Vancouver Island, on the far west coast of British Columbia, Canada, is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures but also for its vibrant agricultural scene! With a temperate climate, Vancouver Island offers farmers and growers of all types nearly year-round growing opportunities! From lush dairy farms to sprawling vineyards and picturesque fruit orchards, Vancouver Island farms offer a bounty of local food and farm experiences for visitors to enjoy! If you’re curious about what this Canadian island’s farmers have to offer, want to learn more about sustainability, the farm to table movement on Vancouver Island and what kind of fresh, local food you can find on this incredible island, you’re in the right place!
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Types of Farms on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island boasts a diverse array of farms, from large-scale dairy farms that supply dairy products to the entire island and beyond to small family farms, whether you’re craving fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, or handcrafted wines, you’ll find it all here! Explore organic farms in Saanich, the stunning vineyards in the Cowichan Valley, fruit orchards in Comox Valley and so many more! For a taste of island life, you can visit one of the many farm markets that showcase the very best of island produce, meat, seafood, dairy products and artisanal goods!
Farm Tours and Experiences
Curious about farm life? Many farms on Vancouver Island offer immersive tours and experiences, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the agricultural process. Join a guided tour of a dairy farm in Nanaimo, pick your own berries in Campbell River, or participate in a farm-to-table cooking class on Salt Spring Island. With so many opportunities for hands-on learning, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for where your food comes from!
Want to find a specific type of farm or experience? Check out these incredible resources where you can find food maps, farm information and more!
Where Can You Find Farm Products?
No visit to Vancouver Island is complete without sampling the locally grown fare! Luckily, you can find many farm fresh products for sale at local and specialty grocery and liquor stores like Thrifty Foods, the Market Stores, BC Liquor Stores, private liquor stores across the island, roadside farm stands and farm markets! Not only can you find local produce but you can also find fresh local food like fresh cheese, honey, cider, wine, meats, seafood and so so much more! With so many delicious local products to choose from, you’ll have a hard time tasting it all!
Seasonal Farm Activities and Events
Throughout the year, Vancouver Island’s farms host a variety of seasonal activities and events for visitors of all ages! In the fall, you can find harvest events like pumpkin patches and Halloween displays. In the spring and early summer, farm stands are filled with fresh flowers, eggs, spring produce and more! For most of the year, there’s something exciting blooming, sprouting or growing on the island’s farms! Be sure to check out the strawberry festivals in Sooke, and the harvest dinners on Hornby Island for a taste of local culture and tradition!
Must-Visit Farms on Vancouver Island
While all of Vancouver Island’s farms have something unique to offer, there are a few standout experiences that shouldn’t be missed! With so much to see and do, you’ll want to plan your farm-hopping adventure carefully to make the most of your time on the island.
Some of Our Favourite Farms to Explore:
Galey Farms
4150 Blenkinsop Rd, Victoria, BC | 250-477-5713
Galey Farms, located in Victoria, is a beloved destination for families and visitors seeking farm-fresh produce and seasonal activities. With a focus on sustainability, Galey Farms offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including pumpkins, berries, and corn. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and farm tours during the fall season, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled day out.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks
403 Lowrys Rd, Parksville, BC | 250-954-3931
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, nestled in the heart of Parksville, is a family-owned farm known for its award-winning artisanal cheeses. Visitors can sample a variety of cheeses made from the farm’s own herd of dairy cows, including bries, cheddars, and goudas. In addition to cheese tastings, the farm offers guided tours, tastings of local wines and beers, and a petting zoo, making it a delightful destination for cheese enthusiasts of all ages.
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, BC | 250-743-4293
Merridale Cidery & Distillery, located in Cobble Hill, is a renowned destination on Vancouver Island for cider lovers. Situated amidst picturesque orchards, Merridale produces a variety of craft ciders made from organic apples grown on-site. Visitors can enjoy tastings of award-winning ciders, take guided tours to learn about the cider-making process, and dine at the on-site bistro, which features seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
2487 Mt St Michael Rd, Saanichton, BC | 250-544-4824
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, situated on the Saanich Peninsula, offers visitors a scenic retreat where they can enjoy tastings of artisanal craft ciders. With a focus on sustainability and traditional cider-making techniques, Sea Cider produces a variety of ciders using organic apples sourced from local orchards. Visitors can explore the orchards, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and learn about the history of cider-making on guided tours of the farm.
Holly Hill Farm
2311 Ida Rd, Campbell River, BC | 250-895-9983
Holly Hill Farm, located in Saanichton, is a family-owned farm that specializes in organic produce and flowers. With a commitment to sustainable farming practices, Holly Hill Farm offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, all grown using environmentally friendly methods. Visitors can shop for fresh produce at the farm stand, take guided tours of the fields, and participate in workshops on organic gardening and sustainable living.
Bilston Creek Farm
4185 Metchosin Rd, Victoria, BC | 778-533-7550
Bilston Creek Farm, situated in the scenic countryside of Metchosin, is a historic farmstead that offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage. Surrounded by lush gardens and rolling pastures, Bilston Creek Farm produces a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs using organic and regenerative farming practices. Visitors can explore the grounds, visit the farm animals, and enjoy picnics in the idyllic countryside setting. Additionally, the farm hosts weddings, events, and farm-to-table dinners, making it a popular destination for special occasions.
Whether you’re looking for the very best berry picking farms or want to stock up on fresh produce and locally made products these places on Vancouver Island make it easy to sample everything this island has to offer!
