How to Experience Victoria's Craft Beer Scene

Founded in 2008, Driftwood Brewing Company is another amazing brewery to look out for in Victoria's beer scene, adopting a bold and adventurous style with an emphasis on delivering high-quality lines of beer. Their bar and patio is located in Victoria West, offering over 16 types of beer, special one-off recipes, local ciders and wine, and a menu catered by Dumpling Drop. 

Insider Tip: After you’ve finished your tasting, opt to purchase a growler or growlito and fill it with your favourite beer to take away. Keep in mind that beer only stays fresh for about 36 hours in a growler before going flat.  
 

Brewpubs 

As the oldest brewpub in Canada, a visit to Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub is a pilgrimage for beer lovers. More than 30 years after opening their doors, they are still coming out with innovative and cutting-edge styles. They do a fantastic brunch as well, accompanied by kids menus!

Craft Beer Pubs

The Churchill has over 50 taps of some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest craft beer, so you’re sure to find something on the menu that appeals to your taste buds. Get cozy at The Drake Eatery, home to a unique atmosphere where you can order a pint from their ever-rotating taps and relax on one of their comfy couches, or catch some rays on their patio overlooking Market Square.

Image by @thechurchillvic via Instagram

Located in the bustling hub of Bastion Square, Garrick’s Head Pub is one of the oldest English pubs in Canada and with 65 beers on tap, has the largest selection of craft and import beers available in Victoria. 
 

Brewery Tours

If you’re new to the craft beer scene, taking a tour with a self-proclaimed local beer geek is one of the best ways to explore Victoria’s craft brewery scene.  

Book a Hoppy Hour tour with The Pedaler to bike through some scenic landscape including the Selkirk Trestle and Trans Canada Trail while learning about the history of Victoria’s local beer scene. Along the way, enjoy a stop at three different locations for beer tastings. 

Victoria Harbour Ferries also holds a famed Pickle Boat Pub Crawl until October 2nd. Admission includes 4 stops at different pubs around Victoria, along with a complimentary appetizer with purchases of a beverage for every group of four. You don't want to miss this! 

On the hunt for some great laughs? One of the newest ways to pub crawl around Victoria is through Victoria Pedal Tours, the best party on wheels. Pedal around Victoria on a bike that seats up to 16 passengers, having great times and great beers along the way. As a bonus, the first round of drinks is on them!

Events

Victoria locals take beer pretty seriously! So seriously in fact that we have a society, the Victoria Beer Society, who facilitate various beer-related events throughout the year in Greater Victoria. They also pop-up at a variety of events with their 16-tap beer truck.  Have a toast at any of their following events: 

• Eventide Free Music Series - happening each Wednesday evening of the summer in Victoria's Centennial Square. Victoria Beer Society s on-site pouring!
• The Great Canadian Beer Festival happening September 9-10, possibly the largest beer event the island has seen, with nearly 100 breweries from across Canada sampling over 245 different ales. Craft beer aficionados - you do not want to miss this!

There is no shortage of celebrations surrounding everything to do with brews. Many of the breweries in Victoria also host their own beer-related community events and collaborations, such as Phillips with their annual Backyard Weekenders (this year brought a comeback to Glitterbomber, Tilt!, and Implosion Explosion). 

Another event to look out for is the opening of Craft Beer Market later in September 2022! The restaurant will feature brunch on the weekends, a pet-friendly patio, daily Happy Hour, an all-day Happy Hour on Sundays, and the upstairs lounge will even have its own bar. Situated along the harbour in a historic building, the opening of Craft Beer Market is the talk of the whole city!

Keep a close eye on our Calendar of Events to find the next exciting event in the world of beer. 

Image by @vicbeerweek via Instagram
 

For even more ale-spiration, embark on the Victoria Ale Trail!