The crown jewel of the Cowichan food scene, thanks to proprietor and chef Mara Jernigan, who also leads a terrific Saturday cooking class. Five gue

Waterfront white clapboard inn known for its food, much of which is sourced from the on-site garden. 

The waterfront gastropub Spinnakers serves creamy Fanny Bay oysters, rich seafood chowder, and the pub’s own ESB cask ale, served on a deck overloo

A maritime-style tavern filled with acres of worn wood, flickering oil lamps, and a winningly retro vibe (tableside Caesar salad service; a pianist

You can assemble a great picnic lunch at Hilary’s Cheese & Deli, where the young, mushroomy goat’s-milk blue is the standout among nearly a dozen l

Chef Bill Jones is a passionate forager, and wild mushrooms are often the highlight of his tasting menus, served in his cozy farmhouse. Working wit

Stop in for a pint at the convivial Craig Street Brew Pub, whose Shawnigan Irish Ale is the best of several house-made beers.

Stop in at Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery to sample the excellent honey and strong mead.

Hike through the orchards of Merridale Ciderworks, seven miles south of Cowichan Bay. Rick Pipes and Janet Docherty make their cider from English a

Sample local products at the Duncan Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday in Duncan, the valley’s workaday hub.

Seemingly every resident makes a daily pilgrimage to True Grain Bread & Mill, whose organic loaves you’ll smell from blocks away.