A charming little jewel nestled in heart of the beautiful Saanich peninsula, the Deep Cove Market is loaded with a wonderful selection of gourmet foods including an array of fresh fruits and veggies with an emphasis on local seasonal produce, as well as local artisan cheeses, free range eggs, meats and organics. The baked goods will knock your socks off! Featuring delicacies such as decadent cinnamon buns, mouth watering cookies, cakes, loaves and muffins (all fresh-baked daily) there’s literally something for any palate. There are chocolate bars and sauces of every flavour imaginable, and on the savoury side, mustards, chutneys, oils and balsamics.

For the celiac crowd, there is a whole aisle dedicated to gluten-free products, and for those dealing with dietary restrictions such as sugar-free or vegan, there are countless options.

The market is home to the best breakfast burritos (don’t forget the chipotle mayo!) and fresh deli sandwiches going.

ATMOSPHERE & ACCESSIBILITY

Located on a country road surrounded by idyllic farms and acreages, there is plenty of unmarked spacious parking wrapping the building, plus an overflow parking lot off West Saanich Road.

There is a wheelchair ramp along the Birch Road side of the market, leading up to the charming wrap around porch to access the front door. There is also a ramp to access the outdoor seating in the back garden on the same side, ideal for relaxing on summer visits.

There is no automatic door opener on the front door, but the friendly and welcoming staff and customers would happily assist, I have found. My scooter unexpectedly got stuck going over the low threshold of the front door and needed a little push from behind to clear it.

The delicious baked items greet you once inside the market, and there is a rustic farm table with low, movable stools which will accommodate scooters and wheelchairs near the front door if you are eating in from the deli. Moving beyond the baked goods area and into the heart of the market, the aisles become quite narrow and congested, chock-full with all things delightful, of course.

Near the back, the somewhat accessible bathroom has a flat entrance but is really tight, too small for a scooter to maneuver in. Looking at this bathroom, it would be difficult for a scooter or wheelchair to use the toilet which is located behind the door, though the sink is reachable with the door open.

A little tip: across the street, Peninsula Co-op Gas and Convenience Centre has an accessible, though small, bathroom.

The cash register and pay counter towards the back of the store are very high, but the staff are friendly and accommodating, and more than willing to help facilitate the transaction.

VERDICT

A great ‘experience’ destination with a lovely country community feel. Go for the fantastic eats but stay for the friendly service! You may even get a glimpse of a certain royal couple!

BUSINESS DETAILS

Address: 10940 West Saanich Rd, North Saanich, BC
Phone: (250) 656-2547
Location: 30 min drive north of Victoria via Pat Bay highway
Hours: Open 7 days a week (Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 7:30pm, Saturday - Sunday: 8:00am - 7:30pm)
Website: deepcovemarket.com