The dining scene in Vancouver, Whistler, and the Fraser Valley is a culinary playground of international tastes, boasting fresh, local ingredients that have attracted some of the world's most talented chefs.
Savour freshly caught salmon or halibut, cheeses from local dairy farmers, and just-picked berries from the Fraser Valley. As this region is home to Canada's second largest Asian population, discover its many spicy and exotic dishes. Vancouver, Coast & Mountains is sure to tempt the taste buds of any foodie with its incredible choice of flavours, ingredients, and restaurants.
Hell's Kitchen and Celebrity Chefs
Michelin-starred celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is basing his latest series of FOX's reality TV show Hell's Kitchen at Araxi in Whistler, while chef/writer Anthony Bourdain, from the Travel Channel's No Reservations sung the praises of Vancouver chefs Tojo, Pino (from Cioppino's) and Vij.
100 Mile Diet
Up for a challenge? Try the 100 Mile Diet. Born in Vancouver, the diet's premise is eating products that come from a 100 mile radius. With abundant produce from the Fraser Valley and Pemberton Valley and fresh fish from the Pacific Ocean, it isn't hard!
Dining near Vancouver
The options are endless at the tenth "Best Restaurant City" in the world, as named by Food & Wine Magazine in 2008. Vancouver's dining scene reflects the area's cultural diversity. There's a huge assortment of ethnic restaurants available: Japanese, Chinese, Ethiopian, French, Italian, Mongolian, and more.
Enjoy bubble tea (an Asian specialty drink) in Richmond, try a California Roll or BC Roll (these sushi favourites were invented in Vancouver), or hike the Grouse Grind then devour a juicy burger on top of the mountain.
Be adventurous with appetizers like Indian style cricket (yes, the insect), or taste creations from a local celebrity chef (notably Iron Chef Rob Feenie.)
Dining in Whistler
Whistler's dining scene was ranked second in the après-ski category by SKI Magazine 2008/2009. Choose from first-class restaurants featuring ingredients from the Pacific Northwest to cozy cafes selling quick snacks and warm drinks.
Start a day on the slopes with belgian waffles at 1,800m/6,000ft., and end it relaxing with an ice-cold beer or hot chocolate at one of the many rooftop patios in the thriving après-ski scene.
Browse through two of BC's most impressive wine cellars - featuring more than 10,000 bottles - and try sabering champagne (the art of slicing the neck of the champagne bottle with a knife.)
Having trouble deciding where to dine? Take advantage of Whistler Tasting Tours – sample up to five restaurants featuring innovative culinary pairings with top BC wines.
Fresh Food from the Fraser Valley and Pemberton Valley
As the largest agricultural region in BC, the Fraser Valley is known for its locally grown produce. Berries, fresh cheeses and milk, and potatoes from the Pemberton Valley (the potato seed capital of North America) make their way into mouth-watering dishes that can be eaten at fine-dining restaurants or taken al fresco on vineyards.
Indulge in French cuisine while overlooking a 22ha/55ac vineyard or try desserts made with the local dairy products and just-picked berries.
Pair your dishes with the local fruit wines – wineries in the valley produce some of the top fruit wines in the country, winning awards from competitions such as the All Canadian Wine Championships.
Take a Circle Farm Tour and discover where the local food is produced then dine al fresco with fresh baked breads, cheeses, and berries bought at a farmers market.
BC Seafood on the Coast
The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region is ideally situated on the Pacific Ocean, offering diners fresh seafood in an eclectic mix of restaurants. From fine-dining places serving steak and king crab to unassuming fish and chip joints, the seafood options are endless.
Enjoy salmon, halibut, and clam chowders on the beautiful Sunshine Coast while taking in the ocean views, dig into crispy fish and chips on the boardwalk in Steveston (located in Richmond), or opt for sushi made with wild salmon.
Don't forget to try coast favourite salmon prepared a number of ways - smoked, candied (cured in maple syrup), or cooked on a cedar plank (the traditional cooking method used in Aboriginal cultures.)