Explore:NW Spring 2017 | Page 29

CLASSIC COCKTAILS There ’ s nothing more classic than a good old-fashioned cocktail , like , for example , an Old Fashioned .
I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S
Extra bonus : every group of four receives a complimentary appetizer at one of the nine establishments on this tour : ( Lido Waterfront Bar and Bistro , The Pacific Lounge , Steamship Grill & Bar , Bard & Banker , Swans Hotel & Brewpub , Irish Times Pub , The Guild , Belleville ’ s Watering Hole & Diner , and Lure Restaurant & Bar ). This tour begins April 15 . victoriaharbourferry . com / tours-services / pickle-pub-crawls
By Bike Perhaps you are looking to burn a few calories as you sip and sample your way through Victoria ’ s beer culture . Book a Hoppy Hour Ride through The Pedaler and take a three-hour leisurely bike tour that will guide you along a portion of the stunning Trans Canada Trail where you will not only learn about the history of Victoria ’ s local beer industry , but indulge in craft beer samples from three different locations along the way . Cost is $ 89 per person which includes a helmet , bike and all your tastings during
A selection of handcrafted beers courtesy of the Canoe Brewpub , Marina & Restaurant in Victoria . the excursion . The ride is suitable for bikers of all abilities and your local , knowledgeable tour guide will help you explore the natural beauty of Victoria and the evolution of its craft beer scene . thepedaler . ca / bike-tours
By Brew Bus Join West Coast Brewery Tours and have your own designated driver aboard their very own “ Brew Bus ”. The three-hour Definitive Brewery Tour is their flagship tour , which showcases three different breweries , provides you with back of house access , brewing history and an informative introduction to the process of brewing . Full transportation is provided between breweries and guided tours are accompanied by West Coast Brewery ’ s official “ Beer Nerd Guides ”, who are beyond passionate about Victoria and the bountiful craft beer the city is home to .
And here ’ s a fun fact for those not in the know : Victoria is home to Canada ’ s first purpose-built gastro brewpub , Spinnakers . westcoastbrewerytours . ca tourism victoria photo
CLASSIC COCKTAILS There ’ s nothing more classic than a good old-fashioned cocktail , like , for example , an Old Fashioned .
AFTER A SPENDING THE DAY exploring Victoria , head to Clive ’ s Classic Lounge and enjoy a handcrafted libation from one of the best bartenders in town . Feel like making it a cocktail crawl ? Make time to visit Veneto Tapa Lounge and Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar . Be sure to “ spin the wheel ” at Veneto and have the talented crew whip up a personalized creation for you from your selected flavor profiles . Little Jumbo ’ s menu changes every six weeks – current creations include the Blue Pill with Cocchi Americano , Dry Vermouth , 911 Cold Tea Syrup and Citric Acid Solution and The Bear Necessities with Old Grand-Dad Bourbon , Frangelico , honey , orange , lemon and rose water .
BC Cider Week With three craft cideries near Victoria , cider drinkers will be delighted to hear that the Northwest Cider Association will be holding its third Annual B . C . Cider Week from April 28 to May 7 . As many small cideries ferment their ciders for months following the apple harvest in the fall , the new spring timing will help accommodate smaller cideries . As the province ’ s cidermakers gain international recognition and awards for their products , this festival gives cider fans the opportunity to attend tastings , tap takeovers , food pairing events and to learn more about the production process . Events such as the Sea Cider Social will bring together more than 18 cideries from across B . C . and the Pacific Northwest to celebrate the art of craft cider with plenty of samples and local food pairings . A pop up liquor store will also be on site for guests to purchase bottles to take home . bcciderweek . com
Clive ’ s Classic Lounge Lobby Level , Chateau Victoria 740 Burdett Ave ., Victoria 250-361-5684 clivesclassiclounge . com
Veneto Tapa Lounge 450 Douglas Street , Victoria 250-383-7310 venetodining . com
Little Jumbo Restaurant and Bar 506 Fort Street , Down the Hall , Victoria 778-433-5535 littlejumbo . ca kenmoreair . com
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