Submitted by verb-admin on Mon, 08/24/2020 - 10:55
A taste for exploration
A rooster crowing, the drowsy buzz of bees, a tractor in the distance - all sounds that will give you a clue to the Saanich Peninsula and its fascinating Flavour Trail tour.
Just 30 minutes outside of Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula is one of Vancouver Island’s best kept secrets. With gently rolling hills, pasture, apple orchards, vineyards that run down to the ocean and rocky coves, it’s a 30 kilometre promontory flanked by the Salish Sea and its bounty, that’s ripe and ready for you to discover. It’s a land of farmsteads, cider presses, bakers, distillers, honey farmers, brewers and growers, all contributing to its unofficial title of the “The Island’s Salad and Fruit Bowl”.
The Flavour Trail is a self-guided expedition that really celebrates the richness of the region. You can buy fresh cut basil, taste fireweed honey, take a winery tour, pick berries, sip cider or taste our local delicacies. And because of its proximity to Victoria, the visitor can do all this and be back in town in time for tea (and maybe even taste some delicious Saanich produce when you have dinner that night). The area is of such a “tourable” scale, it’s possible to see a lot and, more importantly, taste a lot and really get the local flavour. Travel by car to see as much as you can, or go by standard or electric bike for a leisurely tour that seems to perfectly match the rhythm of the region.
Whichever way you choose to go, welcome to a world of gastronomic delights.
Getting Here
The Flavour Trail is located on the Saanich Peninsula where you’ll find transport gateways to make access super easy. There is Victoria International Airport (YYJ), the Swartz Bay BC Ferry terminal for foot passenger and car traffic to Vancouver Island, and the Washington State Ferry that runs from picture postcard Sidney to Anacortes travelling through the San Juan Islands.
Plan your trip using the Flavour Trail map on the website. The Peninsula is a 25 minute car ride from downtown Victoria or consider taking in the trail on a standard or electric bike (just make sure you can carry some of the goodies you’re bound to pick up for that lunchtime picnic). Nearby Sidney is everyone’s idea of a perfect little seaside town with coffee shops and bistros, a famous crab fishing pier and another great place to stock up with supplies. And wherever you go you’ll find a friendly wave and a welcoming smile. All part of the local flavour. Happy Trails!
Itineraries
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The Tour de Farm
The Saanich Peninsula is a day-tripper’s paradise, easily transformed into a flavourful cycling route. Begin your journey along the Galloping Goose Trail to discover a full-day culinary tour that will lead you from downtown Victoria through rolling fields to house made gelato, local honey, sweet sips and more. Take your time cycling back along the Lochside Trail. This unique experience is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Greater Victoria.
Start: Downtown Victoria
From downtown Victoria, rent a bike from Bike Tours Victoria, or for a bit of assistance, opt for an e-bike from The Pedaler. Embark on your culinary cycling tour of the Flavour Trails. Hop on the Galloping Goose Trail and settle in for a 40-minute ride to your first stop.
Stop 1: The Gardens at HCP
Your first stop on your self-guided adventure is The Gardens at HCP, a beautiful botanical garden that you can enjoy year-round. Spend as long as you like here, taking in the seasonal blooms and wandering the garden paths. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, you need only bike 10 minutes down the road to your next stop.
Stop 2: Mosi Bakery – Café & Gelateria
Indulge in a well-earned cool down at Mosi’s and savour their world-famous handmade gelato while soaking up the sun on their charming wrap around veranda.
Stop 3: Country Bee Honey
When you’ve had your sampling of Island flavours, head back out on your bike via West Saanich Road and cycle 20 minutes down the road to your third stop, Country Bee Honey Farm. Taste delicious local honey in their storefront and peruse the locally made gifts and products on offer. This is the perfect spot to find Island goodies to take home.
Stop 4: Church & State Wines
After a 6-minute bike ride to Church & State Wines, indulge in a bite at this gorgeous vineyard and treat yourself to a delicious lunch from the Tasting Bar or Bistro. Sample local ingredients weaved into unique dishes or opt to nibble on one of their famous charcuterie boards.
Stop 5: Devine Winery & Distillery
As you loop up towards downtown Victoria, break up the trip back with a visit to this small-batch, craft distillery to learn about their long, loving and laborious techniques to distill the most unique flavours. With an unwavering passion for celebrating the land, cherishing community and enjoying good food and drink, a visit to Devine promises a distinct experience.
Finish: Downtown Victoria - 10 Acres Bistro
When you arrive back to downtown Victoria after your 75-minute cycle back along the Lochside Regional Trail, drop off your bike and then head to 10 Acres Bistro for a farm to table meal to conclude your grand flavour cycling tour. Here you can sample flavours raised and harvested on the Saanich Peninsula.
The Saanich Peninsula, set just 30 minutes south of Victoria, is a rural ramble of rolling hills, wineries, cideries, bakeries, farm-stands and much more. This road-trippers paradise will tie together the pastoral and urban to add another layer to your Island culinary experience. Visit local farms where ingredients are nurtured and foraged before you complete your gastronomic journey in downtown Victoria at one of several farm-to-table restaurants.
Start: Downtown Victoria
Start the day bright and early with a short 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria to your first stop. No need to grab your morning tea or coffee en route; there will be plenty where you’re headed.
Stop 1: Charlotte & the Quail | The Gardens at HCP
Fuel yourself at this charming farm-to-table restaurant. After you’ve nourished your soul, meander around the Gardens at HCP and breathe deeply and easily as you take in this stunning botanical garden that can be enjoyed rain or shine, year-round.
Stop 2: Country Bee
Hop back in the car for a quick 11-minute drive to your next stop. Taste the flavours of the Saanich Peninsula in the locally made honey at Country Bee. Sample from dozens of flavours and shop their locally made gifts and products. You’ll be sure to find some goodies to bring home.
Stop 3: Church & State Wines
What could be better than a beautiful vineyard on the Peninsula? Two minutes down the road, arrive at Church & State Wines. Ready for an afternoon snack? Their Tasting Bar is the perfect place to linger a while. Especially when seated overlooking the vineyard on their expansive patio. Make a note to return soon with your mat for one of their outdoor yoga classes.
Stop 4: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
12 minutes from Church & State, discover Sea Cider Farm, a beautiful cidery with outstanding views of the orchard and Salish Sea. Sample their dry, sweet and seasonal sips as you nibble on delectable light bites.
A quick six-minute drive down the road brings you to The Roost. Stop for a caffeinated beverage and indulge in their tasty treats. This family run 10-acre farm produces the eggs baked in goodies and serves wine made from vines on site.
Stop 6: Snowdon House Gourmet & Gifts
Another 6 minutes leads you to Snowdon House. A unique Douglas Fir farm where you can find elixirs, vinegars and syrups made from the fir needles, along with spices and other locally made goodies to spice up your meals back home.
Stop 7: Melinda’s Biscotti
A one-minute drive, or a seven-minute jaunt, brings you to Melinda’s Biscotti. Try Melinda’s famous Biscotti and purchase some to enjoy for dessert or the rest of your visit - we doubt it’ll make the journey home with you.
Finish: Return to Victoria | OLO Restaurant
With your rural ramble nearly complete, tie your culinary experience on the Peninsula together with a locally harvested meal at OLO. We recommend indulging in their tasting menu, a five-course meal with dynamic flavours and local influences.
Whether you’re a wine collector or a new wine taster, a spirit fan or a cidery novice, you are sure to enjoy the Flavour Trails grapes to grains agritourism experience. Be pleasantly surprised as you travel through vineyards, orchards and farms just minutes from downtown Victoria. Whatever the season, visitors can expect to be enchanted as knowledgeable proprietors, dedicated hosts and award-winning makers pour their product and share their stories. This is an a la carte itinerary where visitors pick and choose their stops. In geographical order, heading north from downtown Victoria (with your designated driver or tour operator!), pick and chose from the some of the best libations around:
Start: Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery
Discover how beer and whisky is made on a guided tour of an operational brewery and distillery. The Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery crafts elegant Scotch style single malt whisky and superb craft beer. An onsite lounge and visitor center allow guests to enjoy the atmosphere with a pint in hand or take home their favourite bottle of whisky. Tours run multiple times every day and include three beer and two whisky samples.
Stop 2: DEVINE Winery & Distillery
Visit this small-batch, craft distillery to learn about their long, loving and laborious techniques to distill the most unique flavours. With an unwavering passion for celebrating the land, cherishing community and enjoying good food and drink, a visit to DEVINE promises a distinct experience. Visitors can expect craft whisky, gin, vodka, rum, vermouth, and wines made using traditional small batch techniques.
Stop 3: Church & State Wines
At Church & State Wines, indulge in a bite at this gorgeous vineyard and treat yourself to a delicious lunch from the Tasting Bar or Bistro. Sample local ingredients weaved into unique dishes or opt to nibble on one of their famous charcuterie boards.
Stop 4: Category 12 Brewing
Category 12 believes there is a fundamental basis of biology and chemistry that guides the fermentation process and enables the creation of consistently great beers. Category 12’s head brewer and founder, Michael Kuzyk, has been brewing beer for more than 20 years and has his doctorate in microbiology and biochemistry. After leading the creation of several world-class research labs, he decided it was time to make his own – dedicated to the pursuit of exceptional beer. With Michael’s continual tinkering, you can expect a continually expanding line of seasonal releases, including those that pay homage to his favourite big Belgians and hoppy Northwestern ales.
Stop 5: Sea Cider
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse’s ten-acre farm is home to over 1,300 apple trees, made up of over 50 varieties of heritage apples. Relax at the ciderhouse and drink in the panoramic water views overlooking the orchard across the Haro Straight to James Island. The Ciderhouse is open for tastings and tours year-round, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a flight of ciders paired with organic cheese and other local delectable treats. Top off your visit with a tour and browse a selection of hand-crafted farm product.
Stop 6: The Roost Farm Bakery & Vineyard Bistro
Situated in the heart of North Saanich pastoral landscapes, the Roost’s focus is on local food and wine, and sustainability. More than just a bakery/café, The Roost “roosts” on 10 acres of farmland where they grow many of the things used to produce the food they proudly serve. The wheat grown and milled on-site is used to bake breads fresh daily. Blueberries, sheep and a unique vineyard all add to the authentic experience. Whether you sit on the porch, get comfy in the secret garden or laze at a picnic bench looking out over the vineyard, you sure to enjoy a passionate farm experience.
Stop 7: Howl Brewery
Already making big waves in the craft beer scene, discover this small bath, nano-brewery nestled on a farm in North Saanich. Being a small brewery, visitors can look forward to trying difficult to find beer styles and beer that showcases local farms. Past pours you may see on tap include North Saanich Pale Ale, Raspberry Rosemary Dandelion Saison, Gotlandsdricka and Sarsaparilla Sunrise Lager.
Stop 8: Deep Cove Winery
Deep Cove Winery is a family owned winery operated by a husband and wife team Elyse and Tasem Ramadan. Their winemaking philosophy seeks to find the perfect blend between traditional winemaking techniques and keeping to sustainable practices with a commitment to no animal products. Nestled between Horth Hill Regional Park and Deep Cove, the clay soil land is protected from wind and offers the warmest spot in the region, advantageous for the ripening of the 3 acres of grapes that were originally planted over 18 years ago. The winery’s estate varietals include Ortega, Pinot Gris, Schonburger and Marechal Foch. Additionally, select varietals are sourced from reputable vineyards in the Okanagan.
Just 30 minutes out of Victoria you’ll find our Flavour Trails, gastronomic mini-tours that lead you to all the tastes, sights and sounds of the region. You can enjoy stops at selected farms, buy at the farm gate or full-service farm markets. Many offer produce year-round. Take your pick from items like local honey, pine infused vinegar, jams and chutneys. Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada. People here say you can take a walk any day of the year–no jacket required. It’s a city surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, a city that blooms all year round and entices the visitor to get out and explore.
As the year gathers pace more and more produce becomes available. See below for seasonal highlights. Please note: some 2020 events may be postponed or modified due to COVID-19.
Spring
Spring sees newborn lambs and kids gambolling in the fields, farmers busy planting crops, the first flowers, early season leeks, root vegetables like parsnips and rutabagas and the first peppers and tomatoes.
Summer
Summer is peak season for fruit and crops. Peas start in June and there are raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and cherries to pick or buy at farmstands in late June and July. Peninsula figs, zucchini, melons, pears and plums arrive in August, all sought after by locals, restauranteurs and visitors alike. It’s also a busy time for distillers and vineyards as they begin their harvest.
Fall
For many local farmers and producers, autumn is harvest time. The countryside is alive with vibrant fall colours.
Winter
Winter is a time to take a breath for some producers, for others it’s a time to show off their products.
Resources
As Greater Victoria reopens to locals and visitors, we must act responsibly to not undo the great work that all British Columbians have done so far. That's why Destination Greater Victoria and our industry partners are listening carefully to the Ministry of Health and WorksafeBC to ensure proper safety protocols are in place. We will continue to monitor our progress closely and adapt as the situation evolves.
