6 Tasty Reasons to Enjoy at Cold One at the Great Canadian Beer Festival

Cheers! The 25th annual Great Canadian Beer Festival is coming to Victoria’s Royal Athletic Park on September 8 and 9.
 
The event is a massive hit with the province’s beer-lovers, attracting some 9,000 excited tasters each year. Here are six reasons to sample a cold one at this year’s event…
 
1. Because There will be Lots of Breweries Showing off their Wares. Lots.
Some 66 breweries and two cideries showcasing their fine brews on their booths this year. That means that there will be an incredible 250 beers and ciders to learn about at the festival.
 
2. Because There will be an Entire Tent Dedicated to Cask Beers
There will be an additional eight breweries serving up unique cask beers in the Drake Eatery Cask Tent. Special casks will be on offer from Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers, the Parkside Brewery, Longwood Brewing, Red Arrow Brewing, Parallel 49 Brewing, Cannery Brewing and Foamer’s Folly Brewing.
 
3. Because it’s the Best Beer Festival in BC
The Great Canadian Beer Festival won Best BC Craft Beer Event in BeerMeBC’s People’s Choice Awards for both 2015 and 2016.
 
4. Because There will be a Whole Host of New Breweries Taking Part
Breweries new to the festival this year include: A-Frame Brewing, Andina Brewing, Backroads Brewing, Hathi Brewing, KPU Brewing, Luppolo Brewing, Mt. Arrowsmith Brewing, Riot Brewing, Sooke Oceanside Brewery, Strathcona Beer Co, Twin Sails Brewing, Two Wolves Brewing, Whitetooth Brewing and White Sails Brewing.
 
5. Because it’s an Old Favourite
Swans Brewery, Spinnakers Brewpub, Vancouver Island Brewing, Granville Island Brewing and Merridale Ciderworks have been loyally attending the festival for some 25 years.
 
6. Because You’ll be Well Fed
Local food vendors this year include Ali Baba Pizza, Hungry Rooster, Taco Justice, Dead Beetz, Greek on the Street and Mama Rosie’s.
 
If you’re looking for a stylish hotel in Victoria, the Best Western PLUS Carlton Plaza is a great option. Take a walk down Government Street from this AAA Three Diamond heritage hotel and in seven minutes you’ll find yourself amid the Inner Harbour and the Legislature Buildings.