There’s something undeniably calming about being near the sea. Whether throwing open a balcony door to tease in the salty air and listen to the rhythm of the waves, or if you’re wandering alongside the shoreline, it seems to slow life down just a little. In Victoria, BC, that connection to the sea shapes everything from the wellness scene to the food culture, interwoven into pockets of everyday life.
Set on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is surrounded by water and ancient rainforests, meaning you can fully immerse yourself in the outdoors. It’s this closeness to nature and the healing benefits it provides that has put Victoria firmly on the map for those seeking wellness escapes. Many of the city’s spas now incorporate ocean and forest-inspired treatments into their experiences, including iconic spots like Fairmont Empress, The Magnolia Spa, and The Parkside Spa, and many restaurants focus on clean eating with local ingredients. One ingredient in particular has been weaving its way into the region’s culinary and wellness movement and shows no signs of stopping – seaweed.
Being in such close proximity to the sea, it’s no real surprise locals are utilising seaweed more and more. To get the low down we speak to Amanda Swinimer, the owner of Dakini Tidal Wilds, an Ambassador of wild seaweed, author, researcher and academic speaker. For Amanda the ocean has always been a central part to life on the island “You’re never far from the water in Victoria” she explains, “Part of the ocean even comes right from the centre of the city via the Gorge Waterway.” Here’s what she has to say about the seaweed trend, how you can incorporate it into your own diet and the best spots to visit in Victoria.
The Healing Power of the Ocean
Long before wellness trends took over social media, coastal environments were already associated with healing and restoration. Amanda explains that for centuries, practitioners recommended walks by the ocean, particularly in misty or foggy weather, to support respiratory health and improve vitality. “Being by the ocean can induce feelings of calm, reduce stress, improve well-being, things like that.” She says. “It’s amazing how much better you can feel simply by being alongside water, which is just so amazing.”
Today, many people still instinctively seek out the coast when they need to reset mentally and Victoria’s combination of ocean views and temperate rainforest creates an environment that feels worlds away from city life. The island is home to one of the rarest rainforest ecosystems on the planet – temperate rainforest filled with towering old-growth trees and endless shades of green. It’s no surprise the area attracts artists, writers and creatives looking for inspiration.
How Seaweed Went From Health Food to Fine Dining
When Amanda first began harvesting seaweed more than two decades ago, interest was limited almost entirely to health food stores. “If I took seaweed into restaurants back then, people looked at me like I was insane,” she laughs.
But around 2016, attitudes started to shift dramatically.
A new generation of chefs became increasingly passionate about local, sustainable and wild ingredients. Seaweed suddenly made sense, not only because of its sustainability, but because of its unique flavour profile. Rich in umami with natural salty complexity, it offered chefs an entirely new ingredient to experiment with. “I really credit a lot of seaweed’s rise in popularity to some of these trailblazing chefs, many of whom are out here on the island.” Amanda states.
Today, seaweed appears on several menus across Victoria, often paired with locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce. I ask Amanda about the culinary scene in Victoria:
“We have world-class seafood, lots of it being very well managed and sustainably harvested. And then we also have almost a Mediterranean climate. So, while the rest of Canada is blanketed in snow and ice for most of the winter, we can actually grow things like kiwis, bay leaf, even citrus! On one of the Gulf Islands, they’re growing olive trees and actually making olive oil.”
Among Amanda’s favourite restaurants is End Dive, a pescatarian restaurant known for its inventive approach to local ingredients and vegetable-forward dishes. LURE Restaurant & Bar combines seafood with stunning harbour views, while The Courtney Room has earned attention for cocktails inspired by local and wild ingredients. Amanda tells me they sometimes use her seaweed there.
“The Bartender/ Mixologist, Anton, is super passionate about seaweed and creating cocktails that passionately showcase local and wild foods. He changes the menu seasonally to reflect what’s in bounty in different seasons, so it’s definitely a fun place to go for a really unique cocktail!”
She also recommends Seafood lovers visit Finest at Sea, a local favourite known for exceptionally fresh seafood and some of her favourite fish and chips in town!
Why Seaweed Is Considered a Nutritional Powerhouse
Seaweed’s growing popularity isn’t only about flavour. Amanda describes seaweed as “the most nutrient-dense food source on the planet.”
“Seaweeds are naturally rich in minerals, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, with many varieties containing vitamins A, B12, C, D, E and K. Some are also surprisingly high in protein, Nori for example is about 45% protein by dry weight – something many people wouldn’t expect.”
She continues: “A lot of studies have shown seaweed has multiple mechanisms for helping to prevent different types of cancers, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. They’re also a source of prebiotics which nourishes our gut flora. And we now know that upwards of 90% of our immune system actually resides in the gut, so seaweeds are nourishing to that. They’re also a really good source of essential fatty acids, including a lot of the very rare omega-3 fatty acids that are associated with cold water fish.”
Simple Ways to Cook With Seaweed at Home
For people unfamiliar with cooking seaweed, Amanda recommends starting simple.
“Flaked seaweed can be sprinkled onto meals almost like seasoning, adding a savoury umami flavour while delivering nutritional benefits. It can even be added to smoothies or health juices.” She says. “When you’re using a flaked version, as little as a teaspoon, even half a teaspoon a day and you’re going to get all those amazing nutritional and health benefits.”
For something more adventurous, Amanda suggests winged kelp works beautifully in soups or wrapped around fish before baking or barbecuing. The seaweed helps keep the fish moist while crisping beautifully on top. Bull kelp, meanwhile, offers a stronger salty flavour with subtle hints of black licorice, making it ideal as a seasoning or base for sauces.
And despite what some people assume, properly harvested seaweed shouldn’t feel slimy or overly fishy. “If seaweed is slimy, it’s actually starting to deteriorate,” Amanda explains. Healthy seaweed should feel more gelatinous, similar to aloe vera, and should never taste fishy or “like the sea.” To avoid this, Amanda says to make sure the seaweed is harvested right at the peak of the season when it’s in its best condition.
Experiencing Seaweed First-Hand in Victoria
For visitors wanting a deeper connection to Victoria’s coastal culture, Amanda runs immersive seaweed tours and workshops throughout the year that are a brilliant way to try something new.
Her signature seaweed tours take place along the beaches of Dallas Road, where you get the chance to explore colourful seaweeds in their natural habitat while learning about sustainability, ecology and edible varieties of seaweed. For a more in-depth experience, Amanda also hosts full-day workshops in her licensed harvesting area on the west coast of Vancouver Island. These include sustainable harvesting demonstrations, tastings, educational sessions and even luxurious seaweed hand soaks. The tours can vary depending on the time of year, so be sure to plan ahead if this is something you want to do.
The Best Time to Visit Victoria
One of Victoria’s biggest surprises is its mild climate. While much of Canada experiences harsh winters, Victoria often remains relatively temperate. Spring brings cherry blossoms that blanket the city in pink petals, while September is often considered one of the most beautiful months of the year. For Amanda, the perfect Victoria day takes place when the weather is warm and includes a morning cappuccino, before writing in the sunshine. She’ll then go paddleboarding with her dog, before floating on the water with a ukulele nearby, and finishing the evening with a backyard barbecue featuring fresh local produce and seafood. Of course with a sprinkling of seaweed!
Victoria is all about connecting with nature and prioritising wellbeing, something people are increasingly looking for when they travel. If you’re after a destination that prioritises health, beautiful views and a trailblazing culinary scene, it’s an effortless choice.
Be sure to check out Dakini Tidal Wilds on your next trip where you can meet Amanda, take one of her tours or workshops, or simply purchase some of the amazing goods she has in her shop. They say one of the best ways to get to know a destination is through the locals and Amanda is a fine example of just that.
