Vancouver Island Brewing Becomes Official Craft Beer Partner of Victoria HarbourCats

Islander Lager is coming to the ballpark. Vancouver Island Brewing and the Victoria HarbourCats announced a long-term partnership on March 18 that makes VIB the Official Craft Beer Partner of the West Coast League club, with beers pouring at Wilson's Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park beginning at the Home Opener on June 2, 2026.

At the center of the deal is Islander Lager, VIB's crisp, easy-drinking lager the brewery describes as "made for laid-back summer adventures." Fans will also find selections from VIB's broader core lineup throughout the season, which includes Mystic Haze and Broken Islands Hazy IPA. A new in-park Islander Fan Zone will give the partnership a dedicated physical footprint at Royal Athletic Park, though full details on that space won't be released until closer to the June 2 opener.

"Vancouver Island summers are all about community, sunshine, and something cold in your hand," said Ana Wagner-Chazalon, Marketing Manager at Vancouver Island Brewing. "The HarbourCats are one of those classic summer experiences in Victoria, and we're proud to partner with them to make local craft beer part of the game-day ritual."

Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats, echoed the local-first framing. "Vancouver Island Brewing is as Island as it gets, and having a local craft beer in the hands of our fans on a warm evening at the ballpark just feels right. We can't wait for Opening Night."

The partnership also carries a wrinkle worth knowing for craft beer followers: VIB has been brewing under a co-pack arrangement with Phillips Brewing and Malting Company since November 1, 2024, after a 35 percent rent increase at its Government Street location forced the brewery to outsource production. Phillips handles brewing and packaging at its downtown Victoria facilities, while VIB General Manager Thom Riley, who trained in the United Kingdom and previously served as Brewmaster at Stanley Park, maintains production oversight. Recipes and ingredients are unchanged, and ownership of both companies remains separate.

Founded in 1984, VIB holds the distinction of being Vancouver Island's first craft brewery. The HarbourCats, meanwhile, finished third in the North Division last season at 32-22 before falling to the Edmonton Riverhawks 8-7 in the playoffs.

Beyond the ballpark pours, the two organizations have committed to collaborative programming and storytelling throughout the 2026 season, with specific activations to be announced as June approaches.