A Forager’s Journey Through the Cowichan Valley
Foraging with a guided forager in our own hidden 200 acre forest
Nature’s Secret Garden
There is a kind of magic that lives in the forests of Vancouver Island; an ancient rhythm of life that hums beneath the moss and the cedar, in the cool mist that rises through the trees. Here, nature creates quietly and abundantly, offering a feast to those who know how to look and how to listen.
The Villa Eyrie Exclusive Foraging Experience invites you to step into this world, to wander through a private forest located 30 minutes north of the resort, where time slows and the air smells of pine, earth, and rain. Under the guidance of a certified forager, guests uncover nature’s hidden treasures: mushrooms, greens, herbs, and wild delicacies that have nourished the land for generations.
This is not simply a walk in the woods, it’s an immersion into the language of the land. You will learn how each season reveals its own gifts, how the forest breathes, and how the smallest patch of moss or cluster of berries tells a story about balance, time, and renewal.
The Experience
- Morning Departure: After breakfast at the resort, guests gather for a private transfer to a secluded forest preserve in the Cowichan Valley.
- Guided Foraging Adventure: Led by a certified forager, you’ll explore the forest’s hidden ecosystem — collecting mushrooms, herbs, greens, and fruits unique to the island’s temperate rainforest.
- Sustainable Harvesting: Learn about the microclimate that makes Vancouver Island so abundant and how to forage responsibly to preserve nature’s harmony.
- Forest Picnic: Enjoy light refreshments in a tranquil clearing before returning to the resort, where your discoveries will soon take centre stage at the dinner table.
- Exclusive Chef’s Table Dinner at Villa Eyrie Resort featuring the mushrooms from the day by Executive Chef, Mario Gross
(Experiences are available Monday to Friday, and only for guests staying at Villa Eyrie Resort)
How to Prepare for Your Experience
- Dress warmly with a jacket, gloves, and a hat as it can get chilly
- Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for walking through the forest and uneven terrain.
- This will be a hands-on experience
Upcoming Dates
- December 4, 2025 9:00 am
- December 18, 2025 9:00 am
A Journey of Connection
This is not simply a walk in the woods, it’s an immersion into the language of the land. You will learn how each season reveals its own gifts, how the forest breathes, and how the smallest patch of moss or cluster of berries tells a story about balance, time, and renewal.
As with all Villa Eyrie Experiences, your comfort and care are at the heart of the day. Our Experience Team will escort you in our luxury shuttle, ensuring a seamless journey from resort to forest and back; with thoughtful touches, refreshments, and every detail prepared in the signature Villa Eyrie style.
