Explore sourthern Vancouver Island’s locally-owned artisans with the Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s quartet of Flavour Trail maps
Victoria, B.C. (August 21st, 2024): The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is proud to encourage guests to visit other independently owned artisans, attractions, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, ice cream purveyors and more, while enjoying the natural beauty of southern Vancouver Island.
With the hotel’s quartet of Flavour Trail maps, guests gain access to a comprehensive guide of the very best locally owned locations, all personal recommendations from the hotel’s knowledgeable team.
“Many of our staff love exploring our beautiful island and they are eager to put forward their favourite places for our custom-made Flavour Trails maps,” says General Manager, Bill Lewis. “The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is owned by two local Victoria-based families and we are honoured to support other businesses that share our commitment and passion for Vancouver Island owned, grass-roots brands.”
The hotel’s four Flavour Trail maps help guide guests through distinct regions of southern Vancouver Island: the distilleries, farm stores, cider-makers of the Saanich Peninsula; the wineries, scenic attractions and restaurants of the Cowichan Valley; the cocktail bars, bakeries and chocolatiers of downtown Victoria; and the ice-cream makers, lavender farms and iconic Provincial Parks located in the communities of Sooke and Metchosin.
A 30 minute drive north-east of the city, brings guests to the abundant Saanich Peninsula, home to Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse where over 50 varieties of apple tree grow; nearby, Michell’s Farm Market is a six-generation family-owned farm that has been growing produce in the area for over 150 years; on the way back to town, pop by Devine Distillery, producing exceptional single malt whiskies from Vancouver Island grown grain. End the day at the acclaimed Fox & Monocle near Sidney, named to Air Canada’s best new restaurants list.
Head up-Island to the lush meadows, orchards and vineyards of the Cowichan Valley, stopping by the Malahat SkyWalk for a unique view from the 250m high spiral look out (don’t miss the slide to get down!) and charming Cowichan Bay Village. Head for the beautiful orchards and picturesque Farmhouse Eatery at Merridale Cidery, then savour the unique terroir of Vancouver Island’s seaside wine country at Averill Creek Vineyard or Blue Grouse Estate Winery.
In downtown Victoria a delicious day awaits, starting with the city’s best selection of artisan pastries at Crust Bakery or locally handcrafted confections at Rogers’ Chocolates. Sip locally blended teas from Silk Road Tea, swing by hole-in-the-wall Dumpling Drop for a savoury treat and soak up the summer on Whistle Buoy Brewing’s sun-drenched patio. End the day with dinner at The Courtney Room, with a menu inspired by the incredible harvest available on Vancouver Island, guided by executive chef Brian Tesolin.
West of the city in the coastal communities of Sooke and Metchosin, idyllic Bilston Creek Farm offers the opportunity to wander through lavender fields before a restorative nordic spa experience at Wildwood Saunas, nestled between the heritage apple trees. Continue on towards Sooke for beachcombing in hidden coves, including those in the Aylard Farm area in East Sooke, also home to Sea Chest Ice Cream. Stop for dinner at Stoked Wood Fired Pizza & Market and catch the sunset over the Juan de Fuca Sound from a nearby beach or dine at Wild Mountain, advocates of the Slow Food Movement.
Savour the last weeks of summer with a special package at the Magnolia Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a two-night stay in a beautiful guest room plus $150 dining credit to use in the award-winning The Courtney Room, continental breakfast for two, complimentary use of the hotel’s bikes, and access to the full series of Flavour Trails and Curated Trails maps to help explore. Available until September 30th, 2024.
To book, visit www.magnoliahotel.com/specials or call 1.877.624.6654 to find out more.
