7 local food trucks in the Southern Gulf Islands

Many of us have fallen in love with the food truck revolution that’s swept the food scene over the last decade. No longer just relegated to hamburgers and hot dogs, food trucks have become a place to grab a gourmet bite to eat. 

Whether you find yourself on Pender, Mayne, Salt Spring, or Galiano, you can rest assured you won’t be far from your next meals on wheels. On islands where real estate comes at a premium, the food truck approach has been a great way for upstart local chefs to get their creations into the hands of the people.

Here are just a few of our favourite spots for food truck takeaway on the Southern Gulf Islands.

Mayne

Give Pizza Chance

478 Village Bay Road
If you’re on Mayne, you’ve got to “Give Pizza Chance.” Owner Josh, a trained chef and musician, bakes up fresh pizza and pasta from his tiny food truck on Village Bay Road. As he says, “Each pizza is like a song,” a creative expression of his flavors and passion. Grab a Harry Nilsson (Garlic shrimp, leek, and garlic ) or a Janis Joplin (pesto, black olive, sundried tomato, feta) to go, and you won’t regret it.

Pender

Truss Farm Food at Sea Star Vineyards

6621 Harbour Hill
Tucked inside the Sea Star Vineyard, you’ll find The Truss. This is a food truck with elevated offerings, usually open over the weekends from Friday to Sunday (but check their website). They offer a menu of fresh, seasonal, and always exquisite seafood dishes that perfectly complement the Sea Star Vineyards wines. Bringing a group of 10 or more? Call ahead to reserve their exclusive “not-so-secret garden.” Note: the food truck is currently closed, please visit the store at B-5827 Schooner Way.

The Stand

1371 MacKinnon Road
Before you leave Pender Island, you’ll likely find yourself waiting in line at the BC ferry terminal. Is there a sailing wait or a ferry delay? You’re in luck: The Stand has a stocked menu of tasty burgers, hotdogs, and cold drinks to keep you fully satisfied during that long wait. The Breaky Bun and the Rampdog are two long-time favorites among locals and visitors alike.

Galiano

Max & Moritz

2640 Sturdies Bay Road
If you are visiting Galiano during the warmer months, check out Max & Moritz. Known as Spice Island Food, they serve a beautiful international fusion of Indonesian and German favorites. On the one hand, you can get some of the best Bavarian Smokies this side of the Atlantic. On the other, you can dive into a few Indonesian staples like Nasi Goreng or a warm bowl of Gado-Gado. There’s a little something to please everyone, with vegan and vegetarian options as well.

Flying Black Dog Cafe

61 Georgeson Bay Road
When you envision a food truck on one of the Gulf Islands, the Flying Black Dog Cafe is it. It’s eccentric, infused with local ingredients, and seasonal. You’ll find your fill of hearty soups, flatbreads, falafels, and burritos on their ever-changing menu. Typically open during the week rather than the weekend, this cafe is a well-kept Galiano secret that many visitors don’t get a chance to try.

Salt Spring

Ox Eats Grass

189 Beddis Road
One of the newest editions to the Salt Spring food truck scene, Ox Eats Grass is located about five minutes outside of Ganges at The Root. Their entire menu is vegetarian-friendly, with a serious smorgasbord for vegans too. For breakfast, try the ‘Scram Bowl; for lunch, grab No Big Dill; and then, for a mid-afternoon snack, head back for Pulled BBQ Shrooms. Whatever you find here, you cannot go wrong.

PV’s Patate

151 Rainbow Road
Formerly Al’s Gourmet Falafel and Fries, PV is now in charge of the little red stand on Rainbow Road. Expect all the standout dishes that made this cart famous under Al, with exciting additions from the new owner. That means homemade falafel, double-fried fresh-cut Quebecois Poutine with real cheese curds, and many vegetarian-friendly options. As the former owner once said, this is “a mix of Middle East meets Montreal and goes on a road trip West!”

Written by Jessica McKeil