Getting Here and Staying

Merridale Ciderworks is located on the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, about 40 minutes north of Victoria, and 1 hour and 20 minutes south of Nanaimo (GPS co-ordinates N48 39.824, W123 35.090).

Getting to southern Vancouver Island by ferry

Both Nanaimo and Victoria are served year round by BC Ferries from mainland British Columbia (there’s both car and foot passenger service), and these routes are the major conduits for mainland-island traffic. A travel advisory: expect formidable traffic on these routes during the peak holiday-making times of the summer’s Friday and Sunday evenings and the beginning and end of summer holiday weekends. Consider making a reservation if you need ferry service during these times, otherwise steel yourself for a multiple ferry sailing wait.

You can also reach southern Vancouver Island from the San Juan Islands on the Washington State Ferries (car and foot passenger service, spring through fall). And if on the Olympic Peninsula, Black Ball Transport has year-round service from Port Angeles to Victoria for both cars and foot passengers.

There is lastly a year round, downtown to downtown, Seattle-Victoria ferry (foot passengers only). This is a very fast catamaran-style ferry, and together with a local car rental you can make a fine day trip around Victoria and with the most modest of drives, to Merridale.

Local Vancouver Island directions

From Highway 1

Coming from the south — from Victoria BC; go over the Malahat and through Mill Bay. As you approach Mill Bay you will see an A&W and a Shell gas station on your left, and a shopping mall on your right. Just after that intersection you will see a wine route sign on the right side of the road, one which features Merridale Ciderworks. Get into the left hand lane so you can turn left at the next light, Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road.

Coming from the north — from Duncan or Nanaimo; as you’re travelling south on Highway 1, once you’ve gone past Shawnigan Lake Road, Fisher Road and then Cobble Hill Road, prepare to and make a right at Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road.

Then, for both routes

• Travel 2.3km on Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road, past Kerry Park Arena on the right.
• Once you’ve crested the top of a prominent hill, look out for Cameron-Taggart Road.
• Turn right on Cameron-Taggart Road and drive 1.6km, during which time you’ll see another wine route sign for Merridale Ciderworks on the left-hand side.
• Turn right onto Merridale Road, drive to the end, come down our driveway and follow the signs to our Cider House.

From the Brentwood-Mill Bay ferry

When you drive off the ferry ramp at the Mill Bay terminal, veer right and you will be on Mill Bay Road. Drive 5km, enjoying a beautiful scenic view of the Mill Bay Inlet. At Deloume Road, take a left, which will lead you to Highway 1. Turn right on the highway, and immediately get into the left hand lane to turn left at Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road. There will be a light at this junction. Turn left and drive 2.3km, and just after the large crest of a hill, turn right onto Cameron-Taggart Road. Travel 1.6km, turn right on Merridale Road and drive to the end. Come down the driveway and look for the “Welcome” sign to lead you to our Ciderhouse doors.

From Shawnigan Lake Village

From the four-way stop travel approximately 3km on Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road. Look for the wine route sign to identify your left hand turn into Cameron-Taggart Road. Travel on Cameron-Taggart Road for 1.6km, turn right on Merridale Road, and follow it to its end. Head on down the driveway and follow the signs to our Cider House.

Staying Here

Our Yurts

Are you visiting Merridale on your vacation or just wanting a weekend away in the Valley? Why not stay the night or weekend with us? Our two yurts on the property are complete with everything you need for a relaxing weekend away. Traditional yurt have been around since before the 13th century and known for their spiritual and calming benefits. Our yurts are one room cabins that hold true to this calmness by letting you experience the peacefulness of the countryside. Unwind after your day with a soak in the tub and the gentle warmth of the gas fireplace, then fall asleep listening to the sound of nature. We guarantee you’ll leave feeling well rested. 

Availability – Mid April until Mid October.

Weekends Friday – Sunday
Large Yurt - $150
Small Yurt - $120

Weekdays Monday - Thursday
Large Yurt - $120
Small Yurt - $ 95

Cowichan Bed and Breakfast Association

If you’re traveling with a larger group or our yurts are booked for the night, we’ve compiled a list of great local B&B’s and hotels in the area. We want to make sure that your experience in the countryside is relaxing and that you get a chance to see the treasures that make us proud to call it home.