Day 1
Kelowna is our first stop as we explore the main tourism and hospitality regions of BC as well as the main areas for food production. We’ll begin with a visit to the Calona winery right in Kelowna. Then we’ll visit the wineries along the lakeshore : Summerhill organic winery, Cedar Creek and Deep Creek. Tonight enjoy a fun meal in downtown Kelowna.
Day 2
Naramatta Bench: Driving south we start to see many of the new wineries are opening
Day 3
Oliver and Cawston and on to Fraser Valley.South of Penticton is the most prolific region of vineyards. Then we head to Canada’s organic fruit capital of Cawston. We end the day driving through the mountains to the Fraser Valley.
This mild growing region has been undergoing a transformation to producing high quality foods, fruits, vegetables, berries and small estate wines that supply international markets, local stores and gourmet restaurants. Our first visit will take us to a small organic goat cheese maker right on their farm. After this we visit one of the many greenhouses providing locally grown produce. Next its berries. The valley produces major crops of blueberries, rasberries and strawberries which are in ever increasing demand for their taste and health benefits. Ending the day we’ll stop at Glenugie and Lotusland Vinyards. These are quite small, high quality producers so you will probably not find their wines in any stores outside the lower mainland. We end our day in Abbotsford, in the heart of the region.
Day 5
This morning we visit the north shore of the Fraser River to the town of Mission where we stop to visit a Sto:lo first nation long house and heritage centre. Here you’ll learn the legends of the Sto:lo people. Then we make a short drive to a unique winery that produces excellent quality wines from wild berries like black raspberry and salmon berry. Then we continue to Harrison Lake the Agassiz region where many foods like hazelnuts and herbs are grown. Then back to Abbotsford for the night stopping enroute at a point or two. Tonight we’ll have a dinner at a local restaurant featuring local foods.
Day 6
Today we start off to the western Fraser valley. Fort Langley is a National historic site that depicts the life and history of the early settlers and traders. This is quite interesting despite sounding rather dry as the Fort has several live actors playing roles on the site and it tells an important story of how Canada came to be. We then head into Vancouver and to Granville Island Market where we’ll meet the owners of Edible British Columbia for a sampling of some unique foods made locally. We end the day in Richmond where we’ll see how the Asian influence has created some of the finest restaurants in the lower mainland.
Day 7
This morning we’ll head to the village of Steveston and a tour of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic site. Salmon and the west coast have been synonymous and this old cannery is a fascinating look at the rise and fall of this industry. Later you can stroll the boardwalk along the waterfront, see the fisherman selling fresh salmon and shrimp (and more), have a lunch (on own) before we travel to Vancouver Island on the ferry from Tsawassen.
Day 8
We start the day touring the Saanich Peninsula to the Marley cidery. Then on to Cowihcan valley for various wineries.
Day 9
Saltspring Island is an eclectic blend of artists and entrepreneurs. We will start with a visit to the Saltspring Island coffee roasters, to learn how they get coffees from all over the world and roast them, package and sell them. We will then visit two small-scale vineyards and wineries seeing how the cool island climate makes for interesting wines. We then visit a nearby lavender farm to see how lavender is used in many things besides soap and perfumes. We return to the big island this afternoon.
Day 10
Victoria and Sooke
Day 11
Home
** Cost will be custom priced according to starting point, date and can be adjusted to meet special interests, activity levels and group sizes from 12 to 36 people. For example, we can offer guided sea kayaking with gourmet meals from Saltspring. We can add in a sampling of more gourmet restaurants, for example Sooke Harbour House on Vancouver Island. We can also upgrade or simplify accommodations. Customize this package for your perfect tour! **