Vancouver Island

The growing season in 2024 on Canada’s 11th largest and second most populous island went off without much of a hitch. The vineyards here are sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by nearby mountains so the climate tends to be calm and mild. And the proximity to the sea makes for a longer growing season reducing the risk of frost and bone chilling temperatures that all but wiped out the Okanagan grape crop last year. In fact, the island’s climate is known as “Martime Mediterranean.” The wine industry has really come into its own in the last three decades and Vancouver Island is now recognized as its own Geographical Indication. Winemaking began in the 1920s on the islands, but the vintners back then used loganberrries. Grape growing began to take off in the 1990s and today there are about two dozen wineries and about 320 acres of vineyard. The greatest concentration of wineries are in the Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley, which are blessed with microclimates that are drier and more favourable to winegrowing. The Cowichan Valley is now recognized at a Sub-GI. In addition, there’s a strong focus on farm-to-table cuisine. According to a recent article in Decanter Magazine, “the island boasts a robust culinary identity that draws foodies as well as wine lovers. Organic produce abounds and menus feature freshly caught Pacific salmon and succulent Dungeness crab, while farm-to-table dining showcases the island’s bounty of artisanal cheeses and grass-fed meats.” The island has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts – everything from kayaking, deep sea fishing and storm watching to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Much of the island features dense old growth forestation, including a rare Garry oak ecosystem, as well as sandstone formations and wind-swept seaside beaches. Urbanites will delight in Victoria, a charming oceanside city with a central harbour and an Old English charm. Half the island’s population of 900,000 reside in this metropolitan area. It teems with heritage architecture and stunning garden displays. It’s a place here high tea is a ritual and a laid-back attitude is a must.