Visiting the Jam Factory at Saltspring Kitchen Co.

The orchard at Sea Cider Farm + Ciderhouse

 

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to support local businesses while exploring Vancouver Island’s beautiful southern region during the summer? Why not check out the Island Good locations scattered throughout the region! From Salt Spring, Victoria, the Cowichan Valley and everywhere in between, find high quality Island Good products while enjoying amazing experiences!

Here are just a few suggestions:

If you’re day tripping to Salt Spring Island the Jam Factory at Saltspring Kitchen Co, 319 Upper Ganges Road in Ganges is a hidden treat! Filled with their delicious jams, spreads and drinks and an assortment of local charcuterie delights the shop provides everything you need to create a delicious picnic. Tasting Room hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 am, Sunday 9:00 am – 3:00 am.

In Saanich stop by Level Ground Roasters Roastery Café – open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm, 1747 Sean Heights in Central Saanich for a coffee. Nearby at 107–1753 Sean Heights you’ll find La Pasta Triestina, a family-run gem offering handmade pasta, fresh focaccia, and more.. They’re open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm—perfect for stocking up on dinner essentials or a tasty lunch-to-go.

Thirsty? Visit Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse a farm-based cidery located on the Saanich Peninsula just minutes from Victoria at Michael Rd, Saanichton! Their ten-acre farm is home to over 1,300 apple trees, made up of over 50 varieties of heirloom apples and you can book a tasting or pick up a cider in their gift shop – open 11:30 am – 5:30 pm! If Cider isn’t your thing then why not check out Beacon Brewing at 9829 Third St, Sidney, for some great Beer!

For the sweet tooths – swing by Babe’s Honey Farm, located at 4150 Blenkinsop Rd, Saanich, BC—open every day from 10:00  am to 5:00 pm. All their honey is raw and unpasteurized, available in jars from 150g to 3kg. You’ll also find beeswax, handmade candles, and a carefully curated selection of teas. Be sure to check out their Growler Fill Station, open daily for tastings and refills. If you’ve never tried a Sparkling Bee-line, their signature honey soda, now’s your chance.

In Victoria you can enjoy a vegan meal at Green Cuisine, sip on a Spinnaker’s soda while enjoying the view at Spinnakers, shop for local goods and olive oil from Victoria Olive Oil or enjoy gluten-free treats at Origin Bakery.

Of course you have the pick of many of our Island Good grocers to grab local products for the road! Head to the Island Good website and choose the Retailers category for the full list.

In Metchosin visit Mile Zero Brewing – they focus on small batch production in order to provide the freshest beer possible. In their taproom they’ve made a conscious decision to slow things down. Visit and stay awhile.

Or continue up Island and stop at Malahat Skywalk and pick up Island Goods at their cafe and gift shop and enjoy the awe-inspiring view!

Cowichan has so much to offer you may have to make more than one trip! But trust us it’s worth it! Sip your way through the region with a visit to Zanatta Winery or Unsworth Vineyards, or enjoy a craft beer at Red Arrow Brewing Company. Pick up some fresh cheese at Cowichan Station Creamery, indulge in delicious, homemade ice cream at Original Udder Guys and grab lunch made with local ingredients from Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery! Also check out the Cowichan Visitor Centre where you can find Island Good products from businesses like Taco Revolution and more!

Enjoy many BC Farmer’s Markets, including Duncan Farmers’ Market, open on the weekends in the region and say hi to some of our Island Good producers such as Kettle and Hive, Salsa Gonzales, Spice Bae Hot Sauces to name just a few – check out the listings of all the Island markets at BC Farmer’s Market trail.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend adventure, exploring the Southern Island with Island Good in mind makes every stop more meaningful. From handcrafted foods and drinks to unique artisan goods, every Island Good purchase supports our local economy and the people who make Vancouver Island such a special place to live and visit.

So grab your shopping bag, hit the road, and explore the South Island — one locally made, grown, handcrafted, and unforgettable discovery at a time.

Visit IslandGood.ca to find even more amazing Island Good businesses and plan your next local adventure and stay tuned for next month when we explore Central Vancouver Island.

Click here to print out a list of all our Island Good businesses!

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Located in Qualicum Beach, Yellow Deer Mustard is a small business run by Nathalie and Timothy Harris. They take pride in crafting gourmet mustards using the finest mustard seeds grown in Canada. Every small batch is carefully handmade and packaged, and they use Canadian ingredients whenever possible. While their mustards are perfect on a hotdog, don’t stop there—they’re a delicious way to add bold flavour to your favourite recipes.

If your product could speak, what would it say about you?

It would probably comment on how much love and care we’ve put into starting this business and creating a great product.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your business/products?

That we are a two person operation. We do everything ourselves, from making
the mustard, filling jars, labelling, bookkeeping, marketing, sales, and
even some deliveries.

What’s your favourite part about sourcing or creating right here on the Island?

We are so fortunate to do something we love in this amazing part of the
country. We love all the great people we have met and still meet through creating this business and the amazing support we receive from our island community.

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Taste the Island Like Never Before – Download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail App to get started!

 

Did you know that BC Farmers’ Market (BCAFM) is Island Good? That means you’ll find fresh, local, and Island-made products at many markets across Vancouver Island and the rural islands – all supporting local growers, makers, and communities.

This summer you can explore the best things to taste and do in featured communities with the the BC Farmers’ Markets Tasting Passport! Download the BC Farmers’ Market Trail App to earn points by checking in at locations on the Passport Tours or during your next visit to a BC Farmers’ Market. Track your progress with exclusive digital badges as you strive to reach SuperFoodie status and redeem your points for limited-edition merchandise.

Passport Tours are now live in the following regions:

• Comox Valley Tour
• Cowichan Tour
• Parksville Qualicum Beach Tour
• Sooke Tour
• Southern Gulf Islands Tour

Whether you’re road-tripping through the Cowichan Valley wineries, camping by the lake, or exploring a new favourite Island town, the Tasting Passport is your go-to guide for authentic local tastes and unforgettable experiences. So why wait? From first-timers to farmers’ market regulars, the Tasting Passport is your perfect sidekick for summer adventures.

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Help Us Spread the Word – Discounts for Local Businesses Joining Island Good!

Know a local business that should be part of Island Good? Now’s the perfect time to tell them!

Businesses new to Island Good in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), and the City of Campbell River get 50% off their first-year licensing. In the City of Port Alberni eligible businesses receive funding for their first year free. Thanks to the CVRD, Community Futures Cowichan Region, and the Cities of Campbell River and Port Alberni for championing local businesses and supporting Island Good.

Also effective June 1, members of the following Chambers receive 25% off their Island Good membership thanks to reciprocal Chamber memberships: Alberni Valley, Ladysmith, Campbell River and District, Comox Valley, Duncan Cowichan, Gabriola Island, Lake Cowichan, Parksville and District, and Sooke Region.

This applies to makers, growers, manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants offering local products.

Encourage them to sign up—we’ll apply the discount to their invoice! Let’s keep growing the Island Good movement together!

We’re actively working with other communities to bring them on board to support Island Good in a similar way—stay tuned!