Top 5 Vancouver Island Food & Drink: A Tasty Tour

Vancouver Island is that sort of place that is, actually, not just a beautiful escape for nature buffs, it’s also a food lover’s paradise. Think of it like this: local farmers, talented chefs, and artisan producers team up to whip up unique culinary experiences. So, if you ever get a chance to tour this gem, be sure that you are ready to excite your taste buds and uncover that mouth watering fare the island serves. We are going to go through five standout food and drink experiences that you can, arguably, find nowhere else. Get ready, it is like this ultimate culinary adventure awaits!

1. The Hazelmere Farm: Farm-to-Table Freshness

So, when folks are talking about “farm-to-table,” the Hazelmere Farm that is just a little outside of Chemainus, is likely the very thing they have in their minds. As a matter of fact, this spot isn’t just about picking up produce. It’s that whole experience! We visited last summer, and honestly, it was sort of great to see their family team picking fresh produce from those very fields that were next to the farm stand.

What is super memorable is that corn. Oh my goodness, very sweet. Apparently, it was plucked maybe an hour before we cooked it! We enjoyed our supper while we enjoyed the kind sunset right from their picnic spot. If you ever drop in, grab their berries and leafy stuff too! Then that whole picnic kind of happens right where they actually are harvested; that’s as fresh as things might be. Read our full review: Hazelmere Farm Vancouver Island Full Review and Details

2. Unsworth Vineyards: Wine and Dine in Style

Okay, so picture this, you have those endless stretches of vines that lead to a classy, very rustic tasting room – Unsworth Vineyards at the Cowichan Valley pretty much nails this! It could be the ideal visit if you love a place where charm mingles very well with quality winemaking. Their wines celebrate this whole distinct terrior. Very refreshing whites; their pinot noirs, so delicate!

Then, the restaurant there – expect things that are both local and of the season. I guess they just take the freshest things that the island might have, and put that into these really, really neat plates which marry very well with wines that they produce! The chef is very dedicated, which is a reflection in how the tastes come out and pair perfectly with Unsworth varietals. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Unsworth Vineyards)

3. Victoria Public Market: A Foodie’s Paradise

You know, when your inner foodie demands choices, you will have to point it straight to Victoria Public Market that’s right in Victoria. Basically, every possible kind of grub is under one single roof! Whether you are hankering for those artisanal cheeses, globally-themed foods, baked items, very rich chocolates or a good cuppa, the stalls likely are packed!

The Market tends to be where chefs, foodies, local vendors, and everyone that just appreciates quality food get mixed. In some respects, it’s similar to this permanent festival! Just a heads-up: visit hungry because it is super difficult to pick just one thing with every mouthwatering temptation right there. You will be tempted. Read our full review: Victoria Public Market Vancouver Island Full Review and Details

4. Tofino Brewing Co.: Craft Beer with a View

So, after hiking all through Tofino’s wild beaches, you kind of earned a pint. Am I right? When folks do arrive there, the right place very well might be Tofino Brewing Company! They are so inspired with that rugged natural backdrop. The brewery whips up a seriously awesome lineup which is, like, reflective of its earthy setting. Try some easy-drinking lagers, dark stouts and their very hoppy IPAs. I mean, these selections capture that core essence which, naturally, tends to be Tofino itself!

Visiting this place after kayaking near the coast or that big trek via rainforest really gives you that ultimate feel for things at Tofino. So get comfortable at the patio and cheers for beers! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Tofino Brewing Co)

5. The Fish Store: Ocean-to-Table Seafood

Seafood lover? If that is the situation, the Fish Store in that Comox Marina, they have a solid reputation when it comes to all of things seafood. So, very early in the morning, you see fishers going to port there. The vibe tends to be truly unique. It’s neat that the chefs and residents alike head over in the mornings and just look over stuff fresh away coming off of all the boats that is coming in. The spot basically celebrates bounty which this ocean may have. Then, they craft into dishes which capture all the freshness.

As I was saying, if you get a chance, just make sure you actually are there around then to savor fresh fish preparations with views which span a peaceful harbor! You will think about all that good stuff. A tip – order whatever that local catch seems to be for those days. They usually are quite tasty, but be ready for anything! Read our full review: The Fish Store Vancouver Island Full Review and Details