Immersing yourself into the wonders of Vancouver Island can feel like you’re exploring the edge of the world, surrounded by the expansive waters of the Pacific Ocean that the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwakaw’akw people have long called home. This connection and deep understanding of the Island and its surrounding waters offers an opportunity to taste what this place offers from the culinary expertise of those who know it best.
Vancouver Island is home to a wide array of delicious delights and experiences unique to the coasts, mountains and wild landscapes spanning the region. Locals have a special connection to nature with an intimate and precise knowledge of ingredients how to bring these flavours to life.
It is a place to explore as much for its food scene as for its wild beauty, which is why we’re focusing on Indigenous eateries offering a real taste of place for a full immersion.
For West Coast inspired Ingenious fine-dining, head to Port Hardy’s Kwa’lilas Hotel, owned and operated by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations. With dishes ranging from venison carpaccio and smoked sablefish to the comfort of banana bannock donuts, it will be difficult to know where to begin your flavour journey with so many delicious options on offer.
Another Kwa'lilas Hotel fixture offers a pub atmosphere with delicious Indigenous flavours on the menu. Having built a custom smoker on site beside the hotel, ingredients are smoked to perfection for an appealing and delicious addition to a menu highlighting fresh ingredients in a pub atmosphere. No matter your reason for visiting Port Hardy, you know you’ll be eating well and relaxing comfortably.
If comfort food is what you’re after, you’ll have plenty of options at this casual seafood restaurant offering a 100% gluten-free menu. While the Port Alberni location highlights smoked dishes ranging from smoked meat tacos to smoky surf nachos, Parksville focuses more on a classic fish and chips offering. No matter which location you visit, fish and meats are celebrated and elevated through various tasty interpretations.
Experts in catering and events, Songhees can craft a custom experience to suit your gathering’s needs, but if you’re searching for a more permanent fixture to taste their fare, the Songhees food truck provides a link to the nation’s community and culture through delicious flavours.
Delicious Vancouver Island Flavours
If you're searching for a bite to eat while you're visiting Vancouver Island, plenty of options abound giving you a chance to taste local Indigenous flavours that will delight no matter which corner of the Island you are exploring. Head to Indigenous BC for more options on where to dine Indigenous all over the province.
