Merridale Cidery and Distillery

Vancouver Island is a place of powerful contrasts. An ocean-carved land where travellers can journey from wild, windswept coastlines to calm, cultured communities in a single day. Here, visitors can backpack through ancient wilderness parks, marvel at orcas breaching offshore, glimpse black bears in temperate rainforests, or stroll barefoot along crescent-shaped beaches beneath distant snowcapped peaks. From cosmopolitan centres like Victoria to snug harbours and charming small towns, the island invites relaxation, restoration, and reconnection with nature and self.

But Vancouver Island is not just a feast for the eyes, it’s a destination rich in culinary discovery. Its food scene is shaped by deep respect for local ingredients and cultural traditions, offering a blend of bold innovation and time-honoured practices. From ocean-to-table seafood experiences and thriving farmers' markets to Indigenous-led food businesses and celebrated farm-to-fork restaurants, the island’s culinary culture is as diverse as its landscapes. Chefs, farmers, fishers, foragers, and food artisans all contribute to an edible identity that is proudly and uniquely Vancouver Island.