Strait of Georgia
Brewery Circle Route
Since moving to Vancouver more than a decade ago, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast have become two of my favourite destinations to escape the big city. The stunning coastal environments and the laidback vibes always bring me a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
In particular, I've grown to love the shores surrounding the Strait of Georgia, which is the body of water that separates Vancouver Island from the Mainland.
When we are in need of a quick getaway, my wife and I often string together some of our favourite locations around the shores of the Strait, going up the east side of the Island and then down the Sunshine Coast. On a recent trip, we were inspired to visit a number of craft breweries and created what we are now dubbing the Strait of Georgia Brewery Circle Route.
If you're in this region, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more relaxing and scenic way to spend a weekend. Let me show you the route.
Our journey starts in the city of Vancouver.
Vancouver is a truly special destination, with a palpable energy and spectacular natural scenery. Add to that the mild West Coast weather, the deep cultural diversity, and the unparalleled access to wilderness just a short drive away and you have a city unlike any other in Canada.
While tourist hotspots —such as the downtown waterfront, Stanley Park, and the cobblestone street of Gastown — are popular for a reason, these aren't the places I tend to gravitate to when exploring my hometown.
Hadden Park Dog Beach in Kitsilano. Photo by Destination BC/Grant Harder
Hadden Park Dog Beach in Kitsilano. Photo by Destination BC/Grant Harder
I tend to lean towards areas like Kitsilano, the boutiques and cafés on Fourth Avenue, and the sprawling beaches of Jericho or Spanish Banks. There is also the culture of East Vancouver, the North Shore, the mountains and so much surrounding wilderness.
East Vancouver Cross by artist Ken Lum. Photo by Destination Vancouver/Megan Richter
East Vancouver Cross by artist Ken Lum. Photo by Destination Vancouver/Megan Richter
Most breweries in the city are located in East Vancouver. However, their products can be enjoyed across the city, fresh from the tap at a local watering hole or to go, sitting on a beach and watching a West Coast sunset.
The craft beer culture in Vancouver is deep and certainly world-class.
One of my favourite breweries in the city is the Strathcona Beer Company, located in Vancouver's oldest residential neighbourhood. The brewery is a community gathering place and fits seamlessly into its diverse neighbourhood. The vibe here is relaxed, friendly and fun.
Next, we board a ferry from Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island.
Loved by locals but perhaps off the radar for many people out of the province, Parksville is a town on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. Famed for its large sandy beaches (amongst the best on the Island), Parksville also sits in one of the mildest climate zones in Canada. The rain-shadow effect caused by Vancouver Island's mountain ranges (some up to 2200 metres tall) means the sheltered eastern side of the Island experiences drier winters and warmer summers.
Parksville is often a drive-through town for people as it sits near the junction for the highway that heads west towards Tofino but it is a worthwhile stop and a chill destination in and of itself.
Destination BC/@glamouraspirit_
Destination BC/@glamouraspirit_
There are several family-friendly seaside resorts and fantastic playgrounds dotted throughout the community. For the adults, Parksville has eclectic shops and delicious local eateries. Everyone can enjoy the area's many beautiful provincial parks and campgrounds, as well as the famous Goats on the Roof market in nearby Coombs.
Named after the mountain that dominates the skyline, Mount Arrowsmith Brewing is the perfect spot to while away the afternoon. A pint of Salish Sea Pale Ale paired with a 'Friendly Neighbour' pizza make for the perfect post-beach snack .
Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck/Arrowsmith Brewing Company
Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck/Arrowsmith Brewing Company
The Comox Valley
The Comox Valley is located on the traditional lands of the Puntledge, E'iksan and K'ómoks peoples and centred around the neighbouring communities of Courtney, Cumberland and Comox. It is a hub of natural, cultural and culinary treasures on Vancouver Island.
Photo: Experience Comox Valley/Peter O'Hara
Photo: Experience Comox Valley/Peter O'Hara
Its unique location in a fertile valley near the sea means this region is blessed with an abundance of seafood and easy access to local produce.
Courtney District Museum. Photo: Experience Comox Valley/Peter O'Hara
Courtney District Museum. Photo: Experience Comox Valley/Peter O'Hara
The region is also the gateway to year-round outdoor activities -- from skiing the epic snow of Mt. Washington Alpine Resort to hitting the legendary mountain biking trails in Cumberland to paddling the abundant coastal waters near Comox or Courtney, there's no shortage of ways to get out and explore the pristine natural environment.
And if you've worked up a thirst after all that outdoor adventuring, visit the Cumberland Brewing Company.
Photo: BC Ale Trail
Photo: BC Ale Trail
Take the ferry from Comox back across the Strait of Georgia and you'll end up in Powell River, the main population centre in the Qhathet regional district.
Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Often thought of as the northern extension of the Sunshine Coast, Powell River has an unmistakable West Coast vibe. The city is only accessible via ferry, either from Comox or a short ride that connects Saltery Bay via Earls Cove to the Sunshine Coast.
Powell River is unique in that people really only visit it as a destination in and of itself. Whereas other places around the Strait of Georgia see some through traffic, Powell River is like a cul-de-sac — pretty much the end of the road. It has a lot of small-town character: things close early, and some services are not available every day. For some, this may seem like an inconvenience but I feel it gives the town an authenticity that can't be replicated in tourist hubs.
Photo: Sunshine Coast Tourism/Shayd Johnson The Spirit Square viewpoint at Westview Wharf. The Thunderbird totem was carved by Tla'amin Nation artist Craig Galligos.
Photo: Sunshine Coast Tourism/Shayd Johnson The Spirit Square viewpoint at Westview Wharf. The Thunderbird totem was carved by Tla'amin Nation artist Craig Galligos.
The town is blessed with amazing westward views of the Strait of Georgia and the mountains of Vancouver Island. A short drive takes you to the town of Lund, which is the actual end of the road up the west coast and the gateway to stunning coastal gems such as the warm waters and white sands of Savoury Island and the rich marine environments of Desolation Sound or Toba Inlet.
Aerial view of Desolation Sound, including Mt Denman and the Coast Range Mountains. Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Aerial view of Desolation Sound, including Mt Denman and the Coast Range Mountains. Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Powell River is an outdoor lover's paradise with world-class kayaking, hiking opportunities, and a blossoming biking scene.
Townsite Brewing encompasses that laidback, small town charm perfectly.
The patio is a great spot to unwind with a pint and just people-watch. After a day of adventuring on the coast, you will appreciate the friendly and relaxed vibe in the brewery's back garden where patrons are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy with their brew.
The Sunshine Coast
While the Sunshine Coast is well known by locals and serves as a favourite hotspot for residents of British Columbia's lower mainland, it is off the radar of many tourists from out of the province.
For years, artists and outdoor enthusiasts have gravitated here, creating a community of creativity and adventure. Hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities are endless.
Sechelt
Video: Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism
Video: Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism
Sechelt is in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, a stretch of coast on the mainland along the eastern side of the Strait of Georgia. Known as the land between two waters, you need to take a ferry to get here no matter which way you come.
Sechelt has a thriving food scene with many quaint cafes and good restaurants offering complementary views of the ocean or mountains.
Brickers Cider Co. is a family-run cidery located in west Sechelt on a 5-acre orchard. Guests can enjoy food served from "the Shed" and crisp cider while gazing at the expansive views.
Brickers is family- and dog-friendly, making it a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
Gibsons
Only a short drive and a 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, this area is a great example of how one need not go far from the big city to find something spectacular.
Photo; Destination BC/@nochancenanc
Photo; Destination BC/@nochancenanc
Gibsons is the southernmost stretch of the Sunshine Coast. And despite being so close to Vancouver, it feels like a world away. There are sweeping coastal views in all directions: to the south and west lies the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island, and to the north and east are the stunning mountains of the mainland and the islands of Howe Sound.
Photo: Sunshine Coast Tourism/Shayd Johnson
Photo: Sunshine Coast Tourism/Shayd Johnson
Persephone Brewing Co. in Gibsons is one of those perfect places where you can spend an afternoon enjoying a cold beer on the patio and leave with a carton of eggs.
Part brewery and part farm, Persephone grows a lot of the things that end up on the menu which makes for fresh and delicious food paired perfectly with a pint.
