Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands | BC Cider Way

A west coast adventure that spans Greater Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, Cowichan, Courtney, and Salt Spring Island. Includes ferry travel.

If you’ve ever visited Vancouver Island, you already know there’s something special about this part of BC. Coastal rainforest and charming seaside towns make for a relaxing, scenic destination, and it seems there is always something new to explore.

This cider route begins on the Saanich Peninsula, meanders up through the rolling hills and unique microclimate of Cowichan that makes a perfect growing location for cider apples, across to Salt Spring Island via a short ferry ride, and finally north to Courtenay, in the heart of the Comox Valley. You’ll want to spend two full days on this route, and consider staying overnight at a bed and breakfast in Cowichan or on Salt Spring Island.

2 day route, 284 kilometers, 4 hrs, 51 minutes total driving time

Day 1

1
cidery

Salt Spring Wild Cider Co.

151 Sharp Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada

Salt Spring Wild developed out of a passion to create quality cider from the wild apples that grow on Salt Spring Island. Apples are from 100-year-old heritage trees, organic orchards, and wild trees.

2
cidery

Ciderworks (Salt Spring Apple Company Ltd.)

529 Fulford-Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada

Purists? Fanatics? Whack-jobs? Decide for yourself. All we know is that growing apple trees and making cider this way feels right.

3
cidery

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

2487 Mt St Michael Rd, Saanichton, BC, Canada

We are a community-minded, farm-based family business growing certified organic cider apples and producing award-winning cider. We aim to create exceptional cider experiences and to make a positive environmental impact!

Day 2

1
cidery

Junction Orchard & Cidery

273 Prospect Lake Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada

Junction, Orchard & Cidery is the latest addition to the Victoria cider scene. Located near Prospect Lake, close to downtown Victoria, this 8-acre farm is a welcoming west coast, rustic venue with big plans to host cider tastings, events, weddings, and live music. Head's up: your dogs are welcomed in all these plans.

2
cidery

Merridale Cidery & Distillery

1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, BC, Canada

Merridale is BC’s first established craft cidery, located in the heart of Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island. From the orchard to the glass, every step is meticulously managed to deliver character-driven products, including easy-drinking and sessionable flagship and seasonal ciders.

3
cidery

Valley Cider Co.

7661 Mays Rd, Duncan, BC, Canada

Valley Cider is a commitment to discover an apple’s potential by handcrafting deliciously different ciders from our orchard to your glass.

Day 3

1
cidery

Ravenskill Orchards (Gabbie's Cider)

1240 Coats Dr, Gabriola, BC V0R 1X4, Canada

Take the short ferry ride from Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island for apple picking and cider tasting at Ravenskill Orchards.

2
cidery

Blue Moon Estate Winery & Cider Worx (Raven’s Moon Cider)

4905 Darcy Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1R5, Canada

Cider making on the farm is a process of discovery; a combination of ecology, chemistry, alchemy, engineering, wishful thinking, old world wisdom, farm ingenuity and experimentation. At Ravens Moon Craft Cider, you’ll find twelve varieties of adventurous craft cider.