The BC Ale Trail is a great place to sample some delicious ales and lagers, yes, but since you’re also surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery Canada has to offer, odds are you’re going to want to leave those tasting rooms and bar benches once in awhile to soak in all that natural scenery, too. Well, lucky for … Continued
All roads in BC seem to lead to Kamloops. Named T’kemlups, “meeting of rivers” by the Secwepemc First Nation, this Interior city is where the North and South Thompson rivers converge, while the Coquihalla, Yellowhead, Trans-Canada highways and Highway 97 all connect here. Many simply drive straight past Kamloops, which has made it a bit … Continued
The West Kootenays are a stunning region of eastern British Columbia, cloaked in dense forests, hemmed in by majestic peaks, and ribboned by the dazzling water of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. Travelers on the BC Ale Trail get to enjoy all of that …along with a few pints of tasty locally-brewed ales and lagers, too. Coming in from the … Continued
Day two began how all days should begin: with fried chicken. River Market in New West is a destination all on it’s own. Fresh bread, craft coffee, homemade soap, produce, and restaurants. It’s a lovely place to get lost in. I impatiently waited outside the doors of Freebird Chicken Shack to get my hands on some of the … Continued
If you know anyone who lives on Vancouver Island – or if you’re an Islander yourself – you’ll be familiar with the term “up island.” This can mean anything from a half-hour’s drive north of Victoria over the Malahat to the five-and-a-half hour long haul up to Port Hardy. And there’s a whole lot to … Continued
Let’s go “behind the scenes” as our photo/video team visits breweries in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. A lot of work goes into producing the BC Ale Trail. We start off by researching and consulting with the breweries and local tourism agencies to determine the activities and sites we will feature. Then, we send out our video-photography team … Continued
There are two sides to Vancouver Island, geographically speaking; two distinct coasts whose characters are defined by the seas that erode their shores. The tranquil east coast on the Strait of Georgia has the bulk of the Island’s industry, agriculture and population; the west coast is wild, battered by Pacific storms and relentless waves. Highway … Continued
Blending an agricultural past with a new reputation as a tech centre, Kelowna is rich in history, innovation and fermentation. The Okanagan Valley’s largest city is situated in the heart of wine country. It’s home to Calona Vineyards, the province’s longest running winery, which turns 85 this year. It’s also home to two craft beer … Continued
Squamish has come of age in the craft beer world and is now set to become a BC Ale Trail destination. For many people, Squamish has long been a refuelling stop on the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. But in recent years, this town of around 20,000 people has repositioned itself as an … Continued
Get ready to explore even more of BC’s beer, breweries and beautiful regions and cities: The BC Ale Trail is expanding. Eight new ale trails will launch this summer — bringing the total to 15 — in areas ranging from lakeside towns to the metropolitan big city. The new trails are: BC’s multicultural craft beer capital, Vancouver, where … Continued