If you have ventured along the coast of Vancouver Island, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the small surf town of Tofino. What used to be one of Canada’s hidden gems is now one of the nation’s most popular tourist spots. In addition to surfing lessons and gourmet food, Tofino also offers a variety of great beer options.
My first stop was Tofino Brewing Co., the signature craft brewery of Tofino. Much like most breweries, this one is located among the concrete barricades of an industrial park. But the atmosphere inside is anything but cold and grey.
A crowd of people surrounded the bar and tasting area. Many patrons even brought their dogs, making this dog lover very happy! It felt like the local meeting spot for many young people in the area, but outsiders are always welcome.
Pictures of the ocean, surfers and killer whales line the walls, staying true to the identity of British Columbia. While the open concept spacing of the brewery gave you a glimpse into how things operate behind the scenes.
And the beer… fantastic! With a variety sure to match any beer lover’s taste, and an IPA that made it hard not move there permanently, Tofino Brewing Co. is definitely worth a road trip from just about anywhere in the country.
Tofino is no slouch in the food department either. A pit-stop at the famous Tacofino is an absolute must. You’ll probably make more than one during your time there.
Despite the rain, we had a lovely dinner on the covered patio at Shelter, a restaurant specializing in fresh, local food (in particular, seafood). With a variety of local and international beer and wine, Shelter was by far one of the best dining experiences I had on this trip.
There are so many reasons to love Tofino; the people, the food or the beaches. And despite how remote the town may feel to some, you don’t have to look far to find great, local craft beer on tap.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned next week for the next instalment of the #BCBeerTrip: Vancouver!
Crafted in the Capital 