I love to eat.

That’s why as soon as I got off the ferry, I headed straight into town to Beachcomber Coffee and got a Butterfly Pea Tea Latte. It was early afternoon on a quiet Monday; most shops were closed but that made it all the more relaxing as I wandered past storefronts.

The good news was that casual eateries were still open and that’s what I actually wanted to try on this solo trip. I love eating alone because it really lets me savour the dining environment and the food. This foodie road trip doesn’t stop at fine dining restaurants but proposes some finger-licking good eats you can enjoy sitting cross-legged on the beach.

Here’s where we’re headed!

BEACHCOMBER COFFEE

You’ll like this spot for a few reasons: the friendly staff that exudes beach vibes, the fluffy donuts to go with your coffee, and the eye-catching souvenirs available in a myriad of colours. and the coffee of course!

SANDY’S BAKE SHOP

I overheard another guest asking for muffins at Beachcomber Coffee and the staff redirected them to this bake shop. Of course, I also tagged along to try out some of the pastries at this quaint shop as well. My pick? The blueberry scones and the muffins.

SMOKE ON THE WATER

If you don’t try the beef short rib sandwich here, you’re missing out. Fat and juicy beef short ribs between lightly toasted crispy bread — seriously, who can resist? I’d also recommend a side of poutine. My stomach is only so big but then the family sitting next to me seemed to be really enjoying their poutine.

Grab a spot on the patio to enjoy a tranquil view of the water.

GOURMET GIRL CAFE AND CATERING

Located right across a vast expanse of beach, I would recommend grabbing a breakfast sandwich and coffee (or ice cream for a hot summer day), and enjoying your meal on a beachside bench. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as I walked out to the pier to read in the sun after lunch. You will also catch scenes of families and other locals fishing here as well.

Insider Tip: don’t forget to shop the local tableware and kitchenware at the cafe! Everything from hilarious bubble gum to door mats and measuring spoons, you’ll leave with a new cherished trinket from your trip.

BLK HEART

Hidden inside of a bike shop, this coffee counter makes for a great pit stop when you’re in need of some refuelling during your day. They’ve got some killer almond croissants as well but you’ll have to come by early to snatch them up!

PKLS BURGER

I would like a good ol’ beef patty burger and a milkshake, please. You’ll get the comfort food you expected here and I, in fact, did sit cross-legged on the wooden benches outside to enjoy my burger. Many cars came and went to order takeout in the short time I sat there, which comes to show the popularity of this solid burger joint.

BASTED BAKER

I waited three days for this bakery to open so I can have one of their butter biscuit sandwiches. I was not disappointed when I took my first bite of the pulled pork biscuit sandwich. Slightly crispy at the tips of the biscuit and flavoured with the velvety fat of the pulled pork, this sandwich was beyond delicious. I didn’t stop there, I also grabbed a berry scone which I nibbled on for the rest of the day as I read my novel (again, by the beach).

A few extra spots to add to your list if you have time on your way back to the ferry would be the farmer’s market that takes place in Sechelt on Saturday morning, where I managed to get my hands on a fluffy loaf of Japanese milk bread (so delicious!), Sunday Cider and Persephone Brewing for those who would enjoy a refreshing drink out in the sun. Both spots are along the way as you take the only highway back to the ferry. I did a quick tasting at Sunday Cider and grabbed a 4-pack from Persephone to go to enjoy back at home.

There are still a few spots I’d love to try that I didn’t get a chance to visit this time around, but with the inviting push greenery and beautiful beaches calling my name, I’m sure I’ll be back soon enough!

Photography by Florence Leung

Illustrations by Hayley Eng