Heritage orchards, farmhouse ciders, and coastal cidery experiences — discover the island's growing craft cider scene.
Salt Spring's best-kept secret. Ruckle Farm has been in the Ruckle family since 1878 — a working heritage orchard with 100-year-old apple trees. Their small-batch cider is made from estate-grown apples pressed on-site. Come for the orchard walk, stay for the cider.
One of BC's most celebrated cideries. Sea Cider sits on a working farm overlooking the Saanich Inlet with 6 acres of heritage apple varieties. Their flagship 'Ciderhouse Series' and seasonal releases have won national awards. Book the farm tour to see the orchards and press room.
Victoria's urban cidery with a mission. Bright Angel sources apples from Vancouver Island orchards and presses everything in their East Victoria taproom. Known for rotating taps with experimental, small-batch ciders — from rosehip and ginger to barrel-aged specials.
Sooke's craft cidery with a coastal character. SingBird started as a roadside stand and has grown into a destination cidery serving the entire Island. Their ciders reflect the rainforest-to-ocean terroir of the West Coast — bright, tannic, and complex.
Tucked in the Cowichan Valley wine country, Dragon's Tail is for serious cider lovers. They focus on heirloom and heritage apple varieties — bittersharp, bittersweet, and sharp tannin profiles that age beautifully. Limited production, mostly available at the cellar door.
Nanaimo's craft cider pioneer. What started as a homebrew experiment has grown into one of Vancouver Island's most respected cideries. Known for full-flavored, fruit-forward ciders using locally foraged and farm-sourced ingredients. The taproom is a local favourite.
September–November is prime — apple pressing season means you can see the whole process and taste fresh cider. Summer visits are ideal for outdoor patio drinking.
Most cideries are in the Cowichan Valley or Saanich Peninsula. Sea Cider and Ruckle require a short drive from Victoria (30–45 min). Book farm tours ahead.
Most cideries offer tasting flights of 4–6 ciders ($10–20). Bring a DD or stay overnight — these are destination experiences, not quick tastings.
Combine Sea Cider + Bright Angel + Dragon's Tail in one day — an easy loop from Victoria through the Saanich Peninsula and into the Cowichan Valley.