Closer to Home — Edible Road Trips on Vancouver Island
COVID-19 has changed how—and when and where—we will be travelling these days. Grand plans for overseas holidays or cross-country roadtrips may have to be put on hold; but that's okay. We live in arguably one of the most idyllic, vacation-like places already, and no matter how long you've lived here, there's a new hike or restaurant or road you haven't yet seen. Many restaurants have reopened and will be depending on support from locals—so whether you decide to dine-in or take-out, you'll soon find your belly full and satisfied as you take the time to be a tourist in what may even be your own city. This is the perfect time to take advantage of exploring the paradise we get to call home.
Culinary Adventures: Sooke to Port Renfrew
And while you're on the southern Island, maybe take a drive from Sooke to Port Renfrew, an idyllic trip for culinary adventurers looking to enjoy the wild West Coast and find some lovely restaurants, breweries, distilleries, bakeries and pubs. Taste the terroir the West Coast imbues into its food when you visit Wild Mountain Food and Drink or the little gem of Shirley Delicious. And kick back and relax with a local brew from Sooke Oceanside Brewery, or partake in some spirit tasting at Sherringham Distillery.
Island Cider from Victoria to the Cowichan Valley
If cider is your thing, you can't go wrong with taking a trip from Victoria to Cowichan, where Island cideries are producing fresh and crisp ciders in the midst of picture-perfect landscapes. Stop by the rustic, converted dairy farm of Tod Creek Craft Cider, or drop in to Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery to take in the beauty of the cider trees working in harmony with the beehives and sheep. Taste the West Coast in a sip of one of the 20 varietals of cider offered by Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse, where owner Kristen Needham takes pride in being an Island cider pioneer.
The Road to Relaxation: Nanaimo to Tofino
Tofino is the Island destination everyone talks about, but even just getting there involves one of the most beautiful, scenic drives. Enjoy the entire trip from Nanaimo to the West Coast, with plenty of local restaurants available along the way. Start your trip off with brunch at Gabriel’s Café in Nanaimo, where there are plenty of vegetarian options and the meat they do serve is ethically sourced. Then stop for a stroll along Parksville’s oceanside boardwalk before continuing on to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks at Morningstar Farm to pick up some Welsh-style Caerphilly or mild Island Brie (and the kids will enjoy petting the sheep and pouring milk-to-go from the self-serve dispenser!). And once you’ve reached Tofino, the delicious culinary options are plentiful: Sea Monster Noodle Bar is a great place to stop for lunch, and then after exploring the beaches for the afternoon, you can finish the day with a decadent meal at The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn.
Ucluelet: Tofino’s Humble Neighbour is Really Starting to Cook
Another option once you’ve crossed the island is to consider turning left at the T-intersection that requires the choice between Ucluelet and Tofino. Ucluelet offers its own wild and rugged coastal views that can be enjoyed from many of their resorts and restaurants, which serve fresh West Coast fare made by chefs who are passionate about the area and the products they use to create delectable and beautiful dishes. Pluvio Restaurant + Rooms is the perfect place to both stay and dine; use it as your home base as you explore the beautiful and rugged coastline and walk the Wild Pacific Trail to the iconic lighthouse. And if you like to eat a variety of foods while you’re on vacation, Ucluelet has the options you need: from Frankie’s Resto-Bar that serves slow-smoked dishes to Zoe’s Bakery and Café, where the pastries are melt-in-your-mouth tasty, to Pacific Rim Distilling, where you can imbibe some natural craft gin and vodka. Ucluelet is a place you can visit multiple times a year, and still find new places to stay (like the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort to watch the ocean’s stormy personality) and dine (like the elegant Currents Restaurant next door).
Delicious Days in the Southern Gulf Islands
If you want a little more change in scenery and to say you truly did leave Vancouver Island this summer for your vacation, all you need to do is hop on a little ferry to one of the many southern Gulf Islands that pepper the ocean between us and the mainland. Stay at WOODS on Pender Island in a refurbished Airstream, rustic cabins or the motel; from there, drive the island to find Twin Island Cider or Sea Star Vineyards and Winery. On Mayne Island, enjoy The Groove Island Kitchen, where the live evening music is a perfect complement to a house-made ginger beer and pizza. Get away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life by booking a stay at the Galiano Inn and Spa on Galiano Island; after a relaxing evening by the outdoor fire, spend the next day wandering through Galiano Island Books with a coffee in hand from Bowline Café. And you won’t run out of places to visit and explore on Gabriola Island, with shopping options like Wishbone Specialty Foods, Gifts & Home Décor and countless dining, coffee and drink options that will have you wishing you turned your day trip into a weekend one.
There's no need to look across the ocean or state lines to have a beautiful and relaxing vacation. This summer, support our restaurants, cafes, bakeries, breweries, B&Bs, resorts and more, and enjoy a beautiful and safe close-to-home holiday.
