Flavour Trails

Explore, Sip & Savour Along the Flavour Trails

Just minutes away from the energy of Victoria’s downtown core, the rich rural countrysides of the Saanich Peninsula, Southern Gulf Islands, and the Westshore are some of Greater Victoria’s best-kept secrets. A land to connect through food with nature and each other.

Discover gently rolling hills, apple orchards, ocean-view vineyards, and islands of exploration, flanked by the Salish Sea and its bounty—all ripe and ready for you to discover—along The Flavour Trails. This self-guided expedition authentically celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the region, with ample opportunity to taste, sip, and experience what makes this foodie haven so special.

Buy fresh-cut basil, taste fireweed honey, take a winery tour, pick berries, sip cider or sit down to a farm-fresh dinner celebrating local delicacies. The best part? It’s so easy to see and do so much. It really is possible to see and taste your way around, either by car, bike, or e-bike, thanks to a superb network of bike trails. And it doesn’t just have to be a day trip. You’ll find charming B&B’s, welcoming guesthouses, and more all along The Flavour Trails.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the land of farmsteads, cider presses, bakers, distillers, honey farmers, brewers, and growers. Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands’ sub-Mediterranean climate is unlike any other part of Canada, making it the perfect place to explore agritourism experiences. Our mild winters, fresh water, and rays of west coast sunshine provide us with a unique biodiversity allowing us to produce the very best in organic ingredients.

The Flavour Trails offer an escape from the everyday. A seamless experience of modern-meets-rustic welcomes you as warmly as fresh-out-the oven baking. Explore this one-of-a-kind region at a relaxed, never rushed pace and discover authentic moments of meaningful connection.

A Glimpse of the Flavour Trails

Getting Here

The Flavour Trails encompass the Saanich Peninsula and Southern Gulf Islands with Greater Victoria, where you’ll find transport gateways to make access super easy. There is Victoria International Airport (YYJ) or the Swartz Bay BC Ferry terminal for foot passenger and car traffic to Vancouver Island and expeditions to the Southern Gulf Islands.

Plan your trip using the Flavour Trails map. Drive to The Peninsula in just 30 minutes from downtown Victoria or take in the Lochside Trail on a standard or electric bike (be sure to bring a bag to carry picnic supplies and all the goodies you’ll grab along the way). Nearby Sidney, at the edge of the Saanich Peninsula, is everyone’s idea of a perfect little seaside town with coffee shops and bistros, a famous crab fishing pier and is another great place to stock up with supplies. Sidney is also your launch pad to connect with the Southern Gulf Islands archipelago through a series of brief but beautiful ferry rides straight from the tip of the Saanich Peninsula. This stunning group of islands, a stone’s throw from the shores of the Greater Victoria, are perfect for day trips or multi-day island hopping adventures.

Wherever you go you’ll find a friendly wave and a welcoming smile. All part of the local flavour. Happy Trails!

Itineraries

Barns, Beaches & Beyond

Embark on a captivating agritourism adventure through Langford, Metchosin, and Sooke, where the lush landscapes of Vancouver Island unveil a bounty of farm-fresh experiences. Begin in Langford with a delightful brunch featuring locally sourced ingredients and an African twist, offering a unique and flavourful start to your day. Venture to Metchosin, renowned for its charming lavender farms, delightful sugar shacks, and friendly barnyard buddies, providing a perfect blend of sensory delights and family fun. Conclude your journey in Sooke, where the fertile land meets the sea, offering an ideal setting to indulge in gourmet meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. This itinerary promises a rich tapestry of flavours and scenic beauty, celebrating the agricultural heart of the region.

House of Boateng

A short drive from downtown lies an off-the-beaten-path, but local-favourite dining experience, House of Boateng Café. Indulging in brunch at HOB tantalizes the tastebuds with Chef Castro Boateng’s innovative, locally sourced approach to West African and European fusion cuisine. Bring a taste of Chef Boateng’s culinary magic home with you and purchase one of HOB’s fine preserves or sauces (we recommend the HOB Hot Sauce), which superbly capture Chef’s passion for flavour. HOB’s selection of baked goods and sweet treats are the perfect guilty pleasure for our road trip snack pack.

Bilston Creek Farm

Next, we say farewell to Langford and move further afield. It might be only 15-minutes away but a visit to Bilston Creek Farm is a journey through time & nature, and an escape into tranquility. Set amidst the rolling hills of Metchosin, Bilston Creek Farm seamlessly entwines past and present. The historic farm boasts a legacy dating back to the 1850s, adding depth to every step taken on its picturesque grounds. Here, rows of vibrant lavender stretch off to the distant treeline, inviting you to wander and breathe in the soothing aroma. Beyond the fields, you can savour lavender-infused drinks at the barn, a refreshing tribute to the farm’s signature crop. For those seeking to take the essence of Bilston Creek home, a selection of wellness products crafted from the farm’s botanical treasures awaits discovery in Bilston’s cozy, quaint gift shop. For those truly seeking an escape, make sure you find time to visit their collaboration with Wildwood Saunas, which provides for a unique opportunity for relaxation, blending the therapeutic benefits of lavender with the rejuvenating power of sauna sessions. Some lavender-themed treats are the perfect addition to our day’s goodie bag.

Download Full Itinerary

Map

Westshore Map Saanich Peninsula Map Southern Gulf Islands Map

Year-Round Flavours

There’s always something delicious in season around here, thanks to the mildest climate in Canada. Enjoy stops at selected farms, buy at the farm gate, or explore full-service farm markets. Many offer produce year-round. Take your pick from items like local honey, pine infused vinegar, jams and chutneys, cider and beer, and much more.

As the year gathers pace, more and more produce becomes available. See below for seasonal highlights.

Spring

Spring sees newborn lambs gambolling in the fields, farmers busy planting crops, the first flowers in bloom, early season leeks, root vegetables like parsnips and rutabagas, and the year’s first peppers and tomatoes.

Summer

Summer is peak season for fruit and crops. Peas start in June and raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and cherries are ready to pick or buy at farm stands in late June and July. Peninsula figs, zucchini, melons, pears and plums arrive in August—all sought after by locals, restaurateurs and visitors alike. It’s also a busy time for distillers and vineyards as they begin their harvest.

Fall

Autumn is harvest time for many local farmers and producers, and 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. It’s the perfect time to sip cider around a crackling fire and get into the holiday spirit.

Stay on the Saanich Peninsula

Find the perfect home base for your exploration of The Flavour Trails. Get back to nature at a cozy at a quaint B&B or get the VIP treatment at boutique hotels.

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Download Victoria's Vacation Guide

Download PDF The cover of Victoria's Official 2024 Vacation Guide. A crowd of people are on a pier at Victoria's Inner Harbour at sunset on a summer day.

The cover of Victoria's Official 2024 Vacation Guide. A crowd of people are on a pier at Victoria's Inner Harbour at sunset on a summer day.

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Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.