Tuesday 28th June 2011

Bob Thompson

I walked further along Government Street and turned right towards the waterfront and this impressive brewpub at 450 Swift Street. It is very close to Chinatown, the second oldest in North America.

This hostelry is located in an old warehouse and has a huge terrace right down to the water with views of the two massive blue bascule bridges, one road and one rail, which are such a feature of the inner harbour. It is also spacious inside and I was able to appreciate it this mid-afternoon.

I must admit I was disappointed with the beer list. There were only four regulars and a seasonal. These were Siren's Song Pale Ale (5.0%), Red Canoe Lager (5.0%), Beaver Brown Ale (5.4%), River Rock Bitter (5.2%) and the seasonal was Summer Honey Wheat Ale (5.0%). I had a pint of River Rock Bitter, which was just about OK, and left.

With such a large public drinking area you could be sure that if they produced more varieties they'd shift them. A great pity, as the pub itself was very likable.

Important Information:

Canoe Brewpub & Restaurant, 450 Swift Street, Victoria, BC. V8W 1S3. Tel: 250 361 1940

Open: Sun to Wed 11.30-23.00; Thurs 11.30-24.00; Fri and Sat 11.30-01.00

Victoria is at the bottom of Vancouver Island and is connected to the rest of the Island and also Vancouver by bus. The rail service is suspended.
Vancouver is also reached by normal air services and sea planes.
There are ferries to Seattle and Port Angeles in the USA. Cruise liners call regularly.