Greater
Victoria
Victoria is home to Canada’s first brewpub and some of British Columbia’s most popular breweries. Venture beyond — visit nearby Sooke or hop a ferry to explore the Southern Gulf Islands. Unique experiences are waiting in Greater Victoria!
Beer has been brewed in Victoria longer than anywhere else in British Columbia, dating back to 1858 when Victoria Brewing was founded by a German man who came north from San Francisco during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. William Steinberger quickly decided that rather than panning for gold he would brew liquid gold for the thirsty hordes of prospectors.
Apart from the Prohibition years (1916-1920) brewing was a constant in Victoria until 1982 when the city’s single remaining Labatt plant was demolished. But Victoria was “dry” for just a couple of years until Canada’s first brewpub, Spinnakers, opened in 1984 and several breweries followed, opening every few years. Today, more than a dozen separate breweries operate in the Greater Victoria area, each with its own style and approach, along with several excellent tap houses, quality liquor stores, and numerous restaurants that offer strong beer menus.
Stroll around “Brewery Bay,” a walkable ring of brewpubs and breweries that surrounds the Upper Harbour in downtown Victoria. Take the Victoria Harbour Ferry or the Pickle Pub Crawl or join a bicycle tour with the Pedaler. West Coast Brewery Tours also offers bus tours to help you explore this dynamic beer community. The neighbouring district of Esquimalt is home to two more breweries as well.
Drive or cycle up the Saanich Peninsula to check out five dynamic and very different breweries, or visit nearby Sooke to discover another terrific trio of breweries.
The Southern Gulf Islands, Pender, Mayne and Salt Spring, are an idyllic archipelago accessible by ferry from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal half an hour north of Victoria, and are home to two unique breweries along with a plethora of cideries, restaurants, artisans, parks, and other activities.
Sip, savour, experience and explore everything the Greater Victoria Ale Trail has to offer.
Day 1
A little cafe nestled in the woods on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Serving up fresh baked goodies, brunch, lunch, coffee and treats.
Sheringham Point Lighthouse is a designated National Heritage Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is owned, operated and cared for by the Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society, a non-profit charity based in Shirley. The Lighthouse Site is open every day for the public to visit, enjoy and appreciate.
A charming micro brewery in a rural setting with a treed picnic area, heated patio and tasting room, offering 12 beers on tap and their own hot food trailer on site.
Adjacent to the park is the Sooke River, where there is a series of deep, naturally carved and polished rock pools. This area is a favourite day-use destination for many local and regional residents.
Spend some time exploring, or take a dip in the natural pools to cool off in the summer.
Sooke Oceanside Brewery was founded by a chef who loved to make beer in his garage in his downtime. The delicious range of beers has built a strong following in the local community, so you’ll be sure to find local regulars alongside enthusiastic beer seekers there. Paired with the tasty eats from Grilled to the Mac food truck, it’s a great stop for lunch.
Within the museum’s exhibit galleries, highlights of the region’s history and culture are presented through First Nations artifacts, historic photographs, dioramas, displays and scale models, depicting both momentous occasions and the day to day life in the history of the region. Foresty Path — take a self-guided tour of the grounds and explore the history of Sooke’s forest industry through images and artifacts. The Sooke Night Market is outdoors and runs weekly on Thursdays from June 1 to September 7, 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
Sooke Brewing Co aims to brew beers that can be enjoyed both by those new to craft brewing, as well as the most experienced connoisseurs. Founded by a group of locals with long roots going back several generations in the local community, this brewery’s custom-built facility in downtown Sooke is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Grab dinner from the resident food truck parked on site, and enjoy.
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Be sure to stop in at the Sooke Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Sooke is also accessible via the Galloping Goose Trail – a great weekend adventure for cyclists.
Continue exploring along The Pacific Marine Circle Route. This coast-to-coast journey on Vancouver Island offers panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca, Haro, and Georgia straits as well as the Saanich Peninsula. The 1 – 3 day itinerary takes visitors from Victoria to Sooke, Shirley, Jordan River, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan, and finally from South Cowichan back to Victoria.
If you don’t want to complete the full circle route, there are plenty of parks and stops along the way that can be made into day trips departing from Sooke. Surf at Jordan River, walk along China Beach, and visit Port Renfrew. In Port Renfrew, you can explore Avatar Grove, visit Lonely Doug, and Botanical Beach. Port Renfrew is also the start to the West Coast Trail for more experienced hikers looking for a true west coast adventure.
Day 2
The Stick in the Mud Coffee House offers a unique West Coast coffee experience. They are a roastery, bakery and café, with something for every craving. Muffins, cookies, squares, cakes and treats of all sorts. Daily surprises, soups, wraps, sandwiches on home-made focaccia and Sooke’s most popular breakfast, The Egg-a-majig (a thingamajig with egg!) all come from the in-house Treat Lab.
West Coast wilderness awaits you at East Sooke Regional Park. Experience it as you hike along the windswept rocky coast, over dry hilltops, through dark rainforest to sheltered coves.
Three entry points offer hikers and explorers different experiences and challenge levels along over 50km of trails, from a short walk to a pocket beach, to the challenging 10km Coast Trail.
One of the Trail’s newest additions, Mile Zero opened its doors in 2022. With a focus on small-batch production, beers are only available in the tap room or in growlers. Accompanied by a small but mighty food menu, be sure to check their opening hours to avoid missing out.
Sheringham Distillery is proud to bring a taste of British Columbia's West Coast to the world.
As a stop for many migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, the Esquimalt Lagoon is a federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary, making it a fantastic place for birdwatchers to discover the unique avian species that come through the area. Don't forget your camera, the Lagoon’s one-of-a-kind ecology makes for a great backdrop while capturing images of your favourite birds.
Built in 1858, the Four Mile House was originally a roadhouse for stagecoaches and later automobiles, then a cabaret with a notorious brothel upstairs. Today it houses a brewpub with a popular restaurant. The great selection of beer and full menu make it a great spot for dinner.
A full-service liquor store, specializing in local products, wines, spirits, and craft beer. Locally owned and operated.
Find a perfect room with an even better view, and explore ideal spaces to stay in the heart of the city and surrounding areas. From historic hotels to charming B&Bs and incredible camping, search for lavish and luxurious or convenient and cost-conscious. Browse over 6,000 rooms and hundreds of locations for all types of travel and groups to experience Victoria your way.
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Be sure to stop in at the Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Day 3
The perfect hotspot to enjoy breakfast or brunch while taking in the incredible views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The menu offers a selection of fresh, simple, and delicious items including the West Coast Smoked Salmon Benny, the mouth-watering Harbourside French Toast, or the rustic Forager Omelette. Enjoy the friendly service, inviting décor and upbeat atmosphere, while learning about the Chef’s freshest finds from our Island back yard and the creative twist to our comforting local food.
The museum’s goal is to collect, preserve, interpret and display the history and heritage of the naval presence on Canada’s West Coast, and of the military on Southern Vancouver Island. Guided and self-guided tours are available of the exhibits and displays.
Consistently on the cutting edge, Driftwood is one of the leaders of BC’s craft beer industry. With 16+ taps of fresh beer, local wine and cider, cocktails, and a full menu from Dumpling Drop it makes for a great lunch stop.
Ahoy matey! Follow the beacon to visit Esquimalt’s own brewery. The addition of a tasting room and picnic area at the brewery have definitely made it into a destination worth checking out.
Enjoy a stroll or jog along the waterfront Songhees Walkway. With benches scattered along the paved pathway and impressive views of the Juan De Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
Canada’s original brewpub is still leading the craft beer revolution four decades later. There are so many reasons to visit Spinnakers. It was Canada’s first brewpub when it opened in 1984, so it’s a pilgrimage of sorts for beer lovers. But Spinnakers was also an early proponent of the local food movement and its chef continues to work closely with local farmers and food producers today. Spinnakers’ own guesthouses even allow you to use it as a home base for exploring Victoria’s diverse craft beer community.
A wide selection of BC craft beers makes this the perfect place to stock up.
With cozy options ranging from garden suites to rooms in the Heritage house, to the private and self-contained bungalow. Be sure to check out the Sip & Stay package specials on the BC Ale Trail website!
Day 4
Breakfast at the Pendray Inn and Tea House is, quite simply, like no other. Served daily in the Pendray Tea House dining room, all of the ingredients are of the highest quality, and locally sourced from here in the Victoria region.
Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in the waters surrounding Victoria. Cruise with local certified naturalists and experts for a guided marine adventure to discover, observe and learn about these enchanting creatures up-close.
This small brewery in historic Market Square has a welcoming tasting room and a sun-drenched patio. The brewery has a basic snacks menu, and welcomes visitors to bring their own food, perhaps from one of the restaurants in Market Square. Enjoy your choice of lunch along with your beer before continuing to explore Market Square.
After wandering through Market Square, continue your journey to LoJo. Lower Johnson is the spot for the best boutique shopping in the city. Lined with independent stores, coffee shops and restaurants with lots of nooks and crannies to explore like Market Square, Waddington Alley and the Paperbox Arcade.
Continue exploring Downtown Victoria with a visit to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, featuring the iconic Gate of Harmonious Interest. Browse historical buildings, shops, restaurants and grocery stores, or learn more about the history of the neighbourhood with a walking tour from Discover the Past. Don't miss walking down Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest street in Canada.
Local food, relaxed atmosphere and fine craft beers, all from the West Coast make for a perfect dinner stop.
This cozy spot is the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring. Featuring craft beer, cider, spirits, and wine from Vancouver Island and southern BC. Check out the courtyard patio out back.
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Victoria is a book lover’s dream with several excellent independent bookstores, including the historic Munro’s Books and the largest new and used bookstore in town, Russell Books. Downtown also boasts excellent comic book stores like Legends Comics and the Canadian Toy Museum located within Cherry Bomb Toys.
Day 5
A family-run diner creating delicious breakfast, lunches and bakery treats since 1956. The menu includes all-day breakfast, as well as hot and cold sandwiches, omelettes, hamburgers, coquettes, salads and soups.
Stroll along the breakwater with the magnificent Olympic Mountains in the distance. Head along the 1km (roundtrip) path, which includes the Unity Wall Mural and culminates in a lighthouse on the Juan de Fuca Strait.
With over 500 BC Brews, this is your one-stop BC beer stop.
Île Sauvage translates to “wild island,” a nod to both its home on Vancouver Island, as well as the sophisticated beer lineup, which always includes a range of sours, saisons and hazy ales, as well as any styles that are new and cutting edge. Nearby foodtrucks are perfect for lunch.
Hoyne’s beers are always excellent examples of their styles, brewed with high-quality ingredients, including malts sourced from traditional regions to reflect the type of beer, such as the UK, Germany and the Czech Republic.
Note: Hoyne currently offers beer to-go only; flights may be available to sample if space is available.
One of a trio of breweries that kicked off the craft beer revolution in BC in 1984, VIB is still going strong today. Tours are available, so be sure to leave enough time to sip, snack and explore.
Known for their surprising product range with a focus on local, organic, and hard-to-find products from the Pacific Northwest and around the world.
Finish off an afternoon of sampling at CRAFT Victoria Harbour. Boasting waterfront views, an all-season patio, a surf lounge, an indoor and outdoor fireplace, a games area, a dog-friendly patio, and more! 110 taps of draught beers, wines, and cocktails focusing on local brews with a full menu makes it the perfect spot to enjoy dinner.
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Consider exploring the Victoria Ale Trail by bicycle: The Pedaler offers a three-hour tour, which includes craft beer tastings at three different locations, a snack, and a chocolate truffle beer pairing.
Victoria is a hub of activity 365 days of the year. The summer months bring Great Canadian Beer Festival, Rifflandia and Phillips Backyard events while the shoulder season offers up a plethora of events like Victoria Beer Week! Check the city’s events calendar when planning your trip to see what is happening!
Day 6
Love, life, and coffee: this is where it all started. From its humble roots as a simple roastery-café and homey neighbourhood hangout, our Quadra Village location has matured into a spacious and open environment that has come to be known as the home of one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading coffee roasters.
Serving a locally focused menu for breakfast and lunch, the kitchen aims to bring upbeat and approachable food to the table featuring the seasonal bounty of Vancouver Island to accompany our unique selection of local beer, wine and cider.
Offering harbour tours, water taxi service and even a Pickle Pub Tour, it's a great way to explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Herald Street's focus is always on quality: no corners cut, no exceptions made. Enjoy light snacks or one of the rotating focaccia pizzas for a light lunch.
Phillips has grown from humble origins to become BC’s biggest craft brewery. In addition to our craft brews we have our whole lineup on offer from small batch distilled spirits, craft brewed non-alcoholic beer, and house made sodas and tonics. If you’re still feeling peckish, continue snacking and sipping with a selection of curated snacks to pair with your drink selection in our family friendly space. The menu features giant fresh pretzels, locally made meat infused with our beer, delicious pizza, and much more.
Vessel is a locally owned and operated liquor store, supporting authentic wine, spirits and ales, as well as the people who make them. The craft beer selection here is outstanding, including a wall of single tall cans that allows customers the chance to mix-and-match their own 4-packs.
With roughly 740,000 square metres of parkland, Beacon Hill Park is an amazing urban oasis. There are natural areas, manicured flower beds, footpaths, water features, a band shell for music performances, fields for cricket, tennis, golf and baseball. Plus an adorable children's farm featuring a daily "running of the goats"! Beacon Hill Park is also home to what was once the tallest totem pole in the world, a 38.9 metre (128 foot) pole raised in 1956.
Nestled in the beautiful and historic Bastion Square, The Garrick's Head Pub has been a local fixture since 1867.
One of the oldest English pubs in Canada, today it offers a wide selection of micro-brewed craft beers on tap, and traditional English pub fare in a bright and relaxing atmosphere.
Day 7
Located in the most storied room in Victoria, Q at the Empress is a must-visit brunch destination. Q has a fresh contemporary feel, whilst staying true to the hotel’s iconic heritage and architecture. Perfectly executed by Chef Ken Hookham and his talented team, Q’s brunch philosophy is quintessentially PNW, and is based on local ingredients and partnerships with Island farmers. Q’s brunch menu proudly features sustainably sourced seafood, traditionally raised meats, and a variety of offerings found nowhere else.
No trip to the province’s capital would be complete without a photo of our parliament buildings. Overlooking Victoria's majestic Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings and surrounding areas are located in the traditional territories of the Lekwungen people. Visitors are invited to discover the architectural splendour of the Parliament Buildings and learn about British Columbia's Legislative Assembly.
The Parliament Buildings are open for free guided tours on weekdays throughout the year and seven days a week during the summer. Free tours are offered regularly throughout the day.
This brewery and distillery on the outskirts of Victoria embraces its Scottish background wholeheartedly. Within its spacious facility is a beautiful tasting room where you can enjoy the full range of beers or a taster’s flight of whiskies, which are also available for sale in bottles. Take an entertaining tour to learn more about the brewing and distilling process.
Junction is 15 mins from downtown, this family-run cidery offers dog-friendly, relaxed vibes, and craft ciders made with local ingredients.
A year round destination, featuring multiple themed gardens as well as musical events, The Butchart Gardens has been an iconic tourist attraction for over 100 years.
Encounter thousands of tropical butterflies, poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Dress for tropical weather as you stroll through these indoor gardens. Also includes the Insectarium, featuring impressive insects & invertebrates from around the world.
What will Victoria’s beer scientist brew up next? Category 12's beer line-up is always spectacular, and its kitchen makes this the ideal lunch or dinner spot on an extended Saanich Peninsula tour.
Day 8
A casual diner and coffee shop offering hearty breakfast, brunch & lunch menus all day.
Start on Beacon Avenue, home to stunning three dimensional murals and life-like bronzed statues, and continue to the Seaside Sculpture Walk. It begins in Beacon Park and continues along the waterfront walkway south towards the Sidney International Ferry Terminal. This magnificent outdoor art gallery uses the majestic scenery of Mount Baker and the Salish Sea as its backdrop.
Located just off Beacon Ave, Sidney’s main street, Small Gods is designed to fit into the surrounding community and provide a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome to stop by, satiate their hunger with artisan sandwiches and charcuterie boards, and have a beer with friends, family, or their favourite book. And if you forgot to bring a book, you can find one to reach on the brewery’s bookshelf.
Located just off Sidney’s main street, Beacon Avenue, this brewery has a relaxed and comfortable tasting room with delicious small batch beer and food and snacks from local businesses.
A tiny brewery with an ultra-local focus and a love of history. This is definitely one of the smallest breweries you will ever visit! Situated next to the Fickle Fig Market just north of the Victoria International Airport.
Fresh & local seaside dining in Sidney,
located inside the Pier Hotel. The twice weekly harvest from our 10 Acres farm is the foundation of our menus – season by season.
Day 9
In addition to the cafe classics, indulgent baking and breakfast sandwiches, they offer wine, local beer on tap, fresh sandwiches, house-made pizza by the slice or the whole pie, fresh ice cream, sorbet, gelato and a selection of our Market products available for you to take home. Everything you see is made from scratch in house!
Take the ferry from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island, approximately 35 minutes.
This family-owned Salt Spring Island staple makes a variety of artisan goat cheeses using traditional methods and natural ingredients.
This large protected park features old-growth Douglas fir and beautiful views of Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands from one of the highest points on the island, Baynes Peak.
Based in a converted barn nestled in the woods at the base of Mount Bruce, this brewery sources its water from a spring located on the mountainside above the facility. Head upstairs and enjoy their tasting room, which sits above the main brewery.
Creative small plates and larger meals made with organic ingredients. Enjoy a cider flight and a tasty lunch in their tasting room overlooking the orchards.
Sip on traditional-style ciders made from 100% Salt Spring Island-grown organic apples with indoor and outdoor seating.
Head to the Salt Spring Island Public Library to see the mural created by young artists of local Indigenous communities.
This seafood restaurant overlooking the Ganges Harbour serves up fresh seafood, including succulent local mussels and crab.
Choose a luxurious resort, glamp in style, embrace cabin fever with your family, or retreat to the woods in a tent.
Day 10
An eclectic cafe with a tree in the centre features wholesome breakfast fare in a cozy atmosphere to fuel up for your day.
Take the ferry from Long Harbour to Village Bay on Mayne Island, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hr 20 mins, depending on whether the ferry has a stopover or not.
This beautiful garden is dedicated to the memory and legacy of the island’s Japanese-Canadian community who settled and worked on the island between 1900 and 1942 before the Internment during World War II. It is open to the public by donation year-round.
This 18-hole disc golf course has both technical and open holes. Located in Dinner Bay Park, it’s steps away from the Japanese Memorial Gardens.
This bistro with views of the water serves dishes made with fresh ingredients and a wide selection of wines and local beers.
This unique brewery is a family-run business nestled in the forest in an idyllic setting. Bring a picnic and enjoy a flight in the outdoor seating area under the cedars and take home a mixed four or six pack to savour later.
Visit this sculpture carved with open, welcoming arms to honour Emma and Felix Jack and all other Coast Salish People that visited or lived on Mayne Island.
The Local is your friendly hole-in-the-wall with a great vibe, games, specials, and so much more. Offering a variety of different cuisines.
From luxury resorts to quiet small campgrounds, Mayne Island has plenty of options.
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Another recommended stop on Mayne is the Farm Gate Store. Stock up for a picnic with their selection of groceries, fresh local produce, baked goods, and excellent sandwiches made to order.
Day 11
Stop for a quick coffee to go. A cozy cafe and bakery serving fresh baked goods and delicious specialty coffee. Be sure to try their cronut, a cross between a glazed donut and a croissant.
Take the ferry from Village Bay to Otter Bay on Pender Island, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hr 20 mins, depending on whether the ferry has a stopover or not.
A great stop for a full, delicious breakfast. Fare includes a variety of bennies, sandwiches, and pancakes.
This National park has lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Hike up the Mt Norman summit for a beautiful view.
Stop in for lunch at this gourmet grocery store and food truck that collaborates with local farms to showcase the wonderful bounty of Pender Island and the surrounding areas.
This quaint cidery crafts low-intervention cider and perry fermented only with native yeasts. Try a tasting out in their unique, old-growth orchard with ocean views.
As you venture in-island for breakfast, be sure to stop at the Pender Island Community Hall to view the three carved Pender Women’s Unity Poles, created as part of an initiative by The Mother Bear Project.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with creative, hand-crafted chocolates.
An ocean-side Mediterranean Bistro, serving easy to share dishes in a relaxed atmosphere with a gorgeous view.
No matter your preference, Pender has many options for resting your head. Discover their luxury camping, homey cottages, and relaxing resorts.
See Events Happening in Victoria:
tourismvictoria.com/events