Fall might be the most exciting season when it comes to craft beer. There’s just so much variety over a three-month span. It starts with the height of fresh hop season in September, as breweries engage in a race against time to get hops from the vine to the tanks in a once-a-year ritual that … Continued
Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner — and that means BC’s beer festival season is in full swing! Whether you’re a die-hard hop head or just love a good excuse to experience a new corner of the province, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. From intimate community celebrations to sprawling … Continued
Get inspired for a spring road trip with this look back at Hanna Irvine’s visit to Rossland in the West Kootenays. 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 … Continued
Originally published March 1, 2024 – brewery and restaurant menus subject to change since publication 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 … 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
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
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
