As the sun glistens on the Pacific and the breeze carries the scent of salt and adventure, there’s no better way to toast to the good life than with a crisp, locally-crafted cider. British Columbia’s cider scene has quietly exploded over the past decade, especially in the Gulf Islands and coastal regions. If you love apples, boats, and crispy bubbles, here’s your definitive, boat-friendly guide to the Top 20 Seaside Cideries in BC, each with its own story, view, and standout sips.
Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands
Discover the Top 20 Seaside Cideries in BC
🍎 1. Merridale Cidery & Distillery (Cobble Hill) A classic stop in the Cowichan Valley, Merridale has it all: orchard tours, charming bistro, cider cocktails, and yes, glamping yurts. Their House Dry is a go-to, but the Cyser (apple meets honey) is the sleeper hit. Great for provisioning and lingering lunches.
🌊 2. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse (Saanichton) Perched above the Haro Strait, this organic cidery offers sweeping views and bold, barrel-aged blends. Try the Prohibition cider if you like rum-soaked drama in your glass.
🌿 3. Salt Spring Wild Cider (Salt Spring Island) Rustic chic meets funky fermentation. Their Plum cider is plummy perfection, and Bitter Orange Rosemary is what your cheese board dreams about at night.
🍏 4. Ciderworks Salt Spring (Salt Spring Island) A newer addition to the island scene, this small-batch cidery specializes in minimalist, orchard-driven ciders with a hyper-local twist. Tiny batches, huge character.
🌲 5. Twin Island Cider (Pender Island) Made from heritage apples and pears on a small family farm, these wild-fermented ciders are as unfiltered as your favourite boating stories. No tasting room yet, but worth hunting down their bottles.
🍐 6. Gabbie’s Premium Ciders (Gabriola Island) French-style sophistication meets BC coastal living. The Real Dry has under 1g of sugar and tropical notes with a creamy finish. Light, luxe, and elegant—like your go-to sunhat. You can take the Gerty bus from Silva Bay! And sip tasters in the orchard.
🪶 7. Raven’s Moon Cider (Courtenay) Classic orchard-to-glass vibes. Try the Plum Jerkum (yes, that’s its real name) or the Apple Pie Cider for a dose of cozy on a chilly coastal night.
🧺 8. Junction Orchard & Cidery (Ladysmith) Set in a working orchard with frequent food truck pop-ups, this cidery is a community gathering spot. The dry apple blends are perfect for sunny dockside sipping.
🍽️ 9. Spinnakers Brewpub & Ciderhouse (Victoria) is an iconic waterfront brewpub that makes its elegant ciders. Great stopover if you need good food, decent cider, and a lively crowd. Steps from the inner harbour.
🌞 10. Victoria Cider Co. (Victoria) A rising star with a focus on balance and brightness. Their small-batch ciders are patio-ready, fridge-friendly, and made for long weekend raft-ups.
Sunshine Coast & Howe Sound
☀️ 11. The Bricker Cider Company (Sechelt) Charming and low-key with a 5-acre farm feel, Bricker’s makes a tart Sun Coaster that pairs beautifully with crab cakes or just a quiet anchorage.
🌾 12. Persephone Brewing Co. (Gibsons) While better known for its beer, Persephone’s apple cider is an under-the-radar gem. The farm setting and adorable tasting barn are perfect for stretching sea legs.
🌸 13. Bowen Cider House (Bowen Island) Small-batch, heritage apple ciders crafted with love. The Undercurrant (with black currants) is vibrant and tart—ideal for those who pack cocktail glasses in their ditch bag.
🍂 14. Riley’s Cidery (Bowen Island) Crafting both traditional and experimental blends, Riley’s is a standout for Bowen Island boaters and cider lovers. The setting is stunning, and so is their crisp, classic cider.
🎭 15. Banditry Cider (Gibsons) Hibiscus, dry-hopped, and cheeky branding to boot. They have a cider for everyone—even that one friend who “doesn’t like cider.”
🌐 16. Geo Cider Co. (Squamish) A little wild, a little nerdy (in the best way). They lean into flavour experiments and make it work. Pair with sunsets and trivia nights on the aft deck.
🪵 17. Cliffside Cider (Squamish) Rustic, bold, and often barrel-aged, this one’s for the cider fan who secretly wishes they owned a vineyard. Trust me.
Metro Vancouver
🎰 18. Windfall Cider (Vancouver) Urban chic in a bottle. The Jackpot is tropical and dry, and the rosé-style Hail Mary is a boat party favourite. Bonus points: they’re lower in sugar but not in sass.
⚪ 19. 33 Acres Brewing Co. (Vancouver) Their clean, modern approach to cider (and life) fits right in with their minimalist tasting room. Best enjoyed with a friend who wears linen and knows about sea salt hair spray.
Okanagan & Interior (not seaside but delicious!)
🌿 20. Lonetree Cider (Okanagan Valley) They’ve nailed the dry cider category. Apple Ginger is zingy, and the Pear & Apple blend is balanced and smooth. Bonus: they offer dealcoholized versions too.
🍃 BONUS: Left Field Cider Co. (Logan Lake) This women-owned cidery blends English traditions with BC-grown fruit. Their Little Dry is a crisp classic, and the Pear Dry is always a hit with my crew. Plus, their labels are almost as good as the cider.
Calorie-Conscious Ciders That Still Sparkle
For those keeping it light but still fancy, here are three low-cal, low-sugar options that won’t sacrifice flavour:
- Gabbie’s Real Dry – Under 1g of sugar, tropical & creamy.
- Windfall Hail Mary – Rosé-style, subtly fruity, lower sugar.
- Lonetree De-Alcoholized Cider – Fresh, crisp, alcohol-free.
Savour the Craft: A Toast to BC’s Coastal Cider Culture
British Columbia’s cider scene is more than just refreshing drinks—it’s a love letter to local orchards, coastal farms, and the passionate craftspeople who turn apples into liquid artistry. With every glass, you’re tasting not just the fruit, but the heritage, the soil, and the soul of this stunning province.
Whether sipping under the stars or enjoying dockside, raise your glass to BC apples and the incredible makers behind the press. This is boat life at its most delicious. From salty island breezes to forested mountain backdrops, every sip tells a story of place, patience, and Pacific Northwest pride.
See you on the water….with a cider!
Missy
