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, especially after a day in the mountains, whether it’s spent hiking, skiing, or … Continued
Hannah Irvine visits Rossland and Salmo for a weekend of hikes, beers and relaxation. The May long weekend is the undisputed unofficial start of the summer in BC. In the Okanagan, it’s the date when old-timers deem it safe to plant out tender seedlings, restaurants and breweries start to set up their patio seating, and … Continued
The hallmark of a great ski town is its après culture. Where do you go for that post-ski drink? The traditional après is right off the slopes to the closest pub, but not everyone wants to party in their ski boots. And, not everyone wants to drink all night. What about an après massage? What … Continued
Kaslo’s little brewery is home to a hidden legend of BC brewing and an inspiration to women in craft brewing everywhere. Shirley Warne may be a self-declared bitch, but she is warm, welcoming, and clearly loved by the staff at her brewery. I’ve just driven nine hours from Vancouver to reach the tiny village of … Continued
The Kootenays’ cultural capital serves craft brews and cool art. The auditorium goes crazy as Margo Mayhem steps onto the stage with an inflatable flamingo around her tiny waist. Underneath, she’s wearing a corset and not much else. She strikes me as a Betty Boop character with her black curly hair and bright red lipstick. … Continued
There are two beer festivals happening in the Kootenays during the month of September — offering the perfect way to celebrate the end of the summer season. KOOTENAY BEER FESTIVAL Saturday, September 16, 2pm – 7pm Tickets $40 + include entry and 5 drink tickets. Taking place in Nelson’s Railtown, the 2nd annual Kootenay Beer … Continued
Explore some epic hike-and-brewery pairings with the author of a new book: Beer Hiking: Canadian Rockies. I approached the first trailhead for my latest book, Beer Hiking: Canadian Rockies in early ’22. What lay ahead for the rest of the year, as I wound my way through fairy forests, summited mountains, and wandered through valleys, were … Continued
Whether it’s cracking open an IPA after a bottomless day in the backcountry, or guzzling a post-fatbike pint, not much can beat the feeling of a chilled après beer on a pow day. Keen to get a closer look at why shredding pairs so well with beer, I interviewed five beer-loving, BC-based riders to get … Continued
Torchlight Brewing in Nelson is one of 6 breweries that collaborated on the new EXPLORE BC Peach Farmhouse Ale, a special release beer created in celebration of BC Craft Beer Month that is now available at select locations around British Columbia. We asked the folks at Torchlight Brewing to tell us a bit about their … Continued
Breweries from across the Kootenays are coming together for the first annual Kootenay Beer Week: September 10 – 17, 2022. Various events will take place across the region over the week, offering plenty of opportunities for sampling craft beer and celebrating with great food and music. On September 17, the main event, Kootenay Beer Fest, … Continued