čukʷaa haʔuk cafe with Chef Lisa Ahier

Our little café is sprouting back to life!

This beloved community gem will reopen in 2026 under the culinary direction of Chef Lisa Ahier of SoBo as the čukʷaa haʔuk (CHOO-kwa ha-OOK) cafe, meaning “come, let’s feast!”

In the Nuu-chah-nulth language, the words for feasting (haʔuk) and teaching (ḥaaḥuupa) are related. Often, in Nuu-chah-nulth culture, teachings are shared during a meal. With a focus at the Clayoquot Campus on education and Indigenous-led conservation, the new name of the cafe carries with it an invitation to feast on food and knowledge.

Starting mid-January 2026, we will be open Friday through Monday, from 10 am–4 pm, for a small-but-mighty menu that changes daily—think hot lattes, hearty soups, and a few tasty surprises as we slowly unfurl our wings for the season.

As we plan a soft reopening of the gardens, we invite you to experience the transformation with us. We’re planting the seeds now, and as the daylight expands, so will our offerings.

We’ve been missing you, and we’re excited to welcome you back as we continue to sow the groundwork for a full bloom next summer.

Stay tuned for the exact opening date in January 2026!