Calling everyone who likes a good glass of beer: Pack your duffel bag and your notebook for the first-ever craft beer tasting tour by schooner!

This October, under the sails of the 92-foot sailing ship Maple Leaf, you can cruise the Gulf Islands, B.C., on an excursion that includes sampling 50 of the area’s top microbrews.

Add to that the expertise of renowned brewing historian Greg Evans, a lot of beautiful scenery, and island hopping. You get a “tasting” tour (not a booze cruise).

You also get gourmet food prepared with beer, and paired with just the right brew. Beer pairing? You bet. Like wine, beer comes in a variety of colours and flavors, from Swan’s crisp Arctic Ale to the richness of a chocolate porter. And speaking of chocolates – how about beer and chocolate truffles?

The trip, operated by veteran Canadian tour operator Maple Leaf Adventures, is in its third season. B.C. is a hotbed of excellent beers, and the Gulf Islands is a very protected waterway for smooth cruising. In October, weather is good and the islands’ green forests are tinged with golden maple leaves and red arbutus berries.

In addition to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and one-on-one tastings with local brewmasters, there’s more. Maple Leaf Adventures is renowned for their exceptional nature cruises, so guests on this tour will get to visit off-the-beaten-track wildlife hotspots (think porpoises, sea lions, seabirds) and have plenty of shore walks, in addition to tastings.

Interestingly, on previous trips, almost half of the guests were women. Proving once again that beer drinking is not just a man’s game!

Oct. 22-27, C$2215 (approx US $1900)

5 nights, 6 days

Includes all accommodation, meals, tastings, materials, and use of gear on board including kayaks.

The company’s trips are listed as a Frommer’s Canada “Best Travel Experience”.

For information, contact Maple Leaf Adventures at 1-888-599-5323 or www.MapleLeafAdventures.com