Northern Vancouver
Island Ale Trail
Vancouver Island is a big place, home to diverse landscapes and an assortment of excellent craft breweries in the communities of the Comox Valley, Campbell River and Port McNeill.
This ale trail encompasses the upper portion of Vancouver Island, running from the Comox Valley all the way up to Port Hardy at the top.
Discover the Comox Valley including Cumberland and Courtenay, an agricultural paradise with several breweries that cater to their local crowds.
Take a side trip over to the white sand beaches of Hornby Island, and discover an island paradise complete with craft beer.
Continuing north, Campbell River is a haven for boat-and-fishing enthusiasts.
From there it’s a two-hour drive up to Port McNeill near the top of the Island, and beyond to the island’s most remote pub.
Be sure to check out the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail and the Pacific Rim Ale Trail.
Session Taproom + Kitchen in Campbell River (photo: Ryan Price)
Day 1
Comox Valley
Travel Info
From the mainland, travel to Vancouver Island on BC Ferries. From Vancouver, take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo; or, from Tsawwassen to Duke Point.
From the Sunshine Coast, travel to Comox on BC Ferries from Powell River.
Alternatively, you can walk onto the new Hullo Ferries fast ferry from Downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo.
Drive from Nanaimo, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Drive from Victoria, approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.
Consider taking the Old Island Highway for scenic ocean views.
Travel by air to the Comox Valley Airport with convenient year-round direct flight routes from Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary or Edmonton.
Home of perfectly overstuffed breakfasts, bustling lunches and inspired dinners. It’s where friends and family share laughs, colleagues share ideas, and the entire community gathers to share our passion for great food.
Visit this destination brewery in the beautiful and historic small town of Cumberland. Since opening late in 2014 in a small storefront on the town’s main street, Cumberland Brewing has had little trouble selling virtually every drop of its beer right where it is brewed, either by the glass in the cozy tasting room or sun-soaked patio behind the brewery or in takeaway growlers.
The newest microbrewery to open in Courtenay celebrates the history of the Canadian Air Force through its vintage aviation theme.
Downtown Courtenay is home to this popular craft brewery with an in-house burger bar. Voted 'Brewery of the Year' in 2022 at the BC Beer Awards.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Comox Valley Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
This region is home to marine and outdoor adventures, the perfect accompaniment to your next brewery tour! Discover the Emerald Sea and what lies below with some of the world’s best cold water activities. Check out Pacific Pro Drive for snorkeling, marine tours, dive charters, rebreathers, & SCUBA training.
The Island’s only ski and snowboard resort destination, extensive mountain biking plus pristine beach and ocean adventures await.
Don’t miss out on festivals like the Filberg Festival or pick up fresh, local produce at the popular year-round Comox Valley Farmers’ Market.
Day 2
Courtenay + Comox
Day 3
Hornby Island
Day 4
Campbell River
Day 5
Telegraph Cove + Port McNeill
Day 6
Port Hardy
Day 7
Port Hardy + Holberg
Produced In Collaboration With
The Comox Valley is a place that inspires creativity, tempts the taste buds, soothes the soul and fires the imagination of adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Situated halfway up the east coast of Vancouver Island, this community faces the sea and embraces the mountains, has the charm of a small town but with a touch of urban sophistication and taste. Experience it all, from full on adventures to blissful relaxation. Blast down an alpine ski run with an ocean view, scuba dive in crystal clear water, mountain bike or hike along a glacier-fed river, dine on true farm to table fare, or get pampered at one of the popular spas. The choices are endless and it all starts now in the Comox Valley!
Campbell River is at the heart of the “North Central Island” and surrounded by 5 Provincial Parks, (Strathcona, Miracle Beach, Mohun Lake, Loveland Bay and Elk Falls), but exploring a little farther afield, our region offers visitors an opportunity to explore some of Vancouver Island’s best-kept secrets. Paddle the Sayward Canoe Route, discover Gold River’s Upana Caves, fish the west coast near Tahsis and Zeballos, or island hop in the Discovery Islands for a truly memorable experience.
Dining options are plentiful in Campbell River, whether it’s fish and chips served dockside in a marina or surf and turf platters in a comfortable pub or restaurant, the fine cuisine offers visitors a chance to hang out with locals and savour the fine food of the region.
No matter how you chose to enjoy the outdoors and dining options, you’ll leave our city by the sea feeling fulfilled and connected to your natural surroundings.
Vancouver Island North is the first word and last stop in western Canada for relaxed and spontaneous ecoadventure. Where you can witness wildlife, such as whales, eagles, and black bears, while discovering our magical shorelines and inland wilderness. Experience Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations traditions, art, and living culture.