Learn the secrets of one of Canada’s first microbreweries at award-winning Granville Island Brewing. Join a tour with knowledgeable beer experts and watch brew masters at work. Try a variety of beers at the on-site taproom, purchase growlers to take home and shop for beer-related souvenirs.
Hear stories about the evolution of the brewery and why it is marketed as Canada’s original microbrewery. Granville Island Brewing opened in 1984 as an independent brewery on Vancouver’s Granville Island. Today it is part of Creemore Springs, a craft beer subsidiary of Molson Coors Brewing Company. In 2014 and 2016, its Bock and Stout beers earned medals at the Canadian Brewing Awards competition.
Listen as your guide provides detailed explanations of the ingredients that make up beer. Understand the step-by-step processes of brewing, from mashing to fermentation, bottling and tasting. Learn about the brewery’s conservation and environmental efforts. The current Small Batch is brewed next to the taproom. Watch the process and have a taste.
The brewery’s beers range from cream ales and India pale ales to lagers, porters and seasonal brews. They incorporate flavors such as banana, coffee, honey, maple syrup and vanilla. Meet with other beer enthusiasts in the taproom and sip a selection of your favorites. Order individual 16-ounce (500-milliliter) glasses or a flight of 5-ounce (150-milliliter) tasters.
Food is also available in the taproom. Choose from a menu of burgers, charcuterie boards, fresh salads, pizza, vegetarian sandwiches and non-alcoholic drinks. Visit the shop and browse for branded clothing, glasses, growlers, ice buckets and other memorabilia.
Find the brewery at the heart of Granville Island. It’s about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Downtown Vancouver. Public buses depart regularly from the downtown area and stop a short walk from the brewery. Among several nearby attractions are Granville Island Public Market, Sutcliffe Park and The Liberty Distillery.
Granville Island Brewing is open daily. Guided tours are available for a fee for those age 19 and over. The tours take place three times a day and include three tasting samples. Wear close-toed shoes to take a tour. Bring an empty growler for a refill or purchase one on-site.
