As a traveller on Vancouver Island, your itinerary may be filled with breathtaking hikes, whale watching, or beach lounging. But if you enjoy a good craft beer, make sure to add a brewery tour to your must-do list. Vancouver Island’s craft beer scene is booming, boasting a plethora of breweries, each with its unique brews and styles. Here at Sunset Groupe Property Management, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best breweries on the Island to help you explore the vibrant world of local craft beer.
Riot Brewing Co. Located in the vibrant town of Chemainus, famous for its giant outdoor murals, Riot Brewing Co. is all about creating a ruckus in the world of craft beer. Born from the dream of two dedicated beer enthusiasts, Aly and Ralf, this award-winning brewery has quickly carved out a significant spot in BC’s craft beer landscape.
At Riot, brewing is not just about creating quality beers; it’s about pushing boundaries and creating an experience that embodies the spirit of fun and rebellion. The brewery itself is a friendly, welcoming space adorned with eclectic art that echoes the Riot attitude – it’s a place where everyone can feel at home.
Their beer menu is diverse and daring, featuring their crowd-favourite ‘Working Class Hero Dark Mild,’ the bold ‘LipSlide Lager,’ and the deliciously hop-forward ‘Life Partners Pale Ale.’ Seasonal offerings, and like the ‘Junk Punch IPA’; keep the selection fresh and exciting.
But it’s not only about the beer; Riot Brewing also champions the local community, hosting a variety of events from live music shows to trivia nights, making it a dynamic and engaging gathering spot. This commitment to community, paired with exceptional beer, makes Riot Brewing a must-visit on your Vancouver Island craft beer journey.
Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. This Victoria-based brewery has been crafting distinctive beers since 2001, and their journey is an integral part of the craft beer revolution in British Columbia. Founder Matt Phillips, starting with a small loan and a big dream, created a brand that is now synonymous with innovation and quality.
Located in the heart of Victoria, BC, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. is more than just a brewery—it’s a hub of creativity and craftsmanship in the realm of craft beer. They pride themselves on their fierce independence and commitment to the craft, with all their brews being made by people, not machines.
Phillips’ extensive beer portfolio is as diverse as it is unique. From their flagship ‘Blue Buck Ale,’ known for its smooth, well-balanced flavour, to their award-winning ‘Electric Unicorn White IPA,’ offering a mystical blend of hops and wheat malt, there’s a brew for every palate.
Even more impressive is their onsite malting facility, one of the few of its kind in Canada. This allows them to have full control over the quality and flavour of the malt used in their beers, resulting in a truly unique brew. For the adventurous, their ever-changing lineup of seasonal brews and special editions provides an exciting exploration into the craft of beer making.
Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. is also known for its community involvement and sustainable practices. They regularly host events to connect with the local community, and their commitment to sustainability is seen in initiatives like their refillable growler program and their “hop circle” program, which recycles spent grain to local farmers.
Visiting Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. is an immersive experience. With a welcoming taproom, intriguing brewery tours, and even a record store, ‘The Phillips Fermentorium,’ it’s not just about tasting the beer—it’s about embracing the craft beer lifestyle.
Hoyne Brewing Co. Also located in Victoria, has been creating a high-quality beer with a commitment to consistency and attention to detail. Brewmaster Sean Hoyne and his team have created a variety of delicious offerings, including the Dark Matter and Pilsner.
White Sails Brewing. Situated in the historic heart of downtown Nanaimo, White Sails Brewing has quickly become an iconic destination for both locals and visitors alike. This award-winning brewery perfectly marries the city’s rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to craft brewing.
Upon entering White Sails, you’ll be welcomed into a modern taproom that features stunning views of Mount Benson and Nanaimo’s bustling harbour. It’s an inviting spot to savor their quality brews, enjoy good company, or even strike up a conversation with their friendly, knowledgeable staff about their brewing process.
White Sails takes pride in its diverse range of carefully crafted beers. The ‘Departure Bay Session Ale,’ a tribute to the local bay, is a fan favourite with its light, crisp flavours. The ‘Mount Benson IPA,’ named after Nanaimo’s prominent peak, delivers a bold, hop-forward taste that’s become a hallmark of Pacific Northwest IPAs.
In addition to their classic brews, White Sails also offers an ever-changing roster of unique, seasonal beers. From fruity, refreshing sours to rich, hearty stouts, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
Apart from their excellent brews, White Sails also makes a point of contributing to the local community, frequently hosting events and supporting local causes. A visit to White Sails Brewing is more than just a beer tasting—it’s a genuine Nanaimo experience.
Lighthouse Brewing Co., based in Victoria, has been a beacon in the BC craft beer landscape since 1998. Their Race Rocks Ale and Shipwreck IPA are iconic, reflecting the coastal heritage of Vancouver Island.
In Sooke, Sooke Brewing Company is a community-focused brewery and tasting room featuring a diverse selection of beers, from easy-drinking lagers to bold IPAs. Their commitment to quality is evident in each brew, making it worth the visit.
In Courtenay, you’ll find Gladstone Brewing Co. focused on Belgian ales, European lagers, and Pacific Northwest-style India pale ales. The tasting room in a renovated historic building adds to the overall experience.
On the West Coast, Tofino Brewing Co. is a must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts on Vancouver Island. Nestled in the seaside town of Tofino, this brewery embodies the spirit of the wild west coast in every beer they create. They’re famous for their Tuff Session Ale and Hoppin’ Cretin IPA. Their rustic tasting room and growler refill station are testament to their commitment to sustainability and the local surf culture.
Longwood Brewery in Nanaimo is an independent, employee-owned brewery known for its innovative and high-quality beers. They focus on creating a beer that reflects the unique Island life and sourcing the best, locally produced ingredients.
Cumberland Brewing Company, located in the Comox Valley, is another gem offering a range of traditional and innovative brews. Their small-batch beers and relaxed, friendly atmosphere make this a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Finally, Ile Sauvage Brewing in Victoria, a brewery known for its unique take on Belgian-inspired and wild ales. They offer a range of tart, fruity, and complex beers with an emphasis on locally-sourced and organic ingredients.
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the craft beer culture of Vancouver Island without the worry of driving, we highly recommend the services of Explore Vancouver Island Brewery Tours. This local company offers a variety of curated tours that take you behind the scenes of some of the Island’s top breweries, including several mentioned in this blog post.
Each tour is a unique experience, combining delicious beer tasting with insightful stories about the history and brewing processes of each brewery. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a curious beginner, these tours offer an enriching experience that goes beyond just tasting beer. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded travellers, learn about the craft, and of course, enjoy the vast range of brews that Vancouver Island has to offer, all while leaving the driving to the professionals.
Uncover the richness of Vancouver Island’s craft beer scene and the vibrant communities that make it so unique, all while enjoying the comfort of a vacation rental from Sunset Groupe Property Management. Coupled with an immersive brewery tour courtesy of Explore Vancouver Island Brewery Tours, you’re all set for an unforgettable journey. From Tofino to Victoria and everywhere in between, there’s a treasure trove of breweries waiting for you to discover, each unique and deeply connected to the communities they serve. As you plan your travels with us, consider adding a few of these breweries to your itinerary for an authentic taste of Vancouver Island’s craft beer scene.
Guided by Sunset Groupe Property Management, your exploration of Vancouver Island will be a comfortable and memorable experience. Let us support your adventure, sip by sip! Stay tuned to our blog for more insights on Vancouver Island’s attractions and local secrets. Cheers to a journey filled with stunning landscapes, compelling brews, and the essence of Vancouver Island’s local craft beer scene!
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