Granville Island Brewery

Granville Island Brewery, or GIB as it’s locally called, is a hotspot at one of the largest tourist attractions and popular islands in Vancouver BC. GIB is officially recognized as one of the very first microbreweries to open its doors in Canada. A continuous winner at the annual Canadian Brewing Awards, Granville Island Brewery doesn’t hesitate to mix old traditions with new ones, creating tasty and compelling varieties they’ve become famous for.

Granville Island Brewery is just beyond the entrance to Granville Island, past the Kids Only Market on the left hand side. It’s close to the Maritime Market on Anderson Street and southeast of Granville Public Market. Doors are open daily for those who wish to take a brewery tour (sign-ups are in the retail store), pick up a six-pack or more to take away, or sit in the Taproom and enjoy fresh draft and bottled beer.

Island Lager, a natural, premium and unpasteurized brew was their first product, one which is most famous today. Plenty of craft brews followed, creating a line-up of microbrews that wowed the nation. Following the historical 1516 Bavarian Purity Law and adding their own twist, Granville Brewery stays true to German brewing traditions and creating fine ales, lagers and more—without preservatives or chemicals or any kind—using an array of natural, local ingredients including raspberries, honey, and maple syrup.

Each day at noon, 12 pm, and 4 pm, Granville Brewery offers one of the best things to do on the island; brewery tours. The Taproom is the place to start, the heart and start of the brewery’s roots, dating back to 1984. First-come, first-served tours are kept to small groups, offering a personable and up-front experience with brew-masters and other staff. The Taproom is also open daily, welcoming visitors for fresh drinks and good cheer.