Points of Interest
Ports
Craft Beer and Culinary Cruise
A Beer Tasting Tour With a Twist
With a respected brewing historian as your guide, you’ll learn about the tasting, food pairing, brewing techniques of 50 top BC craft beers, as well as fascinating social history of the past 150 years in brewing here.
Aboard the classic tugboat Swell, you’ll cruise the southern Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island region of British Columbia, Canada, going ashore frequently for tastings, nature walks and wildlife viewing. You’ll get a sense of how BC’s large-scale nature is reflected in the culture of the place and even in the region’s beer.
Itinerary Details
- Ships: Swell (Converted Tugboat)
- Duration: 5 Days
- Ports: Nanaimo, Sydney
Experience Our Craft Brewing Scene
See our Craft Beer and Culinary Cruise through the eyes of our guests.
What People Say
See what our guests have to say about our Craft Beer and Culinary Cruise.
Highlights
Discover Stories of the Regions Brewing and Social History
Beers come from within 100 miles and are expertly paired with every meal and snack—plus wildlife you’ll find on no other tasting tour.
Related Stories
Follow our coastal expeditions with notes from the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions about our Craft Beer and Culinary Cruise. Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more general trip and booking information.
Taxi services are readily available from Nanaimo Airport (YCD), Departure Bay or Duke Point. Contact information for taxi companies is provided to you before your tour, should you need to call the taxi upon your arrival. At the end of your tour your captain will arrange a taxi pick up at the marina.
Our schedule is designed to accommodate incoming flights on the day of departure and most guests will arrive on the day. But, if you would like to arrive a little early to avoid the stress of possible flight delays, you will find recommendations for local hotels and activities in your welcome aboard package.
Located in a rain shadow, the Gulf Islands have a very unique semi-Mediterranean climate that keeps the region drier than the rest of the BC coast. Autumn continues to be a mild time of year with beautiful changing colours. Plus, in the south, there is often more sun than you would expect. The west coast truly comes alive in autumn. The west coast truly comes alive in autumn. When packing for your trip, consider bringing layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove to adjust to changing temperatures. A lightweight waterproof jacket or raincoat is advisable to protect against any potential rainfall. For the most accurate and up-to-date weather information, it’s recommended to check local forecasts before your trip.
During the fall season, migrating birds stop on the beaches on their journey south along the Pacific Flyway. Spawning salmon congregate among the islands before running up the mighty Fraser River, and marine mammals including seals, sea lions and orcas feast on the plenty. Exploring the islands’ trails and shorelines might also reveal other fascinating creatures like deer, raccoons, and various marine species. It’s important to remember that even with the local knowledge of our guiding crew, sightings of specific wildlife are never a guarantee. Visit with an open mind and see what the region has to offer.
Not necessarily. While the focus is on craft beer, the cruise also offers insights into culinary experiences, nature walks, wildlife viewing, and the region’s culture. There’s something for everyone to appreciate, regardless of their personal preferences.
