Edible Vancouver Island Summer 2022

CORTES CU I S I NE Fuelled by coffee from Java Bay, we caught the ferry over to Cor tes. The 40-minute crossing reaffirms the opportunity to indulge in a slower pace—something that the café, and programs, at the Hollyhock Centre encourages on arrival too. Hollyhock delivers meaningful experiences rooted in sustainability and personal growth, facilitating all kinds of workshops on wellness, innova tion and creativity. Its eatery, filled with unique, internationally inspired dishes and organic produce from their own garden, as well as sustainably-sourced meat and fish, is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Oyster Saturdays. Renting or bringing a water vessel is a great way to pass your time on Cortes. If you’re not up for a paddle, you can still take a dip; especially popular are the clear, calm waters and sandy beach at Manson’s Landing and Smelt Bay. Exploring the island on foot is another option—be sure to stop by the viewpoint at Red Granite Point. After all our exploration, we went in search of a solid meal. Cortes is not abundant in restaurants, so come prepared and keep open

ing hours in mind. At the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort, you’ll find a beautiful patio that overlooks the marina where you can enjoy a fresh seafood dinner and glass of wine. Otherwise, your best bet beyond Hollyhock, or burgers and bannock at the Flying Squirrel takeaway, is to curate a picnic dinner from the Cortes Natural Co-Op—full to bursting with organic local goods, seasonal produce and a deli. In the summer, Papa’s Takeout also springs into action in the parking lot of the Co-Op, offer ing Greek-inspired burgers, fish and chips, calamari, and, most importantly, ice cream. On our final morning, we swung by the Co-Op’s Espresso Bar for freshly roasted coffee before joining Hollyhock’s nine o’clock garden tour. Another day of beach time was had before an after noon ferry back to Quadra, where the Coveside Seafood Eatery in Quathiaski Cove offered a final foodie moment before our ferry home. Ultimately, a long weekend wasn’t enough time to fully ex perience these islands. While sparse of bustle, the produce stands, eateries, artists and easy pace makes them a destination plausible for a full week nibbling on tasty goods in front of open skies and turquoise waters.

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