Fossil Beach Farm Cidery

On the sunset side of Hornby Island, Fossil Beach Farm is the rare cidery where, as the family puts it, farm meets sea. Cider is fermented from a heritage orchard well over a hundred years old, and the approach is guided by a simple, adventurous ethos rather than a fixed formula, so the lineup shifts with the season and the harvest. The result is a rotating set of styles meant to be enjoyed in the moment, ideally on the spot where the apples grew.

The visitor experience leans into that waterfront setting. A relaxed tasting room and picnic area let you sample and buy the current ciders, and when the season is in full swing the farm fires up an outdoor kitchen for farm-to-table BBQ, so you can pair a glass with something cooked just steps away. With ocean views and the island's famously laid-back pace, it is as much a place to linger as it is to taste.

Fossil Beach is a true seasonal destination, typically open through the warmer months with hours that shift, so it is wise to confirm before making the trip out, especially since reaching Hornby involves a couple of BC Ferries hops through the Gulf Islands. That journey is part of the charm: the island rewards those who slow down. The farm also offers ocean-view glamping for travellers who want to stretch a visit into an overnight, waking up to the same sunset coastline that shapes the cider. Come for the heritage orchard and the easygoing welcome, and stay for the scenery.