 Farm Fresh, Cowichan Valley, Tom Ryan photo
Three Main Farming Areas on Vancouver Island Cowichan Valley: The region's most prolific agricultural area - it has more than 17,376ha/42, 936ac of farmland, including cranberry, oyster, dairy, and emu farms. The Cowichan Valley is also known as the "Napa Valley of the North," due to the main wine-producing area in the region. Valley farmers are gaining renown for their commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices, as well as becoming one of North America's Slow Food epicurean centres. Juicy fruits, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, grain-fed meats, and alpaca woollens are just some of the bounty on offer here. Saanich Peninsula: The Saanich Peninsula in the South Island is another exceptionally fertile area. During the summer as many as 20 farms participate in agricultural tours. Many communities have fall fairs, including the Saanich Fall Fair, annual highlight for more than 130 years. Look for road-side stands loaded with succulent berries, crisp vegetables, farm-fresh eggs and brightly hued flowers. Salt Spring Island: The rich, rolling farmlands on this pastoral island are revered for the tender lamb, fruits and vegetables, alpaca woollens and fields of lavendar that they produce. Tour highlights include Galey Farms As if fresh-picked produce in their own market were not enough, this Saanich area farm offers lots of family fun. - Take a tour of this working farm on the miniature train, then visit the petting zoo.
- Get lost in the giant corn maze that includes replicas of a sphinx, a pyramid and a western town!
- During October weekends, bounce aboard the hayride for a trip to the pumpkin patch to choose your own for Hallowe'en.
Saanichton Christmas Tree & Ostrich Farm This unique farm grows 15 varieties of Christmas trees in addition to breeding ostriches. - Take a guided tour of the incubation and hatchery facility to see adult ostriches, yearlings, baby chicks and eggs about to hatch (by appointment).
- Ostrich products for sale include eggs weighing the equivalent of 24 chicken eggs, ostrich-oil skin-care products and feather dusters.
Seaview Game Farm Best known as the largest fallow deer farm on Vancouver Island, Seaview also produces organically raised chicken, lamb, and venison. Tours guide visitors past fields of deer and into their mini farm of goats, lambs, peacocks, turkeys, llamas and alpacas. The farm tour also includes the greenhouses and orchards. - Family fun includes a petting zoo and playground, as well as the opportunity to stay overnight in an authentic teepee.
- Located just north of Courtenay.
Valhalla Farm Herbs 'N Things This small, family-run farm located in the Cowichan Valley, is dedicated to producing a wide variety of organically grown herbs. Herbs are processed immediately after harvesting to preserve their fresh-picked flavour. - Visitors are invited to wander through the lovely display garden.
- Jams and jellies in unique flavours such as Black Currant & Tarragon or Garlic & Dragon Fingers, as well as herbal vinegars, teas and soaps are for sale onsite.
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