Traveling the dramatic shores of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast is thirsty work.

You can take a load off dozens of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries along the way. It’s practically mandatory when you’re traveling in beer-loving British Columbia.

We had several favorites. Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewing is the real deal. Not only are the beers delicious, but this place offers legit single malt whiskeys that are turning more than a few heads. We loved the Mac Na Braiche.

Also in Victoria, Phillips Brewing and Malting is among the city’s favorite beer hangouts. They also make gin and are getting into whiskey.

On the Sunshine Coast, we were blown away by Townsite Brewing in Powell River. Townsite’s Cedric Dauchot is B.C.’s only Belgian brewer, and he makes some mighty big, often cellar-worthy beers. His Cardena is aged in whiskey barrels and clocks in at a hearty 10.5 percent alcohol. For everyday drinking, the Zunga is Townsite’s refreshing flagship blonde ale. If you're visiting the popular brewery, be sure and try the excellent savory snacks from Zeitoun Specialty Foods & Catering. The smoked Lois Lake steelhead trout spread on pita chips is absolutely outstanding.

You’ll find many more breweries to check out on your own tour. For more information, go here: bcaletrail.ca.

---

---