Strait of Georgia
Brewery Circle Route

Photo: Destination BC/Graeme Owsianski

Photo: Destination BC/Graeme Owsianski

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.

Photo: Destination British Columbia

Photo: Destination British Columbia

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.

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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.

Photo: Destination BC/@glamouraspirit_

Photo: Destination BC/@glamouraspirit_

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

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Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck/Arrowsmith Brewing Company

Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck/Arrowsmith Brewing Company

Photo: Comox Valley/Jordan Dyck

Photo: Comox Valley/Jordan Dyck

The Comox Valley

Photo: Comox Valley/Jordan Dyck

Photo: Comox Valley/Jordan Dyck

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.

Photo: Discover Comox Valley/Jarrett Lindal

Photo: Discover Comox Valley/Jarrett Lindal

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

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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.

Destination BC/Andrew Strain

Destination BC/Andrew Strain

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.