Eating local: farm to table food hubs in the Southern Gulf Islands

Our little islands are a hub for eating local farm-fresh, organic food. Whether heritage produce, lamb, eggs, artisan cheese, mussels, or fruit and preserves, you’ll find true abundance grown, raised, created, or caught right here. In fact, community food security is a common value, where locals have long been rethinking how we grow, share, and consume our food. Here, many of our farmers, bakers, chefs, and artisans work to create a sustainable food supply that supports local growers and builds community resiliency.

On your next visit, support island values by eating a delicious local meal at one of these stand-out restaurants.

Galiano 

Oxeye

A modern pacific northwest cafe, Oxeye embraces the spirit of the island and the bounty it provides by collaborating with island artisans, growers and residents. True to the cycle of nature, menus change with the seasons and sometimes the weather.  

Pilgrimme 

A coast, forest, and farm-to-table restaurant that was voted Canada’s best new restaurant in 2015, Pilgrimme embodies Chef Jesse McCleery’s philosophies and ethics around food and our relationship with our environment. Working with the growers and artisans of Galiano Island, the dishes highlight the harmony between simple ingredients.

Pender 

Coffee + Kitchen 

The on-site restaurant at WOODS on Pender, Coffee + Kitchen , serves fresh-baked in-house pastries, farm-to-table comfort food, and hand-crafted cocktails sourcing locally grown, freshly harvested ingredients as much as possible.

Pender Chocolates

Pender Chocolates has become a staple on that island. With hand-crafted chocolate truffles made in small batches with fresh ingredients, they use local honey from their own hives to create truly place-based flavours.

Salt Spring Island 

Woodshed Provisions 

Inspired by the best of what the island has to offer, from the beautiful farms to the wild ocean and forests around us, Chef Haidee Hart’s dishes reflect the exceptional ingredients that our region has to offer — truly connecting you to this place. Find favourite soups, fresh baking, as well as some wonderful dinner dishes.

Francis Bread

Known for their naturally leavened, woodfired bread, Francis Bread’s lunch items aren’t to be overlooked. This community hub sources produce from local island farms as well as pasture raised meats right on Salt Spring. 

Salt Spring Island Cheese

Since 1996, Salt Spring Island Cheese has been making handmade artisan goat cheese on its island farm using traditional methods and only natural ingredients – 100% pure goat milk, sea salt, dairy culture, and rennet. Wander the farm and gaze in at the production line to see for yourself. 

Salt Spring Wild Cider

Making artisanal craft ciders from the heritage apples and pears that grow on Salt Spring Island, Salt Spring Wild gathers over 250,000 lbs of apples annually from island properties. In a place that was once the biggest apple producer in BC, this is a form of community service that helps modern residents manage their fruit trees while providing both financial and social support.

Mayne 

Farm Gate Store

The “grocery store with a fresh approach,” this locally focused food store prides itself on its organic, speciality and handmade products provided by local food suppliers. Find organic milk, organic cheeses and meats from the islands, local produce, and specialty products alongside a deli area with grab-and-go or made-to-order meals. 

Saturna

Sage Hayward Vineyards

A family-owned winery born from a desire to preserve a special piece of land, Sage Hayward Vineyards is one of the oldest vineyards in the coastal region. Using natural solutions that maintain a balanced ecosystem, the wines express beauty, grace, and purity as an expression of this marine microclimate. The Feral Goat Bistro also features local ingredients from an onsite garden and the neighbouring Campbell Farm.

Choose hyper-local ingredients

If that doesn’t fill you up, there are still more ways to enjoy eating local food. Remember that local island grocery stores often stock locally grown and produced foods. Stock up on your provisions here and favour those that are organic. Better yet, shop at farmers markets and get to know the farmers in those booths, they’re a passionate and friendly bunch. Be sure to give feedback and encouragement to local stores and restaurants for sourcing local ingredients. When you’ve tasted it all you can, take home your favourites to enjoy the islands’ terroir from home.