It’s time for some BC ale-venture travel! Read on for bucket-list destinations from friends of the BC Ale Trail.
Could we have a more beautiful backyard? The answer is no. Full stop. And now it’s time to explore our stunning province. Travelling in BC may be a little different this year, but British Columbians (including me!) are eager to have some ale-ventures at craft beer destinations.
My @westcoastcitygirl BC Ale Trail travel wish list
Back in March, my partner and I moved to Port Moody from Victoria. We are avid tasting room visitors, so you can imagine we were very excited (and still are) that our new home is close to Brewers Row, and just a few minutes walk to the Skytrain — gateway to the Vancouver Ale Trail. But we all know what happened in March. And after four months of staying home, we are ready to properly explore our “new” ‘hood.
So if you ask me what’s at the top of my BC travel wish list, I’d have to say I’m keen to stay local and explore Port Moody and RE-explore my hometown of Vancouver.
Some breweries on my revisit list:
- All the breweries on the Port Moody Ale Trail
- Andina Brewing
- R & B Brewing
- Off the Rail Brewing
- Main Street Brewing
A little further afield, my partner and I are keen to get back to our happy place of Powell River — we miss you Townsite Brewing! And the Okanagan and Kootenays are also calling our names.
Which destination is on your ale-venture wish list?
I asked some BC Ale Trail friends to share their bucket list ale-venture destinations. I hope this list gives you some road trip inspiration!
MIKE @THEBEERRATER
“I’m really wanting to check out Smithers Brewing Co. I’ve run across the gang there at several festivals and loved the people and especially beer. Their brewery looks like such an awesome spot with a great view.”
ALEX @THEFLYINGBEERGIRL
“My dream Ale Trail week would be on Vancouver Island. I’ve been to Victoria many times, but I’ve always wanted to drive along the coast heading north. I know there are tons of sights to see and breweries to enjoy along the way. Stepping off of the ferry on to the island always feels like coming home.”
JOE @THIRSTYWRITER
“Up North for sure. That’s easy. I want to take the ferry up the coast to Prince Rupert and then drive all the way across to Valemount — stopping at all the breweries along the way, of course!”
ERIKA @BEERMECANADA
“It’s a toss-up between the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail or the Northern BC Ale Trail. Either way, I can go camping and do some foraging.”
Sara @vancity_beergirl
“My bucket list destination would be the Sunshine Coast. Would love to get out there this summer!”
RYAN & AMRITA @YVRBEERCOUPLE
“We always love going to The Okanagan. Three areas for breweries all quick to get to: Kelowna, Penticton and Summerland. We stay in the Summerland area to split the difference so we can check out Slackwater Brewing one day and then Vice and Virtue the next day!”
MATT @MATTEROFBEER
“Wow, what a question. I think it would have to be Squamish. It’s where I was born, and it’s got one of the classic breweries in Howe Sound Brewing. And There’s A-Frame Brewing that I haven’t had much from but enjoyed. And the amazing folks at Backcountry Brewing, who have just been knocking it out of the park. All while being surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery in BC, and it’s been way too long since I was there.”
MICHAEL & COLE @BEER_BROTHERS
“It’s gotta be the Kootenays — east and west! Our two favourite things: hiking mountains and drinking great beers.”
TIM @CRAFTTOURIST
“I would say The Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail. It’s an area I have yet to explore, but I know there are a number of great breweries and lots of outdoor summer hiking adventures waiting to be discovered. It’s definitely a spot I would love to visit.”
Know before you go
As you start to plan your summer and fall vacations on the BC Ale Trail, make sure to look up important information about the area and check on cancellation policies. Be safe and respectful as you explore our wild backyard.
Some important links:
What’s open in BC (by community)
10 ways to travel safely and responsibly
