(No availability) 3 Day Forage and Feast: Culinary Escape into Nature in Vancouver Island, Canada
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Wild Food Cooking Holiday in Canada
This unique package provides to both the timid and experienced, an opportunity to forage for wild food. In this cooking adventure, you will be joined by renowned chef, author, and mycologist, Bill Jones. Together you venture into the forest and farmlands foraging for natures bounty and learn to cook delicious dishes with what you find in the Cowichan Valley!
Meet the instructors
Read more
Highlights
- 4-hour cooking class
- 1 primer of foraging for wild food
- Professional and experienced chef
- 1 foraging course including dessert
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Chef Bill Jones recipe book
- 2 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Accommodation
You’ll be staying at the Oceanfront Inn & Suites in Cowichan Bay, located on the waterfront with views of the quintessential fishing village and docks. The Cook and Butcher restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday, and breakfast service is available as room delivery only from 8 am to 11 am daily (pre-order required).
Relax with a swim or enjoy a full-body workout in the fitness center, which includes daily year-round access to an indoor heated pool, hot tub, his-and-hers saunas, and a fully equipped gym—each with beautiful views of Cowichan Bay and Mount Tzouhalem. Indoor athletic shoes and attire are required in the fitness center, which is open from 9 AM to 9 PM daily.
Complimentary underground parking is available, along with wireless guest internet. Moorage is offered for those arriving by boat—contact guest services to reserve your dock. Dog-friendly rooms are available upon request. The inn is a non-smoking property.
You will be staying in a king 1-bedroom suite, complete with a master bathroom, full kitchen and dining area, and stunning mountain and ocean views.
Take the time to explore the village, where unique shops offer everything from antiques and Native art to clothing and furniture. Don’t miss the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre & Cowichan Wooden Boat Society, where you can learn about the area’s history and enjoy a walk out on the dock to see different boats and houseboats moored there.
Program
Program
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2
After breakfast or brunch at the hotel, you will proceed to Deerholm Farm to join the Forage class, which runs from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear a good pair of walking shoes, as rain gear may be necessary. Deerholm Farm will provide everything else you need.
Day 3
After breakfast or brunch at the hotel, you’ll proceed to Deerholm Farm for the Cooking Class, which starts at 12 noon and ends at 4 pm on Sunday.
Instructors
Bill Jones
Bill Jones is a chef and author based on Deerholme Farm in the Cowichan Valley. He is a French-trained chef, author of 12 cookbooks, winner of 3 world cookbook awards and busy journalist, food consultant, and community builder. Bill’s latest book is the Deerholme Vegetable Cookbook (Touchwood Editions, 2015) following up the successful Deerholme Foraging Book and the Deerholme Mushroom Book (Touchwood Editions, 2014, 2013). He is an acknowledged local expert on wild foods and foraging with a passion for wild mushrooms and a keen respect of local first nations ethnobotany and culture.
Location
The Forage and Feast Culinary Adventure takes you to the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The capital of British Columbia, Victoria, is located on Vancouver Island. "The Cowichan" lies halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo on the island's east coast.
In the Native tongue, Cowichan Valley means "Warm Land," and it boasts the warmest climate on the island. The valley is home to great wineries, food producers—including a tea farm—and is a haven for birdwatchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to explore local farm markets.
Features
Activities
- Cooking classes
- Kayaking
General
- Lounge
- Restaurant
- Pet friendly
Services
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Food
Breakfast/brunch at the “Cook & Butcher” restaurant located in the hotel on both mornings is included. A voucher for 25 USD will be issued for each meal. Drinks are not included.
Light dinner meals at the “Cook & Butcher” restaurant after each class, which ends at 4 pm, are included. A voucher for 25 USD for each light dinner will be issued. Drinks are not included.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Organic
What's included
- All meals are included
- 2 nights accommodations at Oceanside Inn & Suites, Cowichan Bay
- Forage class with Chef Bill on day one
- Cooking class with Chef Bill on day two
What's not included
- Transportation is not included
- Tips, taxes, fees, and gratuities of any kind are not included
- Any damage caused by you is not included
- Any and all beverages are not included
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Victoria International Airport
17 km
Transfer not provided
Driving directions
Deerholm Farm is located about 52 minutes north of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, in Duncan.
- From Victoria International Airport, follow signs to South Patricia Bay Highway and Victoria.
- Heading south on Patricia Bay Highway, follow signs to Highway 1.
- Take Highway 1 heading north to the city of Duncan.
- Turn onto Mays Road, then continue until you reach Stelfox Road (4830 Stelfox Road, Duncan, B.C.).
- Follow signs to Deerholm Farm at 4830 Stelfox Road, Duncan, B.C.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
