Edible Vancouver Island Summer 2022

From left to right: View from the patio and fish tacos at the Gorge Harbour Resort; Buddha Burger and Dragon Bowl from Kameleon Food and Drink; Virga and Gathering wines from SouthEnd FarmWinery.

Few better spots exist to take in the sunset than Rebecca Spit. Heading there next, we secured one of the waterfront public barbecues to enjoy the epitome of a B.C. summer evening. A glass of wine from SouthEnd Farm Winery was the perfect ac companiment to our seafood dinner. When the winery is open, it’s certainly worth a stop for the full experience, but you can also find their bottles in Quadra’s grocery stores. Feeling adventur ous, celebrating an occasion, or both? Try the 2021 Gathering: a sweeter dessert wine, infused with chai spices from Cortes’ Gathering Place (a family-owned business of teas and herbs, who also do a great mulled wine spice come winter). If you’re in more of a classic mood, a crisp and cold glass of the 2019 Virga is a sure winner. As the last of the light dipped away, we packed up and headed for what was no doubt going to be a deep night’s sleep—dozy on fresh air and warm sun. Located on the Spit is the We Wai Kai campsite, while a plethora of B&Bs offers the chance of further local knowledge. Another option is the beautiful oceanfront Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge, which also houses the Hama?Elas Dining Room and offers coastal-inspired fare.

With our treats and seasonal vegetables secured, we ambled through the small core area ducking into gift stores and Book Bonanza. Then into Kameleon Food and Drink for lunch, where I’m often stuck for choice on the variety of hyper-fresh handhelds, soups and salads. Satiated and somewhat sleepy, we opted to revive ourselves at Café Aroma, a modern barista-standard spot popular with both locals and tourists. Eager to take in Quadra’s views, it was a coffee and chai for the road to Shellaligan Pass Trail, a 3.7km trail that passes through the forest, hugs the coast and drops into empty beaches for an afternoon swim opportunity. SECRET SPOTS Similar to many of the islands, it’s well worth keeping your eye out for roadside stalls as you traverse Quadra—as was the case when we swung into a driveway near Heriot Bay at the sight of a “local spot prawns” sign, where we were met by a fisherman (who shared he’d be taking his trap spots to the grave with him) before parting with a tub of prawns. The makings of a delicious oceanside meal were coming together.

38 SUMMER 2022 EDIBLE VANCOUVER ISLAND