> WHEN YOU GO

Do this trip: Opening hours can be found on each distillery’s website. Tours cost less than $16 per person, generally run at specific times and reservations are not necessary. Campsites are at Kintra Beach and Port Mor. Bold, experienced adventurers in small groups can camp in the hills with the usual caveats of avoiding private land, respecting wildlife and properly disposing of garbage. Get there: Regular flights operate from Toronto Pearson to Glasgow Airport. If renting a car here, it’s a five-hour drive to Islay that passes Loch Lomond and includes a ferry to Port Arisaig. FlyBe flights run from Glasgow to Islay Airport, with a flight time of around 45 minutes. Get around: Several distilleries are within walking distance if the weather is kind. To hit all distilleries and attractions over a few days, renting a car is definitely the best option and it’s possible at Glasgow Airport or on Islay (hial.co.uk/islay-airport/airport-information/car-hire/). Be careful on single-track roads with blind corners. Stay: If not keen on camping, the redeveloped Islay Hotel (theislayhotel.com) in Port Ellen is ideally located for visiting the three distilleries to the south (Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig). There are also bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages. Eat: Distillery visitor centres, such as Ardbeg’s Old Kiln Cafe, and hotel restaurants are a safe bet for traditional Scottish fare, such as fresh fish, haggis, steak pie, venison and seafood chowder. Do your research: Visitscotland.com has a map of places to stay and things to do on Islay. Islayinfo.com is also handy.