Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

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.For a full itinerary to inspire your Central Vancouver Island ale-venture, head to the BC Ale Trail website: Central Vancouver Island Ale TrailContinue your island ale-venture with the Pacific Rim Ale Trail or the Northern Vancouver Island Ale Trail.