Craft Breweries on Vancouver Island

The “cradle of the revolution” is home to 16 breweries and brewpubs in total, including 11 that are within easy walking or cycling distance of each other around the downtown Inner Harbour. The city is home to Canada’s original brewpub, Spinnakers, which opened in 1984, as well as BC’s most successful craft brewery, Phillips Brewing & Distilling, and some of the province’s newest and freshest operations, such as Île Sauvage Brewing and Whistle Buoy Brewing.

Canoe Brewpub
This brewpub operates out of a gorgeous heritage building dating back to 1894. Its beautiful interior, excellent kitchen and sun-drenched, waterfront patio are all good reasons to visit, and the beer will keep you coming back.

Category 12 Brewing
Located on the Saanich Peninsula just off the highway on the way to the ferry and the airport, Category 12 Brewing offers a tasting room with an on-site kitchen. Its beers run the spectrum from standards to barrel-aged specialties—all excellent. 

Driftwood Brewery
Famous for its flagship Fat Tug IPA, Driftwood also brews a range of other top-notch beers, including barrel-aged sours and a potent barley wine and imperial stout. Though its storefront is not a full tasting room, you will be able to find Driftwood’s beers on tap nearly everywhere.

Four Mile Brewpub
Built in 1858, the Four Mile was a roadhouse for stagecoaches and later automobiles, then a cabaret with a notorious brothel upstairs. Renovated and re-opened with gorgeous decor in 1979, the brewery was added in 2014.

Howl Brewing
A tiny brewery tucked away next to the Fickle Fig Market just north of the Victoria International Airport, Howl specializes in ancient beer styles long forgotten, as well as a range of contemporary standards.  

Hoyne Brewing
Sean Hoyne started brewing beer professionally in 1989, first at Swans and then at the Canoe Brewpub. He opened his own brewery in 2011 and has only reinforced his legacy as one of Victoria’s top brewers.

Île Sauvage Brewing
Named Rookie Brewery of the Year at the 2019 BC Beer Awards, Île Sauvage is a lot of attention for its fantastic beers. Stop by its beautiful tasting room to sample from a beer list focused on sour beers, hazy IPAs and barrel-aged saisons.

Lighthouse Brewing
Lighthouse’s beers and marketing have always reflected a nautical theme inspired by its location in Esquimalt, home to Canada’s Pacific Coast naval base. Its tasting room and outdoor picnic area make it an attractive destination.

Moon Under Water Brewery, Pub & Distillery
This popular local brewpub has a solid beer list and a great food menu with lots of events such as music bingo that keep the pub packed. It recently added a distillery tasting room next door.

Phillips Brewing & Malting
One of Canada’s most successful craft breweries, Phillips began as a one-man operation two decades ago. Its tasting room is a great place to sample its beers and the brewery also hosts regular events in its backyard throughout the warmer months.

Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Canada’s original brewpub dating back to 1984, Spinnakers’ location on the Inner Harbour offers gorgeous views to go along with delicious beers and an excellent kitchen that works closely with local farms and food providers. It even has guesthouses, making it the perfect home base for exploring Victoria’s beer scene.

Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel
Once an “ugly duckling” of a building that was renovated into a gorgeous swan, this brewpub dating back to 1989 has a great pub with 48 beers on tap, 20 of which are brewed on-site. The hotel upstairs is a great option for staying right downtown.

Vancouver Island Brewery
Dating back to 1984, VIB has been a strong presence in Victoria’s beer scene ever since. Its downtown brewery has a tasting room with tours available on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Victoria Caledonian Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewing
You’ll feel like you’re visiting Scotland when you stop by the welcoming tasting room at this single malt whiskey distillery and brewery. Be sure to take the entertaining and educational tour.

V2V Black Hops Brewing
This veteran-run brewery is based in the original Axe & Barrel Brewhouse with a mandate to support military and first responder veterans PTSD programs.

Whistle Buoy Brewing
Victoria’s newest brewery based in historic Market Square, Whistle Buoy is named for a diving location where its three founders first decided to open their own brewery. It has a cozy tasting room inside and a sun-drenched patio that can’t be beat in the warmer months.

Find your piece of paradise within the islands. There are lots of pet-friendly accommodations and areas in nature to please both you and your dog.
From farm-fresh produce, home-baked goods, and crafts, supporting the local artisans is a way of life across the gulf islands, and dogs are welcome to shop with you at some markets and stores, but make sure to check before entering.

Experience the outdoors, relax, play, and stay overnight with your best friend, all in one spot at Woods on Pender Island. They aim to provide an unsurpassed vacation for your pet, so they’ve put together a pet-friendly package!
For a splurge-worthy treat, stay at the Mineral Springs Resort on Salt Spring Island, and don’t miss the famous Saturday Market (April to October); there’s a doggy daycare available!

Over on Galiano Island, “Small Island, Big Fun!”, Bodega Ridge offers seaside dog-friendly accommodations with fields and wooded areas to explore when you’re looking to get out into nature on a leash or off.

Pets that stay at Mayne Island Resort settle right into island life. From fetching sticks and chasing the ball on the resort’s sandy beach, to exploring the island’s trails and other beaches; pick up a map at check in to see why this island is so unique.

Famed for its award-winning vineyards, great restaurants, vibrant artist community, and rich with Indigenous history, Cowichan is your next stop on this Vancouver Island road trip.

Settle in with your morning coffee out front of True Grain in Cowichan Bay, the “Jewel of the Bay.”
When you’ve had enough sitting, make your way to Rotary Park, Duncan’s off-leash dog park. The location along the Cowichan River allows for a lot of room to run and dip into the water for a swim.

Stop in for lunch at Rusticana Coffee in Mill Bay. This peaceful spot, located off of Highway 1 allows pets on their outdoor patio. There’s also a tap available to refill the doggy dish for thirsty pups.

Chemainus Lake Park and Wul’aam’ (Echo) Park are two great off-leash options to let your dog socialize in the trails, if you’re looking for more spots to burn energy!

Wind down your day with an award-winning glass of wine in the tasting room at Unsworth Vineyards – since there is no food served inside the tasting room, dogs can join you.

After a day of exploring, you’ll be ready to check in to your pet-friendly room at Oceanfront Suites in Cowichan Bay.

Start your day at Drip Coffee’s patio, overlooking Departure Bay Beach, with a warm drink in hand and a freshly baked good.
Now that you’re ready to get your legs moving, hike Cable Bay Trail. This off-leash hike boasts stunning ocean views.

After a morning of exploring the local forests and waterfront, you’ll need to refuel, so head to Baby Salsa for a variety of traditional Mexican dishes; dogs are allowed on the patio when it’s open throughout the warmer months.

Keep in mind; while the region is dog-friendly for most of the year, dogs are banned from the beaches located in the Parksville and Qualicum area during the Black Brant geese migration period every spring. This is an excellent time to head inland to Top Bridge Trail or to Qualicum Beach Dog Park, where dogs can explore off-leash.

If you’d prefer to get off-land, paddle the waters on your own, or join a tour with Dragonfly SUP Adventures out of Qualicum Beach. Dogs are allowed on their paddleboards, and wetsuits and booties are available for the humans to explore year-round.

Tuck in for the night in one of the dog-friendly cottages at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, or, in a private room at Qualicum Beach Inn.

You can’t leave this region without stopping in for a beer at Mount Arrowsmith Brewing in Parksville; it’s an award-winning brewery that allows dogs.

Start your west coast adventure at “Vancouver Island’s Sweetest Secret,” Coombs Country Candy in Port Alberni. Pick out some of their finest goodies to enjoy on their patio – dogs allowed!

Walk off that sugar rush at Dry Creek Park in Port Alberni. This park is located in the middle of town, and it’s a nice place for a walk all year round.

Pescadores Bistro is conveniently located on your way out to towards the west coast. Their picnic tables open up when the weather is good; make this local favourite a must stop before heading west.

Kennedy Lake, along the Pacific Rim Highway, is the perfect stop for a freshwater dip. There are a few provincial park day-use areas that your dog has to be leashed, but there are some more off-road spots for the well-behaved off-leash type.

From spectacular hiking, soaring surf and rugged shorelines, the region is an outdoor playground for you and your pup! Dogs are allowed to visit, but they must be leashed along trails and the beaches in the area.

Sleep under the stars at Green Point Campground, or choose to stay in comfort at Tofino Marina Resort, or, curl up in your private oasis at The Cabins, where they believe that pets are very important family members.

When hunger strikes, check out these two options: Tacofino food truck and Wildside Grill, these funky locally-sourced options have outdoor seating and are located steps from one another.

Dogs can be seen accompanying their owners at the local beaches and trails, and even at some restaurants – it’s almost like they are humans in some parts of this region.

Explore Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Vancouver Island’s largest year-round family resort. From dog-friendly mountainside accommodation to hiking and nordic trails (dogs have to be leashed in the provincial park!) an overnight stay should be on your list.

When you’re ready to relax sea level, head down the mountain to the Comox Valley, for ocean views and city sights, or go for a romp in the trails at Seal Bay Park. Dogs are allowed off-leash in designated trails from July 1-March 31. Head back into town to share a bite with your pup while you sip on an adult beverage at Gladstone Brewing – they too have a dog-friendly patio!

Next, hop aboard BC Ferries to the nearby islands of Denman and Hornby. Tucked in the middle of the Salish Sea, these islands are lush with sandy beaches and great hikes like Heliwell Provincial Park and Morning Beach Park, both on-leash areas.

Test your dogs’ skills at the fully fenced dog agility park, located at Willow Point Park in Campbell River. It’s designed for dog socialization and agility training.

Considered to be “Vancouver Island’s Best Kept Secret,” Brown’s Bay Resort is a seaside resort for travellers looking to surround themselves in nature. Whether you are pulling up in your boat, RV or car, this destination makes for a great overnighter for you and your family.

When you and your dog need a little extra freedom, head north!
There are plenty of outdoor trails and beaches to discover where your pooch is welcome but on a leash.
Because of the expansive wild nature and wildlife in the region, many trails and beaches require dogs to be leashed. San Josef Bay is the only trail within Cape Scott Provincial Park that allows dogs, but they must be leashed.

On the east coast of the island—reached by a 25-minute ferry ride from Port McNeill—Burger Barn is Sointula’s longest-running eatery with outdoor picnic tables. Check their hours before you plan your trip; they adjust throughout the year.

Marble River Trail is a 4.2-km hiking and biking trail in Marble River Provincial Park, located 15-km north of Port Alice. Dogs are allowed to explore with you if they’re leashed.

Café Guido in Port Hardy has outdoor seating, so you don’t have to leave your dog in the car while you enjoy a delicious meal.

K’awat’si Tours is a pet-friendly eco and cultural experience in Port Hardy that specializes in cultural and wildlife tours. They welcome well-behaved leashed dogs on their tours.

Four-legged guests receive a warm welcome at the oceanfront Alder Bay Resort; tuck in for the night at Port Hardy RV Resort & Log Cabins; it’s minutes from the city centre, or relax in comfort a Kwa’lilas Hotel; they welcome pets of any size for an additional fee.

Now it’s time to embark on your Vancouver Island road trip.
Happy trails & tails!