Restaurants

Rich farmland, plentiful seafood, and even a nascent wine industry make locavore dining a no-brainer on Vancouver Island, where even take-out places offer wild salmon and organic greens. Global influences, from fish tacos to sushi, have made their mark on the menus, but the ingredients are resolutely local. Must tries? Cowichan Valley wines, cedar plank salmon, and Nanaimo bars—the ubiquitous sweet treats named for the Vancouver Island city. As you move further from Victoria, prices keep going up, and though food is pricey, it's consistently good—even in the humblest spots. Tofino and, to a lesser extent, Ucluelet, offer a range of eateries, from view-blessed resort dining to funky local hangouts; one thing you won't find in either place is a chain restaurant or fast food outlet. Everything is owner-operated and one-of-a-kind here. Enjoy.