In the Courtenay and Comox Valley region, a burgeoning craft beer scene mirrors the area’s natural beauty and vibrant community spirit. Since the first brewery opened in 2015, the valley has seen a notable growth in craft brewing, with each establishment offering both unique brews as well as unique spaces to enjoy them.
The breweries in this region are integral parts of the local communities, serving as gathering spaces and hubs. They offer a diverse range of beer styles, from traditional ales and lagers to more experimental brews, showcasing the creativity and skill of local brewers. Each brewery in Courtenay and Comox Valley provides an experience that goes beyond beer tasting, often accompanied by live music, food offerings, and community events.
This list is not a ranking but a journey through the Comox Valley’s beer scene. If you know of a brewery that deserves a mention, feel free to reach out and let me know.
For more information about Nanaimo’s breweries and their offerings, you can visit their respective websites or check out local guides like the BC Ale Trail.
Rad Brewing Company
When Comox’s New Tradition Brewing Company closed it’s doors in 2023, the beer didn’t stop flowing for long. The location was bought by the owners of the nearby Church St. Taphouse, and after some renovations and upgrades the new brewery was quickly established, keeping Tyler Papp on as the same head brewer. You might still notice the brewery’s old name hanging above the door though – by removing most of the letters from ‘New Tradition’, ‘Rad’ was able to keep a connection with the past while also redefining itself for the future. There’s a spread of beer styles here, covering both ales and lagers, without the same huge emphasis on IPAs and sours that a lot of other breweries tend towards. Plus, the super-tiny kitchen also makes some delicious tacos perfect for pairing with whatever your beer of choice might be. Highlights here were the seasonal Weed Whacker Harvest Ale with fresh shops, as well as the Nitro Red.
Land & Sea Brewing Co
The large open taproom at Comox’s Land & Sea is the perfect place to enjoy a beer, as well as watch it being made. The bright contemporary space (the largest of the local brewery taprooms) features an outdoor patio, and from inside you can easily see into the brewing are as well as the kitchen. Here, Head Brewer Tessa Gabiniewicz has been brewing up crushable session beers in a wide range of styles since 2018. Highlights here include the easy-drinking Glacier Cream Ale and the Marina Mild. Land & Sea is firmly established as local favourite, both for the delicious beers, but also for the fantastic food including several interesting takes on nachos (we tried the bulgogi nachos and they were awesome).
Gladstone Brewing Company
Before opening Gladstone Brewing in Courtenay in 2015, Daniel Sharratt was homebrewing in his garage on Gladstone Avenue in Victoria. Today it still feels as laid-back and unpretentious as a garage brewery, and maybe that has something to do with the fact that it still is. The current location, a former car mechanic’s shop, uses upcycled license plates for lamps and for flight boards, and old mechanic tools as tap handles, along with other car parts scattered around tastefully. Head Brewer Tak Guenette brings a focus on English-style beers, which are complemented with a variety of European-style lagers and IPAs. Food here is everything you’d want from a brewery – burgers, poutine, tacos, and burritos.
Ace Brewing Company
Ace Brewing Company, located in Courtenay, BC, uniquely celebrates the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force with its vintage aviation-themed branding. Opened in 2019, the brewery is housed in an octagonal building, a former car dealership, with ample parking and an outdoor patio. Inside, the aviation theme comes alive with details like a replica Spitfire hanging from the ceiling and tap handles resembling propellers. The tasting room offers 10 taps, complemented by a kitchen serving delicious bites like deluxe hot dogs, paninis, and macaroni and cheese.
The brewery’s beer lineup includes a variety of styles such as honey cream ale, pale ale, lager, IBA (India Blonde Ale), and the Fruit Bomb sour series. Special releases have featured stouts, porters, and a Belgian Tripel. What Ace is most known for however, is their Jet Fuel IPA; a big, classic, West Coast IPA absolutely overflowing with hoppy flavour.
Cumberland Brewing Company
Cumberland Brewing Co, established in 2014, is a destination brewery that quickly found a dedicated following. They sell every drop of their beer right at the source, either in their cozy tasting room or sun-soaked patio, or in take-away growlers. The brewery does not package its beer in cans or bottles, making a visit to the brewery a unique experience. Hungry? Check out their partner restaurant Rider’s Pizza, located across the street, offering another venue to enjoy their beer along with delicious pizza.
The creation of Cumberland Brewing Co. is a story of collaboration and community spirit. The founders, Darren and Michelle, and Mike and Caroline, shared a vision for creating a brewery that would reflect the unique character of Cumberland. Their range of brews includes the Forest Fog Wheat Ale, Dancing Linebacker Oatmeal Stout, and Red Tape Pale Ale.
