Gulf Islands Brewing, makers of Salt Spring Island Ales, is located in The Fulford Valley on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia.  The brewery is located within  a 2500 sqft wooden barn, built from trees fallen on-site.  It is  situated at the foot of Mount Bruce and at the site of the Brewery's natural spring. Down the valley from our brewery, next to the rusty-roofed barn, you can find our very own little hop plantation.  From farm to cup, we aspire to create beers that embody the flavor and character of the islands. Our highly flavourful beers pair wonderfully with good food and are the perfect accompaniment to locally-sourced gastronomic fare. Brewed and bottled entirely by hand, our beer is made in small batches using traditional, unhurried methods.

Our small-but-mighty four person team is passionate about creating the finest natural ales using local ingredients wherever possible.   

Gulf Islands Brewery was incorporated by Bob Ellison and Murray Hunter in May of 1997 and began brewing in August of 1998. All our recipes were created by Murray based on his experience at "Murray's Brewplace", which at the time was the only all grain Brew-on-premises in BC and perhaps in Canada.

In early 2009, previous owner Bob Ellison sold his interest in the company to family friends Becky and Neil Cooke-Dallin.  New owners Neil Cooke-Dallin and Becky Julseth are based out of Victoria, BC and have a shared background in business, marketing and music and the arts. Neil and Becky are passionate about good beer and local food and aim to continue the brewery’s commitment to producing the finest natural ales using local ingredients wherever possible. 

Neil is also a musician. He plays guitar in a popular Victoria Rock band and runs a recording studio.  Brewmaster Murray Hunter plays trumpet on Neil’s forthcoming album. Becky is a proud member of the ‘Pink Boots society’ for Women in the Brewing industry.

Our Brewery offers tours by appointment.