Greater Victoria’s Flavour Trails serves twice the fun, all the flavour
Flavour Trails festivals, offer more than just tasty food. The festivals provide a chance to connect with the people who cultivate and craft it.
One of Greater Victoria's favourite celebrations of local agriculture, food and craft beverages is serving up twice the fun this summer!
The inaugural Savour Saanich Flavour Trails, July 5 to 7, joins the long-running North Saanich Flavour Trails, Aug. 17 to 18, together providing a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the rich agricultural heritage and vibrant local food scene of the area.
The Flavour Trails festivals, deeply rooted in community and sustainability, provide a self-guided exploration of local farms, producers, and artisans. Offering more than just tasty food, the festivals provide a chance to connect with the people who cultivate and craft it. The initiative behind these trails has been in development for years, with a mission to strengthen regional food systems and foster community connections both within our region and with visitors from all over the world.
“The beauty and wonder of Flavour Trails is that it sort of brings a celebratory and festival atmosphere to that sector of our local economy. And so it becomes this self-guided rural adventure, where the community meets their local farmer, maker, seller, on those very precious agricultural sites,” says Krista Larsen, Program, Events and Partnership Development Manager at Flavour Trails.
Savour Saanich Flavour Trails (July 5 to 7)
The inaugural Savour Saanich Flavour Trails invites participants to explore a diverse array of nine vendors just a short drive from downtown Victoria, including organic farms, a distillery, a brewery and a beautiful floral garden. Participants can look forward to visiting Rockrose Farm, renowned for its stunning demo gardens and educational tours.
Another highlight of the Savour Saanich Flavour Trails is the special Flavour Trail Farm Market, which will be part of the 57th annual Strawberry Festival, July 7 at Beaver Lake in Elk/Beaver Regional Park. This market is a unique blend of traditional farms and newcomers to the region, showcasing their cultural foods. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample local delicacies and support new and established local businesses.
North Saanich Flavour Trails (Aug. 17 to 18)
The 18th annual North Saanich Flavour Trails, returns with its celebration of local food and agriculture. The self-guided tour encourages visitors to explore the rich agricultural landscape, meet local farmers and taste the region’s finest produce.
Among the festival’s highlights is the pancake breakfast at the McTavish Academy of Art, a charming venue that combines farmland with an array of arts and crafts programming. Attendees can enjoy delicious local food, engage with the community and plan their day’s trail adventures. Popular stops include the Victoria Cider Company, Millstone Farms and many more, showcasing for visitors everything from working orchards to an 83-acre farm showcasing the best practices of regenerative agriculture.
The importance of local food systems
By connecting consumers directly with producers, these festivals foster a deeper understanding of where food comes from and the importance of supporting local agriculture. As participants travel from farm to farm, they gain insights into sustainable farming practices, such as those showcased by partners including the Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture and Haliburton Farms.
These events highlight the critical role local food systems play in building a resilient community. By prioritizing regional food, the Capital Region is making strides in mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing food security. Bringing the Flavour Trails festival to life shows the power of community engagement and local support can drive positive change.
Get a head start on your must-see destinations along the trail by downloading the North Saanich Flavour Trails map here and the Savour Saanich Flavour Trails map here. You will be able to purchase a mouth watering array of food and beverages during the event, but it is free to attend. To stay up to date on event details, follow Flavour Trails on Facebook and Instagram.