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A Taste of Vancouver Island
Victoria has undergone a culinary renaissance over the past decade. International influences have resulted in a marvelous array of dining choices from all over the world. Group dine-around evenings are a deliciously fun way to sample an assortment of restaurants, enjoying a different course at each establishment. Groups can travel by horse drawn carriages, double-decker buses or by the Victoria Harbour Ferries from one great restaurant to the next.
Fly by float plane into Todd Inlet for a sumptuous, group gourmet picnic at the Butchart Gardens or drive to the Cowichan Valley for a day of wine tasting at a few of the many vineyards.
Embark on a culinary-themed educational tour to a herb farm, cheese factory, local microbrewery or take part in a private cooking lesson in a chef’s kitchen.
Small groups can forage for wild mushrooms in ancient West Coast rainforests on a fall mycology tour.
For some culinary culture, groups can enjoy true Native folklore at the Quw’utsun Cultural Centre, where group members can try their hand at crafting a cedar bark basket or famous Cowichan Indian sweater before gathering in the Big House for a traditional First Nations feast of barbecued salmon.
Of course, no trip to Victoria is complete without afternoon tea. The city has perfected the ritual of afternoon tea, a very civilized meal traditionally taken at 4 pm. There are dozens of fine tearooms, from grand and formal to charming and rustic. You can raise a cup at a number of fashionable hotels, find a cosy, parlour-sized tea spot tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood or out in the countryside.
For the beginner, tea service typically includes such delicacies as English crumpets or scones, fresh berries and Devon cream, finger sandwiches and pastries. Bon Appetit!
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