Edible Notables: Flavour Trails
“I love my e-bike,” raved a friend. “I use it for everything; hills disappear and parking is a snap. And it’s great to stop and chat with people.” Today, I decide to test this for myself, so I set out to explore the culinary aspects of the fertile Saanich Peninsula on my e-bike, taking inspiration from the Greater Victoria's Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trails map.
Starting in Sidney, I head along the bike path, circling the Victoria Airport toward the Fickle Fig. Their pastry display is irresistible, packed with scones, flaky croissants, Danishes, cinnamon twists and fresh-fruit pies. The Fig has three farms supplying fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs, and everything is baked on site each morning. Jars of jellies, jams and pickled delicacies line the walls, all made from local ingredients.
While savoring a just-out-of-the-oven, strawberry-chocolate scone, which is tender, flaky, and light, I am interrupted. “Would you mind moving your bicycle?” a local farmer asked kindly. He had come for his morning coffee on a tractor, which I had inadvertently blocked.
I finish the scone and head off, enjoying the fresh breeze and ease of e-biking. Soon, I roll into the Roost Vineyard Bistro & Farm Bakery. The Roost creates pastries that are rich with flavour and texture, attracting a strong local following. Enveloped in the aroma of fresh bread, I bite into a fresh blueberry cinnamon bun.
Next, I head toward Sea Cider Farm & Cidery, entering bucolic farmland. It is easy to stop at the farm stands that dot the roadside offering flowers, tomatoes, eggs, pumpkins and much more—all on the honour system! Arriving at Sea Cider is like cycling into a fairy tale. The white cider house topped by two turrets sits proudly on a rise, framed by rows of espaliered apple trees, the boughs bent low with ripe apples. On the sunny wooden deck, I sip a Bonnie cider from their Temperance series (non-alcoholic and named after Dr. Bonnie Henry), casting envious looks at the couple enjoying eight cider samplers and a charcuterie platter overflowing with cheese, sausage and jelly.
Refreshed from the cider, I quickly and effortlessly—love this e-bike!—arrive at Keating Cross Road and Category 12 Brewing. Stepping inside, I am soothed by the casual décor, the open kitchen and, best of all, numerous taps next to a chalkboard proclaiming the available beers. I sip a small glass (OK, I want a large, but I am driving) of their most-requested, hop-heavy, Juicy Data.
After imbibing the delicious brew, I cycle along the sidewalk until the street widens, leading me to Church & State Winery, the largest on Vancouver Island (and my favourite). The elegant balcony overlooks row upon row of grape-laden vines aligned like soldiers on parade under the brilliant sun. Watching bubbles slowly rise, I sip a small sample of Sparkling Pinot Gris, made using the traditional champagne method. It is creamy and toasty with a hint of vanilla.
After a few more easy minutes, my bike reaches Country Bee Honey Farm. Inside the store and coffee shop, the shelves are laden with honeys, candles, royal jelly, books and more. An intoxicating aroma of beeswax and flowers hangs in the air. The surrounding 11-acre farm includes a colourful pollinator garden full of lavender, orange California poppies and, of course, bees. Bleating and clucking draw me to an enclosure with three Nigerian goats and two baby doll sheep. I watch giggling children make faces at the chickens, rabbits, ducks, and pheasants. Then I stroll beside the Field of Dreams, an enormous bed of picturesque wildflowers. The brilliant blue plumage of a peacock occasionally blends with the bright yellows, violets and crimsons of the masses of sunflowers and other florae.
Waving goodbye to the bees, I pedal south along the winding West Saanich Road, one of the prettiest drives on Vancouver Island. Tall Douglas firs soar overhead, and horses occasionally pose next to wooden railings and moss-covered stone walls. That the Peninsula’s fertile soil, mild climate and generous rainfall promotes a cornucopia of crops is obvious from the many hand-lettered signs and farm stands offering free-range eggs, garlic, vegetables, flowers and more.
The popular Mosi Bakery Café & Gelateria is located on a busy corner, filled with the aroma of a fresh bakery and busy with happy customers. The buttery croissants are magnificent, but the gelato, in a rainbow of flavours, is the star. I lick a cone of Rose while Megan, the gelato maker, demonstrates how to make mango gelato. “Gelato,” she says, “contains less air than ice cream so is creamier, smoother and is packed with flavour.” I can only agree.
Gentle pedaling propels me to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific and Charlotte & the Quail. The restaurant’s patio overlooks one of the most magnificent gardens on Vancouver Island. The interior is tastefully decorated and comfortable. But most impressive is the quality of the cuisine. I sample a roasted tomato soup accompanied by a chorizo sausage, sweet-potato wedges, pickled asparagus, cauliflower, kale and pumpkin pesto—all local ingredients. Artfully presented, it tastes even better than it looks.
Contented and full, I cycle north to Michell’s Farm Market and the Harvest Road Food Truck, joining several other bikers. With 400 acres, Michell’s Farm is the largest on the Peninsula. The family operation produces a wealth of quality produce including cabbages, carrots, beets, pumpkins, parsnips, apples and squash. The shelves are lined with jams, preserves and honey. I love the food truck for it serves very fresh cuisine, a perfect refresher for cyclists. (The truck closes for winter at end of October.)
I continue along the popular Lochside Trail, with the bike doing 90% of the work. Too soon, I reach Sidney and my final stop, the Victoria Distillery. Inside, I admire the shining copper pots where the spirits are created. Tasting the Oaken Gin, I enjoy the undertones of whiskey from the barrel aging. What a happy ending to a great day of sampling the best of this picturesque, fertile region.
If You Go
Riding my e-bike about 60 kilometers to 10 destinations using only a third of its battery charge was easy and exhilarating. Customize your tour by consulting Flavour Trails. Be sure to check your destinations’ websites for opening times.
The Edible Notables Series is proudly sponsored by Beacon Law Centre
