Don't Worry Beer Hoppy: beer, breweries and bars in Victoria, B.C

Roy Whitney • Mar 20, 2024

Don't Worry Beer Hoppy:

Don't worry beer hoppy, Victoria B.C is considered by many to be the hub of craft beer industry on Vancouver Island and in British Columbia for that matter.  A visit to a few of Victoria's breweries should be on every beer lover's visit to our beloved capital city, Victoria, B.C.  Our little city boasts everything from nano-breweries, larger scale producers and even award winners within the industry.


At the point of this post we are posting 3 must visit beer spots in Victoria, in no particular order. Keep checking back, as we will be adding to the list.

Driftwood Brewery

Driftwood Brewery is a leader within the BC craft beer industry.

Driftwood launched in July of 2008 with a pale ale and two Belgian beers. Soon after that in 2009, Driftwood Brewery created British Columbia's first wet hopped IPA, Sartori Harvest IPA.  2010 was a banner year after launching Fat Tug IPA on a year-round basis. Fat Tug soon became regarded by many as BC’s best IPA. Don't take our word for it. They won Gold as the American Style Pale Ale and cleaned up as being named Beer of the Year!


What to expect when visiting Driftwood Brewery (at the time of our visit)

  • All Driftwood craft beer is brewed in their onsite brewery
  • 12 brews on tap, canned or by the growler
  • Onsite retail store for cool swag
  • A beautiful onsite bar with amazing customized towers for tasting with a great food menu selection
  • Knowledgeable staff and amazing service

Learn more by visiting the Driftwood Brewery website.


Herald Street Brew Works

Opening in December of 2020, The Herald Street Brew Works opened up its brewery with a goal to offer a unique tasting room experience that is both enjoyable and educational. In less than three years, The Herald Street Brew Works has produced nearly 125 different brews and the list continues to grow.


What to Expect When Visiting Herald Street Brew Works (At the time of our visit)

      ORIGINAL DANKSTER IPA - 7.7%

  • Great selection of 9 brews  sold via off sales (to go)
  • Tasting in house or on their patio
  • Edibles include a selection of Snacks, Dips and Meals. 
  • Staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Learn more by visiting the Herald Street Brew Works website

Whistle Buoy Brewing

Whistle Buoy Brewing Victoria, BC

Located in the lower courtyard of Market Square, beside Green Cuisine, The Whistle Buoy Brewing tap room is designed to be comfortable, inclusive and visually unique. This tiny brewery takes pride in making experimental small-batch beers, with high quality ingredients.


What to expect at Whistle Buoy Brewing (at the time of our visit)

  • 11 house made brews on tap including Pale Ale, IPA, Lager and sours.
  • take flight with a selection of four or five originally house brewed brews.
  • plenty of cool Whistle Buoy Brewing swag to purchase. The perfect souvenir from your visit to Victoria, BC.
  • Beer list is updated weekly
  • Very cool vibe with attentive team members
  • While not a full menu, Whistle Buoy Brewing offers a great selection of snacks.
  • Pop-up oyster bar serving Vancouver Island fresh shucked oysters every Thursday - Saturday from mid-afternoon until they sell out! (usually around 7 pm)

Learn more by visiting the Whistle Buoy Brewing website

Stay tuned as we continue to add new places to enjoy Victoria, B.C's Craft Beer Scene


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