About Tug 6 Craft Coffee Roasters

In 1948, a humble yet mighty diesel-tug named Canadian National Tug No. 6 began her work on the waters of Okanagan Lake. Built in Esquimalt, she set off from Penticton to Kelowna, day after day pushing and pulling railway barges laden with fruit, mail and essentials. She linked lakeside communities at a time when roads were rough, travel was slow and this vessel meant connection.

She was more than metal and engine: she was vital. She helped families get their supplies, helped orchards get their crop to market, helped people stay in touch. For years she kept communities afloat, literally and figuratively.

Tug 6 Craft Coffee Roasters are picking up where our namesake left off, delivering a uniquely Okanagan coffee experience inspired by the lifestyle and landscapes of our region. By the beach, in the mountains, on the water, or near the campfire, Tug 6 is here for the long haul.

We believe in the transformative power of a well-crafted cup of coffee. Just as the tug united communities across the lake, so too does the simple ritual of brewing and sharing coffee unite us, morning after morning, porch-side, around the table, or between friends.

Why the Name Matters

The name “Tug 6” is a tribute. It’s a nod to something greater than ourselves, to a piece of Okanagan history that speaks of service, community and movement.

By adopting the name, we anchor ourselves to that spirit of bringing people together.

When you brew a bag of our coffee, you’re not just making a drink, you’re participating in a ritual of connection: to land and water, to people and place, to morning and gathering.

How We Craft Connection

We source specialty-grade coffees directly from producers, because good coffee isn’t just good, it’s intentional. It tells a story of place, of care, of shared benefit.

We curate blends that appeal to coffee lovers who crave depth, richness and smooth complexity—so each cup is worth the ritual.

We root ourselves here in Canada, informed by decades of roasting and sourcing expertise (through our parent company, a family business founded in 1973) and we give back to the communities we serve.

Award Winner Quality

The world of specialty coffee has no shortage of competitions—many of which can elevate a brand’s reputation through popularity or even paid promotion. But for us, the true test of quality is simple: being recognized by coffee professionals for how our coffee actually tastes. No fancy packaging, social media campaigns, or public voting can compare to the honest acknowledgment that your coffee stood
out in a blind cupping against the competition.

Over the years, we’ve entered only a handful of competitions, yet our track record speaks for itself. We were named 2018 Roaster of the Year for North America—only the third time a Canadian company has earned this prestigious title. Between 2015 and 2020, we also collected over 35 medals at the Golden Bean Roasting Championships. In 2021, the founder and Head Bean of the competition published an article ranking us among the Top 10 Roasters in North America, highlighting our consistent, award-
winning performance. We are firmly committed to this pedigree and promise to always remain vigilant in our pursuit of excellence.

Proudly Canadian

Uniquely West Coast

For over 52 years, our family has built deep roots within the communities of this province. As a second-generation, family-run specialty coffee roaster, we are proud to call British Columbia our home. The diverse landscapes that define this region inspire everything we do—from rugged mountain peaks and pristine old-growth forests to magical lakes, the shores of the Pacific Ocean, and all the awe-inspiring spaces in between. We are surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s greatest works.

As a proud BC business, our Roasting Works is located on the shared, traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Tsawwassen, Musqueam, and other Coast Salish peoples. Our close proximity to the Delta Port—where all our coffees arrive from around the world—helps us reduce the overall footprint of our operations.

From our Tug 6 family to yours, thank you for supporting our commitment to crafting the finest specialty coffees with a true West Coast vibe.

 Learn About Our Community Initiatives

Sign Up & Get 10% Off

Your First Order

Join our newsletter and be the first to know about new products, promotions, discounts, and all you need to know about coffee.

You can unsubscribe anytime.

 Sign Up Now

Coffee Subscription

Never Run Out! Enjoy freshly roasted specialty coffee, delivered to your door with auto-ship subscriptions and exclusive subscriber pricing and benefits.

 Subscribe Now