Boaters who Brunch
Written by Dawn Postnikoff
A guide to easily accessible breakfast spots as you cruise past Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
One of my favourite cruising memories is of Silva Bay Resort and Marina on Gabriola Island, a few years before the Marina and Pub burned to the ground. I was sitting on the deck of our small sailboat, sipping coffee and contemplating yet another breakfast of yogurt and granola —our galley was pretty tiny on that boat! My husband wandered up for a shower, and returned with a plate of fresh waffles from a pop-up food cart—topped with local blackberries and whipped cream. Nothing fancy; served on a paper plate with plastic utensils, but unexpected, delicious and still on my mind so many years later.
Today, as I enjoy my Mojo Bowl at the Tidal Café in Comox, I am thinking of all the great breakfast and brunch spots throughout Coastal B.C.. Tidal, for example, is a short 2-block walk from the Comox Harbour, and specializes in creative breakfast and brunch dishes made with local ingredients. It really is a must stop for anyone visiting the area. Access is easy, and while there are only a dozen tables inside, they do a great job of take-out to enjoy on your boat deck along with the gorgeous mountain scenery that the area is known for.
For traditionalists, Smitty’s Pancake House is just around the corner. And while many would consider Smitty’s to be just another “chain” restaurant, this location has been owned and operated by the same family for almost a decade, and is well known for their excellent service. The thought of a consistent all-day breakfast does provide a certain level of comfort.
Eggs Benedict at Tidal Café, Photo Credit to Danika McDowell, @DanikaSea
3rd Street Café in Sidney is one of those cozy little spots that you “happen upon”, as you notice a lineup out the door. Just a few short blocks from the Port of Sidney Marina, 3rd Street Café has only a handful of tables but is well worth the wait if you crave hearty home-style cooking or Eggs Benedict with real hollandaise!
Or for something a bit more “up-scale”, we love to visit 10 Acres at The Pier for their weekend brunch. With a little something for everyone, 10 Acres is well known for using fresh local seafood and seasonal ingredients from their own farm. They have also introduced a new Market, offering everything from wine, meal kits, and breakfast fixings for your boat—local honey, fresh sourdough bread, farm berry jam, and house-made granola.
Every now and then it’s nice to change things up a bit, and one of my favourite “did you know?” experiences on the Island is to visit Butchart Gardens through the back entrance. What used to be a tightly kept secret, Butchart Cove is now home to several mooring buoys and a substantial float plane dock. You can anchor in nearby Tod Inlet or moor in Butchart Cove, leave your dinghy on the dock, and spend the morning wandering the gardens before enjoying an elegant afternoon tea.
And if your journey takes you through the Gulf Islands, Bridgeman’s Bistro at Port Browning on North Pender Island is the place to stop for a hearty breakfast any day of the week. Again, with a focus on locally sourced products, straight from the boat and the farm, it’s nice to get off the boat occasionally and enjoy a well cooked meal.
While there are literally hundreds of amazing breakfast and brunch spots on and around Vancouver Island, the following list focuses on easily accessible options from the harbours and marinas. For your next cruise, venture just a bit farther from your own galley, support our local restaurateurs, and let someone else flip your waffles every now and then!
Photo - 10 Acres Website
