Recently, before the world went to pieces over COVID-19, my wife and I took a trip to B.C.’s Sunshine Coast to escape Edmonton’s interminable winter. We have been to that part of the country a few times – we quite like it. Until recently, though, it was a bit of a craft beer wasteland.

However, the last couple years have been very good for beer fans in the region. There is even an official Sunshine Coast Ale Trail that tourists can aspire to traverse.

As beer trails go it is a bit modest – three breweries in Gibsons (near the ferry to the mainland), one in Powell River (on the north end of the coast a good 3 hours away due to a ferry ride), a cidery in Sechelt (in the middle) and a brand new brew pub also in Sechelt (which opened in late February 2020).

Still, a vast improvement over a few years ago.

While this isn’t a great time for travel-related posts, I wanted to share my experience sampling local beer while experiencing an amazing west coast lifestyle for a few days.

The anchor and mainstay of Sunshine Coast beer is, of course, Persephone Brewing in Gibsons. Named after the boat on The Beachcombers (the CBC show which made Gibsons and, specifically, Molly’s Landing famous), as well as the Greek Goddess of grain (appropriately enough), it has quickly built a national reputation for quality beer, local community support and ethical business practices.

Persephone opened in 2014. It is a Certified B-Corporation, signalling its deep commitment to socially and ecologically responsible practices. With its 11 acre farm, they attempt to grow a portion of their ingredients. They quickly became an anchor of the local Gibsons community scene.

The brewery land is amazing (and I say land for a reason, as the brewery itself is only part of the experience). Lush and green, it offers up a bit of relaxed space for thirsty visitors. Their core line up of a Pale Ale, a Black Lager and a surprisingly flavourful Golden Ale are supplemented by a rotating list of seasonals. When I was there I had an impressive Rye Farmhouse Ale and an interesting Kelp Gose (which, to be honest, I wasn’t sure about but it was unique). Hanging out at Persephone was a fun afternoon.

Right in the heart of Gibsons – which means the wharf and Molly’s Reach – is Tapworks Brewing. It couldn’t be any more different than Persephone. Located in a light industrial building tucked in a corner of the wharf neighbourhood – you have to search to find it – it seems like a place devoted to servicing locals. The roof-top patio is amazing and the beer, a range of standard craft styles, is well-crafted. The New Englands (there were two) were a bit loose, but the Stout and the Fruited Sour were very enjoyable.

On the main highway through town (again, Gibsons), is The 101 Brewhouse and Distillery. It is the opposite of Tapworks in its look and atmosphere. With a more high-end feel, it offers a full menu (unlike the bare offerings at Tapworks or the food truck placed at Persephone), and has a modern, upscale decor.

The beer is a classic range of options, from a pale lager, blonde ale and witbier to more creative craft offerings like a Bitter, an Oatmeal Porter and a Hazy IPA. None really stood out for me, but all were cleanly brewed and flavourful. It is a pleasant beer experience.

Moving up the coast I get to Townsite Brewing in Powell River, which is the northern edge of the Sunshine Coast. The brewery, located in the old brick Federal Building built in 1938 in the heart of the historic old townsite (one of the best preserved early 1900s company towns).

The tap room is cozy, quaint and busy. The historic brick setting added lots of character to the room. The beer offers a wide range of styles, with a distinct leaning toward Belgian styles. They had 12 beer on tap the day I was there, including four different Belgian offerings.

Their core line-up is a standard roster – Blonde Ale, Pale Ale, IPA and Oatmeal Stout – but I think the Belgian-born brewmaster and co-owner Cedric Dauchot puts his best into the Belgian creations. The Sentinel Ridge Belgian Singel was impressive and the Tripel finished a bit sweet for my tastes but was a nice example. The Desolation Sound Dark Saison was much funkier and sour than most interpretations, making for a surprising and intriguing sip.

Due to scheduling challenges (there was a lot of vista gazing and sea lion watching that needed to be done) we were unable to visit either Brickers Cidery and Orchard or the brand new Batch 44 Brewery and Kitchen. There was plenty of opportunity to sample Brickers products as they were often the cider option in taprooms and restaurants. Their Original Cider is moderately dry and refreshing, and the hopped cider offers a citrusy character. Batch 44, alas, will have to wait for the next trip.

My take away from this amble across the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail? While the beer roots are of recent origin, the breweries in the region have done an excellent job of reflecting and showcasing the personality of the region. All seem to be a central part of their community, anchoring the social life in the area. The beer are accessible and each brewery seems to take a different approach to the styles they produce.

Plus I gotta say sitting in a tap room overlooking the Strait of Georgia, gazing at the islands that jut out from the water certainly doesn’t hurt the beer experience. Especially when you know it is minus 20-something back home in Edmonton.

The timing of this post might be a bit cruel, given that none of us can head to those parts right now, but you can use all the extra time you have to plan your trip. I know I will.

So be sure of something. I’ll be back, Sunshine Coast Ale Trail, I’ll be back.