British Columbia Road Trip

Here is all the details on our Savory Road, Road Trip to British Columbia and a Picture Gallery

Brief Outline:  Their were three of us in the Savory Road Crew.  We started our trip in Washington State’s, Post Angeles and took the ferry over to beautiful Victoria. We indulged in some poutine and British Ale.  Leaving e stopped north of Victoria at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse.  We were fortunate to see the cider process from harvest to bottling with owner Kristen Jordan. Next stop was the town of Ladysmith and a visit with Grant Keefer at Yellow Point Cranberry Farm.  He showed us around his farm and told us how cranberries are harvested. We spent two nights in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island before heading over to the mainland.  We took the ferry to Horseshoe Bay, just north of Vancouver then drove four hours east to the Okanagan Valley.  Famed for their sparkling wines and Ice Wines we wanted to find out more and set an appointment with Ezra Cipes, CEO of Summerhill Pyramid Winery.  We also traveled north an hour along the lovely Lake Okangan to the town of Vernon to Okanagan Spirits Distillery.  The end of our road trip ended in Vancouver.  We took an interesting and tasty tour of Granville Island with Anya at Context Travel. Then we started the long trek back to Los Angeles.  Please note:  For the radio segments the trip is done in reverse order.

ITINERARY & ACCOMMODATIONS

2 nights in Victoria:  Airbnb – The Nest.  Charming little place with two rooms and close to town.  Walkable historic neighborhood.  Owner was a sweet and helpful

2 nights Nanaimo:  Airbnb – Breathtaking views from Sundeck  The view was indeed terrific and a nice deck to sit on.  The only negative was it sat on the highway and can be loud.

2 nights Kelowna, Okanagan Valley: Airbnb – At Hummingbird Greenway B&B   Our host Carrie was a delight and provided us with everything we needed.  Beautiful accommodations.

2 nights Vancouver:  Luxury 2 BR False Creek Water View,  The view alone was well worth it.  Great location and beautiful view.

 

TOURS: 

Made in BC Culinary Tour of Granville Island with Context Travel.  We enjoyed this food tour.  Our little group of four (groups ar no more than six) met our lovely guide Anya who gave us a fascinating and tasty tour of Granville Island, the Culinary, Artisan and Cultural hub of Vancouver.

• BLOG POST of our Food Tour of Granville Island

 

FOOD AND EATERIES

Victoria:  Penny Farthing Public House:  If you want the feel of an English Pub, this is the place to go. Loved their short rib poutine. Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar, we came here after a long day of sightseeing and thoroughly enjoyed several of their craft cocktails.  Very cool place.  Belleville’s Watering Hole and Diner had delicious fungi poutine and salads, all with a view of the harbor.  A stop at Crust Bakery for a sweet treat and coffee. A stop at  Chocoltas Flavors Ice Cream was a treat.  Premium ice cream with up to 20 different chocolates to dip your ice cream in.

North of Victoria: We interviewed the folks at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse ( Airs: Oct. 6 & Oct. 8).  Beautiful place to sample a variety of ciders with an ocean view. Savory Road feature to come.

Sidney: The Surly Mermaid, nice outside patio with a harbor view.  Victoria Distillery has a beautiful distillery on the harbor.  Their Hemp vodka was a standout.

Yellow Point, Lady Smith area:  Yellow Point Cranberries, fun stop and a soon to be Savory Road episode ( Airs: Sept 29 & Oct 1).  Try to go during harvest season.  Make a trip off the main highway to this gem.  The Crow and Gate Pub is an English pub and restaurant set in a beautiful garden.  Don’t miss this one.

Nanaimo: Astera’s Greek Taverna severs up scrumptious Mediterranean food in a cool old house.  A stop in  Mon Petit Choux for the famous Nanaimo Bars is a must.  Fresh local oysters at Lighthouse Bistro and Bar in Nanaimo Harbor was a treat. Dinner on a floating restaurant at Trollers was a fun experience and really good.

Kelowna: At Kekuli Cafe, we were introduced to Bannock,  a traditional fry bread that has it’s roots with Scottish immigrants.   Also their their Indian taco’s.  Wine and Dine at Summerhill Pyramid Winery.  We went here for a Savory Road feature ( Airs: Sept 15 & 17) .  After a lovely tour through their vineyards and vegetable gardens we ate on their patio bistro.  Chef Alex served up gourmet dishes that truly delighted the palate.

Vernon:  Morning stop at Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery for another Savory Road feature ( Airs: Sept 22 & 24).  They produce beautiful whiskeys and vodkas. plus unique finds like Absinthe and Aquavit.  Feature coming soon. Have you ever had candied bacon?  Station BBQ Smokehouse in Vernon has the best. We enjoyed Blackened Catfish with a Maple Dijon Coleslaw and pulled pork poutine.

Vancouver: At Tap & Barrel in the Olympic Village we tasted our first Canadian, Bloody Caesar’s   Sort of like a Bloody Mary but made differently.  They also have a variety of beer and wine on tap and a view. Check out our blog on our Granville Island Food Tour on our blog.