Mary in Vancity

As a craft beer enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique experiences that combine great beer, local culture, and breathtaking scenery. Having previously explored the BC Ale Trail in Coquitlam and Kamloops, I was thrilled to continue my journey on Vancouver Island. That’s why when I heard about the BC Ale Trail’s Central Island Tasting Passport campaign, I knew I had to jump on board. Running from February 1 to March 9, 2025, this initiative is an absolute dream for beer lovers, offering the chance to embark on a coastal beer adventure through Central Vancouver Island—all while collecting stamps and earning a shot at winning some incredible prizes!

These are some of the breweries I explored this time around.

At Red Arrow Brewing, I stopped for some lunch and brews. Their braised ribs poutine was absolutely delicious, and for something different, they offer creative beer cocktails. I tried the Espresso Beertini, and it was so good! And while I’m not usually a dark beer fan, their coconut porter was an exception—it had such a full body, and the nuttiness of the coconut gave it an unexpected sweetness that I couldn’t get enough of.

At Craig Street Brew Pub in Duncan, I found a warm, inviting atmosphere, and my favorite brew there was the Shawnigan Irish Ale—a full-bodied red ale with sweet caramel malt and subtle hops that made for a perfectly smooth drink.

Deadhead Brew Co. was a standout for me as an avid record collector; the vinyls on the walls were so cool, adding to the overall nostalgic atmosphere. Their experimental brews were equally impressive. With a wall of records, retro music, and an overall nostalgic atmosphere, it was the perfect place to unwind. My favorite beer there was the Retro 77 West Coast Style IPA, a hoppy, citrus-forward brew that had the ideal balance of bitterness and smoothness.

Bayview Brewing had a laid-back, community-driven vibe, and their crisp, hop-forward pale ale paired perfectly with the views. Not to mention their food menu. We ordered some nachos to go with our beer and they were one of the biggest plates of nachos we’ve ever had! We couldn’t even finish half of it – And what goes better than some nachos with a crisp beer?

RAD Brewing Co. in Comox was another great spot with chilled vibes, top-notch brews, and good company. With a touch of retro surf style, RAD is all about bringing the laid-back beach feel to the heart of town. Their menu is designed to be delicious and affordable, pairing perfectly with their brews. I opted to have their Kolsch. It had a clean, grainy malt flavour with a lightly fruity and noble hop note finished with a traditional Kolsch-style yeast. It went so well with their Tsunami tacos, making for a perfect meal.

Another stop was Cumberland Brewing, a spot known for its chilled vibes and top-notch brews. One of the standout beers there was the Forest Fog, an unfiltered American Wheat Ale with refreshing citrus tones, mild hopping, and an approachable drinkability that is off the charts. It went well with my halloumi salad.

Want to take part in the BC Ale Trail Tasting Passport? It’s easy!

1. Pick up a free passport at any participating brewery or download the BC Ale Trail mobile app to collect digital stamps.
2. Purchase a beer, cider, non-alcoholic beverage, food, or swag at participating locations and get a stamp.
3. Collect at least six unique stamps and submit your passport to enter to win an unforgettable craft beer getaway!

Where to Go

If you’re ready to embark on your own BC craft beer adventure, here’s where you can collect stamps:

Central Island Ale Trail

• Comox Valley: Ace Brewing, Cumberland Brewing, Gladstone Brewing, Hornby Island Brewing, Land & Sea Brewing, and RAD Brewing Co.
• Cowichan: Bayview Brewing, Craig Street Brew Pub, Deadhead Brew Co., and Red Arrow Brewing.
• Nanaimo: Longwood Brew Pub, White Sails Brewing, and Wolf Brewing.
• Parksville-Qualicum Beach: Fern + Cedar Brewing, LoveShack Libations, Mount Arrowsmith Brewing, and Rusted Rake Brewing.

A Must-Do for Craft Beer Lovers

After completing my BC Ale Trail adventure, I was impressed by how much this journey deepened my appreciation for British Columbia’s craft beer culture. It’s more than just drinking beer—it’s about exploring new places, meeting passionate brewers, and supporting local businesses along the way

So, who’s ready to sip, stamp, and win? Cheers to discovering BC’s finest craft brews—one pint at a time!