Vancouver’s craft beer scene is as layered and distinct as the city itself. The story of brewing here begins at Brewery Creek, where Vancouver’s earliest breweries set up along a creek that once ran beside Main Street — and though the creek is long gone, that legacy lives on in the progressive taprooms and neighbourhood breweries that have taken root in its place.
Today, the Vancouver Ale Trail spans the full breadth of this scene: the tasting rooms of Mount Pleasant and Brewery Creek, the brewpubs of downtown and Gastown, the welcoming neighbourhood spots of Strathcona and Hastings-Sunrise, and the renowned “Yeast Van” corridor stretching along Clark Drive, Powell Street, and Venables. Each pocket of the city has its own character — and so do its breweries. Most serve great food alongside their beer, and with so many within walking or cycling distance of one another, the trail pairs naturally with a day spent taking in everything the city has to offer.
Luppolo Brewing Company in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
33 Acres Brewing Company in Brewery Creek Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver, BC
33 Brewing Experiment in Brewery Creek Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Skytrain in Vancouver, BC
Parallel 49 Brewing in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Bomber Brewing in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Main St Brewing in Brewery Creek Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, BC
Brassneck Brewery in Brewery Creek Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Strange Fellows Brewing in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Murals in Vancouver, BC
East Vancouver Brewing Company in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Science World in Vancouver, BC
Faculty Brewing Co. in Brewery Creek Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Mural Festival in Vancouver, BC
Off The Rail Brewing Co in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Waterfront in Vancouver, BC
False Creek in Vancouver, BC
Powell Brewery in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Crab Park in Vancouver, BC
Superflux Beer Co. in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
R&B Brewing in Brewery Creek Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Harbour Centre in Vancouver, BC
Steamworks Brewpub in Brewery Creek Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Hotel Europe in Vancouver, BC
Slow Hand Beer Company in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
The Steam Clock in Vancouver, BC
Storm Brewing in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver, BC
Strathcona Beer Co. in Yeast Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Olympic Cauldron in Vancouver, BC
Yolks is a Vancouver breakfast and brunch favourite where classic morning dishes get a serious upgrade — think Perfectly Poached™ eggs, house-made hollandaise, truffle lemon potatoes, and a signature spicy ketchup, all made from scratch daily.
This waterfront park offers a heated outdoor pool in summer, dock access, picnicing areas, a dog off-leash area, and playgrounds alongside mountain and beach views. From May to September visit the New Brighton concession stand for their popular fish and chips.
When the founders of Parallel 49 hired an award-winning homebrewer named Graham With (pronounced “wit” as in Belgian wheat beer) as their head brewer in 2012, some were skeptical that the relatively unknown 30-year-old would be up to the challenge of starting and running a big production facility. Well, it…
Parallel 49 Brewing in Vancouver, BC (photo: Parallel 49 Brewing)
Commercial Drive — known locally as "The Drive" — is one of Vancouver’s most beloved and characterful neighbourhoods, rooted in its history as Vancouver’s own Little Italy and reflecting the rich multicultural tapestry of the immigrants who built it. Stretching 22 full blocks, visitors will find an eclectic mix of…
As expectant parents often struggle to find the perfect name for their unborn child, Aaron and Iain laboured to come up with a suitable name for their fledgling brewery. Finally, after months of hashing over lists of names, unable to agree upon a single one, someone declared that they were…
Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver, BC (photo: Olga Zwart)
At the south end of The Drive sits John Hendry Park, home of Trout Lake — a gorgeous 27-hectare park and the only place in Vancouver with a lifeguarded freshwater beach, making it a refreshing alternative to the city’s ocean shores. It’s a wonderful spot for a lakeside stroll, a…
Since 1994, brewer James Walton and the Storm Brewing team have been bringing Vancouverites innovative & unpretentious craft beer. James is hailed as a craft beer pioneer by both media and trade and is a stickler for quality. He has led his team to produce over 400 different “Brainstorm” brews, gaining…
Storm Brewing
When husband and wife David Bowkett and Nicole Stefanopoulos opened their nanobrewery in late 2012, they planned for slow, steady growth. Within six months, that plan was shredded when Powell Street Craft Brewery’s Old Jalopy Pale Ale won beer of the year at the Canadian Brewing Awards. As demand spiked,…
Powell Brewery in Vancouver, BC (photo: Powell Brewery)
The Slow Hand Beer brand was born out of the desire to craft objectively better lagers — this brewery takes classic European styles and brews them with west coast panache. Looking for traditional Czech lagers and pilsners poured through a Lukr side-pull faucet? Look no further! Now in its new location as part of Threefold.
The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.
Vancouver has long enjoyed tremendous acclaim for its culinary scene, and the MICHELIN Guide Vancouver continues to elevate the city’s reputation as a global dining destination. As of 2025, Vancouver is home to 12 Michelin One Star restaurants, 15 Bib Gourmand restaurants, and a total of 76 recognized eateries across all Guide categories.
Looking for a great spot for a nightcap? Odd Society Spirits and Resurrection Spirits are local distilleries worth checking out. Resurrection Spirits offers seasonal cocktails in their tasting lounge. They use locally sourced ingredients for their spirits, and 100% BC Rye Grain to handcraft Rye Whisky, Gin, and Vodka. Odd Society is dedicated to combining Old World distilling traditions with New World ingredients and ingenuity to create a family of spirits, including whiskey, vodka and gin. Stop by the Lounge for a curated cocktail or have a flight of Odd Society’s family of spirits.
Twisted Fork is a cozy brunch spot in Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighbourhood with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a creative brunch menu. Guests can expect a laid-back morning experience in one of the city’s most character-rich and walkable districts.
Start your day at Waterfront Station and head into Gastown, one of Vancouver’s most storied neighbourhoods. The cobblestone streets, Victorian-era brick buildings, and the iconic Steam Clock make it a natural first stop — and with Steamworks Brew Pub just steps away on Water Street, you won’t have to go far for your first pint.
One of Vancouver’s original brewpubs, Steamworks’ historic location next to Waterfront station and overlooking the beautiful North Shore Mountains makes this a must-stop on your travels. The brewpub spreads through several rooms on two levels, allowing you to enjoy a full range of award-winning beers brewed onsite, using traditional steam-powered…
Steamworks Brew Pub in Vancouver (photo: Steamworks Brewing)
A walk around the Vancouver Convention Centre is highly recommended. Along with lots of public art, the surrounding section of the seawall includes many interpretive plaques giving visitors a sense of the harbour’s history. Within the distinctive white sails of Canada Place, you can take a virtual flight over a…
Harbour Cruises offers a relaxing 60-minute sightseeing tour of Vancouver Harbour aboard an authentic paddlewheel boat, with stunning views of Stanley Park, the downtown skyline, historic Gastown, and the North Shore Mountains. A fully narrated tour (available in multiple languages via an app) brings the city’s landmarks to life, while…
Founded by two long-time friends who wanted to make their own mark on the craft beer scene in East Vancouver, Container feels like it’s been part of the scene forever, even though it’s the newest brewery to open in the city. Founders Dan Webster and Terry Brown wanted to create…
Container Brewing in Vancouver, BC
As you may or may not know, the Magnet is the younger sibling of one of Vancouver’s favourite brewery’s, BRASSNECK. And if you’re familiar with the brewery you will probably also know that they are a small neighbourhood outfit with very limited distribution, especially in cans. Going forward we’ll be…
The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.
Catch a Game While You’re in Town
Vancouver is a proud sports city, and checking out a local team is a great way to connect with the city’s energy and community spirit. Baseball fans won’t want to miss the Vancouver Canadians — a Minor League Baseball club and Toronto Blue Jays affiliate — playing at the beloved Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, one of the most charming ballparks in the country. Hockey fans should look up the Vancouver Canucks (NHL), while football and soccer fans can catch the BC Lions (CFL) or the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS) respectively. Check each team’s website for schedules and tickets, as availability varies by season.
Jam Cafe is a beloved Vancouver breakfast and brunch institution known for its cozy vintage decor, Southern-inspired comfort food, and lively atmosphere. Crowd favourites include fluffy three-stack pancakes, Fried Chicken French Toast, and the hearty Charlie Bowl, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients — pair them with a signature…
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a registered museum set in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. Named the World’s Top City Garden by National Geographic, it is the first classical Chinese garden built outside of China, featuring a jade green pond, koi fish, 150-year-old miniature trees, and…
Embark on a guided culinary and cultural walking tour that takes guests through Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown neighbourhood, exploring specialty shops and vendors selling everything from barbecued crispy duck and teas to herbal medicines and cookware. The four-hour tour starts at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and winds through…
Steve Forsyth doesn’t feel like making sour beer, so his brewery won’t make one. Same goes for Belgian styles and anything on trend. He’s perfectly happy with his lineup of British- and West Coast-influenced beer (with a couple of lagers thrown in), and it’s paying off: Off the Rail has…
They could make a movie about Bomber Brewing: three long-time friends and hockey team-mates who realize the dream of opening their own brewery so they can deliver more flavour to post-game locker-room six-packs across Canada. Together they’ve forged a formidable forward line in their bid to score better beer for…
Craft beer has been part of East Vancouver culture from the earliest days of the microbrewing movement. One of the city’s early beer pioneers, Shaftebury Brewing, was situated there, and Storm Brewing also set up shop there in the ‘90s, long before East Van was a cool place to be.…
East Vancouver Brewing Co. in Vancouver
Vancouver’s East Side has a long historical connection with Italian culture: restaurants and cafés, delis, gelaterias, pizzerias, and — thanks to this brewery — craft beer! Luppolo (pronounced loop-o-lo) is Italian for “hops,” one of the core ingredients in beer. The brewery chose this name to reflect the Italian heritage…
Luppolo Brewing Company in Vancouver (photo: Luppolo Brewing Company)
The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.
Café Medina has been a Vancouver brunch institution since 2008, beloved for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, expertly crafted coffee, and what many consider the city’s best Belgian waffles. Set in a charming bistro-styled space with old-world character, guests can expect a warm, lively atmosphere and a menu that strikes a perfect…
Hastings Park is one of Vancouver’s largest and most diverse urban parks, offering something for visitors of every pace and interest. The Sanctuary is a lush, forested refuge with meandering pathways, bridges, and a daylighted stream — perfect for bird-watching and quiet reflection — while Il Giardino Italiano and the…
The Pacific National Exhibition has many venues that present concerts and festivals throughout the year. It is also the home of Playland, Canada’s oldest amusement park! With rides, midway games, and plenty of food and beverage options, it has everything you need for fun. Open May to September with special…
Every superhero has a humble origin story, and the same goes for Superflux. In fact, it all began just a few blocks away at Callister Brewing. There, in Callister’s incubator, the Superflux concept was first explored. After a year honing their craft there, co-founders Adam Henderson and Matt Kohlen began…
Superflux Beer Co. in Vancouver, BC (photo: Superflux Beer Co)
Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most beloved destinations — a vibrant peninsula tucked under the Granville Street Bridge, transformed from an industrial area into a bustling hub of food, art, and culture. The famous Public Market is the beating heart of the island, packed with fresh local produce, seafood,…
Faculty Brewing was founded by a husband-and-wife team: Maurico, a Food Engineer, and Alicia, an architect who designed the brewery. Mauricio moved to Vancouver in 2008 to complete his Master’s in Food Science at UBC, and later worked as a post-secondary instructor. It was that experience that led to the…
Faculty Brewing Co. in Vancouver (photo: Faculty Brewing Co.)
The Cascade Room features a cocktail and beer program by Karen Burton, steeped in tradition rather than a trend. “Whatever you desire, whether it’s a rickey, a daisy, a julep, a sling, a sour, a flip, a toddy or a nog…we’ll endeavour to make it”. Local craft beer and cocktails…
The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.
VanDusen Botanical Garden makes a wonderful addition to — or alternative to — a visit to Bloedel Conservatory, and the two are just a short distance apart. This 55-acre oasis is home to over 7,500 plant species from around the world, with highlights including an Elizabethan hedge maze, tranquil ponds, and the stunning Laburnum Walk. Whether you’re wandering the paths or sitting on the lawn, it’s one of the most peaceful escapes the city has to offer.
Brunch is a Mexican-inspired breakfast and brunch restaurant in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, bringing authentic flavours and a creative twist to morning favourites. It’s a fun, flavourful departure from the typical brunch scene — ideal for anyone craving something a little different.
The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is one of Canada’s leading museums of world arts and culture, sitting on the cliffs of Point Grey overlooking the ocean and North Shore Mountains. Visitors can explore an extraordinary collection of Northwest Coast First Nations art and artifacts, alongside ethnographic works from cultures…
Jericho Beach offers one of the most scenic and accessible paddling experiences in the city, with stunning views of the North Shore Mountains and the downtown skyline as your backdrop. Bring your own board or kayak, or rent one right on the beach — Jericho Beach Kayak is located within…
Born from our flagship brewpub in Squamish, we’ve been pouring award-winning pints and serving up comfort classics since 1996—earning Canadian Brewery of the Year in 2022 along the way.Here in East Van, we’re proud to celebrate the neighbourhood’s bold, creative spirit – supporting local artists, drag performers and the hard-working…
This popular brewery is named for the Strathcona neighbourhood, Vancouver’s oldest residential area, which is home to families, artists and a variety of light industry and local businesses. When the brewery opened in 2016, its lineup featured mainly traditional European beer styles, but over the next few years the focus…
Strathcona Beer Co. in Vancouver, BC
Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in hands-on science at Science World, where interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, feature exhibitions, and live science demonstrations cover everything from the human body to physics to sustainability. It’s a fantastic stop for families and curious minds alike, and easily accessible via the False Creek…
Clearly proud of its roots, R&B has been a self-described “East Van Original” since 1997, when it was opened by Rick Dellow (R) and Barry Benson (B). The east side of the city was grittier and far less developed then, but Benson and Dellow found a loyal local following and…
The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.
If you want to dive deeper into the art and culture of Vancouver, both the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art make excellent additions to your day. The Vancouver Art Gallery is recognized as one of North America’s most innovative visual arts institutions, with a diverse program of rotating exhibitions spanning contemporary and historical works from Canadian and international artists. It’s also home to one of the most significant collections of works by BC’s beloved painter Emily Carr, making it a must for anyone interested in the art and identity of the Pacific Northwest.
Just a short walk away, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is the only public gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast, as well as the extraordinary works of acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid — a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, and broadcaster. Intimate in size but rich in depth, it’s a powerful and moving complement to the broader cultural story told at the Museum of Anthropology.
OEB Breakfast Co. is a proudly Canadian breakfast institution built on a simple philosophy of sourcing fresh, local ingredients and putting good food and community first. With chef-crafted bennies, bold breakfast poutines, and creative daily specials, it’s the kind of place that turns a morning meal into the highlight of…
No visit to Vancouver is complete without time in Stanley Park, a breathtaking 1,000-acre urban park sitting right on the edge of downtown. The Seawall winds along the coastline offering spectacular views of the ocean, mountains, and Vancouver’s skyline — walk or rent a bike and take it all in…
The Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest aquarium, home to 65,000 amazing animals — from rescued sea otters and sea lions to sloths and axolotls — all in the heart of Stanley Park. Guests can catch daily animal feedings, get hands-on in the interactive Wet Lab, take in an immersive 4D…
Expanding the brewhouse has always been a nerve-shredding experience for the staff at Main St. Brewing. That’s because the only way to get new tanks into this heritage industrial building is lowering them by crane through one of the large skylights. Thankfully, visitors need only worry about what they’re going…
Main St. Brewing in Vancouver
Mount Pleasant is the birthplace of the Vancouver Mural Festival and remains one of the most vibrant open-air art destinations in the city, with over 100 murals adorning its streets, laneways, and buildings. While the original festival has closed its doors, the neighbourhood’s incredible collection of murals is still very…
Brassneck opened in 2013 as part of a wave of new breweries that revitalized Vancouver’s previously slumbering craft beer community. For the first few years, its beers were only available on site, but while that has changed, many of the beers are still only available there, and anyway, you really…
Brassneck Brewery in Vancouver
It was always the aim of 33 Acres owner Josh Michnik to create a community brewery in the heart of the city’s Mount Pleasant area, and the extended opening hours here reflect that. You can pop in for an espresso first thing, sit in for some lunch later on, then…
33 Acres Brewing Company in Vancouver, BC
The experimental offshoot brewery of 33 Acres Brewing is located next door, this is the place to go to try something ultra-fresh and extra special. As brewery founder Josh Michnik explained it to Montecristo magazine, “33 Acres is our core. It’s where we started. It’s the six-pack that you pick…
33 Brewing Experiment in Vancouver, BC
Located at the gateway to the historic Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse is your local taproom – re-imagined. With 20 Steamworks taps featuring their classic favourites and Mount Pleasant special brews, this taphouse also showcases the area’s lively craft beer scene with 10 ever-changing guest taps.…
Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse in Vancouver
Stop by Brewery Creek Cold Beer & Wine to take home your favourite Vancouver beers, or find something new from a nearby community.
The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.
It’s officially known as Guelph Park, but is more famously known as Dude Chilling Park. It’s worth a visit to not only see the recently recast bronze sculpture of a reclining figure, which inspired the name among locals, but the official-looking sign that was originally installed as a prank by artist Viktor Briestensky in 2014. The sign was removed, but following public outcry and a petition, it was returned to remain as public artwork. The whole story inspired R&B Brewing to create their delicious Dude Chilling Pale Ale.
The park is a great spot to take a break, have a picnic or shop at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market on Sundays, May to October.
