If you’re looking for a fun activity to take up with friends this coming long weekend, exploring one (or two, or eight!) of Victoria’s many distinctive breweries would come as a no brainer to most. To us, at least, any plans that involve good food and drinks are always high on our radar!
That’s why we’ve created a list of the best spots to check out this coming long weekend, featuring great menus, unique brews and a ton of fun events to consider inviting your loved ones too.
Here are eight iconic breweries to try in Victoria next week. See you there!
Located right in the heart of downtown Victoria, this “tiny brewery with big ideas” makes experimental small-batch beers suitable for every beer drinker. Updating their list every week, carrying everything from crisp cold lagers to brews with “superdelic hops”, you can never be sure what you’ll find when you walk in!
Address: Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson St.
This spacious, industrial taproom offers in-depth tasting tours, dance parties, live music and a simple food menu perfect for a long night out—pizzas, green dips, chips and build-your-own charcuterie boards. The beer list is always changing, but notable favourites include the Belgian chocolate stout, salted watermelon lager and Pacific charm hopfenweisse.
Address: 506 Herald St.
Offering guests an educational tour through their tasting room, a colourful, psychedelic-themed array of local brews and live music events all summer long, Philip’s is an iconic Victoria brewery that draws in locals and visitors alike. Check their website for upcoming events for August long weekend!
Address: 2000 Government St.
This hyper-local brewery hopes to make it out to all of your adventures, crafting easy-to-drink brews that cater to every taster. Some of the most popular year-round cans are the Islander Lager, Broken Islands Hazy IPA and Mystic Haze Pale Ale, though their seasonal menu always brings about new favourites. This summer, it’s a fruity Beach Shack Guava Blonde.
Address: 2330 Government St.
Voted best brewery by the Times Colonist’s Readers’ Choice Awards for five years in a row, Hoyne strongly believes in the tradition, craft and science of brewing beer. Guided by traditional preparation methods that date back to the 17th and 18th century, the beer here is deeply nostalgic and free from additives or preservatives, leading you to a clean taste every time.
Address: 2740 Bridge St. #101
True to their name, Driftwood Brewing are on a constant mission to innovate and bring new flavours to their customers, drifting with the tide to bring something different to the table every time you visit. Of particular note is their bar patio this summer which features over 16 taps of different beers, local wines, ciders and cocktails, as well as a full menu from Victoria’s Dumpling Drop.
Address: 836 Viewfield Rd.
Located a 15-minute drive away from the city centre, this distillery and brewery specializes in a wide range of alcohol, notably, whiskey—recently winning the award for ‘Best Single Malt' in Canada— and beer, from refreshing lagers and pilsners to more punchy ales and IPAs. Their tasting room and lounge is a perfect space to learn more about the brewing process and have fun tasting different beers in a warm, pub-like atmosphere.
Address: 761 Enterprise Cres.
Brewing on the Island for 25 years, Lighthouse Brewing is dedicated to making high-quality handcrafted beers that reflect the nautical spirit of Vancouver Island. Their taproom—an inviting space in Esquimalt’s Industrial Park—is the perfect place to meet up with friends on a long weekend (or any day of the week in the summertime, frankly).
Address: 836 Devonshire Rd. Unit 2
