No matter what you’re raising a glass to, here are seven reasons why the BC Ale Trail is where it’s at for girls’ night out!
Who doesn’t love girls’ night out with good friends? We all have busy lives, so it’s nice to doll up a bit (or keep it comfy and casual – you do you!) and get together with your besties for an evening of laughs, good food, and of course, your favourite beverages of choice. For the ladies of the BC Ale Trail and many of our friends, that means hitting up a brewery or two, and here’s why:
1. Affordable girls’ night out celebrations
Spring and summer are what many people call ‘celebrate everything’ seasons. It starts with Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day; and there might well be at least one summer bridal shower or bachelorette party in your calendar. This can get expensive. Even as prices rise thanks to economic changes and climbing expenses, brewpubs and tasting rooms offer incredible value with beer flights and affordable food options. Why not raise a glass to (insert your occasion!) on the BC Ale Trail?
Celebrate responsibly: Don’t drink and drive! Book a taxi, take transit, or splurge for a limo! If one of you is the designated driver, be sure to let your server or the bartender know. With diverse selections of non-alcoholic options available, the evening’s DD won’t be missing out!
2. Feel safe and at ease
Aside from having fun on girls’ night, the most important thing is for you to feel safe. The craft beer community is just that, a community; and the breweries and venues along the BC Ale Trail take pride in serving quality craft beer with friendly service in a safe environment for everyone. Plan that classy pub crawl knowing you and your squad will feel safe and at ease. With programs like the RCMP’s Safe Place (look for signage at your next brewery visit) and an increasing number of breweries publishing a code of conduct, safety and inclusivity are at the forefront.
Pro Tip: Did you know you can search for these features on the BC Ale Trail website? From the Breweries page, choose ‘Filter by Features’, and look for code of conduct or safe place signage under ‘Accessibility & Inclusion’.
3. Unique and Instagram-worthy venues
Tasting rooms and brewpubs on the Ale Trail aren’t your stereotypical peanut shells on the floor bars. From hipster vibes to chandeliers and amazing patio views, unique ambiance and community-feel always shine through. There are photo ops galore!
4. Food for the soul
What is a girls’ night out without good food? From artisan snacks and popular food trucks at tasting rooms to gourmet burgers on house-made buns and grilled vegetable salads at the brewpubs, you will not go hungry. Many breweries also have a restaurant connected to them. And as with many restaurants, the snack and meal menus on the Ale Trail tend to focus on locally sourced ingredients; so you know what you’re eating is community fresh.
Pro Tip: check out our recent blog featuring some of the best brewery eats – as voted by BC Ale Trail fans!
5. There’s always something going on
Music bingo, anyone? Trivia night? Live music? Be sure to check out what’s happening at the brewery (or breweries!) you plan to visit on girls’ night as this might determine the order of things. Or keep things spontaneous — you never know what you might find when you walk through the doors of your next stop.
6. Something for everyone
While some might be keen on craft beer, others might not be. (We don’t judge!) Many tasting rooms are diversifying their offerings to include local wines and ciders for something a little different, sometimes even cocktails, and a selection of non-alcoholic options like craft sodas, kombucha and non-alcoholic beer. Breweries are fast becoming a one-stop option that will please everyone in the group. It’s not about what’s in the glass, it’s about being in good company and clinking a toast to fabulous friends.
7. Try something new
One of our favourite things about craft breweries is that there are usually seasonal offerings or small-batch brews to complement the flagship beers. Summer brings colourful saisons, fruity sours, and hoppy IPAs, and ordering a flight allows for trying something that you may not have ordered a full pint of. And if you and your girlfriends tend to go to the same spot regularly, switch it up!
Not sure where to start planning your girls’ night out? Download the new and improved BC Ale Trail mobile app for free! Find breweries near you and explore upcoming events. Want to turn girls’ night into girls’ weekend? Peruse Sip & Stay deals, full Ale Trail itineraries and more to plan a road trip to remember.
