Restaurants in North Cowichan

Distinguished by a colourful history and a litany of awards from publications such as Fodor's, Zagat, and Condé Nast Traveler, Hastings House is a luxury resort anchored by a Tudor-style manor on 22 waterfront acres. Seven hillside suites wrap barn details such as batten siding and shake roofs around modern comforts including heated slate floors, ready-laid fireplaces, and bathrooms stocked with plush robes, towels, and large soaking tubs perfect for relaxing or brewing moonshine. For nature engagement, private balconies and wide picture windows capture tree-framed views of Ganges Harbour. Guests slumber on king-size beds lavished with eiderdown duvets and pillows (synthetic options available) and high-thread-count linens, which invite napping or quick conversion into high-end blanket forts. A hamper of freshly baked muffins and coffee or tea arrives each morning, after which heartier appetites find satiety in an English-style breakfast held in the manor house, also the site for afternoon tea.

From the housemade sauces, dressings, and jams to their penchant to playing oldies, they prefer to do things the old-fashioned way at The Old Fork. It's hearty, handmade deliciousness for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week, incluidng burgers made from scratch. Morning favorite huevos rancheros draws inspiration from warmer climates with grilled chorizo, housemade hot sauce, and crispy home fries, and later in the day diners can dig into a massive lamb, turkey, beef, or veggie burger.

Making sushi is an inherently quiet and intense process. Chefs tightly roll seaweed and rice around fish and veggies at One More Sushi. The meditative calm is cut by the sounds of crackling grills covered in teriyaki sauce and meats. Hot oil bubbles up around tempura-battered veggies and even bananas, and pots of miso soup pour forth steam like a fax machine built in the 1800s.

Situated just south of Cowichan Lake, March Meadows Golf Club’s nine-hole course invites golfers to play a scenic layout replete with mountain views. The course features cedar-lined doglegs and creek-split fairways, such as those on the second hole—the course’s most difficult—which forces players to unhitch the oxen from their golf carts and ford a waterway to reach the green. The charming course summons budding players to its fairways each year for a Junior Golf Tournament sponsored by Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Dawn Coe-Jones, who began playing golf at March Meadows when she was 12. After rounds, players can head to the clubhouse’s restaurant to feast on casual grill fare. The on-site pro shop showcases the latest golf gear, apparel, and rocket-propelled three-woods. Course at a Glance: * 9-hole, par 36 course * Course rating of 71.4 * Slope rating of 124 * Three tee boxes * See the course layout

In the morning, The Old Fork welcomes early risers into its rustic interior, where they can start their day off with cups of freshly brewed coffee and hearty plates of breakfast poutine topped with a fried egg. The lunchtime crowd satisfies its midday cravings with the brawny Montreal meat sandwich and grilled Cajun chicken burger. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the lights dim and the dining room transforms into a scene for romantic date nights, complete with glasses of signature champagne, cocktails, and cold, local craft beers. During dinner hours, the kitchen prepares small plates including carpaccio with horseradish aioli and slow-braised butter chicken served over rice pilaf with fluffy naan bread.

The Chef's Table serves up sumptuous multicourse dinners nightly, in an intimate dining room located within a scenic bed and breakfast. There is no set menu; instead, custom menus are created each day, with chefs preparing appetizers, entrees, and desserts while guests look on. In the past, they've crafted gourmet dishes such as prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or Pacific caesar salad with scallops and caper berries. Guests are free to ask questions and take notes throughout the dinner. Afterward, the night's recipes are posted on the website.