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Diners and Drive-Ins: BC Edition
Roll up, BC food lovers! Here are BC’s tastiest roadside diners and drive-ins that serve up unforgettable food and local charm. We’re highlighting five hidden gem eateries from our Member and team member recommendation lists and have become must-eat classics around BC. Plus, as a BCAA Member, enjoy 3¢/L off fuel at Shell so you can spend less at the pump and more at your favourite food stops.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
J&L Drive In
Port Alberni, BC
Known for: Drive-in seafood and shakes
Now THIS is an old-school drive-in. Billed as ‘Port Alberni’s Most Historic Restaurant’, J&L serves up old-school cheeseburgers, hot dogs, shakes, floats, and seafood like prawns and scallops with fries. The business started in 1969 when two friends, Jack and Les Davidson, teamed up to open a drive-in inspired by Jack’s time with an iconic Canadian burger brand. A popular mainstay in Port Alberni, J&L has been awarded ‘Best Burger on the Island’ by the Victoria Times Colonist and it’s one of the last drive-in restaurants left in BC. So come have a taste of history…it’s open seven days a week so you’ll never miss a meal.
Location: 4422 Gertrude Street, Port Alberni
FRASER VALLEY
Tradish’s The Ancestor Café
Fort Langley, BC
Known for: Indigenous dishes and art
At the Ancestor Café, you’ll get delicious, organic, traditional Indigenous dishes. Chef Sarah Mierau’s mission is to nourish body, spirit and community through authentic Indigenous cuisine and catering. Proudly supporting Indigenous food sovereignty and local artists, the café interior is adorned with gorgeous Indigenous artwork.
Located in the Fort Langley National Historic Site, Tradish’s Ancestor Café is nurturing a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture through culinary experiences on the Unceded Territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Tsawwassen, Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo Coast Salish Nations.
Location: 23433 Mavis Avenue, Langley Township
Website: tradishcanada.ca
OKANAGAN
The Jammery
Kelowna, BC
Known for: Brunch food
You love breakfast, brunch, and Belgian food? Drive on down to the Jammery in Kelowna, a local brunch must for over 25 years. Locals love their omelette bar, all-you-can-eat Belgian waffles with whipped cream and homemade four-berry sauce, chorizo toss, and breakfast poutine. Want more great options? Try their delicious breakfast paella, Big Big Big Breakfast, fried Monte Cristo sandwich, and pesto benny. Open for breakfast and all-day lunch, you’ll savour this Okanagan eatery for many visits to come.
Location: #100 - 2463 Highway 97N, Kelowna
Website: jammery.com
KOOTENAYS
Big Bang Bagels
Fernie, BC
Known for: Fresh baked bagels and bagelwiches
Made from scratch every day, Big Bang Bagels’ signature bagels are the Big Banger (featuring a fried egg, aged cheddar, and optional ham and/or bacon), Mr Fernie (featuring a fried egg, aged cheddar, avocado, tomato, fried onions, and your choice of protein), and The Griz (featuring a fried egg, aged cheddar, sausage, spinach, and a fried onion) which is a favourite of local skiers.
Big Bang Bagels has a laidback feel and casually serves up flavourful (and filling) bagels, with generous toppings like sprouts and spinach.
Location: 502 2nd Avenue, Fernie
Website: bigbangbagels.com
What to see and do around Fernie
SEA-TO-SKY CORRIDOR
Fox & Oak
Squamish, BC
Known for: Doughnuts
Now here’s a coffee and doughnut shop you’ll keep coming back to visit. Located in downtown Squamish, Fox & Oak is a community coffee & bakehouse that specializes in hand crafted, naturally leavened doughnuts and specialty coffees.
They feature an ever-changing monthly menu to keep you coming back for more. You’ll love their vegan pistachio and rose doughnut, brioche mango passionfruit doughnut, and pair them with matcha lemonade. And you have to try their tasty gluten-free creamsicles and vegan blackberry pie, and wash them down with unique specialty coffees and housemade syrups.
Location: 1396 Main Street. Squamish
Website: foxandoak.ca
What to see and do around Squamish
Where to stay along the way
Need somewhere to lay your head for the night? BCAA Members save up to 15% at Fairmont, Hilton, Marriott, Choice Hotels, and more.
Take us with you
Ready to feast? We’re always up for a food-focused road trip, so take us along. Grab your BCAA Membership and eat your way around BC. With 24/7 Roadside Assistance, we’ll keep you going so you won’t miss a single tasty stop.
Pro tip: download the BCAA App for faster access to Roadside Assistance, and find real-time travel conditions and savings on fuel, accommodations, and attractions from BCAA Rewards Partners along the way. Still hungry? Save up to 10% on tasty eats at Montana’s, Original Joe’s, East Side Mario’s and more!
Not a BCAA Member (yet)? Join today.
Remember to take lots of pics and share your foodie road trip experiences (and your own diner recommendations) with other BCAA Members in our new online community, BCAA Connect.
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