The Foodie Paradise of the Southern Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands are easy to get to, just short ferry rides away from Vancouver Island. But despite their proximity to the bustle of the Island cities nearby, visiting them is transporting yourself to a different pace of life, where neighbours always wave, time drifts by more slowly, and the food is packed with local flavour.
The islands are where locals support each other and pride themselves on showing tourists the best their land and people have to offer—and what better way than to showcase both through their food and drink offerings. In 2022, multiple new culinary businesses opened on the Southern Gulf Islands, reflecting the desire of locals and tourists alike to support local economies and the people that comprise them.
On Salt Spring Island, Cassette Café and Dive Bar claims to be “a service station for the lighthearted.” The café, which will be opening soon, promises to start your day right with hot coffee and fresh pastries. In the meantime, the Dive Bar is open Tuesday through Sundays from 12pm to 9pm, with satisfying, hearty menu items like fried chicken sandwiches, mussels, fries and burgers, and delicious cocktails, wine and draught beer.
Over on Galiano Island, Bodega Ridge opened their restaurant Lola, where Chef Elmark Andres fuses local ingredients of the Gulf Islands with Southeast Asian recipes. The family-style sharing plates are filled with surprising flavours and fire-forged ingredients—and for an added experience, the menu is written in a combination of English and Tagalog. They are open Fridays and Saturdays at 5pm.
Left: Cassette Cafe & Dive Bar. Right: Lola, photo by Jarusha Brown
Truss Farm Food is a must-visit on Pender Island. You might notice the food truck first; check the daily fresh sheet menu to see what’s available—selections run the gamut from sandwiches to ramen to gnocchi to oysters and more. But they also have a brick-and-mortar location now, where they also offer local grocery products for sale, like salad dressings, sauces, salts, pasta and more.
There are a few recent additions on Mayne Island. The Montrose Local has set itself up to be a favourite place for takeout, or to sit and play a game or do a puzzle with friends. The inviting atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for their hearty menu. And while Sunny Mayne Bakery isn’t exactly new, per say, it might as well be—it is under new management and has been freshly renovated, so it feels like a whole new experience. Follow the scent of freshly baked treats and stop by for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or a sweet. The Smoke and Thyme food trailer is also a new hit with their 18-hour smoke brisket and their melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork. Finally, for those with a sweet-tooth, Mayne Island Chocolate highlights local and seasonal flavours in their hand-crafted treats that use organic fair-trade chocolate from Camino.
Sage Hayward Vineyards opened their seasonal eatery Feral Goat Bistro, much to the delight of both locals and tourists. The beautiful location offers stunning vista views over the winery to the ocean, and you can dine inside or out in the fresh air. Either way, you’ll enjoy a luscious menu with offerings like local lamb, veggies and herbs. Be aware that the bistro is aptly named; the cliffs behind are home to feral goats that like to make their presence known by their bleating.
