Vancouver Island restaurants make good use of abundant local produce, a year-round supply of fresh seafood and a wide variety of artisan food products.
Enjoy dining with ocean vistas on many parts of the island, ranging from dinners in Tofino or Sooke to casual family resorts near Parksville. Many chefs form close partnerships with farmers and fishers to create local, seasonal cuisine; sample fresh seafood and craft beer in Victoria or taste lamb raised on a Salt Spring Island farm.
Oceanfront Dining
Savour fine dining and harbour views in Victoria and Sooke, or enjoy the casual ambience of many family resorts along the oceanside route (Highway 19A) near Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
On the west coast, sample amazing restaurants near Tofino, where the ocean panoramas are as impressive as the food (especially during storm-watching season).
The Gulf Islands offer many culinary adventures: Dine on famous Salt Spring Island lamb or freshly caught dungeness crab while gazing over Ganges Harbour, or indulge in a feast of fresh, regional cuisine at a luxurious Pender Island resort.
For a special occasion dinner, celebrate with waterfront champagne brunch at a resort overlooking Discovery Pass near Campbell River. Cruising the Inside Passage? Many ships dock on northern Vancouver Island, which creates an opportunity to try some fresh seafood or dig into filling food at a Port Hardy waterfront pub.
Fresh BC Seafood and Local Food
Many restaurants and chefs are committed to the 100-Mile Diet, a philosophy dedicated to sourcing locally grown, sustainable food. Chefs often partner with organic farmers, producers and farmers markets in the Cowichan Valley and Comox Valley. Try locally-produced food that ranges from wildflower honey or organic lamb to brie cheese or craft beer and spirits.
Ocean Wise, a program dedicated to promoting sustainable seafood harvesting practices, has been embraced by many Vancouver Island restaurants and chefs who partner with fishers to guarantee quality, freshness and sustainability. Enjoy seafood dishes such as sockeye salmon baked on a brine-soaked cedar plank, Pacific halibut fish 'n' chips or succulent black cod.
A year-round supply of shellfish from a thriving and sustainable aquaculture industry means fresh oysters, clams and mussels from areas like Clayoquot Sound, Fanny Bay and Cortez Island. Spot prawns, dungeness crab and sweet sidestripe shrimp are other popular regional items.
Afternoon Tea
Vancouver Island’s colourful British heritage is celebrated daily with traditional afternoon tea – sip tea from china cups and saucers and nibble on finger sandwiches, scones with cream and other delights. In Victoria, indulge in tea overlooking the Inner Harbour at the Fairmont Empress’ sumptuous Afternoon Tea or amongst the blooms at Butchart Gardens. Cozy up at the White Heather Tea Room or the James Bay Tea Room and Restaurant, complete with British Royalty memorabilia on the walls. Point Ellice House, a fully restored Victorian home, is a fitting setting for celebrating this delicious tradition.
In Comox, take tea at the historic Filberg Heritage Lodge, or, at the Milner Gardens and Woodland near Qualicum Beach, admire views of gardens, ocean and mountains while enjoying tea in the 1931 Milner House.
Food and Wine Festivals
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 BC Shellfish Festival draws top chefs to share tips and highlight local seafood. Deliciously prepared and creatively displayed seafood tastings feature oysters, salmon, scallops, geoducks, and prawns, and are often paired with award-winning Vancouver Island wines.
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