Breweries by Boat – BC’s Boat Accessible Brew Companies
Microbreweries, craft beer and distilleries have taken over British Columbia by storm. Our accessibility to fresh hops and local ingredients creates a tremendous variety of brews from the few hundred craft breweries in our vast province.
Moorage for these breweries are within 20 minutes of walking, which make them great pit-stops for trips up the Strait of Georgia. Check out the list below for our go-to spots for a brew!
Howl Brewing Company
Starting off local, Howl Brewing is brand new to the scene of craft beer. Since their commencement in June 2018, locals have been raving about the beer, the service and the location. Adjacent to The Fickle Fig, Howl is in a prime location for anyone who might be popping by to pick up fresh produce, a breakfast sandwich or a few scones. On any given Saturday or Sunday, the brewery is a place of refuge for local cyclists while they tour the challenging roads of North Saanich.
Van Isle Marina is located 10 minutes away by car, and 15 minutes by bike. Please stop by the main office and sign out a Courtesy Bicycle for a easy trip into town!
Staff Recommendations:
• Old Tavern ESB
• Raspberry Pale Ale
Spinnaker’s Brewpub and Guest House, Victoria
Spinnaker’s Brewpub and Guest House in Victoria B.C. is home to the oldest brewpub in Canada. The Guesthouse was constructed in 1884 (and still operates to this day!), while the brewpub came only 100 years later. The pub has one of the best views in the city, as it overlooks Downtown Victoria, and the famous Songhees Walkway. The closest moorage can be found in Esquimalt or in the Inner Harbour.
Not only does Spinnaker’s have a fantastic assortment of craft beer and cider, their menu is full of fresh and local ingredients that will blow your taste buds away. They also offer exquisite truffle and beer pairings. What more could you ask for?
Staff Recommendations:
• Peach Paradise Hefeweizen
• Blue Bridge Double Pale Ale
Bridge Brewing Company, North Vancouver
Bridge Brewing Company started first as a nano-brewery, but due to popular demand, increased their volume and varieties. Beyond their delicious brews and great snacks, Bridge is a zero-waste company. They produce essentially no garbage, participate in a “rye cycle” program and are committed to an environmentally sustainable business practice. If you have been with Van Isle Marina for a while, you may recognize a friendly face in the Tasting Room!
Bridge Brewing Company is a 20-minute walk from moorage in North Vancouver.
Staff Recommendations:
• Semi-Formal Brut Pale Ale
• Side Cut IPA
Howe Sound Brewing, Squamish
Imagine sipping a hand-crafted beer, on a patio, while observing some of the most quintessential mountain views that British Columbia has to offer. Howe Sound Brewing delivers that, and more.
Their brewpub is large with a bench style seating area, surrounded by a wood interior. In the wintertime, the roaring fireplace and floor to ceiling glass windows create a cozy and welcoming experience, perfect for after a long hike or solo sail.
Moorage is available on the Squamish waterfront, in the beautiful Howe Sound inlet.
Staff Recommendations:
• Pot Hole Filler Imperial Stout
• Howe Sound Lager
What are your recommendations for local breweries? Let us know in the comments!
