Welcome to another edition of Hops Among Friends — a series celebrating the people behind the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. In this 24th instalment, I chat with Josh Vanderheide (aka JV), founder of Field House Brewing in East Abbotsford and downtown Chilliwack. Josh was chosen by my last guest, Gary Brucker from Barn Owl … Continued
BC brewers are raising the bar with their 2025 summer releases, embracing everything from local berry additions and innovative hop varietals to session-friendly alcohol levels. The days are long and the weather is warm, and craft brewers are answering the calls of BC beer lovers with a wave of refreshingly drinkable releases perfect for patio … Continued
Explore Port Coquitlam along with Joyce Lam from @vanfoodies and discover the perfect combination of cycling and craft beer on the Traboulay PoCo Trail, a 25-kilometre loop around the city that features diverse scenery and five local breweries along the route. Whether you’re cycling the full loop or exploring in sections, the Traboulay PoCo Trail … Continued
There’s something special about the Creston Valley in July. Maybe it’s the way the vineyards catch the light or the warm breeze that rolls in from the valley floor. But for hundreds of people this summer, July means one thing: the Hop to Vine Hustle. Equal parts fun run, wine tasting, brewery crawl, and finish-line … Continued
Farmers’ markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce—they’re vibrant community hubs that embody the very best of BC’s buy local philosophy. While the connection might not seem obvious at first glance, there is a natural relationship between farmers’ markets and the craft beer community – one that we’ve talked about before. Both … 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
Summer’s nearly here, and the festival season is just getting started! After an incredible spring lineup of must-visit beer festivals, we’re doubling down with another roster of events stretching through the summer. From a long list of BC’s finest breweries, plus local cideries, artisan distilleries, and thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic alternatives, this season’s festival circuit has … 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
Originally published October 9, 2024 – brewery menus subject to change since publication An adventure in the Kootenays along the BC Ale Trail with hot springs and cold beer One of my favourite B.C. pastimes is a good long soak in a hot spring. Summer or winter, the hot, mineral-rich water is refreshing and invigorating, … 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