Our Mission
At Gaia Grocery, we are passionate about offering high-quality foods, with a focus on nutrient-dense, local and organic options. Our commitment to uncompromising customer service and value is our assurance of an exceptional shopping experience.
Inspired by nutritious food and a love of community
A love of good food (and wine!) is what first brought us together. Our early days consisted of late-night pasta making sessions and travels to culinary destinations. We even changed our wedding date to get the caterer we wanted.
On a fateful trip to Napa, California over 10 years ago, we fell in love with a small local grocery store. We ate incredible sandwiches at their outdoor picnic table and were charmed by the friendly, knowledgeable staff and nutritious selection. We decided that we wanted to replicate the experience back home in Canada – a healthy grocer without any of the pretension. We have lived in Tofino now since 2015, and with two young children alongside us, access to healthy food has never been more important to us.
I spend all my free time in the kitchen – baking, canning, fermenting, you name it! I have a weakness for cookbooks, frivolous culinary appliances, and a passion for preparing easy, delicious meals for my family with as many whole ingredients as possible. We believe in supporting local makers, farms and bakers; in Fairtrade, pesticide and cruelty-free food. Most of all, we believe in nourishing the West Coast. Gaia Grocery has been our family’s dream for many years, and I look forward to sharing my passion for good food with the community!
Our Community Commitment
We respectfully acknowledge the traditional unceded territories of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) peoples on which we operate. As such, we are Tribal Parks Allies and we add a 1% surcharge in support of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation vision to conserve and revitalize Tribal Parks and Culture.
We are a Surfrider Pacific Rim Certified Ocean Friendly Business. Certain criteria must be met and maintained to qualify, such as recycling and composting practices, sourcing sustainable packaging, and removing single use plastics in our store. We accept your clean mugs, containers and bowls for drinks and food in our deli. We charge a 25 cent Eco Fee on all single use packaging. We do not sell plastic water bottles.
We have taken the pledge to be a Get Wild! Salmon partner. This means we never, ever sell farmed salmon.
We have taken the WildSafe BC Business Pledge. This means we have actively taken steps to modify our business practices to avoid conflict with animals. In addition, our staff have undergone training on avoiding animal conflict.
We have undergone staff training with Coastal Queer Alliance to create a more welcoming, inclusive space for both team members and customers.
In addition to this, we support financial and in-kind many other important local programs and causes, such as the Wickanninish Elementary School Lunch Program, Fishes and Loaves Food Bank, our local Girl Guides Chapter and the Tofino Community Food Initiative.