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Just 30 minutes from Vancouver, Westham Island tempts with bountiful farm-fresh foods and family fun
Only half an hour south of Vancouver, Westham Island feels a world away. From River Road West in Ladner, cross over the century old wooden bridge to a slower pace of life, where farmers work the fertile soil and share their harvest. On Westham Island you will find an array of tasty local and organic offerings, from farm fresh produce and eggs to honey and finely crafted wines.
Plot your visit with this handy guide to what to see.
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm until October 31, Westham Island Herb Farm features a wide selection of locally grown vegetables, herbs and fruit. All the produce it sells is grown either on-site or by neighbouring farms on the fertile Delta soil.
From hearty squashes to unusual varieties of potatoes (purple and fingerling), the vegetables are handpicked and taste amazing.
You can also purchase unique gifts at the farm’s General Store. From a variety of homemade jellies and honey, to handmade soap, aprons, and cards, there is something for everyone. The bouquets of fresh-cut flowers from the garden are gorgeous – pick up some zinnias or sunflowers to brighten your home!
Westham Island Herb Farm is also a family-friendly destination. Whether it’s picking out that perfect pumpkin in the fall, visiting the farm animals (goats, rabbits, donkeys, cows), or snacking on a cookie and hot chocolate from the store, kids will enjoy the visit to an authentic working farm.
This year, Westham Island Herb Farm is hosting the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust’s 8th annual Day at the Farm event on Saturday, September 7, 2013.
With haywagon farm tours, draft horse ploughing, antique farm equipment, milking demonstrations and more, it’s a great opportunity to experience the role of agriculture in our communities. Little farmers can learn about where our food comes from and are welcome to get their hands dirty and dig their own potatoes and play in the hay.
Just a short drive from the bridge is Emma Lea Farms, located at 2727 Westham Island Road. It’s open for the fall from September 7 to October 27 (weekends only).
Pick up some tasty blueberries or blackberries, or homemade jam and honey. Fresh veggies are also available, including green and red cabbage, rutabaga, new potatoes, and green and yellow beans. Strawberries may be available on a limited basis, but be sure to call ahead or check the website for up-to-date information. You can also buy veggies and jam in the fall.
A separate building hosts Emma’s Ice Cream Stand. Your sweet tooth will be satisfied with the milkshakes, sundaes, and smoothies made with delicious farm-fresh berries. Adjacent to the stand is a picnic area and children’s play area, including a tractor and playground for exploring.
Bissett Farms is located in the big blue barn at 2170 Westham Island Road, on the way to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary. It has u-pick blueberries, blackberries, and boysenberries with some ready picked blueberries available for purchase as well.
Bissett Farms is also the location of the Westham Island Estate Winery. The charming Wine Boutique and Tasting Room is open daily; sample the various award-winning fruit wines including signature offerings: White Currant, Tayberry, and SnoGoos. Browse the boutique to find unique giftware and artisan crafts. Its wine jellies and fruit syrups are also popular; you can even pick up some wine-flavoured fudge for the wine aficionado in your life!
Beekeeper Don Cameron and his wife Gail run Westham Island Apiary, a 20-acre property nestled off the main road located at 4440 Tamboline Road.
With over eight varieties of honey available, including the delicious blueberry, pumpkin, and wildflower, Westham Island Apiary is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Beeswax candles are also available. Be sure to call ahead before you visit, as business hours vary.
Past the apiary is Cropthorne Farm, located at 4362 Tamboline Road. Cropthorne is a small family farm growing over 40 different types of certified organic vegetables. Stop by the quaint vegetable stand (open Friday to Sunday from July to October) or look for its produce at various farmers’ markets throughout Metro Vancouver. Farm-fresh certified organic eggs are also available here.
Cropthorne Farm also runs a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in the summer and winter. Members buy shares in the harvest, and receive a weekly box of farm-fresh vegetables. To find out more about this agricultural model and the farm, visit the website.
