Salt Spring Brewing Co.: Craft Beer in the Forest, Brewed with Mountain Spring Water
There is a particular pleasure in drinking beer outside, in the shade of tall trees, when you have earned that beer by spending the morning exploring somewhere genuinely beautiful. Salt Spring Brewing Company has made an art form of this moment.
Tucked into a forested hillside on the southern side of Salt Spring Island, the Salt Spring Brewing sits in a clearing where the trees press close and the light filters down in long afternoon shafts. The patio and multiple forested nooks – forest-side clearings with carefully placed tables and a relaxed, come-as-you-are attitude – is one of the finest spots on the island for a slow afternoon drink.
But it's not just the setting. Salt Spring Brewing produces genuinely excellent beer – small-batch, spring-water brewed, unpasteurised, and made with local ingredients wherever possible. This is craft beer that takes its terroir seriously.
The Story of Salt Spring Brewing
Salt Spring Brewing Co. was established with a simple but compelling premise: make the best possible beer using the extraordinary natural resource that runs beneath the island. Salt Spring Island sits on a geology that produces some of the finest spring water in British Columbia – pure, cold, and naturally filtered through layers of rock.
Water is the most significant ingredient in beer by volume, and its mineral content and purity directly affect the flavour of the finished product. Brewing with spring water rather than treated municipal water produces a noticeably cleaner, softer beer – something you can taste in the first sip.
The brewery leans into this advantage fully, building a range of beers that are brewed fresh, served unpasteurised, and made without the preservatives that compromise the flavour of most commercial beer. What you drink at Salt Spring Brewing is what the brewer intended – alive, fresh, and specific to this place.
The Beer: What's on Tap
Salt Spring Brewing operates a rotating tap list that reflects both the brewery's core strengths and the seasons. Expect fan favourites alongside experimental and limited releases. Order a flight to experience the variety.
Core Lineup
- Pale ales – the brewery's spiritual home, clean and balanced with Pacific Northwest hops
- IPAs – aromatic, hop-forward, built for the salt air of the Gulf Islands
- Wheat beers and session ales – lighter options for warm summer afternoons
- Seasonal releases that push into darker, maltier, or more experimental territory
The Unpasteurised Difference
Most commercially produced beer is pasteurised – heated after brewing to extend shelf life and kill the live yeast cultures that can cause flavour changes during distribution. The trade-off is that pasteurisation also strips out some of the nuance and freshness that makes beer interesting.
Salt Spring Brewing serves its beer unpasteurised, which means you're drinking something at the peak of its flavour – exactly as the brewer intended, without the rounding and flattening that pasteurisation causes. For anyone who drinks craft beer regularly, the difference is immediately apparent.
Designated Driver Note: If you're the designated driver in your group – or a non-drinker – let the staff know. The brewery is welcoming to everyone and has non-alcoholic options and soft drinks alongside the beer. If you are part of the Hop On Tour - have fun, you’re in good hands!
The Forest Patio: Salt Spring's Finest Outdoor Drinking Spot
The outdoor seating area at Salt Spring Brewing is a significant part of the experience. Unlike many brewery taprooms, which prioritise indoor space, this one leans into its extraordinary natural setting.
The patio tiers sit on the edge of the forest, with mature trees providing shade and birdsong providing a soundtrack. There are no ocean views here – this is a different pleasure, quieter and more intimate. The forest presses close, the air smells of cedar and hops, and the temptation to stay for one more pint is considerable.
It's an ideal spot for a longer break on the Artisan Trail – particularly if you've been at the cheese farm or the lavender fields earlier in the day. After the sensory richness of those stops, the cool shade of the brewery patio is a welcome respite.
Local Ingredients and Sustainable Practice
Salt Spring Brewing sources locally wherever possible. The island and the surrounding Gulf Islands region produce some excellent malting barley and specialty hops, and the brewery works with local growers to incorporate island-grown ingredients into seasonal brews.
The emphasis on local sourcing goes beyond ingredients. The brewery operates with a low-impact philosophy that fits naturally with Salt Spring Island's long tradition of environmental consciousness and sustainable agriculture. What grows here stays here; what's brewed here is drunk here.
HOW TO GET TO SALT SPRING BREWING WITHOUT A CAR
Salt Spring Brewing Co. is located on the southern end of the island, accessible by the Artisan Trail route. The Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off bus stops here on every run, making it straightforward to visit without a vehicle – and without the designated driver problem that would otherwise arise.
The bus departs from the Visitor Information Centre in Ganges at 10am, 11am, and 12pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from late April through late September. Salt Spring Brewing appears mid-route, typically after the cheese farm and lavender stops.
Hop On Tip: This is the perfect argument for leaving the car at home (or on the mainland). Hop on the bus, order a flight, enjoy the forest patio at your leisure, and hop back on the next bus at the appointed time. No drivers, no stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Salt Spring Brewing beer different from other craft beers?
Two key factors: the brewery uses natural mountain spring water for all its brews, which produces a noticeably cleaner and softer beer, and all beer is served unpasteurised, preserving the full flavour profile that pasteurisation typically reduces.
Is Salt Spring Brewing family-friendly?
The outdoor patio is relaxed and welcoming. Families with children should check current venue policies directly, as these can vary by season.
Can I visit Salt Spring Brewing without a car?
Yes – the Salt Spring Hop On Hop Off Artisan Trail bus stops here on every run during the season. It's actually the ideal way to visit a brewery, eliminating any need for a designated driver.
Does Salt Spring Brewing serve food?
The brewery focuses primarily on its beer, but has a small menu that changes with the seasons. Check directly with the brewery for current food offerings.
Is the Salt Spring Brewing patio open year-round?
The Hop On bus visits the brewery during the April to September season. For visits outside this window, check directly with the brewery for current opening hours.
