Dining on Vancouver Island is an epicurean delight thanks to an abundance of fresh local produce, a year-round supply of fresh seafood and a wide variety of artisan food producers dedicated to fresh, natural and locally produced product.
Many restaurants boast world-class chefs who form close partnership with farmers, fisherman and food producers to create innovative and mouth watering cuisine.
International Accolades
The dedication to quality, freshness and seasonal foods has garnered international acclaim. Saveur magazine called Vancouver Island a "west coast epicurean centre" while Vancouver Island restaurants have won accolades from such notable sources as Conde Naste Traveler, Zagat, Frommers, Travel Leisure and Relais & Chateaux. Looking for a more casual dining experience? Cafes, diners and chain restaurants can be found almost everywhere. Many waterfront areas feature neighbourhood pubs, marinas and resorts that offer fresh, affordable food in a laid-back atmosphere with outstanding ocean views.
Fresh, Natural Regional Food
Restaurants on Vancouver Island often source their ingredients from local producers including the many farmers markets in the Cowichan and Comox valleys. Fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats and cheeses are all grown locally and often organically. The range of food on Vancouver Island is amazing: wildflower honey; organically grown lamb; fresh local brie cheese and a nearly unlimited variety of seafood from BC's pristine Pacific waters.
Vancouver Island Seafood – From Ocean to Table
Vancouver Island seafood is often only hours away from the table. Many restaurants partner directly with fisherman, guaranteeing the finest quality and freshness. Diners can enjoy popular seafood dishes like BC Sockeye salmon baked on a brine-soaked cedar plank; fresh Pacific halibut, a staple in fish and chips or herb crusted, blackened and baked, and succulent BC black cod.
Vancouver Island chefs enjoy a year-round supply of shellfish from a thriving and sustainable aquaculture industry. Fresh oysters, clams and mussels from areas like Clayoquot Sound, Fanny Bay and Cortez Island are often served the same day they are harvested.
BC Spot Prawns, Dungeness crab and sweet Sidestripe shrimp are other popular and tasty regional menu items.
Oceanfront Dining on Vancouver Island
Some of the most spectacular oceanfront dining is found on Vancouver Island's West Coast. Sample the amazing restuarants near Tofino where panoramic ocean views are almost as impressive as the food. The Gulf Islands offer many culinary adventures. Dine on famous Salt Spring Island lamb or freshly caught Dungeness crab while gazing over Ganges Harbour. Boating in the Gulf Islands? Enjoy a fresh cappuccino from a local marina or a luxurious feast of fresh, regional cuisine at a luxurious Pender Island resort.
Diners can savour fine dining and harbour views in Victoria and Sooke or enjoy the casual, laid-back ambience of the many family resorts along the Oceanside Route (Highway 19A) near Parksville.
Celebrating a special occasion? Try a waterfront champagne brunch at a resort overlooking the swirling waters of Discovery Pass near Campbell River.
Travelling the Inside Passage? Try some of the North Island's fresh seafood or dig in to a famous "mile-high clubhouse" at a Port Hardy waterfront pub.
Farmers Markets
Looking for fresh and tasty dining to go? Stop at one of Vancouver Island's many farmer's markets for delicious top quality products - organically grown, locally sourced and direct from a farmer, fisherman or baker. Enjoy market fresh fare at a picnic table on site, dine in a park or head to a beach for an oceanside al fresco picnic.
Local, Sustainable Food Sources
Many restaurants and chefs are committed to the 100 Mile Diet, a philosophy dedicated to sourcing locally grown, sustainable foodstuffs. Chefs often partner directly with the many organic farmers and food producers in the Cowichan and Comox valleys. Ocean Wise, a program dedicated to promoting sustainable seafood harvesting practices, originated in Vancouver and has been embraced by many Vancouver Island restaurants and chefs.
Celebrating Food and Dining
Dining celebrations are part of the culture on Vancouver Island. Tofino hosts the popular Clayoquot Oyster Festival in November, while June sees chefs, food producers and wineries gather together for the Tofino Food and Wine Festival.
In Comox the annual Comox Valley Shellfish Festival draws top local chefs to share their tips and highlight local seafood. Delicious seafood tastings featuring oysters, salmon, scallops, geoducks, prawns and shrimp are all creatively displayed and often paired with award-winning Vancouver Island wines.