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

Food for Thought

The Saanich Peninsula is a day-tripper’s paradise, easily transformed into a flavourful cycling route. Begin your journey along the Galloping Goose Trail. Discover a full-day culinary tour that will lead you from downtown Victoria through rolling fields to small batch ciders, 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: The Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals

From downtown Victoria, rent a bike or e-bike from The Pedaler Cycling Tours and Rentals or Cycle BC.ca Rentals. Embark on your culinary cycling tour of the Flavour Trails. It’s just a short pedal away to our first stop.

Stop 1: The Courtney Room

Just two blocks from the Inner Harbour, at the foot of the Magnolia Hotel lies the Courtney Room, one of Victoria’s top farm-to-table restaurant. The Courtney Room is the perfect primer for your day of exploration on the Flavour Trails, whose partnerships with local farmers allow them to highlight our local community and its bounty. Then, pop on over to the Lochside Trail from Victoria to Sidney and settle in for a 30-minute ride to your next stop.

Download Full Itinerary

Map

Saanich Peninsula Map Southern Golf 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.

Explore Accommodations

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.

Navigate our map of Greater Victoria

Download PDF A map of Greater Victoria.

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