As winter settles in and the holiday season approaches, craft breweries across BC are unwrapping their most creative and festive beer offerings yet. Winter beers have a special magic about them. Often darker and more robust, these carefully crafted ales and stouts are perfectly designed for the colder months. But it’s not just about the … Continued
Looking forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this week? Here’s a guide to the beverage many folks choose to quaff to celebrate the Irish holiday. When it comes to drinking a specific beer on a certain day of the year, there is no better-known example than drinking stout on St. Patrick’s Day. The tradition goes … Continued
British Columbia boasts over 300 golf courses, each offering its own picturesque charm. From the picture-perfect gems dotting Vancouver Island, to the serene pastures of the Cariboo, the lush greens of the Okanagan desert, and the exhilarating mountaintop tees of the Kootenay Rockies, the province presents a diverse array of golfing experiences. Whether you seek … Continued
Happy Spring! As flowers bloom and warmer weather arrives, let’s embark on a tasting tour of the many special beers BC’s breweries are releasing this spring. There is a wide assortment of styles to choose from, including sours, IPAs, saisons, and a variety of fruit-infused beers. Browse this list to find something from your local … Continued
As December arrives, many craft breweries in British Columbia are releasing special beers they have created to celebrate the holiday season. These seasonal beers are perfect for the wintertime. Many are a little darker and stronger — ideal for colder, darker days — and some of the recipes even include spices, cranberries, or other tasty … Continued
In just about every community across BC, there exists a special place where friends gather and where visitors come first to get a true taste of the local flavour. That’s the BC craft brewery experience. We want to hear from you about who’s doing it best. Is it dogs on the patio? A wicked … Continued
So you think you know what it takes to enjoy a dreamy picnic? This spring, get out to explore BC and find your new favourite picnic spot. Thanks to a variety of lovely patios and parks where responsible alcohol consumption is allowed, the craft beer picnic possibilities are plentiful! Over the last couple years, some … Continued
Saison is a Belgian-style ale with a unique flavour profile and an interesting historical legacy. In a flight of beers, a saison will stand out as elegant and effervescent, almost like champagne. These days it is even more popular in North America than it is in its country of origin. The Beer Judge Certification Program … Continued
On International Women’s Day, we talk to three women reshaping the BC Beer industry. Julia Hanlon is tired of being asked what it’s like to be a woman in the beer industry. She started her career with Molson in 2005, before moving into the role of Head Brewer at Steamworks in 2015, a role which … Continued
As December arrives, many craft breweries in British Columbia are releasing special beers they have created to celebrate the holiday season. These wintry beers are often a little darker and stronger, making them well-suited for colder, darker days, and some of the recipes even include spices, cranberries, or chocolate. Here are more than 100 suggestions … Continued
During BC Craft Beer Month, the province’s craft breweries are serving up a wide variety of harvest-themed beers that are perfect for fall. We highlight 70 for you below! Many breweries work with local farms to use freshly harvested hops — the resulting fresh hop or wet hop beers are unique to the season so … Continued
BC breweries have built an incredible reputation for their ability to create an amazing experience for visitors — award-winning beers in infinite varieties alongside delicious food, served by proud staff who are the backbone of this warm community. Combined with the unique, modern, classic, and eclectic designs of taprooms across the province, they provide you … Continued
VOTE NOW BC breweries have built an incredible reputation for their ability to create an amazing experience for visitors — award-winning beers in infinite varieties alongside delicious food, served by proud staff who are the backbone of this warm community. Combined with the unique, modern, classic and eclectic designs of taprooms across the province, they … Continued
Ahhh, spring is here! Flowers are bursting out of the ground, fruit trees are showing off their colourful blooms, and breweries are launching some delicious seasonal beers. Warmer days and longer evenings are ideal for enjoying beer outdoors — on a porch, patio or at a picnic. With so many great breweries throughout British Columbia, … Continued
To help celebrate the holiday season, many craft breweries in British Columbia have been busy brewing up something special. Some of these holiday-themed beers are made with spices, cranberries, chocolate — or even candy canes! These wintry beers are often a little darker and stronger, making them well suited for colder, darker days. Here are … Continued
Whether you just want to have a beer and meet Santa, looking for that perfect gift for someone special (while having a beer), or even just wanting to find a way to help others, BC’s craft breweries around the province are here to help. Holiday Markets Holiday Markets are a great place to visit for … Continued
This holiday season, give the gift of craft beer and ale-ventures on the BC Ale Trail. Okay, folks, it’s that time of year, and I’m here to give some gifting inspiration. As always, the best way to shop for your nice list is local all the way — so here is this year’s updated craft … Continued
Beer has long been declared the “every man’s drink” — without pretension, suitable for all, and easy-going. But what happens when someone other than a straight-presenting, cisgender man walks into the beer world? What does the industry look like to someone from a marginalized community? What are their experiences? And is the industry discrimination-free? This … Continued
Expats and future travellers: Find a piece of home at BC Ale Trail craft breweries serving British and European beer styles. If you’ve ever moved anywhere far, you’ll know the feeling of missing the little things that make a place feel like home. This can also be a common feeling when travelling — as adventurous … Continued
This is the latest instalment in the Hops Among Friends series, which is designed to showcase the people that make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Chloe Smith and Cédric Dauchot from Townsite Brewing in Powell River. At the end of the … Continued
BC celebrities are just like us… They love BC craft beer. Unfortunately, Seth Rogan and Ryan Reynolds have not yet responded to our Twitter enquiries, but we still got the details from some other BC celebs! We caught up with a few media personalities and musicians from around the province to see what their favourite … Continued
Despite the recent “Circuit Breaker” Public Health Order that has forced breweries to close their tasting rooms, we can all still support our local craft breweries in a variety of ways. Seven Ways to Support Your Local Breweries 1. visit a brewery patio Good news! Breweries are allowed to continue serving beer on their outdoor … Continued
Time for a COVID refresher. Follow the BC Ale Trail’s guide to the new world of physically-distanced craft beer and the latest public health restrictions. As of March 30th, drink and dine-in service is prohibited, except for outdoor patios. People dining on patios should do so only with their immediate household or core bubble (groups … Continued
The designated driver plays an important part in a local brewery visit: they get everyone home safely. But having a pint or a flight is a no-no. Luckily, being the DD on the BC Ale Trail doesn’t mean you’re relegated to just water. There are refreshing non-alcoholic craft beverages available for you to enjoy. If … Continued
Calling all foodies! The only thing better than beer from your favourite brewery? Beer from your favourite brewery alongside a killer meal. Learn how and where to pair BC craft beer with takeout and dine-in options. Whether you choose to dine in or enjoy takeout, many breweries across the province are teaming up with restaurateurs … Continued
Variety is the spice of life. It’s time to mix up some craft beer cocktails for Valentine’s Day. In our home, my guy does most of the cooking and I tend to be the purveyor of drinks. (And usually have to do the washing up — it’s only fair.) It’s a good dynamic, and it’s … Continued
This is the latest instalment in the Hops Among Friends series, which is designed to showcase the people that make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with David and Annamarie Beardsell from Red Collar Brewing in Kamloops. At the end of the interview, … Continued
As for many others, 2020 was a difficult year for me filled with big changes. The killing of George Floyd happened as I was (literally) flat on my back — the toll of stress physically manifested itself in a thrown back and I felt unable to do anything physically, emotionally, or mentally to process what … Continued
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, something else, or nothing at all…it’s a weird December. That said, we can still find ways to enjoy traditions, both new and old. In the BC Craft Beer community, people in the industry are finding solace in traditions that fit this year’s restrictions or adapting them to make sure … Continued
With the arrival of December, many craft breweries in British Columbia are releasing special beers for the holiday season. These beers are often a little darker and stronger, making them perfectly suited for colder, darker days, and some incorporate spices or ingredients that invite holiday nostalgia. In fact, 2020 might as well be called the … Continued
Stay local. Support local. Give local. This holiday season, give the gift of craft beer and local experiences on the BC Ale Trail. How is it already time to think about holiday season gifts?!?? I don’t know about you, but 2020 has been the longest, yet quickest year. But since it is that time of … Continued
Waterfalls and craft beer are a winning combination. They both light your sense of adventure, bring you into the moment, and turn a mundane weekend into something to celebrate. Let’s face it. In many parts of BC, November can bring a lot of rain. But, this is what makes chasing waterfalls an ideal fall activity. … Continued
This is the latest instalment in the Hops Among Friends series, which showcases people that make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Erin Dale from Barkerville Brewing in Quesnel. At the end of the interview, Erin suggested that I interview David Beardsell … Continued
Missing out on overseas travel this year? You don’t have to travel far to enjoy these 100+ European-style beers produced by breweries right here in British Columbia. Some of my greatest travel memories involve sampling beers in Europe — I remember my first sip of Hefeweizen in Germany back when I was a long-haired, … Continued
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 … Continued
New Experiences are Brewing Nearby… As Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan begins, more of the parks and places we know and love are continuing to reopen. There are a handful of changes coming into effect in cities around the province including expanding patio licensing, allowing public consumption of alcohol in some designated areas, and … Continued
With the arrival of summer, here are 60+ ideal summer beers from British Columbia’s craft breweries. Enjoy from the comfort of your own back yard or visit your local brewery’s tasting room, which may have a new patio! BC’s brewery tasting rooms are cautiously reopening with the guidance of the bc craft brewers guild once … Continued
For those who enjoy their beer, there’s usually a need for a pick me up the following morning. Coffee and beer have developed this balanced relationship, with one taking priority in the AM hours, and the other making the afternoon and evening its home, but there are instances where the two meet in amazing happenstance. … Continued
From 2010 to 2019 the craft beer revolution expanded in British Columbia like never before! Back on December 31, 2009, no one in British Columbia — not even the most optimistic beer lover, myself included — could have predicted what the next decade would bring. There were about 40 craft breweries in BC at the … Continued
Winter is a time for warming foods and feeling cozy. Get hygge on the West Coast at these breweries and places to stay on the BC Ale Trail. Okay, so your first question is possibly hygge-what? So let’s start with that. Hygge—pronounced “hue-guh”— is the Danish concept of living well and being cozy and relaxed. … Continued
The 10th Annual BC Beer Awards were announced on October 19, 2019 in Vancouver, BC. Awards were given in 31 beer-style categories during the ceremony held at the Croatian Cultural Centre. This was the largest competition to date with 1200 entries from 121 breweries around British Columbia. The big winner of the night was actually … Continued
As part of BC Craft Beer Month, you can nominate your favourite brewery for the Best Brewery Experience on the BC Ale Trail. Last October, we launched the first annual award for the Best Brewery Experience on the BC Ale Trail, which ultimately went to Townsite Brewing in Powell River. Read our blog about why … Continued
Continuing our ongoing admiration of women paving the way in the BC craft beer industry, we are proud to share Part 2 of our series on Opportunities for Women in Beer. Not everyone is made to be a brewer like these amazing women, but that leaves a wide variety of roles that support breweries, and … Continued
Craft beer, romantic? You better believe it! Hop up your date night in cask style on the BC Ale Trail with these ideas for you and your sweetie! When my partner started homebrewing a few years ago, little did I know that his new hobby would become one of our favourite ways to go out … Continued
As 2019 begins, it’s clear that 2018 was another banner year for craft beer in British Columbia! The craft beer industry continued to grow rapidly in BC: 17 new breweries opened their doors and another five either changed their names or re-opened under new management. Coinciding with that growth, we launched two new ale trails … Continued
From our home base in Bellingham, WA, British Columbia has long been a favorite destination. Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Corridor, and the BC coastline feel far enough away to be exciting, yet close enough that we can travel there in a day. From gondolas to “grinds”, the hiking trails in BC offer up a … Continued
Announcing the 2021 BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience Award, in partnership with West Coast Traveller BC breweries have built an incredible reputation for their ability to create an amazing experience for visitors — award-winning beers in infinite varieties alongside delicious food, served by proud staff who are the backbone of this warm community. Combined … Continued
The BC Ale Trail has launched the new Vancouver Island Ale Trail, featuring 14 craft breweries showcased in two separate itineraries, following the addition of new ale trails in Northern BC, Richmond and the Kamloops-Shuswap-Vernon region over the past few months. When joined together with the Victoria Ale Trail, beer lovers can explore 24 different … Continued
Burnaby’s Dageraad Brewing named Canadian Brewery of the Year. Dozens of B.C. brewers travelled across the country to attend Saturday night’s gala awards ceremony for the Canadian Brewing Awards held in Halifax this year — 38 different breweries from British Columbia won a total of 51 medals, representing approximately one-third of the 163 total medals … Continued
If you have been motivated to visit the BC Ale Trail blog, you probably fall into one of two camps: a dedicated craft beer fan or a newcomer to the scene, looking to learn. On Valentine’s Day, we found a Vancouver Island couple that represented those ends of the spectrum and asked how they balance … Continued
Winter is often regarded as the time for strong, warming beer but there are other, equally delicious alternatives that will still keep the chills at bay. With the weather turning colder and the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are eagerly anticipating beers that are custom made to stave off the winter chill. Traditionally, … Continued
We started the morning in Portland, OR, but after a flight and ferry ride, we were in our own little slice of paradise. We explored the waters on a kayak, drove through beautiful forests, and ended the day with a beer in hand. ABOUT BC’S SUNSHINE COAST British Columbia is full of jaw-dropping scenery. … Continued
The annual Great Canadian Beer Festival is returning to Victoria for the 25th time Sept. 8-9, 2017. Canada’s longest running craft beer festival was first held indoors at the Victoria Conference Centre in 1993, with 2,000 people attending. After 10 years, organizers moved it outdoors to Royal Athletic Park, which plays host to 9,000 thirsty beer … Continued
Revelstoke’s Mt. Begbie Brewing Co. took the top prize at the 2017 Canadian Brewing Awards in Ottawa. There are now 50 more great reasons to hit BC’s ale trails, after the province’s breweries enjoyed a stellar night at the CBA gala on May 27. BC’s beer makers won a total of 49 individual awards, while the coveted … Continued
Arriving in Powell River isn’t something that happens by accident. With two ferries necessary to get to the Upper Sunshine Coast from Metro Vancouver, it’s a quest for the dedicated. Townsite Brewing Inc. has, in many ways, embraced the can-do effort needed in a small city built on the frontier mentality. When the brewery set out … Continued
Gibsons is just a short ferry ride away from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, making the Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Festival the perfect way to spend a cool and wet February weekend. This year’s event was a great example of the way the beer community comes together not only to celebrate great beer, but also … Continued
When the weather is wet and windy it’s the perfect time to go inside and drink delicious craft beer. Craft beer enthusiasts on the Sunshine Coast did just that on Saturday, November 12, when a crowd of local residents, as well as visitors from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, gathered for the 2016 Powell River … Continued
Sunshine Coast breweries are making beer with locally produced fresh hops, whether they were grown in a hop yard in Gibsons or in a backyard in Powell River. Craft beer drinkers in British Columbia love hops. Most of us have lost count of all the super-hoppy, tongue-curling IPAs we’ve tasted from BC breweries. Cider makers are even starting to … Continued
