produce, corn fritters and oh so much more.  A delightful little cafe. 

True Grain Bread

Website

True Grain Bread is an old world-inspired European bakery where the craft of the Miller and Baker are honed and cherished. Their passion is creating fresh, local, organic handcrafted bread, and connecting the farmer to the miller to the baker to the community.

Since first opening their doors in the sleepy seaside village of Cowichan Bay (2004), True Grain Bread strives to deliver an unparalleled bread experience. Day in and day out, they aim to be a beacon for unbelievable breads, true from-scratch baking, organics, sustainable business practices, farm to table partnerships and community engagement. 

At True Grain Bread they believe that people today are disconnected from their food. Totally. Not only where it comes from, but who grows it, how it is processed, packaged, preserved and shipped. Take it a step further, how are we fundamentally changing our food, from hybridization to genetic modification to adding chemicals at every stage? This is particularly concerning for the next generation.

Their philosophy is to connect the farmer to the miller to the baker to the community. To handcraft organic bread and other baked goods the way it is supposed to be done. And to educate people about why it is so much better tasting, better for them and better for their community.

In 2012, True Grain Bread opened a store in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in downtown Summerland, followed  more recently by their third location in downtown Courtenay.  

Today, True Grain Bread bakers continue the tradition of old-world style baking: early morning mixing of dough made from freshly milled organic ingredients, hand-scaling and carefully forming each individual loaf.


TRUE GRAIN BREAD

Cowichan Bay
1725 Cowichan Bay Road | (250) 746-7664

Courtenay
445 10th Street | (250) 338-0980

Summerland
10108 Main Street | (250) 494-4244

truegrain.ca


 

 

Cafes & Bistros, Coffee & Tea Houses

Shirley Delicious

Website

Stonehouse Teas

Website

Stonehouse Teas offers over 120 different types of loose leaf teas, locally roasted organic Aroma coffee and other local products such as pottery and honey.


STONEHOUSE TEAS
605 11 Ave, Campbell River | (250) 286-1231
stonehouseteas.com


They carry everything you need to make the perfect cup of tea including teapots, strainers, tea cups and travel mugs. They have a full-service cappuccino bar and serve other specialty drinks like our famous chai latte. They offer a large selection of cold beverages including, bubble teas, frappes, iced teas and Italian sodas. They also have fresh baked scones and muffins daily and a selection of cakes and cookies including our famous carrot cake.

Activities, Art & Entertainment

Sidney Business Improvement Area Society

Website

Sidney is one of those iconically beautiful locations that just begs to be explored by locals and tourists alike. With spectacular views of the Southern Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands and Mount Baker, the area is the perfect place to get away from the stress of day-to-day life. 


SIDNEY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA SOCIETY
2281 Beacon Avenue, Sidney | (250) 893-0093
sidneybia.ca


Sidney is not just a beautiful place to relax; it also has a vibrant community with frequent events and activities for all ages and interests. It's the perfect place to try out some local food destinations and find new favourite shops. So whether you're strolling by the sea and breathing in the salty fresh air or laughing with old friends on a restaurant patio, Sidney is sure to become a favourite Island destination. 

Farmers Markets

Sidney Street Market

Website

Thursdays, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
June - August
 

Sooke Country Market

Website

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

Spirit Square Farmers' Market

Website

5440 Argyle St., Port Alberni

Saturday 9 AM - 12 PM

facebook.com/SpiritSquareFarmersMarket

Tofino Public Market

Website

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

Victoria Public Market

Website

The Victoria Public Market features all the local ingredients you need to complete your weekly shopping trip, including artisans, farmers, butchers, bakers, cheese-makers, preservers, brewers, vintners, florists and restaurateurs. It is a total community hub of food, art and entertainment located within a unique, historical context, exemplifed by the high ceilings and exposed concrete of the building. Read about the long history of how the market came to be what it is today before you go, so you can appreciate the past with the present market experience.


VICTORIA PUBLIC MARKET
#6-1701 Douglas Street, Victoria | (778) 433 2787
victoriapublicmarket.com


Hours of Operation:

Monday - Saturday, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sundays, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Open year-round

Specialty & Artisanal Shops

Signature Oil & Vinegar

Website

Providing Vancouver Island with with over 50 varieties of award-winning cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oils (EVOO) and barrel-aged balsamic vinegars, Signature Oil and Vinegar is the "healthiest bar in town."


SIGNATURE OIL AND VINEGAR
1121 Shoppers Row, Campbell River | 250-914-3800
signatureoilandvinegar.ca


If you are missing that certain special flavour or oomph from your cooking, it's time you schedule a visit to Signature Oil and Vinegar. Their vast array of flavours are sure to kick up your cooking game and have your guests asking what your magic ingredient is. And you don't have to throw caution totally to the wind when you're choosing that magic ingredient: the oils and vinegars are stored in metal dispensing containers that allow for sampling, so you know exactly what you're buying. You can also choose from four different bottle sizes, so you can decide what's just the right amount.

 

Snowdon House Gourmet & Gifts

The Mustard Lady

Farm Markets & Stands, Farms, Orchards & Mills

Sleeping Dog & Mermaid Farm

Website

Sleeping Dog & Mermaid Farm is a beautiful half-acre flower and vegetable farmstead that focuses on producing high-quality products by tending to their farm the old-fashioned way: without pesticides or herbicides and with a lot of love and passion.


SLEEPING DOG & MERMAID FARM
648 Pine Pit Pl, Comox
sleepingdogandmermaid.com


They also offer a variety of shopping options, from home goods like soap dishes, to greenhouse products like pots and wreath frames, and to beeswax goods carefully handcrafted locally sourced beeswax. No synthetics, no preservatives, no colours and of course, no plastic bottles. They create solid lotion bars, board butters, thread conditoners and an artisanal line of candles that will burn longer and cleaner than other candle options—and make your home smell amazingly fresh.

Breweries

Small Block Brewing Co

Sooke Brewing Company

Website

The five owners at the Sooke Brewing Company have multi-generations in Sooke BC, and this connection to the local area is linked to everything that they do. They aim to brew beers that can be enjoyed both by those new to craft brewing, as well as the most experienced connoisseurs. Their goal is to set the bar higher for great beer in BC, while paying homage to the amazing place they call home.

 

 

 

Sooke Oceanside Brewery

Website

Sooke Oceanside Brewery was born out of the desire to bring the love of craft beer to the west coast community of Sooke, BC. The brewery was founded in 2015 by owner Ryan Orr, and has since been a long-standing, award-winning labour of love.  Head brewer Garritt Lalonde brings his experience, creativity and passion for brewing solid, classic, great tasting beer. Be sure to stop by and have a chat with their crew.

Tofino Brewing Co

Website

Tofino Brewing Co.

Twin City Brewing

Website

Twin City Brewing draws on the history of Port Alberni and the culture of community in its region to create a high-quality public house experience for its guests. They produce delicious, award-winning beer known within the valley and far beyond, and strive to be a place where all are welcome to enjoy a pint along with a tasty pizza—whose dough undergoes a three-day ferment and rising process to create a complex flavour with the perfect amount of chewiness.


TWIN CITY BREWING
4503 Margaret St, Port Alberni | (778) 419-2739
twincitybrewing.ca


Twin City Brewing is also part of our Island Eats series, so you can get an inside look into their brisket sandwich recipe they provided to the Island Eats cookbook.

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

Vancouver Island Brewing

Website

Vancouver Island Brewing is made up of a group of passionate, inspired people. They are proud to be driving innovation in an industry that they helped pioneer in British Columbia by brewing a selection of beers that can accompany you on all your adventures. They stand by their guarantee to never compromise on quality, and that is reflected in all the beers that they make. It’s their commitment to you that when you choose Vancouver Island Brewing, you’ll always get their best.


VANCOUVER ISLAND BREWING
2330 Government Street, Victoria | (250) 361-0007
vibrewing.com


Butchers & Meat Purveyors

Smith & Lee Local Butcher

Website

Smith & Lee Local Butcher is a more recent resident of Campbell River, but they have quickly made themselves a favourite destination for their selection of quality meats and cheese and their own in-house-made sausages.


SMITH & LEE LOCAL BUTCHER
1270 Dogwood St, Campbell River | (250) 914-0406
facebook.com/Smith-Lee-Local-Butcher


In fact, shortly after opening they had to expand into the adjoining space to allow for all their awesome products and more customers. In addition to providing high-quality meat, the staff are incredibly knowleable and eager to help, so you can find new ways to prepare your purchases to ensure you're making the most of the flavour the meat has to offer.

The Whole Beast Artisan Salumeria

Website

The Whole Beast produces hand crafted cured and smoked meats with a focus on traditional techniques using heritage breed ethically raised animals.


THE WHOLE BEAST ARTISAN SALUMERIA
2032 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria | (250) 213-1226
www.thewholebeast.ca


The shop features a rotating offering of over 50 house made products including several varieties of handmade salami, chorizo, smoked ham, bacon, prosciutto, pepperoni, and pates, as well as nose-to-tail, in-house products like blood sausage, liverwurst, headcheese, cotechino, corned beef tongue and haggis. There is also a selection of pickles, mustards, crackers, tinned seafood and olives including house made sauerkraut and kimchee. The Whole Beast shares shop space with The Village Butcher and together the two businesses feature one of the largest and most thoughtfully curated variety of cured and fresh meat products on Vancouver Island. Knowledgeable and passionate staff are always on hand to answer questions about products, methodology, and cooking techniques.
 

 

Health & Medical

Solbrü

Website

Solbrü - “Sophisticated and social, while honouring your health.”

The dream and vision of a hockey player; the founders' love and affinity for self-development formed the roots for Solbrü. A company that represents all things healthy—physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. Solbrü is not just a healthy social beverage, but a brand that speaks volumes for supporting individuals with their personal and community development. Leanne's passion and charisma for holistic health shines through in Solbrü. Solbrü was cultivated to remind us to reconnect with nature and our souls, while supporting our communities and spreading kindness, compassion and love.

They are a company that encourages consumer empowerment by making mindful purchasing decisions by asking; who is impacted, what are the ingredients, where is it from and how do they affect my mind, body and soul. They’ve crafted their nourishing elixirs to infuse your body, mind, and spirit with a potent blend of functional mushrooms and herbs that can elevate your mood, restore peak performance, and inspire connection, rather than numb you out.


SOLBRU
160 Charing Cross Crescent, Winnipeg | (204) 799-6475
solbru.com


All their elixirs contain apple cider vinegar to support digestion and create the base of our formulas. They curated organic mushroom and herbal extracts and our proprietary blend of spices, warming you from the inside out. This sophisticated alcohol-free alchemy is consumed the same way as a spirit; as a shot, on the rocks or in your favourite alcohol-free cocktail.

Whether you’re alcohol-free for the moment or done with alcohol completely, they’re honored to be your guide. Welcome to Solbrü’s movement.

Choose from their four formulas, including their own unique blend of functional and herbs, in two different sizes that best suits your needs:

RESTORE with Reishi – smokey, orange, spiced.
ELEVATE with Cordyceps – lemon, peppermint, rosemary, spiced.
CONNECT with Turkey Tail – lime, berry, rose, spiced.
INSPIRE with Lions Mane – apple, lavender, clove, spiced.

 

Breakfast & Bruncheries, Event Venue, Restaurants

Sooke Harbour House

Website

Sooke Harbour House

Sooke Harbour house is a charming oasis that offers 28 guest rooms, each individually decorated with the finest amenities. Original artwork, local antiques, and handcrafted furniture are just a few of the things that create such an inviting atmosphere, but it may just be the wood-burning fireplace, jetted tub, and amazing views that truly makes your space a sanctuary.

Hotels, Inns & B&Bs, Restaurants

Sooke Harbour House

Website

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort

Hotels, Inns & B&Bs

Sounds of the Sea Guest Suites

Website

Located in Ucluelet, only a short distance from the wild Pacific Ocean, art galleries, shopping, West Coast dining and the Uclulet Aquarium, Sounds of the Sea Suites is the perfect hideaway to return to after a day of surfing, hiking, or exploring.  

All guest rooms are equipped with a private seating area, private bathroom, garden views and free WiFi access.  A variety of popular activities are available in the area around the accommodation, including cycling and hiking and access to water sports.

 

 

Telegraph Cove Resort

Website

Voted one of, The Ten Best "Towns" in Canada to visit, by Harrowsmith Magazine, Telegraph Cove is tucked away on the Eastern Coast of Northern Vancouver Island and is one of the last virtually untouched areas on the North American continent. 

This tiny sawmill community was important to the development of the North Island and has a rich and colorful history. In 1912 the first telegraph operator took up residence at Telegraph Cove and marked the beginnings of the little community. 

Telegraph Cove Resort was opened in 1979 by the Graham Family and since then has remained family owned and operated . 

Telegraph Cove Resort is a historical boardwalk village, which invites visitors to learn the rich history and create new memories to last a lifetime. 

Stay in the historical cottages along the boardwalk or camp in your tent or RV in our full-service forested campground. If you chose to arrive by boat they have moorage available. 

Dine along the boardwalk, grab a drink in the pub or liquor store or sip a coffee in the cafe. 

If your are looking for a unique family vacation, a magical wedding setting or want to fish to your heart's delight, this resort awaits you.

The Grand Hotel

Activities, Travel & Leisure

Southern Gulf Islands Tourism

Website

The Southern Gulf Islands are the closest remote place: gentle, balmy and welcoming. A rural idyll on the raw edge of the world. A punctuation point on the wild west coast. This is where time slows down and disappears. We relax into the rhythm of nature and feel the heartbeat of our shared habitat.

In the moment.
In the flow.
Being the flow.

Each island has its own character. Laid back Mayne. Rustic Saturna. Feisty Galiano. Uptempo Pender. The hopping Salt Spring “metropolis.” Different expressions of the same muse: Nature. More nature. More life. The Southern Gulf Islands are the perfect place to get away and enjoy the serenity of peaceful Island life. 


SOUTHERN GULF ISLANDS TOURISM
Galiano Island - Mayne Island - Pender Islands - Salt Spring Island - Saturna Island
southerngulfislands.com


These islands and the beautiful, relaxing places they offer to stay and explore are the perfect place to renew your spirit and re-energize your soul. From cozy B&Bs to charming inns, you'll likely sleep better than you have in a very long time. Relax during the day by reading a book on your balcony, wandering through the beautiful, verdant forests or soaking up the sunshine (or the rain) on the beautiful, calming beaches. Southern Gulf Islands Tourism will help you plan the perfect getaway to make the most of your precious time visiting one or more of the islands.

Bars, Pubs & Wine Bars, Restaurants

Spinnakers

Website

Looking to eat, drink, stay and play in Victoria? Look no further than Spinnakers. This picturesque location has a brewery and taproom, where they create delicious craft beer; they have a multitude of patios so you can enjoy a tasty offering from their large menu while basking in the sunshine in the summer, or staying cozy by a heater in the winter; they also have the most adorable guesthouses, so you can eat and drink to your heart's content and then take a liesurely stroll back to your room at the end of the evening. Book a room for a night, a week, or even a month, and enjoy all that the city has to offer.


SPINNAKERS
308 Catherine Street, Victoria | (250) 386-2739
spinnakers.com


Farm Markets & Stands

Springford Farm

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

Stillhead Distillery

Stillhead Distillery is the home to award-winning spirits, crafted in their state-of-the-art facility in the Cowichan Valley. 


STILLHEAD DISTILLERY
5301 Chaster Road, Duncan | 250-748-6874
stillhead.ca


They take their spirits seriously, offering tours and tastings that allow you a behind-the-scenes look into what it takes to make high-quality brandies, gins, vodkas, and whiskies. The crew at Stillhead is passtionate about what they do and love to share their wealth of information, educating on what gives each spirit its unique flavour and the processes of fermentation and distillation that the fruits and grains have to go through in order to become the delectable products they sell. 

The craft distillery is family-owned and they take pride in using locally sourced fruits and grains from British Columbia. From year-round favourites to seasonal releases, their spirits can be ordered online and found in liquor stores and markets. You can even buy your own whisy cask in a 5 or 30 litre option.

 

Groceries & Markets, Services - Food

Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria & Market

Website

Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria & Market is a seasonal pizzeria and local market open every year from May until January.

Being located on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast has inspired them to create a unique and laid back atmosphere for locals and visitors to come and share a meal or grab some food on the run. This area is a Mecca for outdoor activities, and they want to be a destination for you and your crew to come and get together before or after your outdoor adventure. 

They serve quality wood fired pizza as well as salads and other wood fired dishes that feature local products and ingredients whenever possible. They also have a selection of craft beer, cider and wine from around Vancouver Island to pair with your meal, and a small market with a variety of locally crafted products from across Vancouver Island. GET STOKED!

Art & Entertainment

Sweetpea Gallery

Website

Sweetpea Gallery is a digital and irl space that supports early career artists. Through their pop-up gallery installations, online content, and the sale of artwork and merch, they help connect you to some of the best emerging artistic talent in the country who need your support.

They represent over 25 artists who work in traditional mediums like oil and acrylic, and some more experiential work like installation and soft scultpure.

Find them at: sweetpeagallery.ca @sweetpea.gallery; in-person viewings available at 780 Fairfield Rd. upon request.


SWEETPEA GALLERY
780 Fairfield St., Victoria 
sweetpeagallery.ca


Chocolatiers & Confectioneries

Swell Sweets

Website

For nearly 30 years, Swell Sweets has been providing quality chocolates and sweets to the locals and tourists of Qualicum Beach.


SWELL SWEETS
142 West 2nd Avenue, Qualicum Beach | (250) 752-8483
swellsweets.ca


 

It came under new ownership in April 2020: new owner Robin is from Newfoundland but has settled in Qualicum Beach to continue pursuing her passion bringing sweets to the people. From bright and beautiful candy to melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, they have the perfect sweets to give to your sweetheart—or your parents, or your kids, or your neighbours! (Everyone will appreciate a gift from Swell Sweets.) Plus, they also sell adorable greeting cards, so you can personalize your gift with a handwritten message inside the card so they'll know exactly who the sweet gift came from—because this is a gift you definitely want to take credit for. 

Catering & Meal Delivery, Food Distributors

Sysco

Website

The world leader in selling and distributing food (and non-food) products around the world is Sysco. Their business spans 90 countries and caters to restaurants, educational facilities, lodging businesses and more. 


SYSCO CANADA
2881 Amy Road, Victoria | (250) 475-3333
sysco.ca


But while Sysco might be a worldwide company, they take their values seriously and aim to develop and maintain a trustworthy and dependable relationship with each local location. Set upon foundations of integrity, excellence, teamwork, inclusivity and responsibility, their ethical conduct reaches through every aspect of their business. 

Farms, Orchards & Mills

Tanner's Orchard

Website

For Patsy and Bruce Tanner, running an orchard isn't a hobby—it's a way of life. With 40 years of experience growing produce, the pair is passionate about providing their certified organic apples to Vancouver Island.


TANNER'S ORCHARD
3611 Kingburn Road, Cobble Hill | (250) 743-4242
tannersorchard.ca


In 1994, the couple moved from Victoria, where they had owned and operated Tanner's Orchard in Victoria from 1980–1994. They had grown over 50 varieties of apples, pears, plums and quince. But a new adventure awaited them in Cobble Hill, where they cleared five acres in the Kingburne Valley.

Their orchard now grows Liberty apples, which are an excellent choice for both eating fresh and using in cooking. This type of apple was chosen with sustainable agriculture in mind, as Liberty apples have a natural disease and fungus resistance, which can be a challenge to overcome when growing apples on Vancouver Island. The Liberty apple is a cross between Macoun apple and a crab apple and was developed via natural selection and released in 1978. 

You can find their apples for sale at a number of markets and stores on Vancouver Island, so pull out your favourite apple recipes and get ready to enjoy the fresh flavours of a crisp, local Liberty apple from Tanner's Orchard.

 

The Saanichton Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

Saturdays and Sundays in October
9:30am to 6:30 pm

Tickets sold online only.

Cafes & Bistros, Restaurants

The Ainslie

Website

​Chef Ian Blom and wife Kimberly met in Culinary school and had a dream to open a restaurant one day. With the help of family and friends, they were able to make that dream a reality. The Ainslie, named after their son David Ainslie, is now a family operation involving 3 generations. 


THE AINSLIE
161 Kenneth Street, Duncan | (250) 597-3695
theainslie.ca


Chef Blom, who was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley, always took for granted how beautiful the Cowichan region is with its endless outdoor activities. "We have multiple rivers, the ocean is a short drive in almost any direction, there are unbelievable trees and forests and a plethora of amazing organic farms, wineries, distilleries and artisan producers. As a chef I would not want to be anywhere else." The Ainslie is on the leading edge of Vancouver Island's future culinary scene.

  

Event Venue, Hotels, Inns & B&Bs, Restaurants

The Bayside Oceanfront Resort

The Bayside Oceanfront Resort is an iconic oceanfront property that will provide an unforgettable Island experience for all your senses; from the beautiful scenery and vast ocean views, to the incredible menu offering at their restaurant and lounge, to the relaxing and calming room options, this is a setting perfect for any occasion.


THE BAYSIDE OCEANFRONT RESORT
240 Dogwood St, Parksville | (250) 248-8333
baysideresortparksville.com


This is the perfect place to tie the knot and take advantage of the modern furnishings, beautiful decor and view for those wedding photos. It's also a great place to plan a weekend away from the stress of daily life; soak in the sunshine on the beach and get a solid night's sleep in their quiet rooms. The resort is located conveniently downtown, so you're steps away from shopping or from wandering the beautiful beaches. The resort itself has all the amenities you need, even featuring a swimming pool, fitness centre, and business area.

Activities, Event Venue, Gardens & Nurseries, Travel & Leisure

The Butchart Gardens

Website

With their lush greenery and flowers in the warmer months and their incredible light display during the holidays, the Butchart Gardens are a must-see any month of the year.

The Butchart Gardens are also part of our Island Eats series, sso you can get an inside look into their recipe contribution to the cookbook Island Eats.

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


THE BUTCHART GARDENS
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay | (250) 652-8222
butchartgardens.com


The Butchart Gardens has been fondly grown over the last 100 years. The well-developed oasis is the perfect place to step into a fairy-tale like world and forget your problems for a moment as you bask in the beauty of the wild colours and beautifully arranged plantings of the gardens. With over 55 acres of garden boasting over 900 varieties of bedding plants, it's a plant-lovers dream. The gardens employ over 50 full-time gardeners to keep the place in tip-top, cared-for shape.

And don't worry if you're in town over the holidays and not during the summer. The gardens are blanketed in carefully donned lights, providing one of the most spectacular light events in the province. It is quintessentially Christmas and will definitely put you in the holiday spirits.

Groceries & Markets

The Community Farm Store

Website

The Community Farm Store offers solely the highest quality organic, non-GMO, ethically sourced products because every person deserves to shop with confidence and be empowered to live their healthiest life. The Community Farm Store exists to set a new standard for conscious business locally, globally, and to change the world through food and education.


THE COMMUNITY FARM STORE
3-5380 Trans Canada Highwway, Duncan | (250) 748-6227
www.communityfarmstore.ca


 

The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer

Website

The Root Cellar works with over 100 Vancouver Island and BC Farmers to source the produce you will eat for dinner tonight.


THE ROOT CELLAR
1286 McKenzie Ave, Victoria | (250) 477-9495
therootcellar.ca


The family root cellar used to be a place where you could always find good quality, garden-grown, fresh and preserved foods. The Root Cellar operates with a local focus always buying from as close to home as possible to provide the communities of Victoria with the same.

The Root Cellar has grown since 2008 and now brings you a complete "farm fresh, dirt cheap" shopping experience. Offering the largest selection of produce on the Island, locally prepared foods, locally sourced and ethically raised meats from their in house butcher, a full service deli, an extensive floral department and full scale garden market. Their newest addition is The Coffee Project: an in house coffee bar that roasts Discovery Coffee and brews JagaSilk and Silk Road teas. 

Simply put, they have a great appreciation for fresh, delicious and nutritious food and healthy lifestyle choices.

 

Catering & Meal Delivery

The Cultured Chefs Ltd.

Website

The Cultured Chefs is an Organic, Private Chef and Catering Service serving the Cowichan Valley and Victoria, BC. TCC work harmoniously to bring consciously made, sustainably sourced, love infused, healing foods to your door, with all menus custom designed for each client by our experienced in-house Holistic Nutritionist. ​


THE CULTURED CHEFS LTD.
777 Chapman Road, Cobble Hill | (778) 994-9173
theculturedchefs.ca


Bringing lots of love and combined life experience from Ontario and East Africa, Ado and Shayna are honoured to be raising their family in the Cowichan Valley, on Vancouver Island in Beautiful British Columbia, where they have lived for the last five years. ​ The name "The Cultured Chefs" comes from their intentional incorporation of cultured foods into several of the recipes they create, and is a play on words from their mixed Cultural Roots of African, Indian & Canadian Heritage and their shared international life experience. When not in the kitchen, garden, or with their family, Shayna & Ado run Eco Mama's Global Community Gardens, a registered Canadian Charity.

Toque Catering

Website

Executive Chef Nicholas Waters will work one on one with you to plan unique menus for any occasion, whether it be a small intimate gathering, corporate event or wedding. The attention to detail is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Toque Catering aims to make planning your event easy. From galas and fundraisers to gourmet boxed lunches, cocktail parties, media events, weddings and seated dinners, they can assist you with all aspects of planning.

Their chefs ensure each menu is perfectly tailored to accommodate each events unique style and culinary needs. All menus are seasonally inspired, delicious and beautifully presented.

Truffles Catering

Website

As the flagship company for The Truffles Group, the team at Truffles Catering is driven by 25 years of unwavering passion for extraordinary catering services. Their reputation and success is the direct result of consistently delivering responsive, quality catering services to our clients in Victoria, Canada and internationally.

Truffles Catering is one of Victoria's leading professional caterers for corporate events, weddings, office functions, social occasions and celebrations.


TRUFFLES CATERING
1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay | (250) 544-0200
trufflescatering.net


With menus created to bring out the natural qualities of the food in an eye-catching and unique presentation, and event planners to guide you from your first meeting through to the day of the event, Truffles is dedicated to making sure everything comes together as planned.

The infrastructure and depth of expertise in our team allow us to cater to multiple occasions on any day, seamlessly and with care. We promise to do everything in our power to ensure your event unfolds according to your expectations.
 

Bars, Pubs & Wine Bars, Cafes & Bistros, Cheese & Dairy

The Farmer's Daughter

Cafes & Bistros, Farm Markets & Stands

The Fickle Fig

Website

The Fickle Fig presents a behind-the-scenes look at the making of their delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Feeling inspired? Find the recipe here and enjoy!

Bars, Pubs & Wine Bars

The Hatch Waterfront Pub

Website

Coffee & Tea Houses

The Mill Coffee

TJ Beans

Tofitian Cafe

Website

Cooking Classes, Programs & Schools

The Peckish Gourmet Cooking Class

Website

The Peckish Gourmet Cooking Class in Courtenay was founded by Charlene Davis. Charlene has always loved cooking, learning new skills, and sharing her talents with friends and family.  The idea of turning her hobby into a business venture needed only a little encouragement, the right partners on her team, and the right venue to make it happen. By collaborating with the likes of Chef Aaron and Hannah Rail, and approaching Harbour Kitchens & Millwork with her vision, Charlene was able to introduce the first Peckish Gourmet class in March, 2019.  More classes will be announced soon. 

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

The Wickaninnish Inn

Website

The Wickaninnish Inn and The Pointe Restaurant in Tofino provides an aspirational fine dining experience on the cusp of Canada’s wild west coast.


THE WICKANINNISH INN
500 Osprey Ln, Tofino | (250) 725-3100
wickinn.com


We invite you to a taste of all the best things our coast has to offer at The Pointe, with a sweeping 240-degree view of the lively Pacific Ocean, innovative Canadian cuisine and refined service. Whether you’re celebrating a special weekend or a relaxed gathering with friends, their personable attention to detail will make your visit unique and memorable.

Bakeries & Patisseries, Cafes & Bistros, Restaurants

Tidal Cafe

Website

Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day, as it energizes you for the work or play ahead. Tidal Cafe is passionate about the morning meal and has carefully curated their delicious home-cooked menu with a variety of locally sourced ingredients.

Tidal Cafe is also a part of the Island Eats video series, giving you an inside look into a few of their delicious menu offerings. 

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


TIDAL CAFE
146 Port Augusta Street, Comox | (250) 890 9537
tidalcafe.ca


"Start your day on the sunny side," they say, which isn't hard to do after stepping into their warm and cozy location. Opened in 2019 by husband and wife team Kurt and Blythe Reimer, the restaurant immediately reflects their family-oriented atmosphere. They opened the restaurant as a reflection of their love for preparing and eating breakfast with their three boys when on beachside vacations, and their intentional location just moments away from the Comox marina will make you feel like you're on a beachside vacation as well. Take a stroll and soak in the beautiful Island view and then refuel with family and friends at Tidal Cafe. (Or, fuel up first and then head out on your beach adventure!) From signature bowls to savoury eggs bennedicts and freshly baked goods, be prepared to become a repeat customer.

 

Cider Mills & Cideries

Tod Creek Craft Cider

Website

Tod Creek Craft Cider

Tod Creek Craft Cider is a rustic, converted dairy farm on three gently sloping acres on BC’s Agricultural Land Reserve. It has some 3,000 dwarf rootstock apple trees. Varieties include Dabinett, Porter’s Perfection, and Kingston Black. “I originally bought the property for my construction company,” explains Chris Schmidt, who founded Tod Creek in 2014. “For farming, I decided to go with cider over mushrooms or grapes, since I like cider, and I’m passionate about it.”

Schmidt creates his own recipes and cans many of his most popular ciders. Schmidt calls Tod Creek Apple Cider “Canada’s first 100 percent aged craft cider sold in a can.” Mala-Hop features three organic hops and is back-sweetened with maple syrup. 

It’s just a 20-minute drive to our next stop. We meander along West Saanich Road, passing the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and follow the signs to a long gravel drive rising past a lush orchard.

Tod Creek Craft Cider

Website

Tod Creek Craft Cider is a rustic, converted dairy farm on three gently sloping acres on BC’s Agricultural Land Reserve. It has some 3,000 dwarf rootstock apple trees. Varieties include Dabinett, Porter’s Perfection, and Kingston Black. “I originally bought the property for my construction company,” explains Chris Schmidt, who founded Tod Creek in 2014. “For farming, I decided to go with cider over mushrooms or grapes, since I like cider, and I’m passionate about it.”

Schmidt, who is also an avid motorcyclist and scuba diver, produces up to 80,000 litres of cider a year in a restored cow barn. He creates his own recipes and cans many of his most popular ciders. Schmidt calls Tod Creek Apple Cider “Canada’s first 100 per cent aged craft cider sold in a can.” Mala-Hop features three organic hops and is back-sweetened with maple syrup. My personal favourite, though, is the fruit-infused Raspberry Shrub. At just 3% ABV, it tastes as light and summery as the synthesizers in Van Halen’s “Jump”.

Grinning with elvish glee, I now hand over the steering wheel to my friend. It’s just a 20-minute drive to our next stop. We meander along West Saanich Road, passing the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and follow the signs to a long gravel drive rising past a lush orchard.

Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery

Website

Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery

An hour’s drive along Highway 14—ranging from Langford’s lush fir and spruce trees to Sooke’s cannabis shops and bakeries—brings us to Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery. It’s picturesquely surrounded by beehives, cider apple trees, geese and sheep.

Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Otter Point, Western Canada’s first meadery, founded in 2003, is the home of co-proprietors Bob Liptrot and Dana LeComte. They recount the legend of how they embraced this ancient fermented honey beverage, distinct from but often categorized with cider.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liptrot, who teaches beekeeping at Royal Roads University, explains: “I've been making mead for over 40 years now. I thought if we’re going to live out here on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, there’s got to be something better than the commute to Victoria. I decided to keep it small and value-added.”

“People make lots of conscious decisions around food and beverages on Vancouver Island.,” Dana adds. “We use our business as a platform for educating people about bees and ecology.”

Valley Cider

Website

Valley Cider

You could call Bruce McKinlay’s cider philosophy a cross between Gimli the dwarf and Gandalf the wizard. “Shrinking back down is the best thing I ever did,” says the former IT company owner, who operates a cheerfully iconoclastic one-man show at Duncan’s Valley Cider, 20 minutes south of Ladysmith. There’s wizardry in the ingredients he uses to concoct his five dry ciders, each at 6.5% ABV: “With modern cider, we think about what’s in the bottle and take a culinary perspective. The skies just open up.”

McKinlay planted his own orchard with apple varieties like Gala, Ambrosia, and Spartan. At his rural, 5,000-square-foot facility, he justifiably talks up his Prosecco-like Bon-Dri (“Tell the wine-drinkers because they like it! Boo-ya!”), hoppy Humulus Lupus (“I use local aromatic hops with no bittering”), and floral-infused Love Potion (“I had a rosewater and lavender dessert in Paris, and I knew this had to have rose petals”).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing his product mainly by word-of-mouth, McKinlay recently welcomed five young Australian WOOFers – volunteers with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms – who helped with labeling and bottling in exchange for a letter of reference. I appreciate the selfless sentiment. Yet just as Bilbo’s sword glows near orcs, my stomach now glows, knowing it’s time for lunch at nearby Merridale.

Flowers & Herbs

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Website

Coffee Roasters

Tofino Coffee Roasting Co.

Cafes & Bistros, Coffee Roasters

Tofino Coffee Roasting Company

Website

Activities

Tofino Food Tours

Website

Headng to Tofino is a must if you're visiting Vancouver Island. (Or if you've lived here for years and are ready for a getaway to get a taste of the beautiful West Coast!) But there are so many local restaurants and places to eat; it can be overwhelming to try and figure out what options you should choose from. Tofino Food Tours has you covered. Not only will the guided tour show you best places to eat and drink (so you can eat like a local at the hot spots and the secret spots) but they will also regale you with information about the history of the area and local stories that you won't just find in any old guidebook. 


TOFINO FOOD TOURS
430 Campbell Street, Tofino | 250-266-0401
tofinofoodtours.com


With a variety of tours available (including a Fly and Dine tour and private tours), make this a priority for your first day in Tofino. It will set the tone for the rest of your trip and help you feel familiar with the area. Or maybe you can't quite make it out there but know someone who is—they also have gift cards available!

Juices & Juice Bars

Tofino Kombucha

Website

At Tofino Kombucha, it's their mission to be your gateway to better nutrition and better health. Let their kombucha guide your gut!

Brewing and drinking kombucha is an excellent way to start enjoying other traditionally prepared fermented foods, such as naturally leavened sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles and, of course, yogurt and kefir. They hope to inspire you to start the journey back to the world of preparing and consuming self-sustaining and life-sustaining fermented foods.

Cafes & Bistros

Tofitian Cafe

Travel & Leisure

Tourism Bowen Island

Website

Bowen Island is a municipality within the Metro Vancouver region, yet they're known as a quiet, relaxing haven surround by lush green forests, rocky beaches and stunning mountain vistas. Only a short drive or bus ride from downtown Vancouver and a scenic 20-minute ferry ride (mini ocean cruise), Bowen Island is the doable Gulf Island. "One of the best days out you can have from Vancouver." -Lonely Planet. 


TOURISM BOWEN ISLAND
432 Cardena Road, Bowen Island | (604) 200-2399
tourismbowenisland.com


Immerse yourself in nature. There are many trails and hikes to explore, including the challenging Mt. Gardner peak. Get out on the water, kayaking, boating or swimming. Or simply kick back on a beach and soak up the sun and views. Bowen Island also has an award-winning golf course with stunning views of Howe Sound.

Bowen Island has a small collection of eateries offering a delicious array of freshly-made foods and beverages and you'll find an interesting collection of boutiques, shops and galleries, showcasing the talents of many local artists and artisan. All of Bowen's shops and restaurants are unique owner-operated establishments – you won't find any franchises or big-box stores here! So if you want to visit a particular business, please plan ahead to make sure they're open when you visit.

Tourism Cowichan

Website

Tourism Cowichan keeps the locals and tourists up to date on all the exciting events and happenings in the Cowichan Valley. 


TOURISM COWICHAN
110 - 225 Ingram Street, Duncan | (250) 510-2690
tourismcowichan.com


Cowichan bases its name Quw’utsun’, an Indigenous word meaning "The Warm Land." The name is apropos, with Cowichan boasting the warmes year-round temperatures in Canada. Cowichan is home to incredible farms, wineries, cideries and distilleries that produce delicious artisanal food and drink. But there's more than just tasty fare to fill your belly; fill your heart and soul with concerts and festivals, biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking and more. 

With all the great places to visit with Cowichan and all the activities to take part in, be sure to check out Tourism Cowichan, as they will keep you informed about various restaurants, breweries and wineries and keep a running list of local shops to support. Their easy-to-navigate website will tell you all you need to know about staying, playing, and dining in the valley. 

Plus, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages if you love beautiful photography, as their social media shows off the beauty of southern Vancouver Island and of the talented photographers who admire the unique landscape. 

Bees & Honey, Vineyards & Wineries

Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery

Website

Breweries, Restaurants, Wine, Beer & Liquor Shops

Ucluelet Brewing Company

Website

The church-turned-microbrewery in the heart of Ucluelet has undergone massive renovations to become a warm and friendly atmosphere for those looking to sit back and enjoy a pint of craft beer with friends. 


UCLUELET BREWING COMPANY
1601 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet
uclueletbrewing.ca


The Ucluelet Brewing Company is becoming a popular hang-out for locals and tourists alike. It’s been a labour of love for owner Dennis Morgan, who has been working toward his goal of opening the microbrewery for years; the passion the community has toward the success of his venture has pushed him forward. 

Their expanding menu experiments with in-house ferments, hopped mac and cheese, melty sandwiches and ten charcuterie and cheese boards. The town’s first microbrewery is a unique gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.

Vineyards & Wineries

Unsworth Vineyards

From an authentically unfussy Tasting Room and outdoor terrace, to the seasonal, local farm-to-table celebration at Unsworth Restaurant, come experience the quintessential charm of Unsworth Vineyards in Cowichan Valley’s peaceful Mill Bay. 


UNSWORTH VINEYARDS
2915 Cameron Taggart Road, Mill Bay | (250) 929-2292
unsworthvineyards.com


Located off a picturesque country road winding through the working farms and rolling hills in the heart of Cowichan Valley’s wine country, Unsworth Restaurant is whimsically nestled in a restored early 1900s farmhouse—warm and welcoming with plenty of charm and heritage. Relax and enjoy panoramic views that change with the breezes. Our dining room, sun room, and outdoor patio—complete with an authentic forno pizza oven—overlook 12 stunning acres of vineyards.

Unsworth is also part of our Island Eats series, where we get an inside look into the recipes Unsworth Restaurant contirbuted to the Island Eats series. 

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

Retail - Food

Upward Refillery

Website

Upward Refillery is all about encouraging consumers to take steps toward making a smaller environmental impact by committing to waste-free shopping. Bring your own containers to the store to refill with your daily household products for your personal use, your pantry and your home in general. Their beautiful store is a pleasure to shop in, and you can feel good doing so and knowing you are helping to contribute to a more sustainable future. 


UPWARD REFILLERY
4- 1209 Island Highway East, Parksville
upwardrefillery.com


Vancouver Island Farm Products

Website

Vancouver Island Farm Products prioritizes keeping the produce that is available on Vancouver Island as locally sourced as possible. 


VANCOUVER ISLAND FARM PRODUCTS
19th St, Courtenay | (250) 871-5926
vifarmproducts.ca


By partnering with Island farmers, the business has found growers for cucumbers, potatoes, corn, leeks, cabbage, squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries and eggplant. The produce is harvested at peak ripeness and is delivered to the retail locations as soon as possible for optimum freshness. VIFP makes local produce accessible by doing the work to get the fresh product onto store shelves across the island. 

Currently, their produce can be found in 49th Parallel Grocery, Discovery Foods, Red Barn Market, Save-on-Foods, Superstore, The Old Farm Market, Thrifty Foods and Quality Foods. They are always looking to expand their list of growers and their sellers in order to encourage Vancouver Island food sustainability.

Services - Non-Food, Travel & Leisure

Villa Eyrie Resort | Alpina Restaurant

Website

Alpina Restaurant

The mountains are where Alpina Restaurant makes its home, and their team invites you to experience the mountains as they do, through exquisite culinary fare that’s the best of both worlds.


VILLA EYRIE RESORT
600 Ebedora Lane, Malahat | (250) 856-0188
villaeyrie.com


Building upon the executive chef’s and pastry chef’s German heritage, Alpina's cuisine eloquently infuses traditional ingredients and preparation methods from the Alpine regions of Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland to elevate your perspective on the foods that have come to embody British Columbian fine dining.

Escape to the Sky

Located only 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria, the Villa Eyrie Resort is a boutique mountainside retreat unlike any other in Canada and quite possibly the world. With crisp mountain air and magnificent views from nearly every room, our luxury hotel features world-class dining and full spa facilities. Offering guests a wide range of exciting activities only a short drive from the Resort, this is your chance to relax and experience the true beauty of the West Coast.

Hotels, Inns & B&Bs, Services - Non-Food, Travel & Leisure

Water's Edge Shoreside Suites

Website

Located on a quiet, private island accessible by a causeway, Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites is a piece of West Coast paradise.


WATER'S EDGE SHORESIDE SUITES
1971 Harbour Crescent, Ucluelet | 250-726-2672
watersedgesuites.com


Only minutes away from popular hiking trails, parks and beaches, Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites has 50 beautiful rooms to choose from, each boasting a beautiful view of the water or harbour from a private balcony. Every room also comes with a fully equipped kitchen, so on the days you're not eating out in one of Ucluelet's tasty restaurants, you can prepare your own home-cooked meal and enjoy it in front of the cozy fireplace.

Be sure to take advantage of all the many provided amenities the hotel offers. There’s even a spa, so you can take your relaxation to the next level with a massage or facial. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day surfing the area’s renowned beaches or hiking the beautiful Wild Pacific Trail.  

Retail - Food, Specialty & Artisanal Shops

Weinberg's Good Food

Weinberg's Good Food has two locations of independently operated stores where they offer local and organic foods to their communities.


WEINBERG'S GOOD FOOD

Fanny Bay
6856 Island Highway South | (250) 335-1534

Qualicum Beach
3 - 221 West 2nd Avenue #3 | (250) 594-4100

weinbergsgoodfood.com


They believe everyone has the right to affordable healthy food and they are proud to provide that for their communities. They also sell well-made crafts and artisan products, so expect to see some interesting and beautiful items. Creekmore’s Coffee from Coombs is always ready to run through their espresso machine to make you one of the many coffees on their menu. Weinberg's is a strong supporter of the community and they’re always looking for new ways to get involved.

Bookstores & Gift Shops, Kitchen & Home, Kitchenwares

West Coast Kitchen Garden

Website

West Coast Kitchen Garden provides recipes and home wares that are inspired by the fresh salt air, clean ocean and majestic forests of Vancouver Island. The business focuses on whole foods, wild foods and sustainable, useful and beautiful goods.


WEST COAST KITCHEN GARDEN
1055 South Island Highway, Campbell River, B.C. 
westcoastkitchengarden.com


Sabrina Currie has spent years sourcing and striving to keep life simple and it has resulted in these West Coast inspired, curated goods with essential designs in natural and traditional fabrics along with sustainable materials. On her website, you’ll find linens, cotton and bamboo fabrics with quality to last a lifetime, recycled hand blown glassware, pottery, wood from sustainable sources and beeswax candles. The beautiful photos will beg you to indulge yourself in a purchase or pick out the perfect gift for those special people in your life. You'll also find inspiring articles and recipes that will have you tying up your apron and filling your home with delicious culinary scents before you even finish reading them. 

 

 

Activities, Education & Food Literacy

West Coast NEST

Website

West Coast NEST is an organization based out of Tofino that curates learning experiences to enhance and transform our understanding of nature and sustainability.


WEST COAST NEST
316 Main Street, Tofino | (250) 726-6508
westcoastnest.org


From freedive harvesting to wilderness first-aid training, and from seaweeds of the West Coast to cedar weaving, the courses are endless. In a place as stunning as Tofino, it’s easy to highlight the outdoors and location-based learning. The courses are experiential and have a heavy focus on community. They partner with over 30 organizations, businesses and individuals from Hesquiaht to Ucluelet. All participants are encouraged to lean into their curiosity to absorb as much knowledge from the land and instructors as possible. The courses run year-round, and there are options for all ages to learn about this pocket of earth and sea we reside on. 

Coffee & Tea Houses, Farms, Orchards & Mills, Tea Purveyors

Westholme Tea Company

Website

Westholme Tea Company sources exceptional handcrafted teas from the entire World of Tea to curate sensory experiences for their customers. They take pride in cultivating home-grown leaves, blending the finest organic teas from carefully selected farms, and hand-crafting ceramics to accompany the flavours.


WESTHOLME TEA COMPANY
8350 Richards Trail, Duncan | (250) 748-3811
westholmetea.com


Inspired by the Pacific Northwest terroir, Westholme Tea Farm will take you on a sensory journey of tea traditions and make it taste and feel like home.  

Located in the Cowichan region of Vancouver Island, Westholme Valley is nicknamed "The Warm Land" by the Coast Salish people. The fertile landscape creates a unique micro-climate that fosters the growth of camellia sinensis (tea plants). A first of its kind in Canda, Westholme Tea Company is born of connection and transformation, drawing influences from the wild beauty and timelessness of the pacific northwest to steep their craft.

Westholme Tea takes pride in cultivating their home-grown leaves, blending the finest organic teas and ingredients from carefully sourced farms, and hand-crafting ceramics to accompany the flavours. This holistic craft invites a deeper connection with ourselves and with nature. For centuries, tea has been ceremonial and ritual, as it is also personal. Tea has a unique power to heal, transform and soothe. Our teas enhance these experiences by creating space to breathe and find balance in busyness. Whether you are creating that space for peace in solitude or community, tea is a celebration of truly being connected.

 

Kitchen & Home, Kitchenwares, Retail - Food, Retail - Non-Food

What's Cooking - The Store for Cooks

Website

Operating since 1994, this iconic Qualicum Beach store is a destination for anyone who loves to cook, bake or entertain. Filled to bursting with fantastic product, their customers new and old rave about their selection and service. It's such a "real" experience to shop at What's Cooking. All the staff are super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. This store is about ensuring that you get the best possible advice and product to fit your cooking, baking or entertaining need. A Vancouver Island shopping destination since 1994 that you won't want to miss.


WHAT'S COOKING - THE STORE FOR COOKS
1-177 West 2nd Avenue, Qualicum Beach | (250) 752-8744
facebook.com/WhatsCookingBC


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