Heading north up the Island Highway from Victoria, the spectacular vistas of the Malahat Summit give way to the rural agricultural splendour of Cowichan, a valley that has long been known as The Warm Land. And it is warm indeed: the region’s maritime Mediterranean climate boasts the warmest year-round temperature anywhere in Canada.
Sounds like a great place to drink craft beer, right? Well, you have lots of options at breweries in Duncan and Ladysmith for delicious beer and food.
The mid-Island port city of Nanaimo offers several brewery options. Enjoy the urban vibe at some of the city’s many restaurants and shops and then work off all the tasty treats you sampled by snorkelling with seals or hopping on a mountain bike, stand-up paddle board, or kayak.
Continue to the sheltered stretch of coastline in Nanoose Bay and Parksville Qualicum Beach, which is home to some of the province’s most spectacular beaches, as well as several excellent breweries.
Continue your island ale-venture with the Pacific Rim Ale Trail or the Northern Vancouver Island Ale Trail.
Qualicum Beach, BC
Bayview Brewing in Ladysmith, BC
Rusted Rake Brewing in Nanoose Bay, BC
Deadhead Brew Co in Duncan, BC
LoveShack Libations in Qualicum Beach, BC
Mount Arrowsmith Brewing in Parksville, BC
Comox Valley, BC
Nanaimo, BC
Fern + Cedar Brewing in Qualicum Beach, BC
Longwood Brewpub in Nanaimo, BC
Craig Street Brewing in Duncan, BC
Malahat Skywalk in Malahat, BC
Red Arrow Brewing in Duncan, BC
Wolf Brewing Company in Nanaimo, BC
White Sails Brewing in Nanaimo, BC
From the mainland of BC:
Travel to Vancouver Island on BC Ferries.
Drive on the Ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, Victoria,
Or, from Vancouver, take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo; or, from Tsawwassen to Duke Point.
Alternatively, you can walk onto the new Hullo Ferries fast ferry from Downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo.
Drive from Victoria to Malahat, approximately 30 minutes
Perched 1880 feet above sea level atop the Malahat Summit, Villa Eyrie Resort is a mountain side retreat with a restaurant, spa, hiking trails and more.
Malahat SkyWalk offers an accessible 600m TreeWalk through a beautiful arbutus forest leading to a spectacular gentle spiral ramp that takes you up 32m to a sightseeing lookout offering views of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and the distant Coast Mountains.
A wooden railway trestle located north of Shawnigan Lake with spectacular views of the Koksilah River. One of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structures in the world.
Located in the heart of the Cowichan Valley in Duncan, BC, it’s a haven for beer enthusiasts and lovers of great music, retro vibes, and Vancouver Island charm.
Red Arrow Brewing brews small-batch high-quality beer in the bountiful Cowichan Valley, taking every opportunity to use locally sourced ingredients. Their building was originally the home of Arrow Custom Motorcycles and they get to work in a beautiful “Arizona Firehouse” style brick building. The old showroom is home to their…
Red Arrow Brewing Co in Duncan, BC
Locally owned and operated, with a focus on quality local craft products, Mid Island Liquor now has 16 locations to serve all your wine, spirit, and beer needs. They are a different kind of business; our members are our owners. When you shop at Mid Island Liquor you can feel…
Mid island Liquor Berkey’s, Duncan, BC
From well-appointed hotels and dozens of delightful B&B’s, to yurts, houseboats and float homes, there is something for everyone and every budget.
Along with excellent breweries, Cowichan is also home to a number of craft distilleries and Canada’s first estate cidery. Just north of Duncan is Canada’s only tea farm. How do you experience all of this during a single trip to Cowichan? Well, if you download the visitor guide (and pace yourself), you can visit the lion’s share of these operations in a self-guided tour or, if you prefer, via coach in a guided tour. In all, and depending on the time of your visit, you’ll be able to drop in and experience no less than 20 establishments, many of which offer tours and have their own bistros, gift shops and tasting rooms.
Don’t miss out on local events during your visit! Check the Cowichan events calendar to see what’s happening.
This community café serves homemade and organic vegetarian fare.
The Raptors brings people closer to birds of prey. Their goal is to educate, illuminate and inspire a sense of personal responsibility for the future of both birds of prey and the planet. A variety of experiences and tours available, including flying demonstrations and hand-on experiences.
Every Saturday, year round, from 9am until 2pm you will find a sea of tents in the market square on Craig Street and down Ingram Street under which more than 100 vendors sell their wares. As a true farmers’ market, priority is given to farmers and growers, and an amazing…
Venture off the Island Highway to check out Duncan’s cozy and quaint downtown for some shopping or sight-seeing, and then pop into the Craig Street Brewpub for a meal and a beer. This attractive, multi-level building dating back to the 1940s has lots of different options for dining, whether it’s…
Craig Street Brewing in Duncan, BC
You can hike and bike year round on Vancouver Island and Cowichan offers some of the best trails. There is Mt. Prevost; famous across Canada as a destination for past world champions with double-black pro lines; the forest of Mt. Tzouhalem, known locally as Mt. Zoo with 36 km (22…
Serious Brewing Company is located in the heart of Chemainus, the city of murals. They are brewing approachable lagers, clean new world hoppy beers, and fruit-forward beers.
Fostering community and connections, served with a side of local craft brews and delicious home-grown eats.
Bayview Brewing Company is an award-winning, cozy, community-focused brewery located in the heart of Ladysmith, offering a thoughtful selection of craft beer and delicious food.
Bayview Brewing Company in Ladysmith, BC (photo: Bayview Brewing Company)
From well-appointed hotels and dozens of delightful B&B’s, to yurts, houseboats and float homes, there is something for everyone and every budget.
Looking for an on-the-water experience? Ocean Ecoventures offers a variety of year-round whale and wildlife watching tours, with a focus on sustainability, conservation, education and research.
Aerial adventures, bungee jumps and zip lines right in the midst of nature. For adults, teens, kids and groups.
Charming country-style pub in a quiet spacious setting serving pints and classic pub fare. The first neighbourhood pub in British Columbia.
Our brewery is located on the edge of downtown Nanaimo and leans into traditional European brewing style while combining West Coast creativity. Drop by the “The Wolf Den” lounge where you can sit inside or on the patio to enjoy a flight or pint paired with a small but delicious…
Wolf Brewing Company in Nanaimo, BC
Featuring thought-provoking exhibitions and community programs, The Nanaimo Art Gallery is nestled in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. The gallery showcases local and international artists, fostering a deep connection between art, culture, and the stunning landscapes of Vancouver Island. Whether you’re exploring contemporary works or joining a creative workshop, the…
The Longwood Brewpub has anchored the Longwood Station plaza in the north end of Nanaimo since 1999. It has a family-friendly restaurant upstairs and a pub downstairs, with a big fieldstone fireplace to warm a body up on a cold, wet Vancouver Island winter day. The bar has four English-style…
Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant in Nanaimo, BC
If you’re heading North up the island out of Nanaimo, be sure to stop at the Crossroads location! Located right across the street from the popular Woodgrove Mall in Nanaimo. After a day of shopping, you can pick up a craft beer…or four, to relax and unwind! Mid Island liquor…
Mid island Liquor Crossroads, Nanaimo, BC
In Nanaimo you can settle in with a well-appointed suite at a high-rise hotel overlooking the sailboats in Nanaimo Harbour, or you can book a room in an affordable guest house or hostel in the midst of lively cafes, restaurants and nightlife.
Be sure to stop in at the Nanaimo Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Pair your craft brew sampling with adventure in our outdoor playground! Hike, bike, swim and paddle – Nanaimo is the place to experience your next thrill or moment of reconnection. Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Brechin Boat Ramp and explore the harbour. Take a swim at any of our fine beaches including Blueback and Swy-A-Lana Lagoon, or head to the Nanaimo river for a cool dip. Or take a moment to find yourself in our woods – with biking and hiking trails across the city that take you as far or as close as you’d like to be.
A cafe, restaurant, and live music venue all in one located in Nanaimo downtown.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch is led by a passionate group of marine biologists, whose whale-watching tours will take you straight into the heart of the action. Get up close (but not too close!) to these magnificent creatures, hear their unique stories and discover their vital role in the ocean’s ecosystem.
Named for the sailboats that dot Nanaimo’s harbour, White Sails has a big, welcoming tasting room reminiscent of a German beer hall, with a warm glass-enclosed gas fireplace at its heart. The building’s location has a connection to Nanaimo brewing history: It was once the site of the Newcastle Hotel…
36 acres of a waterfront where you’ll find rugged rock cliffs, with pebble bay beaches, and winding trails through Garry Oak groves.
Take a short ferry to Canada’s only registered floating pub, the Dinghy Dock. Watch the float planes land and watch the sun set behind Mt. Benson at this nautical themed, family friendly pub/restaurant.
Longwood Brewery on Boxwood Road is home to a welcoming tasting room and picnic patio, where visitors can enjoy a rotating lineup of unique beers on tap. Opened in 2012 to expand the Longwood brand’s reach across BC through packaged and kegged products, the brewery showcases six core beers—ranging from…
Located right across the street from Departure Bay beach, it makes a great stop along the trail to take in one of Nanaimo’s most iconic beaches. Mid Island liquor is a different kind of business; our members are our owners. When you shop at Mid Island Liquor you can feel…
Mid island Liquor Departure Bay, Nanaimo, BC
In Nanaimo you can settle in with a well-appointed suite at a high-rise hotel overlooking the sailboats in Nanaimo Harbour, or you can book a room in an affordable guest house or hostel in the midst of lively cafes, restaurants and nightlife.
Work up a thirst hiking to Ammonite Falls or up Mount Benson for beautiful views.
Also, while in Nanaimo you simply can’t leave until you sample a Nanaimo Bar (or two). Pick up or download a copy of the Nanaimo Bar Trail and sample a few variations of Nanaimo’s beloved dessert. Follow along here.
Thirsting for more craft beverage adventures? Sip your way through Nanaimo’s finest with a visit to Arbutus Distillery, Big Bang Cider, or Millstone Estate Winery, where every pour tells a story worth savouring.
Start you day with this popular short hike through Notch Hill Park. It’s a 2.9km loop, containing the rare Garry Oak meadow and arbutus forest ecosystem, with spectacular views of of Nanoose harbour and the hills overlooking Nanaimo.
Located in charming Nanoose Bay between Nanaimo and Parksville Qualicum Beach, this farm-based craft brewery is a good-for-the-soul kind of place where friends and families can gather together to enjoy simple things done really well. A family-owned-and-operated business, the team at Rusted Rake does everything from planting and harvesting barley…
Rusted Rake Brewing in Nanoose Bay, BC
One of the province’s most popular family destinations. A 347-hectare park featureing a five-kilometre long stretch of sandy beach, a forest and parkland. At low tide, the ocean recedes almost a kilometer back from Rathtrevor’s shoreline.
With two mini golf courses, (seasonal) bumper boats, and indoor arcade, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Parksville is best known for its gorgeous beaches, resorts, and restaurants. But what goes better at any of those places than a delicious craft beer? That’s where Mount Arrowsmith Brewing comes in. Named for a local mountain, this craft brewery has a stylish tasting room where you can sample the…
The Parksville South location is one of four locations in beautiful Parksville! Not far from the famous Parksville Beach, this Central location offers a rotating a rotating assortment of craft beers, you’re sure to find something new when you visit. Locally owned and operated, Mid Island liquor is a different…
Mid Island Liquor Parksville Central, Parksville, BC
Situated on Rathtrevor Beach on the outskirts of the Oceanside town of Parksville. Enjoy a traditional pub-fare menu paired with a fresh pint.
From oceanfront resorts to quaint cabins, search for the best rates, availability, and book your stay.
Be sure to stop in at the Parksville Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Looking for more outdoor adventures? Plan a stop at the pristine Englishman River Falls, just a short drive from Parksville and Qualicum Beach. The Provincial Park features two stunning waterfalls cascading along the descending riverbed into a deep canyon. During the summer a crystal clear pool at the base of the lower falls turns into one of the best swimming holes in the area, and the whole park becomes a prime viewing area for the return of spawning salmon in the fall. Up the adrenaline factor by heading to the nearby Hammerfest Mountain Bike Trail Network. Hammerfest has everything from green trails suitable for the whole family to blue flow trails and double black diamonds. Access Hammerfest either from the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park main parking lot or from the yellow gate just before the park entry.
Experience the magic of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region’s 10 Amazing Places with the official Amazing Places GeoTour! The goal of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Amazing Places is to identify and promote significant natural sites for residents and visitors to explore in order to encourage better knowledge of ecological features and inspire a commitment to conservation. All Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Amazing Places were nominated by the public.
Brazen Poppy is dedicated to kick-starting your morning with choices of skillet breakfasts, breakfast sandwiches, warm muffins, scones, cinnamon buns, poppy seed buns and more plus a fresh cup of hot coffee, a cappuccino, latte, tea or hot chocolate. Later in the day, stop in for fresh home-made soups, sandwiches…
Coombs has become famous for the goats that live on the roof of the Old Country Market. In addition to the Market, there is a mix of galleries, eclectic shops, historic buildings, antiques, and the colourful Butterfly World to explore. Note: Some attractions close seasonally – check ahead to avoid…
Listed as one of the “Top 5 Burger Restaurants in Canada” by the readers of Canadian Living Magazine. In addition to their famous burgers, the robust menu offers poutines, fish & chips and salads alongside local craft beer and cider. Gluten-free and vegan options available.
Challenge your abilities and see the world through a caver’s eye. Explore the beauty and mysteries of Vancouver Island’s underworld in a fascinating subterranean adventure. A variety of cave exploration packages suited for all ages and comfort & fitness levels are available. All tours are guided by a knowledgeable and…
This purpose-built brewery comes from the owners of Mount Arrowsmith Brewing in neighbouring Parksville, BC, who saw an opportunity to create a unique brewery in beautiful Qualicum Beach, one that reflects Vancouver Island’s landscape in its style and approach. Fern + Cedar Brewing is true to its surroundings with a…
Fern + Cedar Brewing in Qualicum Beach, BC
From oceanfront resorts to quaint cabins, search for the best rates, availability, and book your stay.
Be sure to stop in at the Qualicum Beach Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
The Qualicum Beach shopping experience shuns franchise operations and big box stores in favour of one-of-a-kind boutiques. Wander the pedestrian-friendly streets in the lovely downtown core exploring unique shops, bookstores, antique shops, restaurants, outdoor cafés, and galleries. And don’t miss the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market. Open on Saturdays, year-round, with traditional ‘Make it, Bake it, Grow it’ values.
Need a pick-me-up as you explore? Along with an all-day menu, French Press Coffee Roasters is an award-winning roaster with locations in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, taking home a silver medal at the Golden Bean, the world’s largest coffee roasters competition, in the milk-based category. This specialty coffee roaster prides itself on sourcing and roasting some of the best coffee available.
