No matter what you’re raising a glass to, here are seven reasons why the BC Ale Trail is where it’s at for girls’ night out!
I love girls’ night out. We all have busy lives, so it’s nice when you can doll up a bit and get together with your besties for an evening of laughs, good food, and of course, favourite beverages of choice. For a group of my friends and I, that’s hitting up a brewery or two, and here’s why:
1. Affordable girls’ night out celebrations
Spring and summer are what I call ‘celebrate everything’ seasons. We just had Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day; and you know you have at least one summer bridal shower or bachelorette party in your calendar. This can get expensive. Brewpubs and tasting rooms offer incredible value with beer flights and affordable food options. Why not raise a glass to (insert your occasion!) on the BC Ale Trail?
Celebrate responsibly: Don’t drink and drive! Book a taxi, take transit, or splurge for a limo! If one of you is the designated driver, be sure to let your server or the bartender know.
2. Feel safe and at ease
Aside from having fun on girls’ night, the most important thing is for you to feel safe. The craft beer community is just that, a community; and the breweries and venues along the BC Ale Trail take pride in serving quality craft beer with friendly service in a safe environment for everyone. Plan that classy pub crawl knowing you and your squad will feel safe and at ease.
3. Unique and Instagram-worthy venues
Tasting rooms and brewpubs on the Ale Trail aren’t your stereotypical peanut shells on the floor bars. From hipster vibes to chandeliers and amazing patio views, unique ambiance and community-feel always shine through. There are photo ops galore! Some excellent brewpubs on the Ale Trail include Spinnakers Brewpub, Canoe Brewpub, Postmark Brewing, Cumberland Brewing, and Howe Sound Brewing.
4. Food for the soul
What is a girls’ night out without good food? From artisan snacks and popular food trucks at tasting rooms to gourmet burgers on house-made buns and grilled vegetable salads at the brewpubs, you will not go hungry. Many breweries also have a restaurant connected to them. And as with many restaurants, the snack and meal menus on the Ale Trail tend to focus on locally sourced ingredients; so you know what you’re eating is community fresh.
Top Tip: Many brewpubs take reservations, so if you’re a group of 4-6+, be sure to call or book online so they can plan for that evening. Also be sure to let them know any allergies and/or dietary restrictions.
5. There’s always something going on
Music bingo, anyone? Quiz night? Dancing? Be sure to check out what’s happening at the brewery (or breweries!) you plan to visit as this might determine the order of things. Or keep things spontaneous — one of my favourite outings, to date, was walking into Moon Under Water Brewery and realizing it was Music Bingo night!
6. Something for everyone
While some might be keen on craft beer, others might not be. (We don’t judge!) One of the great things about brewpubs on the Ale Trail is that they will usually have a wine list, and both brewpubs and tasting rooms will often have a couple of local ciders or kombuchas or two on tap. It’s not about what’s in the glass, it’s about being in good company and clinking a toast to fabulous friends.
7. Try something new
One of my favourite things about craft breweries is that there are usually seasonal offerings to complement the flagship beers. Summer brings colourful saisons and hoppy IPAs, and ordering a flight allows for trying something that you may not have ordered a full pint of. And if you and girlfriends tend to go to the same spot, switch it up!
Check out our BC Ale Trail guides to check out what’s open near you.
