Picnic Perfect with Local Food from the Southern Gulf Islands

It’s that time of year again: picnic season. Time to roll out the blanket, pack the basket, and spend an afternoon leisurely nibbling on snackable goodies. 

We will be the first to tell you that the islands are very blessed in the picnic department. Not only are we lucky in the park and beach departments, but we also have an abundance of farmers markets. Did we mention you’ll find a farm stand around every turn? 

If you have picnic plans in the works, we promise you won’t need to pack your basket in advance. Whatever island you find yourself on this season, here are just a few hand-picked selections from across the islands to add to your picnic spread.

Galiano

Start your picnic off right with a detour to Galiano’s Daystar Market, the island’s beloved specialty grocer. You’ll find everything you need and then some, including carefully curated cheeses, deli meats, and many island-made goodies.

If you are around on a Saturday, we recommend hitting up the Galiano Saturday Market. It runs between 10 to 2 PM in the summer at Lions Park on Burrill Road. Complete your picnic menu with freshly baked treats from Blu Bakery, plus grab a few handcrafted chocolate bars and truffles from Galiano Chocolates.

Mayne

Mayne, one of the region’s quieter islands, is not to be outdone by its more populous neighbours. It’s just as packed with exceptional locally made options, accompaniment to any picnic menu. Lay the foundations of your spread with a quick trip to the Farm Gate Store on Fernhill Road.

They keep a full larder of farm fresh produce, artisan foods, savoury deli meats, specialty cheeses, and house-baked bread. While there, don’t forget to stock up on Mayne Island Chocolates, currently sold at the Farm Gate.

Should you also find yourself in need of a beverage to pair with the rest of your meal, Mayne doesn’t disappoint in the craft beer department, thanks to Mayne Island Brewing. We suggest their Belgian Blond Ale or the seasonally infused Forager Farmhouse Ale (the latest infusion was kelp).

Pender

It goes without saying, your very first pre-picnic stop should be the Pender Island Farmers Market. In the summer months, you’ll find both artisans and producers at Saturday’s showing, with food-only available on Wednesdays. Then, as you venture further afield, you’ll want to hit the Southridge Country Store. This is the collection point for many of the island’s producers, including Gulf Island’s Gourmet’s breads and preserves.

Another favourite is The Fridge of Wonders, located at 2627 Yardarm Road. Here you’ll find fresh garden produce, handcrafted ferments, and condiments, plus creamy vegan popsicles for the road. Finally, for all the adults on the picnic adventure, you’ll find everything you need at Twin Island Cidery and the Sea Star Vineyard.

Salt Spring

With the region’s largest farmers market and well over 100 farm stands, Salt Spring is a picnic-maker’s dream. We’ll assume that the market is already on your pre-picnic schedule, so let’s dive into a few other favourites.

First, pick up a selection of specialty cured meats and sausages from South End Sausage. They are doing it right with local, ethically raised meat and an ever-changing lineup of charcuteries. Then, right next door, you can grab a few gourmet preserves at the Salt Spring Kitchen Jam Factory.

Are you looking for more than snacks and charcuterie? If your picnic is on a backyard table rather than a beach-side blanket, why not make it easy with the offerings from Woodshed Provisions? They are serving up seasonally inspired gourmet dishes at both their location just outside of Ganges as well as their upscale farmstand on Kings Road.

Saturna

Even if you missed Saturna’s annual lamb BBQ, rest assured you’ll find just as many goodies to fill a basket as on the other islands. A perfect place to start is the Saturna General Store. This central community hub is filled from floor to ceiling with sweet, savoury, and homemade options. If someone on Saturna makes it, chances are you can find it here. Plus, you can grab the other necessities, like that bottle of sunscreen you may have forgotten back at home.

Before heading out to Winter Cove or Saturna Beach for your afternoon, don’t forget to stop at Sage Hayward Vineyards. We think a bright Rose or a chilled Pinot Gris might pair well. And as is the case with every picnic adventure in the Gulf Islands, keep your eyes peeled en route to your destination. You’ll be surprised how many farm stands are squirrelled away, even on the sleepiest of Saturna roads.

Written by Jessica McKeil