The Sunshine Coast is home to some of BC’s best breweries and cideries. But unlike pedestrian-friendly urban areas, our taprooms are spread out between Gibsons and Powell River.
To sample them all, you’ll need a car. This is where we come in. With a rideshare service like Coastal Rides, you can visit multiple breweries (and indulge in more than a tasting glass) without having to worry about driving.
Here’s how to tackle a craft beer road trip on the Sunshine Coast by rideshare:
Day 1: Gibsons: Persephone Brewing, Tapworks Brewing and Banditry Cider
Your first stop on this beer-filled journey is Gibsons where you’ll find three breweries and two cideries. (We know—it’s a good first stop.) After we grab you from the ferry and unload your luggage, we’ll whisk you to your choice of tasting room. You might decide to start with Persephone Brewing—it’s on the way to the ferry, after all. This 11-acre beer farm brings especially good vibes on a sunny day. Grab a flight and head out to one of the picnic tables or patios where you can sample any number of their farm-to-barrel beers. They’ve also got food and occasional live music in the taproom.
Next up is Tapworks Brewing. Located in Gibsons Landing near the water, this lively brewery is where you want to go to drink beer and soak in the ocean views. We’ll wait while you hang out on the rooftop patio, crushing a burger and a pint. Next is Banditry Cider. This small but charming cidery is located in Upper Gibsons. Here you can finish your first day with a glass of local craft cider, mingling with locals and the cidery’s resident ducks and birds. When you’re ready to leave, we’ll bring you back and arrange a pick-up time for day two of this epic brewery tour.
Day 2: Gibsons: The 101 Brewhouse & Distillery and Sunday Cider
In the morning, we’ll pick you up and continue on our Gibsons beer journey. We suggest kicking things off with a visit to the 101 Brewhouse & Distillery, located in Upper Gibsons. This conveniently located brewery is a great spot for lunch, with its courtyard patio and classic lunch menu. Throw back a Bob’s Auto Lager and some tacos, before making your way down the road to Sunday Cider. This fun-loving cider brand offers some of the best in BC, with an excellent dry cider and other experimental variations on-tap. Try any number of their ciders in the picnic area, or grab a bottle or two to enjoy at the beach later. Where to next? We suggest grabbing dinner in Roberts Creek at the Gumboot Restaurant or in Davis Bay at the Wobbly Canoe.
Day 3: Sechelt: Batch 44 Brewery and Brickers Cider
Next on our list to explore are two Sechelt-based spots: Batch 44 Brewery and Brickers Cider. Located right in the heart of Sechelt, Batch 44 features an awesome menu with a Mediterranean slant, and plenty of beer to go around. Once you’re done tasting, hop in the Coastal Rides van and we’ll make our way to Brickers Cider, another scenic orchard turning out excellent craft cider on the coast. Grab a traditional off-dry cider to enjoy outside on one of the picnic tables and some snacks from the El Segundo-operated food hut. After, we can drop you off at the Sechelt waterfront where you can enjoy a short stroll in the fresh air before making your way home.
Optional Day 4: Powell River and Townsite Brewing
You’ve made it this far—you might as well finish your Sunshine Coast craft beer bucket list. If you have extra days to spare, we suggest hopping in one of our charter vans and making your way up to Powell River, where you’ll find local brewery Townsite Brewing. Powell River has lots to explore but if you’re planning to stay for just the day, make sure you hit Townsite and any one of Powell River’s incredible restaurants. (Supercharger Pizza, anyone?). At Townsite, you’ll find Belgian-inspired beers that are named for local landmarks, like their Zunga Blonde, a light and refreshing beer that’s perfect for a warm sunny day.