A Beer Lover’s Adventure Through Central Vancouver Island

I had the absolute pleasure of teaming up with BC Ale Trail this past weekend to explore the Central Island breweries and check out the Central Island Passport where from Februrary 1 – March 9, you can collect passport stamps (physically or digitally) at participating breweries for a chance to win one of FOUR Grand Prize packages! Just collect 6 stamps and enter at any participating spot ( Check out the prizes here).

Day 1: Qualicum Beach – A Charming Start

Our journey began in the picturesque town of Qualicum Beach, a small beachside community that feels like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie. The downtown core is filled with local artisans, cozy shops, and a warm, tight-knit vibe that makes you want to stay forever. But the real showstopper? The beach itself. I could have spent the entire weekend just soaking up the coastal beauty.

The night kicked off at Fern + Cedar Brewing, and let me tell you, this place was absolutely buzzing on a Friday night! Packed with locals and travelers alike, it’s clearly the place to be. The food was next-level, we devoured shrimp dumplings, buttermilk fried chicken tenders, and salt and pepper squid—all of which were divine. As for the beer? Here’s the lineup:

• Oceanside Lager – Crisp and clean, the perfect easy-drinker.
• Gnome Home Evergreen Ale – A refreshing, piney ale that truly captured the essence of the island (my personal fave!).
• Lowercases & Capitals NEIPA – Smooth and juicy, with a balanced hop kick.
• Green Mountain State NEIPA – A hazy delight with tropical fruit notes.

The ambiance, both indoors and outdoors, was beautifully executed. Pro tip: get here early on weekends, this is a must-visit spot!

We wrapped up the night at The Beach Club Resort, a stunning oceanfront stay that’s part of the Sip + Stay program in October and November. This means two free pints of Mount Arrowsmith beer at their Pacific Prime restaurant, plus BC Ale Trail brewery vouchers. The luxury, unbeatable beach access, and exceptional hospitality made for an unforgettable stay.

Day 2: Nanoose Bay & Parksville – Farmhouse Vibes & Hidden Gems

After a delicious breakfast at the resort and a peaceful stroll along the beach, we hit the road for our next beer stop: Rusted Rake Brewing in Nanoose Bay. This place is a dream! Located on ALR land, it boasts a working farm, a composting facility, barley fields, and an incredible event venue. Oh, and did I mention the three adorable brewery dogs? (A Great Pyrenees, a Corgi, and a golden puppy, pure bliss.)

The farmhouse-style brewpub offers amazing food, and we HAD to try their famous Burnt Ends, absolutely unreal! As for the beer:

• Captain Von Tart Sour – A tangy, refreshing delight.
• Ziggy Digs It Hazy Pale Ale – A juicy, smooth brew with citrusy notes.
• Wandering Scotsman Spruce Tip IPA – Earthy, aromatic, and uniquely delicious (my fave!).
• Black Hen IPA – Bold and hoppy with deep roasted malt flavors.

While here I couldn’t help myself, I had to call up my old friend Dave (old friend + brewer) to get a behind-the-scenes look, it was amazing to see how this incredible spot operates!

Next up: Love Shack Libations in Qualicum Beach. This quirky, tiny brewery is a must-visit, with a cozy, intimate vibe and a deliciously fun experimental menu. The flights are served in an eclectic mix of 4oz glasses, making each sip even more fun. My favorite beers? A tie between Experimental Otter and Not Here for a Haircut, both packed with bold, unique flavors.

In late 2024 the brewery underwent an exciting transition: Longtime friends and Love Shack fans Jayce Hawkins and Chris Barton took over the brewery, intending to continue founder Dave’s incredible legacy of good times and delicious beers. They continue to brew Dave’s well-loved mainstay recipes while also adding a few new creations into the mix. With their combined experience and passion, they hope to keep The Love Shack vibe alive for many years to come!

Day 3: Nanaimo – Big Brews & Bigger Adventures

After exploring downtown Nanaimo, filled with charming shops and vibrant energy, we checked into Inn on Long Lake, a peaceful retreat with stunning lake views. Another Sip + Stay partner, they offer perks like all-you-can-eat waffles, a $25 brewery credit, and complimentary paddleboard/kayak rentals. Talk about a win!

The evening brought us to Longwood Brew Pub, the perfect spot for a laid-back night. Here we tried the Blueberry calamari (unexpectedly amazing) and the biggest plate of nachos ever. My beer lineup for the evening:

• Longwood Ale – Smooth and malty.
• Czech Pilsner – Classic, crisp, and refreshing.
• The Big One IPA – Bold and hoppy.
• Steam Punk Dunkelweizenbrau – My top pick! Rich, malty, and slightly spicy.

Sunday morning started with a stunning sunrise on the lake, followed by an adrenaline rush at WildPlay, this weekend was their Naked Bungee fundraiser for mental health. No photos (for privacy reasons), but an unforgettable experience! We also explored Neck Point Park, a stunning coastal spot with breathtaking views and a lot of local history including Shack Island. This area has stunning views and lots of places to take a plunge into the ocean.

Before heading home, we hit White Sails Brewing in Nanaimo, where we enjoyed a sunlit space and a stellar beer lineup:

• Circle Route Hazy Pale Ale – Light, hoppy, and refreshing.
• Shady Mile Pumpkin Spiced Latte Ale – A cozy beer with fall vibes.
• Chilly Bin – My standout pick! Crisp and full of citrusy goodness.

Our final stop? Wolf Brewing, known for its English-style brews and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The honey garlic wings and mushroom pizza paired perfectly with their beer selection:

• Black and Tan – A smooth, malty classic.
• Trident ESB – My favorite! Silky smooth, well balanced, big malt mouth feel.
• IPA – A light, non-aggressive IPA packed with Citrus and fruit flavours
• Pilsner– A Clean, crisp, classic German-style Pilsner
• Black and Tan – A traditional British blend of dark and light, featuring a skilfully blended combination of their Golden Honey Ale and Dark Malt Porter
  

Why These Trips Matter!

With the looming threat of tariffs on Canadian beer imports, now is the time for British Columbians to support local, independent breweries. BC craft beer currently makes up 32% of the market share, but imagine if we could boost that to 50%, that’s a game-changer for our communities, jobs, and local economy.

Ken Beattie, Executive Director of the BC Craft Brewers Guild, highlights the urgency:

“Currently, BC craft beer makes up 32% of the market share in our province. By visiting breweries participating in the Central Island Tasting Passport contest, consumers can replace internationally owned beers with fresh, homegrown alternatives, and discover exciting new flavours along the way. Imagine the impact on our local economy if we could boost that market share to 50%—that’s a significant win for our communities, our jobs, and our future.”

The BC Ale Trail Tasting Passport contest (running from February 1 to March 9, 2025) is a fantastic way to engage with the vibrant brewing community while supporting local tourism. Plus, with so many amazing Sip + Stay deals, there’s no excuse not to plan your own Central Island beer adventure! (Find Sip+ Stay deal HERE)

Final Thoughts
This weekend was an absolute dream, a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and, of course, incredible beer. A huge thanks to BC Ale Trail for this amazing opportunity. If you haven’t explored Central Vancouver Island’s craft beer scene yet, now is the time! 🍻