North of the
Fraser Ale Trail
New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam are aligned in many ways — not just by geography, but also through their bustling craft breweries.
As one of BC’s oldest cities that predates even Vancouver, New Westminster has lots of history to share, including a love affair with beer that dates back to 1860. Nearby, Burnaby might be Vancouver’s little sibling, but it has its own dynamic brewery scene that sets it apart.
And the neighbouring communities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam host a bustling network of popular local breweries, many located along the 25-km Traboulay PoCo Trail.
Tinhouse Brewing Co in Port Coquitlam, BC
Skytrain and Patullo Bridges in New Westminster, BC
Steel & Oak Brewing in New Westminster, BC
Dageraad Brewing in Burnaby, BC
Views of the Fraser River flowing through New Westminster, BC
Poco Brothers Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC (photo: Poco Brothers Brewing)
Deer Lake in Burnaby, BC
Steamworks Brewery in Burnaby, BC
Deer Lake in Burnaby, BC
Taylight Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC
Coquitlam, BC
Mariner Brewing in Coquitlam, BC
Port Coquitlam, BC
Another Beer Co in New Westminster, BC
Patina Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC
Poco Brothers Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC (photo: Poco Brothers Brewing)
Dageraad Brewing in Burnaby, BC
NorthPaw Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC
Poco Brothers Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC (photo: Poco Brothers Brewing)
Taylight Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC (photo provided)
Patina Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC
Traboulay Trail in Port Coquitlam, BC
Steel & Oak Brewing in New Westminster, BC
Steamworks Brewery in Burnaby, BC
Burnaby, BC
Mariner Brewing in Coquitlam, BC
Patina Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC
NorthPaw Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC
Tinhouse Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC
Cat & Fiddle Pub in Port Coquitlam, BC
Taylight Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC (photo: Thirsty Explorers Club)
Day 1
New Westminster
Travel Info
Start your adventure North of the Fraser in New Westminster, which is serviced by the Sky Train’s Expo Line.
This modern public park features a 325 metre water front boardwalk, festival lawn, concession, elevated viewpoints, grass, trees, gardens, benches, accessible picnic tables, a basketball court, public art, and play area.
Within 1 km of the park is the Samson V Maritime Museum, Fraser River Discovery Centre, River Market, World's Tallest Tin Soldier, Waterfront Esplanade, Quayside Playground, Quayside off-leash dog area, Antique Alley and historic Columbia Street. A perfect place to begin your day in New West.
Just down the waterfront is River Market, with endless options for food and shopping. This culinary destination for everyday foodies offers over 70,000 square feet for you to shop, eat, and play. Look for special promotions like their Food Crawl to take advantage of all they have to offer.
This community-focused brewery explores new beer styles while refining and perfecting the classics.
New Media Gallery is a contemporary, public art gallery dedicated to presenting inspiring & provocative new media art from around the world through curated exhibitions on subjects like space, music, sound, light, biometrics and fear. They have been recognized for the international caliber of their artists, their unique and provocative exhibitions, and exciting exhibition rebuilds.
NOTE: be sure to check the website for temporary closures between exhibits.
Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen - New West marks the expansion of an iconic brewery with deep roots dating back over two decades in Squamish, BC. Experience the welcoming and familiar vibe of a classic pub. The lineup of craft and domestic beer taps paired with a food menu of timeless favourites, like a stone fire pizzas or shareables, makes it a great lunch stop.
This brewery is all about presenting creativity and variety in its beer lineup. Every time you visit, there will always be another beer on tap because the brewery will always be changing things up.
Capital City Classic Arcade is an old-school video arcade with your favorite arcade games from back in the day plus a few you may have never seen before.
Open for brunch through to late night and serving BC craft beer, this spot offers a modern take on the pub experience.
From modern and bustling, to historical and boutique, hotels in New Westminster are conveniently located near amenities and attractions, and there is truly something for all travelers.
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Queen’s Park – New Westminster’s flagship park, offers visitors a wide-range of outdoor pursuits including Rainbow Playland for kids and an off-leash dog park for furkids, in a cultivated park with many horticultural features and mature trees. Running and walking trails wind through the park connecting all its amenities.
Pandora’s Locks – Mystery Room Adventures! Immersive and story-driven room adventures. Fully automated, unlimited hints and lasts over an hour.
For options serving local craft beer consider Piva Modern Italian or Artusi Restaurant
Day 2
Burnaby
Travel Info
Day 2 takes you to northwest to Burnaby! A 20 minute drive from New West, or take the Sky Train’s Expo Line.
Step outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. In a matter of minutes, you can be in a mountain environment rich in natural beauty. Set off on a vigorous hike, a leisurely stroll or a heart-pumping bike ride. A network of 26 multi-use trails covering 28 kilometres crisscrosses the 576 hectares within the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.
This award winning brewery focuses on Belgian styles, served in a gorgeous tasting room with a design that matches the branding’s fin de siècle elegance. Dageraad’s beer lineup is diverse, extensive, and delicious.
Serving up mouth-watering, locally sourced, barbecued meats and delicious sides such as their homemade smoked pit baked beans, creamy coleslaw, potato salad and more for over 13 years.
Get ready to shop till you drop! Of course, no visit to Burnaby is complete without a visit to the Heights. This quaint street has everything from used book and record stores to unique one-of-a-kind boutiques – you're bound to be rewarded with a great memento.
A taproom open daily for tasting beer at its freshest, directly from the tank to the tap to the glass. The lineup includes Steamworks’ signature lineup and a constant rotation of seasonally brewed beers, along with the occasional test tap, too.
With a variety of travelling exhibitions and events, the Burnaby Art Gallery offers something for all ages. The Gallery's lively public programs are designed to enrich the visitor's experience related to each exhibition. In addition, talks and workshops are often held in conjunction with exhibitions – with artists and invited guests discussing issues surrounding the subject of the artworks.
Just steps from Patterson and Metrotown Skytrain Stations, Element is a perfect home base to explore Burnaby.
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If you only stop one place in Burnaby, make it Deer Lake Park. Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Deer Lake Rentals and explore from the water (NOTE: open during the spring-fall seasons – check the website for season closures). Rather be on land? Deer Lake Park is Burnaby’s best-preserved heritage area and features a fascinating collection of Edwardian country homes and landscapes. The houses surrounding Deer Lake, built between 1904 and 1935, were developed by their owners with an idealized view of the English countryside in mind. Explore the history of Burnaby further at the Burnaby Village Museum.
If you find yourself in the neighbourhood of Simon Fraser University, BierCraft UniverCity has a strong selection of Belgian and BC beer. Stop by for a flight!
Looking for somewhere different to stay? Search for the perfect spot on the Tourism Burnaby accommodation directory.
Day 3
Coquitlam
Travel Info
A 30 minute drive east takes you to Coquitlam! You can also connect from the Expo to the Millenium line on the Sky Train
Spectacular views, old-growth forest and incredible wildlife - this 200-hectare park is home to 150 species of birds as well as beavers, black bears and singing bullfrogs. Hiking trails range from a flat path throughout the expansive wetland into forest to an uphill climb to the High Knoll lookout offering a mind-blowing wilderness view (allow yourself at least 2 ½ hours round-trip).
Locals love the foodie enclave of Glen Drive around The High Street, where you’ll see cuisines from all over the globe. You’ll also find many great dessert spots in the area, from Korean dessert cafés to Belgian waffles, crêpes, cupcakes and pastry shops.
Voted one of the best public spaces in Canada, this urban park has everything! Tennis, basketball, roller hockey and sand volleyball courts, table tennis and foosball, a skate park, spray park, public art, an inspiration garden and a lake where you can fish for trout!
Mariner offers a wide array of craft classics, rotating sours and barrel-aged limited releases, plus their Low Gravity series of low-carb, low-calorie, keto-friendly beer. For food options, the brewery offers locally made paninis during the week and a rotating food truck outside on weekends.
Maillardville is Coquitlam's most historic neighbourhood and home to the largest community of French Canadians in Western Canada. Try a historical walking tour or visit Place Des Arts, home to galleries, events and performances year round.
John B has the largest back bar in BC with 86 taps, and heavy focus on BC beers, plus over 465 different spirits! Paired with an adventurous pub menu, this is a worthy stop in Coquitlam! Adjoining liquor store open daily 9am to 11pm and stocked with BC craft beer.
With three hotels and several bed & breakfasts, Coquitlam has accommodation options to suit both your needs and budget.
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Coquitlam has so many great parks to check out! Mundy Park boasts a permanent free nine-hole disc golf course, outdoor pool and hiking trails in this urban forest.
Pick up some fresh produce and other locally crafted items at their Farmer’s Market that runs from May to October, the longest running suburban farmers market in the Lower Mainland.
Day 4
Port Coquitlam
Travel Info
Coquitlam’s neighbour to the south is Port Coquitlam, otherwise known as PoCo! Just a 10 minute drive away.
This 25.3 kilometre route encircles the entire community! Enjoy views of downtown, farmland and rivers on this flat walking and cycling trail is suitable for exploring at any time of the year.
The open and airy tasting room features 12 draft taps with a lineup that skews towards dangerously crushable IPAs and lagers. And with its proximity to the riverfront Traboulay PoCo Trail connecting Port Coquitlam to Coquitlam and beyond, it makes a great stop when exploring by bike.
Stop in to sample the beers at PoCo's newest brewery. Beers are fresh on tap at the adjoining Cat & Fiddle Pub, which was established in 1979. The Cat & Fiddle has played an important role in the local community since it’s inception, raising money for local charities and sponsoring countless local sports teams. The Cat & Fiddle also offers a full mouth-watering menu that has all of the classic pub fare you love along with contemporary and health conscious modern options for everyone.
Built in 1950, this bowling centre offers classic Canadian 5 pin bowling in a modern way while keeping old-style charm.
Make this your dinner stop as along with their 12 taps to serve their extensive lineup of culinary-focused beers and clean, crips lagers, they also serve incredible barbecue! All smoked in-house and dripping with sweet, smoky goodness.
Centrally located, this is the perfect home base for your stay in PoCo.
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Fancy something else to sip? A cocktail perhaps? NiceLife Cocktail Co offers pre-mixed bottled cocktails, or stop by the tasting house to sample something new.
More eats, cocktails and local craft beer. Orrange Kitchen + Bar
Thursday evenings from May to October, visit the Port Coquitlam Farmer’s Market in Leigh Square.
Day 5
Port Coquitlam
Travel Info
Day 2 in PoCo!
This bouldering gym offers climbing for all ages and experience levels.
Balanced and drinkable beers of all description, with a welcome emphasis on British malt-forward styles. Of course, you can still get your hazy IPA or your crispy German-style lager—but there’s something to be said for a rich, flavourful brown ale or porter. Also offering a barrel-aging program and constant seasonal releases.
Award winning thin crust pizza. You can even have it ordered right to your seat at Tinhouse if you want to head straight to the brewery post climb!
FIt in a round or even just hit a few balls at the driving range at this public course in very close proximity to the Fremont Village breweries.
Since opening in 2018, Northpaw has released more than 140 different beers, so there’s an excellent chance you’ll find something to your fancy here pouring on one of the eight draft taps or in the fridge full of limited releases.
Centrally located, this is the perfect home base for your stay in PoCo.
Road Trip Journals
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New Westminster is located in the heart of Metro Vancouver. The oldest city in Western Canada and the first capital of BC, New Westminster offers an abundance of experiences from history, arts, culture, food, entertainment and shopping. Situated on the Fraser River, we boast an active boardwalk along with a working riverfront and plenty of public parks.
Located in the heart of Metro-Vancouver, take in the city’s sights, sounds, and feelings while always being a stone’s throw away from the great outdoors. You’ll find some of the best samples of local and international cuisine in Western Canada right here—with something to suit every taste and budget. The top shopping destination in B.C., Burnaby has everything you need and then some. From astounding live performances to local and international exhibits to a historic site, there is always something new to experience.
Here in Coquitlam, adventure doesn’t mean getting out of town…it means staying right where you are. Bustling urban landscapes, foodie enclaves and top-notch shopping meet inspired hikes and a laid-back West Coast lifestyle.
Those who call Port Coquitlam home are well aware of its special qualities, including affordability, an accessible location, parks and trails, family-oriented services, a quaint historic downtown core, and a strong sense of community spirit.