The days are growing shorter, the weather is cooling down, and there’s nothing quite as comfortable as getting cozy at your favourite local brewery. We asked BC Ale Trail fans to vote for their favourite cozy brewery space across the province, and the responses poured in, just like a rainstorm on a dreary Vancouver day. … Continued
Langley’s Camp Beer Co. wins 5 awards en route to being named 2025 Brewery of the Year! The 2025 BC Beer Awards were announced on October 17 in New Westminster, BC. Taking top honours were Camp Beer Co. (Brewery of the Year) and Smithers Brewing (Best in Show). Since opening in 2019 just before the … Continued
The Fall Beer Season Is Here in BC. The air is cooler, leaves are changing colour, and the sun is setting a bit earlier each evening. Sweater weather features a distinct range of seasonal beers, including Oktoberfest-themed lagers, pumpkin-infused ales and fresh hop IPAs. Here is a selection of fall-themed beers from B.C. craft breweries. … Continued
While the temperatures may be dropping across BC, the beer festival scene is heating up with some of the year’s most exciting events. Fall is the perfect time to celebrate seasonal releases—think everything from limited edition fresh hop brews to rich pumpkin ales, and the return of stout season. Watch for brews that showcase the … Continued
Summer has arrived in beautiful BC, and there’s nothing quite like settling onto the perfect patio with a cold craft beer in hand. When we asked BC Ale Trail fans to vote for their favourite brewery patios across the province, the response was overwhelming – clearly, BC craft beer lovers are passionate about their outdoor … Continued
Originally published July 10, 2024 – Brewery menus are subject to change since publication. Wondering where to camp near breweries in the South Okanagan? Natalie Gates ventures beyond the Penticton Ale Trail to Osoyoos and Oliver for a BC camping and craft beer adventure. Breweries inside: Abandoned Rail Brewing, Penticton Backroads Brewing, Osoyoos Firehall Brewery, … Continued
Spring has arrived in beautiful British Columbia! Trees are budding, gardens are coming alive with colour, and our local breweries are busy crafting their seasonal specialties. From coastal communities to mountain towns, BC’s craft brewers are celebrating the change of seasons with fresh, innovative beers perfect for those longer, warmer days ahead. Whether you’re planning … Continued
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As winter settles in and the holiday season approaches, craft breweries across British Columbia are unwrapping creative and festive beer offerings. These seasonal brews are more than just beverages—they’re an invitation to gather with friends and loved ones, capturing the warmth, comfort, and jubilant spirit of the season. Winter beers have a special magic about them. … Continued
The ways to pair a BC getaway with unique activities and local craft beer are endless. Here’s some vacation inspiration! ATV the Kootenays + Trailblazing Beers Located between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain chains, the Kootenays is a true ATVer’s paradise. Cross-country trails offer endless scenic vistas while rugged alpine rips will keep … 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
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the environment and sustainability, and to help inspire, support, and facilitate innovative actions for individuals and organizations to reduce their environmental impact. Many of British Columbia’s craft breweries strive to improve their environmental sustainability on an ongoing basis. Most breweries divert the spent … Continued
Our fearless correspondent Rob Mangelsdorf taste-tested nine high-ABV beers from BC Ale Trail breweries. It wasn’t so long ago that thirsty beer drinkers with a hankering for a high-test brew had very few options. Big beers were once brewed only to give drinkers more bang for their buck, and flavour was an afterthought for these “malt … Continued
Whether it’s for “Dry January” or as part of making healthy choices, more and more craft beer lovers are asking for non-alcoholic beers when they visit their local brewery taproom, liquor store or restaurant. BC’s local craft breweries are responding to this demand by creating their own alternative options that top out at 0.5% ABV … 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
Spring is here! The weather is warming up all across British Columbia — blossoms are blooming and bees are buzzing around them. Many of your favourite local breweries are releasing special beers to celebrate the season. Here is a round-up of more than 75 spring-themed beers from BC craft breweries. Lots of them feature berries or fruit, … 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
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
A Beer Inspired by BC and Brewed for You The EXPLORE BC Peach Farmhouse Ale is a collaboration between six breweries from across British Columbia. BC peaches present a beautiful golden-orange colour, while the Lærdal Kveik yeast and BC hops provide fruity, floral flavours above a clean rounded malt base that elevates the whole beer. … Continued
October was officially declared BC Craft Beer Month by the Government of British Columbia in 2011. What started off with a smattering of events put on by some of the approximately 40 breweries open then has turned into 31 days of fall beer releases (fresh hop and pumpkin to name a few), special events, tap … Continued
Happy Pride Month! As June begins and British Columbia celebrates its sizeable 2SLGBTQIA+ community, it is important to keep in mind that inclusion needs to be a year-long commitment. It’s easy to be performative by putting up Pride flags or slapping a rainbow on a beer label. “You definitely have somebody who is queer on … Continued
BC Breweries Win 64 awards and Howe Sound Brewing Named Canadian Brewery of the Year! Wow, what a haul! British Columbia’s craft breweries continued a long-running tradition of winning more than their fair share of medals at the annual Canadian Brewing Awards, which were announced in Calgary last weekend. All in all, 39 different breweries … 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
Beer. Chocolate. Mmmm. Two of life’s finer pleasures — indulgences many of us choose to enjoy on a regular basis… in moderation, of course. But what about together? That’s right, I’m talking about chocolate beers — special beers brewed with chocolate as an ingredient in some form, whether it is milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cacao … 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
B.C.’s breweries are celebrating summer by releasing dozens of delicious and innovative beers that are perfect for enjoying outdoors. Many of these beers are special, limited-edition releases, and some are only available at the breweries themselves. But, now that travel restrictions have been lifted, it’s OK to explore the province to visit breweries in other … Continued
Refreshing craft beer, delicious food, a warm summer breeze… Is there anything better than a craft beer picnic? As of June 15th, travel within BC is encouraged. This means there are extra opportunities to enjoy a craft beer picnic! Over the last few months, certain municipalities have gradually rolled out rules allowing alcohol consumption in certain … Continued
With the arrival of warmer weather, BC breweries are offering a wide range of spring beer releases — and beer lovers are drooling over all the delicious options. Warmer days are perfect for patios and picnics. As the days get longer and the sun sets later and later in the evening, there is more time … 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
Enjoying a picnic outside is one of the great pleasures of warmer weather—even more so if you’re able to include a craft beer or two in the picnic basket. People who have travelled in Europe may have had the experience of enjoying wine or beer as part of a picnic in a public space like … 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
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
In this episode of the Cascadian Beer Podcast, Aaron visits Penticton, BC. Aaron recently travelled to Penticton in the Okanagan Valley. In recent years, this region has seen a major boom in new craft breweries opening, but there are a couple that have been around for decades: Tin Whistle Brewing and The Barley Mill Brewpub. … Continued
Enjoying a picnic outside is one of the great pleasures of summer — even more so if you are able to include a craft beer or two in the picnic basket. People who have travelled in Europe may have had the experience of enjoying wine or beer as part of a picnic in a public … Continued
The BC Ale Trail invites you to visit these sunny patios at BC Craft Breweries Summer is here and the time is right for sipping craft beer in the sunshine. The good news for beer lovers is that as part of Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, the provincial government has allowed many breweries to … 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
Several craft breweries from British Columbia are participating in the All Together IPA project, which was created by Brooklyn-based Other Half Brewing to support members of the hospitality industry who have lost employment because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Note: The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the way we all live and work, and British Columbia’s … Continued
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the way we all live and work, but British Columbia’s breweries are continuing to release new and exciting beers for the spring season. While it isn’t appropriate to travel in order to visit these breweries and taste their products right now, hopefully you can find some of these new … Continued
In this episode, Aaron visits Cannery Brewing and Bad Tattoo Brewing in Penticton, BC. “In the Okanagan Valley is the small British Columbia town of Penticton. In recent years, this town has seen a boom in local breweries opening their doors. So much so that Lonely Planet named Penticton Canada’s “craft beer capital” for the … Continued
Combining a skiing adventure while exploring the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail from Penticton, we visited the Trail Beer Refinery along with a few other breweries nearby as we meandered to RED Mountain Resort. Trail Beer Refinery The 13 local business partners who opened Trail’s first craft brewery (March 2017) thought the name should embrace … Continued
All over British Columbia, craft breweries are starting to celebrate the holiday season with special beer releases. Many Christmas-themed beers are a little darker and stronger, making them well suited for the colder, darker days of winter. Some include spices and sugars or tasty additions like cranberries, chocolate or orange peels to celebrate the season. … Continued
The time for holiday cheer is near and what better way to get in the spirit than with craft beer?! It’s nearly December and your local craft brewery is likely hosting a festive event or pouring a winter-inspired beer near you. Get in the spirit with a great brew and check out what’s happening this … Continued
I’m happy to live in the Penticton area. After all, it is home to a dynamic beer scene featuring some of BC’s oldest and newest craft breweries. Penticton is known for the Okanagan Fest of Ale – held annually in April and one of the province’s premier and long-standing craft beer festivals. Run by the … Continued
The feeling of freedom on the open roads is not limited to actors in car commercials. You can re-live those feelings on the scenic secondary highways of British Columbia. In May, 2019, my intrepid partner Jocelyn and I set out from Vancouver Island on a road trip to visit new-to-us craft breweries in the southern … Continued
This October brings with it the 2019 edition of BC Craft Beer Month, giving beer lovers 30 full days of special events to celebrate the province’s ever-growing craft beer scene. New releases, tastings, tap takeovers, beer dinners, and so much more will be hosted throughout BC this month. BC Craft Beer Month 2019 October was … Continued
The 27th Annual GCBF is Canada’s original and longest running craft beer festival Founded in 1993, the Great Canadian Beer Festival began as an indoor event featuring 70 different beers from 23 breweries. About 2,000 people attended — including a younger version of me who would have been amazed to know that a quarter century … Continued
With the arrival of summer, here are 10 ideal summer beers from some of British Columbia’s best local craft breweries. Each of these 10 beers was hand-crafted and inspired by the warm-weather adventures and experiences that the province is known for, and most include special ingredients such as mango, cucumber or even jalapeño pepper! Would … 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 Aaron MacInnis from Iron Road Brewing in Kamloops and when asked, he recommended I interview Chris … Continued
The 24th annual Okanagan Fest of Ale returns to the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre April 12 & 13, featuring more than 200 craft beers and artisanal ciders along with food from 13 different restaurants, live entertainment, education stations and a pop-up liquor store. I have been attending the Fest of Ale annually for several … Continued
This is the latest instalment in the Hops Among Friends series, which is designed to showcase the people who make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Iain Hill from Strange Fellows Brewing. Iain recommended I speak with Aaron MacInnis from Iron Road … Continued
This blog post picks up where we left off in “The History of BC Craft Beer — Part 2.” Following its humble beginning at the Horseshoe Bay Brewery in 1982, the craft beer industry in British Columbia grew slowly and steadily over the next three decades. It enjoyed a mini-boom in the 1990s, and then … 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
Share your love for BC craft beer and wine while tipping your glass to local charities. With tickets for the 24th annual Okanagan Fest of Ale about to go on sale December 1st, it’s a great time to take a closer look at the festival’s charitable activities and also explore what’s new and coming up … Continued
Expedia, the global travel website based in Bellevue, WA, just a little south of the Canadian border, recently named Vancouver, BC, as the Best Beer Town in Canada in a post on its Expedia.ca blog written by Carolyn Albee. Three other BC communities also made the list: Penticton (which placed 2nd), Abbotsford (which placed 6th), and … Continued
Over the summer of 2018, four more regions will be added to the BC Ale Trail, including Kamloops-Shuswap-Vernon, Northern BC, Port Alberni, and Richmond. Less than two years since the BC Ale Trail launched in the fall of 2016, our comprehensive website now represents more than 150 craft breweries featured in 16 different regional Ale … Continued
What do you get when you cross a beer festival with a fun run? The Penticton Beer Run! Organized by Hoodoo Adventures, The Penticton Beer Run returns for its second year on Saturday, June 2. The BC Ale Trail is a proud co-sponsor of this event which features all five of the Penticton Ale Trail … Continued
Oysters in the desert is a fine diversion to self-guided explorations in the BC Ale Trails of the Okanagan region. Why not follow some of the region’s great craft breweries to the annual Osoyoos Oyster Festival? The Okanagan bounty offers so much with its abundance of awe-inspiring vistas, lakes, mountain trails, shoreline pathways, orchards and … Continued
Okanagan Fest of Ale returns for its 23rd year Festivals are a key element of the craft beer experience. Nowadays in BC there seems to be a beer-related event almost every weekend. This wasn’t always the case, however. Way back in the mid-1990s there were just a few events that showcased the early pioneers of craft … 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
There’s the beer. Great craft beer. And the breweries. Amazing breweries all around this province working together to grow the craft beer scene. Plus there are fantastic craft beer and cask events where we go and try an incredible selection of these beers. But behind all of these breweries and events are the inspiring, passionate … Continued
