Great Canadian Beer Festival
Sept 8th 4pm-9pm & Sept 9th 12pm-5pm
Royal Athletic Park
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
As a carbon-positive, all-suite hotel, accommodations at The Parkside feature fully equipped kitchens and kitchenettes, washers and dryers, private balconies, gas fireplaces, separate sleeping areas and plenty of space to relax and unwind. Amenities include various meeting and event spaces, a wellness centre (featuring an onsite spa, 25-metre indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness centre), a private movie theatre, a rooftop patio with fire pits, along with Tre Fantastico Bistro. Uniquely Parkside—and fondly referred to as the heart of the hotel—the atrium is home to hundreds of plant species and koi.
email: reservations@parksidevictoria.com
direct: 250-940-1200.
Swans Hotel
The Swans building was originally built in 1913 and renovated from a warehouse into loft apartments in 1987, later the apartments were converted into the Swans Hotel suites. Guests enjoy views of the iconic Victoria BC harbour, character buildings, and Johnson Street Bridge. Each suite is still equipped with a full kitchen, features original art from the founder’s personal collection, and showcases the original brick and wood beams that give the building so much character.
Use Code: GCBFattendees1023 when booking and show your tickets at check in!
email: info@swanshotel.com
direct: 250-361-3310 ext. 4
Entertainment
The Great Canadian Beer Festival offers a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re challenging your friends on the 100-foot-long Obstacle Course, marveling at the jaw-dropping skills of the hula hoop girl, or dancing to the beats of the DJ, there’s something for everyone at the festival.
Food Vendors
Our Partners
FAQ
What is Great Canadian Beer Festival?
Great Canadian Beer Festival (or GCBF) is Canada’s first ever craft beer festival! It started back in 1993 in Victoria, BC at the Conference Centre and has grown into a legendary beer festival that not only showcases the incredible roster of craft breweries in BC, but stretches coast to coast, flying in beers from across Canada that you can’t try anywhere else! GCBF is a tasting festival that focusses on having a diverse line up for you to choose from, this year will bring in over 200+ craft beers and cider for you to peruse. In addition to exploring the best craft beer Canada has to offer, GCBF provides fun entertainment and yummy food from local vendors.
What do tickets get me?
This year we have two ticket options: Entry Only and Token Inclusive.
Entry Only gets you entrance to the festival on either the Friday or Saturday. You will receive your beer program and tasting cup and have the opportunity to be drink tokens inside the festival. This is a great option for designated drivers, or maybe you only want to start with a few tokens and test the waters.
Token Inclusive gets you entrance to the festival on either Friday or Saturday PLUS 10 drink tokens to start with. You will receive your tokens at the door alongside your beer program and tasting cup. This option lets you skip the token line and dive right into the beer! More tokens are available for purchase on site
The Weekend Pass gets your entry to both days of the festival, Friday & Saturday, and includes 10 tokens each day. This is basically two Token Inclusive tickets, with a sweet $10 off deal.
What do tokens get me?
One token is redeemable for one 4oz sample of delicious craft beer. Tokens can be purchased on site for $2 each including tax. Cash, credit or debit is accepted. Red tokens from the previous yeas or other VBS events are redeemable.
What should I bring to the festival?
This event is 19+ so please bring two pieces of government issued ID. Please have your ticket pulled up on your phone and ready to be scanned at the entry. Please dress for the weather as this festival is outdoors and will be happening rain or shine. We recommend you bring in a water bottle to fill up inside. No other outside food or drink will be allowed in.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately no dogs are allowed at the festival. Exceptions can be made for service animals.
Is this event family friendly?
GCBF is a 19+ beer festival. Anyone under the age of 19 is not allowed into the festival, this includes babies.
What types of beer will the festival include?
GCBF brings forth a line-up of over 200 beers. This also includes a variety of ciders, mead, gluten free beers, and non-alcoholic beers. Other non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha, soda and juice may be available for purchase from participating food vendors. Our full beer list will be posted on this webpage in August.
Is there an area for smoking?
Yes, inside the festival grounds there is a fenced off area for smoking tobacco products. Smoking or vaping on the field is not allowed.
How can I get a discount on my GCBF ticket?
We have two options for how you can get discounts to our events:
1. Become a Victoria Beer Society Member, sign up online and receive discounts to all of our events throughout the year. VBS Members receive $10 off tickets to Great Canadian Beer Festival.
2. Download our new app Victoria Beer Quest to complete free challenges and earn points. Points can be redeemed for coupons to anything in the Victoria Beer Society shop, including tickets to events and merchandise. Quests include challenges like checking into local breweries when you go out for a pint with friends, visiting your local Cascadia Liquor Store, or swinging by pop-up events like our summer series: Fridays at the Station.