09 AUG 2019: With summer in mind – and glass in hand – we at Travel Industry Today, continue our seasonal series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues to enjoy during the (hopefully good) weather.
Let’s get the beer bona fides out of the way – Victoria’s Canoe Brewpub is all about the suds, with over 20 years of craft brewing behind it, an onsite brew master, and a list of popular standards and seasonal offerings that cover all the bases from ales and lagers to IPAs and wheat beers. In fact, the pub goes so far as declare its mission to be to “connecting with our guests through beer.”
Having said that, the venue, located at 450 Swift St., also stands out as having one of the BC city’s best patios. In fact, local mag, Yam, went so far as to call it Victoria’s best in 2019 its in annual Best Restaurant awards, which are based on votes from an independent panel of chefs and food experts.
Boasting a lovely setting – a must for any pre-eminent patio – overlooking the harbour and a marina, Canoe is set in a 19th century harbour brick warehouse (the original City Lights building dating to 1894) and the patio is one of the biggest in a town known for its patios. People amble by on a boardwalk, but guests are just as likely to spot a passing otter.
The adjoining inner harbour marina is also base for a host of activities, from kayaking to whale watching excursions, or simply hopping on a water taxi tour of the city.
But while on site, in addition to handcrafted brew, the restaurant also serves up a diverse menu “built using seasonally inspired and quality ingredients, with just the right amount of innovation.” Not surprisingly, there are plenty of seafood options, but also streaks and burgers. The Firkin this ain’t.
Canoe Brewpub is open Sun.-Wed., 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.; and Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and parking is free. Live music is offered Thursdays through Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. until late, and Happy Hour is every day 3-5 p.m. Kids are also welcome until 9 p.m. and can take advantage of colouring activities and a kids’ menu.