4 Best Sights in Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Small-batch beers, handcrafted using local seasonal ingredients are on tap here. Located in a brick building that formerly housed a motorcycle shop along the highway, this popular craft brewery launched in 2015 with signature brews like Sweet Leaf IPA and Piggy Pale Ale. Feature beers, such as a mushroom-infused Lion's Mane Golden Ale and Idle Hands Oaked Orange Ale, change regularly. The Midnite Umber Ale won bronze at the 2019 BC Brewing Awards. A flight of three beers is C$6.

Riot Brewing Co. is an award-winning craft brewery offering tours, samples and flights of beer. Their outdoor patio, complete with fire pit, is kid- and dog-friendly.

This small brewery, housed in a former garage, is an homage to classic cars and craft brews sourced from local ingredients. In the taproom, local couple Cate and Aaron Scally pour core brews, such as Hornet Blonde Ale and Green Goblin Irish Red, alongside rotating seasonal offerings. Snacks are available. In summer, Friday nights feature wood-fired pizza from the Vancouver Island Pizza food truck. Across the parking lot at Stillhead Distillery, distiller Brennan Colebank is producing gin, wild blackberry–infused vodka, and whiskey from BC-grown fruits and grains.

This craft beer microbrewery is located inside the former St. Aiden's Church. Owner Dennis Morgan transformed the building using repurposed and salvaged wood in both the bar and kitchen. Along with beers, such as the aptly named Resurrection Red Irish Red Ale and Seventh Day Kolsch, a Beer and Biologist Tour is also on offer. It includes a half-hour tour of the aquarium, followed by two hours of kayaking, and finished off with a well-deserved cold brew.