The weather is stunning, the tourists are flocking, and you don’t need an excuse to see Vancouver Island’s most beautiful orchard backdrops. Nevertheless, you may need some help finding them. So, follow along with us as we guide you on a scenic and sip-worthy tour of southern Vancouver Island’s cideries.

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

Sea Cider sits perfectly among its picturesque hillside orchard in the Saanich Peninsula, with rows of apple trees and a modern tasting room with a big window overlooking the Haro Strait in view of James Island. This venue stands out as the only one on the list with an ocean-view location and acts as an ideal place to host larger gatherings or events. Since it is such a popular spot, make sure to book your tasting reservation early.

Our recommendation? The short flight is a great option for flexibility in picking three ciders that suit you best, or opt for the long flight to get a pre-selected six ciders curated by the Sea Cider team. Plus, choose an artisan charcuterie board with locally crafted selections like cheese and jams.

Address: 2487 Mt St Michael Rd., Central Saanich
Hours: 11am–6pm, daily
Instagram: @seaciderhouse

Head to the next spot by skipping the Malahat and taking the scenic 25-minute ferry from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay.

Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Touted as BC’s oldest estate cidery, located in Cobble Hill, Merridale is a destination in its own right. The 20-acre orchard has a free self-guided tour for you to fully immerse yourself in the Merridale story. Plus, check out its killer all-day brunch and lunch menu, often featuring orchard apples. Alternatively, check out Merridale at the Lake, located only a short distance away on Shawnigan Lake.

Our recommendation? The Old World cider flight is for the traditionalists, the New World flight is for the idealists, and the Your World flight is your chance to choose your own adventure; or, try something different with a brandy or cocktail flight.

Address: 1230 Merridale Rd., Cobble Hill
Hours: Monday-Thursday from 11am to 6pm; Friday-Sunday from 11am to 8pm. Instagram: @merridalecider

Valley Cider Company

A few minutes North of Duncan, Valley Cider Company is located in a former dog training facility overlooking portions of the Cowichan Valley. The company is run solely by Bruce McKinlay, who also produces non-alcoholic versions of his most popular ciders. Modern Soda, as he calls it, is sweetened only with apple juice, and comes in nine flavours. We recommend booking in by appointment for a tasting.

Our recommendation? Wait, What? Yes, that’s what it’s called. Originally named after the experience of starting a cidery, its website says this off-dry cider is now in its second incarnation of blending wild-fermented Tremlett's Bitter cider with its late-harvest BC apples.

Address: 7661 Mays Rd., Duncan
Hours: 1-4pm Saturday (or by appointment)
Instagram: @valleyciderco

Junction Orchard & Cidery

Junction Orchard and Cidery is the closest cidery to downtown Victoria, located near Mosi bakery just off West Saanich Road. Formerly Todd Creek Cidery, this orchard was founded by four friends—Jillian, Nick, Cody, and Tamra, who used their initials (JNCT) to help form Junction’s name. Cody and Jillian Brown remain as the current owners. Soak in the sun on its south-facing deck and cross your fingers that this bike- and family-friendly venue will also allow your four legged friends to join in on the fun.

Our recommendation? Get something that stands out, like Junction’s sangria cider or wine-barrel-aged cider.

Address: 273 Prospect Lake Rd.
Hours: Friday, 3-7pm; and Saturday and Sunday, noon-6pm.
Instagram: @junctionvictoria

Victoria Cider Co.

Victoria Cider Co. is located on a five-acre farm in North Saanich with over 40 varieties of apples and 2,000 trees that have been nurtured over the past several years. This family-owned and operated cidery was started in 2021 by master cidermaker Wayne Ralph and his wife, Maureen, together with their four children Kirstie, Jamie, Emily, and Daniel.

Our recommendation? Obviously you can never go wrong with a flight, especially when you have great flavours such as ginger at Victoria Cider Co. But if you were to choose one, you can’t go wrong with lavender, so try out Victoria Cider Co.’s semi-sweet cider infused with English lavender grown by a farm on Vancouver Island.

Address: 9635 W Saanich Rd., North Saanich
Hours: Friday, 2-7pm, Saturday and Sunday, noon-6pm.
Instagram: @victoriaciderco

Salt Spring Wild Cider

It goes without saying that cideries are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful, right? Well, if there was a benchmark, Salt Spring Wild Cider would be it. Located on Salt Spring Island and only a short ferry ride away, Salt Spring Wild produces cider from its centuries-old apple trees using 450 different types of apples. The property whisks you away to a dreamworld in full view of the orchard and valley, eliciting the only appropriate response of, “Wait, this is actually Canada?” Plus, it has an awesome food menu.

Our recommendation? Grab a flight featuring Saskatoon berry, apricot, and ginger cider. Make sure you take a bottle home, too. But don’t worry, Salt Spring Wild is also sold in most liquor stores across BC.

Address: 151 Sharp Rd., Salt Spring Island
Hours: 11am-9pm, daily
Instagram: @saltspringwildcider