6 Unique Experiences to Savour Along the Greater Victoria Flavour Trails
Charlotte and the Quail
With Charlotte and the Quail’s menu changing with the seasons and dependant on what is on offer from neighbouring farms, rest assured you’ll be indulging on some of the freshest fare along the Flavour Trails. With a quaint location overlooking The Gardens at HCP, this off-the-beaten-track garden eaterie gem is an experience to savour. Here, you will always find vegan, gluten-free, and delectable options!
Image by @fieldandforest
Fireside Grill
Take a ride over to West Saanich Road and visit the gorgeous patio at Fireside Grill. This local favourite is nestled out of a restored estate and offers farm-to-table cuisine paired with a charming and cozy ambiance. The ambiance gives the Fireside its name – nestled in a grove of Garry Oak Trees on a manicured garden landscape, lights and several fireplaces make up the restaurant’s beautiful atmosphere. Their menu is always fresh, farm-to-fork ready and showcases the best that Vancouver Island bounty has to offer.
Image by @fireside_grill_victoria
Sea Cider
Located along the Saanich Peninsula, only a 25-minute drive north of Victoria, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse is a lovely place to stop and enjoy some charcuterie, snacks and cider, all year-round. With an indoor/outdoor seating space and picturesque views over the orchard and the Strait of Georgia beyond, sip and savour the best the Island has to offer in craft cider. Order in advance for a picnic pack to enjoy on their property or to take away with your cider. Insider Tip: Try out their mustard, which is made using some of their non-alcoholic ciders!
Image of @seaciderhouse
HOPE YOU LEFT ROOM FOR MORE!
Mosi’s Bakery – Café & Gelateria
Located on West Saanich Road, Mosi’s Bakery is home to delectable pastries, bread, breakfast, lunch and award-winning, house-made gelato. The summers out in the Saanich Peninsula are hotter than coastal downtown – bringing many locals and visitors alike to stop at this gem of a “cool down” spot. Their famous gelato is made from scratch using foraged Vancouver Island berries and locally-grown produce. Chef Stefano Mosi brings traditional artisan gelato creation techniques straight from Italy, mixing in alternative sugars and vegan options to accomodate all diets. Stop here to fuel up before or after discovering the Greater Victoria Flavour Trails. Trust us, you will not be disappointed!
Image by @mosibakery
Country Bee Honey
At Country Bee Honey Farm discover this stunning property where bees fly free in a pollinator garden, and honey is tenderly collected by the family who runs this one-stop honey shop. Sample the fruits of their labour and browse candles and gifts galore from local makers and bakers. If you’re travelling with children, they will love feeding the farm animals, studying the live beehive, and indulging in a delicious honey treat from their cafe that will have you all buzzing.
Image by Matt Shannon Photography
Niche Grocerant
As the one-stop shop for Victorian flavours, Niche Grocerant is a locally focused specialty food retailer with a fully licensed restaurant. Find all your favourite foods and farm-to-grocer bounty from the Greater Victoria Flavour Trails, Victoria, and Vancouver Island. Niche is a wonderful spot to load up on picnic basket treats for your day of exploration along the Saanich Peninsula. Take some for the rest of the road, or as tasty souvenirs for your loved ones at home!
Charlotte and the Quail
With Charlotte and the Quail’s menu changing with the seasons and dependant on what is on offer from neighbouring farms, rest assured you’ll be indulging on some of the freshest fare along the Flavour Trails. With a quaint location overlooking The Gardens at HCP, this off-the-beaten-track garden eaterie gem is an experience to savour. Here, you will always find vegan, gluten-free, and delectable options!
Image by @fieldandforest
Fireside Grill
Take a ride over to West Saanich Road and visit the gorgeous patio at Fireside Grill. This local favourite is nestled out of a restored estate and offers farm-to-table cuisine paired with a charming and cozy ambiance. The ambiance gives the Fireside its name – nestled in a grove of Garry Oak Trees on a manicured garden landscape, lights and several fireplaces make up the restaurant’s beautiful atmosphere. Their menu is always fresh, farm-to-fork ready and showcases the best that Vancouver Island bounty has to offer.
Image by @fireside_grill_victoria
Sea Cider
Located along the Saanich Peninsula, only a 25-minute drive north of Victoria, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse is a lovely place to stop and enjoy some charcuterie, snacks and cider, all year-round. With an indoor/outdoor seating space and picturesque views over the orchard and the Strait of Georgia beyond, sip and savour the best the Island has to offer in craft cider. Order in advance for a picnic pack to enjoy on their property or to take away with your cider. Insider Tip: Try out their mustard, which is made using some of their non-alcoholic ciders!
Image of @seaciderhouse