There’s nothing quite so satisfying as capping off a long hike or bike ride with a delicious meal, fresh cup of coffee, or sweet treat. In Victoria, we’re lucky to have both an abundance of beautiful hiking and biking trails and a collection of restaurants and cafes designed to serve them. Keep reading for some of our favorites.

The Nest

Located in Colwood, just steps off the Galloping Goose trail and only a few minutes from Thetis Lake park, the Nest is a favourite spot for cyclists, hikers, and trail runners alike. They serve a classic cafe menu, with a great selection of specialty coffee and tea drinks and a tasty array of sweet and savoury baked goods.

Cyclists will find ample bike parking and even a complimentary maintenance station, with tools and pumps. And dog walkers will be thrilled with the doggy-friendly patio, equipped with leash clips and water bowls.

www.nestcafe.ca
@thenestcafevictoria
2311 Watkiss Way

Spinnakers

Long a stalwart of the Victoria dining scene, and in fact Canada’s oldest gastropub, Vic West’s Spinnakers is located just steps from the Songhees Walkway, a gorgeous waterfront path beloved by walkers and joggers. Take advantage of the summer season to enjoy their patio, with views over the Salish Sea toward the Olympic Mountains.

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so even early morning joggers can take advantage of their locally-sourced and seasonal pub-style menu, grabbing a breakfast sandwich or sitting down to a smoked salmon eggs bennie. Or drop by later in the day for a brick-oven pizza accompanied by one of their specialty craft beers.

spinnakers.com
@spinnakersbrewpub
308 Catherine St.

Caffe Fantastico Bar-Deli

Caffe Fantastico has long been adored for their premium fresh roasted coffee, but their Dockside outpost, Bar-Deli, offers much more. Located right on the Galloping Goose trail, it’s outfitted with huge garage-style windows and a wrap-around patio, so you can enjoy views of the picturesque Inner Harbour year round.

They specialize in charcuterie platters featuring locally sourced meats and cheeses, but you’ll also find a rotating selection of soups and sandwiches, fine wines and craft beers, and of course, that famous coffee. The same space is shared with fantastic local bakery, Fol Epi, and a Trek bicycle store, making it a perfect haunt for cyclists.

caffefantastico.com/dockside/
@fantastico_bardeli
102-398 Harbour Road

Adrienne’s at Matticks Farm

Mattick’s Farm is a great stopping point for cyclists and runners enjoying the Lochside Trail, which runs up the peninsula from Victoria to Swartz Bay. It offers 16 different shops and services, from pilates to mini golf, making it a favourite for active families.

The onsite restaurant, Adrienne’s Tea Garden, is open for breakfast and lunch, serving a delightfully classic menu updated with high-end ingredients. Get your day off to a healthy start with their house-made muesli, lunch on a made-to-order sandwich, enjoy an authentic high tea, or indulge in a refreshing scoop of ice cream.

adriennesteagarden.com
@adriennesteagarden
5325 Cordova Bay Road

Harvest Rd. Farm to Table Grill

Harvest Rd. is a relatively new addition to the local dining scene specializing in approachable farm-to-table cuisine. This isn’t fussy food in a formal dining room. Instead, it’s a juicy burger enjoyed at a picnic table, with the meat, bun, and produce all sourced from island farms and bakeries.

This compact eaterie is located where Island View Road meets the Lochside Trail, making it an easy stop for cyclists on the trail or walkers and hikers on their way to or from Island View Beach Park. They’re only open seasonally, and offer exclusively al fresco dining, so be sure to head out there on a beautiful day this summer.

@harvest.rd
2451 Island View Road

Smokin’ Tuna at East Sooke Park

You might not have heard of this little gem of a cafe, but after a leg-burning hike through beautiful East Sooke Park, you’ll be clamoring for their homestyle meals and fresh coffee. The Smokin’ Tuna is located in Becher Bay, just minutes from the park entrance, and the ocean views from their patio alone make a visit worthwhile.

Their menu is packed with tasty treats at affordable prices you’d never find in the downtown core. Enjoy freshly made wraps, panini, or soups, or dig into one of the regular specials, like their renowned breaded seared tuna.

facebook.com/smokintunacafe
241 Becher Bay Rd

We hope this list offers some inspiration, whether for a pre-hike snack or a post-cycle refuel. Do you have a favourite local spot for before or after a big adventure? Let us know!