The sweetness of blueberries;
The zest of lemons;
The gurgle of a stream;
The golden glass of craft beer;
The softness of shorn wool.
Your senses come alive as you explore the North Saanich Flavour Trail. For over ten years, the growers, producers and farmers of this region have brought the best from the field to the table. In sharing their passion for the land and what it provides, these dedicated folk provide an opportunity to ramble the rural road on the Saanich Peninsula.
For many years, the Flavour Trail occurred on the third weekend of August in the peak of the season and the warmth of the day. Then along came Covid with the necessary pivot to manage health concerns and meet protocols of distance and groups. The event became a season-long affair. Although it still profiled the many stops along the trail, the celebration, the community and the taste of the North Saanich Flavour Trail was abated.
As a committee member, activity provider and festival manager over the past decade, I have seen the Trail from many perspectives. It continues to be a wonderful exploration of the senses; an opportunity to find out about local food; a reason to get outdoors and reconnect with our backyard. The challenge facing the Flavour Trail, initiated by the District of North Saanich, is to bring back the party with a return to the celebration weekend but not lose sight of giving the whole season some recognition.
What does the future of the North Saanich Flavour Trail look like? There is overwhelming support from participating growers, producers and farmers as well as the participating visitors to continue the festival. Boosting the profile of the Trail with improved marketing, including better branding, more promotion and focusing on the weekend while supporting the season will make this a desired destination.
North Saanich is the core of the Saanich Peninsula’s burgeoning Agritourism development. With fields to explore, beverages to sip, fruits to savour and farm to table meals to taste, The North Saanich Flavour Trail is a celebration of community, food security and sustainability readily at hand! Come join the party! Find your way at www.FlavourTrails.com
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