With farmland, forests, lakes, and oceans, Vancouver Island presents a rich and diverse landscape of food resources. Take a tour of the Island’s bountiful landscape by checking out these Vancouver Island restaurants that focus on fresh farm to table (or boat to table) delicacies:
Start in the province capital with 10 Acres, where the motto is: “Farm to Plate. We Live It”. This restaurant group includes the Kitchen, the Commons, and the Bistro — 3 separate dining experiences in downtown Victoria. Most of their food is grown on their own organic farm in North Saanich, where they harvest seasonal, organic produce and free range eggs, and ethically raise pigs, ducks,and chickens that supply their restaurants. Whatever isn’t from the farm is sourced from local farmers, food purveyors, and fishermen. Their varying menus focus on seasonal availability and freshness — current mouth-watering dishes on the menu include Salt Spring Island Mussels (10 Acres Bistro), Hand Peeled Shrimp and Avocado Salad (10 Acres Commons), and Fraser Valley Chicken Supreme stuffed with chard and St Paulin cheese (10 Acres Kitchen).
Where to stay: Stay at either Best Western Plus Inner Harbour or Carlton Plaza, each just a 10 minute walk away from 10 Acres Bistro, Commons, and Kitchen.
Drive up along the scenic east coast of the Island to Comox Valley where you’ll find Locals Restaurant. This establishment has received plenty of raving reviews online from satisfied patrons, and it’s easy to see why. Locals Restaurant puts the spotlight on health and sustainability, with the belief that those who value the health of their bodies and the environment work hard to seek fresh foods locally. This restaurant celebrates the uniqueness of the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island by identifying local suppliers and sources right on the menu. Make it a weekend trip and go for brunch, served Saturday and Sunday until 2 pm — try the Baked Vegetable Tart with a variety of local produce, finished with a poached egg and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks Rathtrevor cheese sauce.
Where to stay: Our Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre is a 5 minute riverside walk away from Locals Restaurant.
Traverse the Pacific Rim Highway to the island’s west coast, where surf-central Tofino will greet you with a briny breeze. Wolf in the Fog is an oceanfront dining experience, inspired first and foremost by Tofino’s oceans, forests, and shoreline. The restaurant sources its bounty of fresh seafood from local fishermen, complimenting dishes with local flavours such as chanterelle mushrooms foraged from the surrounding forests. Try the Moroccan Spiced Octopus and the Bamfield Seaweed Salad — and don’t forget the drinks! Bar Manager Hailey Pasemko showcases a curated west-coast cocktail experience, with offerings like The Lion, The Witch & The Narwhal (a gin and pine vermouth concoction) and the Cedar Sour (a woodsy take on a whiskey sour with cedar-infused rye).
Where to stay: Our Tin Wis Resort is a short 5 minute drive away from Wolf in the Fog on the tip of Tofino — bring your designated driver! In the warmer months, a 10 minute leisurely bike ride will get you there.
There are so many wonderful local, sustainable foods to try all across Vancouver Island, and Best Western Vancouver Island has you covered so you can enjoy all the flavours from the east coast to the west. Bon Appetit!
