Menus On-the-Go: Fast food in British Columbia, Canada

In a hurry? Fast food in British Columbia, Canada doesn’t have to mean, well, fast food. Quick eats in Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler, like their fine-dining equivalents, skew local, organic and globally inspired.

Some of Vancouver’s tastiest lunches are sold on street corners. Look for Malaysian tofu burritos at the Roaming Dragon, homemade Tex-Mex treats at Tacofino or soft fish tacos at Feastro the Rolling Bistro — or better yet, stroll around and see what looks good.

For more fun snacks, check out Granville Island Public Market; this bustling spot just south of downtown is ground zero for local foodies. Farmers, fishmongers, cheese makers and more fill the south side of the market, while ready-to-eat outlets cluster on the north. Gather a picnic to enjoy by the water or join a market tour with Edible Canada; they’ll take you behind the scenes to meet vendors and sample the wares.

The year-round mountain resort of Whistler, just two hours from Vancouver, is as famous for its dining as its mountain scenery. With Whistler Tasting Tours you can try four restaurants in one evening. In Victoria, British roots and a seaside setting have made fish and chips a go-to snack. In Victoria, fish and chips might mean tempurabattered wild salmon with hand-cut fries from waterfront takeout Red Fish Blue Fish, or fresh-caught battered cod at Barb’s, a floating restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf. And if you happen to kayak over to Fisherman’s Wharf, paddle up to Grilligan’s: they’ll serve you hot chili and chips from a water-level takeout window.

After a fast lunch, why not enjoy a slow afternoon tea? The iconic Victorian meal of tea, pastries and sandwiches is best done at a leisurely pace. Try the lavish tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel or sip some Earl Grey in the seaside garden at the historic Point Ellice House.

For more information visit www.BritishColumbia.Travel