Central Vancouver Island Offers a Bounty of Exceptional Experiences! From Cowichan through Nanaimo and Parksville Qualicum Beach to the Comox Valley, Central Vancouver Island offers a variety of exceptional experiences, including spectacular beaches, hiking and mountain biking trails, and coastal paddling. From February 1 through March 9, 2025, explore the region and the diverse mix … Continued
British Columbia boasts over 300 golf courses, each offering its own picturesque charm. From the picture-perfect gems dotting Vancouver Island, to the serene pastures of the Cariboo, the lush greens of the Okanagan desert, and the exhilarating mountaintop tees of the Kootenay Rockies, the province presents a diverse array of golfing experiences. Whether you seek … Continued
As December arrives, many craft breweries in British Columbia are releasing special beers they have created to celebrate the holiday season. These wintry beers are often a little darker and stronger, making them well-suited for colder, darker days, and some of the recipes even include spices, cranberries, or chocolate. Here are more than 100 suggestions … Continued
Vancouver Island is a bounty for diverse and unique crops. Stop by any of the numerous bustling farmers’ markets and you’ll find a plethora of hard-to-find Canadian ingredients like olives, figs, kiwis, hazelnuts, chanterelles, and even the decadent truffle. Not to mention the more obvious market favourites such as berries, greens, grains, and fruit. It’s … Continued
As the war in Ukraine rages on, many BC craft breweries are responding to an international brewery effort to raise funds for those affected by the war. The primary effort is led by Lyviv, Ukraine-based Pravda Beer Theatre. Pravda put a call out to breweries around the world asking them to raise money for humanitarian … Continued
To help celebrate the holiday season, many craft breweries in British Columbia have been busy brewing up something special. Some of these holiday-themed beers are made with spices, cranberries, chocolate — or even candy canes! These wintry beers are often a little darker and stronger, making them well suited for colder, darker days. Here are … Continued
This holiday season, give the gift of craft beer and ale-ventures on the BC Ale Trail. Okay, folks, it’s that time of year, and I’m here to give some gifting inspiration. As always, the best way to shop for your nice list is local all the way — so here is this year’s updated craft … Continued
Expats and future travellers: Find a piece of home at BC Ale Trail craft breweries serving British and European beer styles. If you’ve ever moved anywhere far, you’ll know the feeling of missing the little things that make a place feel like home. This can also be a common feeling when travelling — as adventurous … Continued
Calling all foodies! The only thing better than beer from your favourite brewery? Beer from your favourite brewery alongside a killer meal. Learn how and where to pair BC craft beer with takeout and dine-in options. Whether you choose to dine in or enjoy takeout, many breweries across the province are teaming up with restaurateurs … Continued
With the arrival of December, many craft breweries in British Columbia are releasing special beers for the holiday season. These beers are often a little darker and stronger, making them perfectly suited for colder, darker days, and some incorporate spices or ingredients that invite holiday nostalgia. In fact, 2020 might as well be called the … Continued
Waterfalls and craft beer are a winning combination. They both light your sense of adventure, bring you into the moment, and turn a mundane weekend into something to celebrate. Let’s face it. In many parts of BC, November can bring a lot of rain. But, this is what makes chasing waterfalls an ideal fall activity. … Continued
Adam Chatburn is originally from Blackburn, Lancashire and recently moved from Vancouver to Comox, BC. He is a former professional wrestler, past President of CAMRA Vancouver, and former owner of Real Cask at Callister Brewing in Vancouver. He now teaches the Craft Brewing and Malting Program at North Island College and at the MVP … Continued
Do you hear that? The sound of werewolves howling, witches cackling, and…kegs being tapped? The spookiest time of year brings delicious seasonal brews like inky black stouts (that pair well with rare meat) and spiced blood-red ales (perfect for aiding your Jack-o-lantern carving). Many breweries are also holding safely-distanced Halloween events and offering special deals … Continued
In this episode of the Cascadian Beer Podcast, Aaron visits Parksville Qualicum Beach, BC. Back in early March, just before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived here in British Columbia, Aaron Johnson visited Vancouver Island. After enjoying Lift Off!, the first night of Victoria Beer Week, Aaron headed Up Island. This episode of the Cascadian Beer Podcast … Continued
As the calendar turns to a new year and a new decade, here is a list of more than 20 new breweries that are expected to open in British Columbia in 2020. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barnside Brewing Co. (@barnsidebrewing) on Dec 31, 2019 at 11:28pm PST Barnside … Continued
All over British Columbia, craft breweries are starting to celebrate the holiday season with special beer releases. Many Christmas-themed beers are a little darker and stronger, making them well suited for the colder, darker days of winter. Some include spices and sugars or tasty additions like cranberries, chocolate or orange peels to celebrate the season. … Continued
The time for holiday cheer is near and what better way to get in the spirit than with craft beer?! It’s nearly December and your local craft brewery is likely hosting a festive event or pouring a winter-inspired beer near you. Get in the spirit with a great brew and check out what’s happening this … Continued
Halloween has been celebrated in one form or another since the time of the ancient Celts, around 2,000 years ago. Observing their new year on November 1st with a festival called Samhain, a Gaelic word that’s pronounced sow-win, Celts celebrated the harvest and welcomed in the “darker half” of the year. On October 31st, it … Continued
As the holiday season approaches, several craft breweries in British Columbia have brewed up something special. Some create holiday-themed beers that are often a little darker and stronger, making them well suited for the colder, darker days of winter. Another popular option is a gift pack combining special beers with other items that will please … Continued
The BC Ale Trail has launched the new Vancouver Island Ale Trail, featuring 14 craft breweries showcased in two separate itineraries, following the addition of new ale trails in Northern BC, Richmond and the Kamloops-Shuswap-Vernon region over the past few months. When joined together with the Victoria Ale Trail, beer lovers can explore 24 different … Continued
The plan was to tour via motorcycle to one of the most beautiful parts of Canada and hit world-class breweries along the way. Vancouver Island really does have it all: brilliant fishing, stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and of course some of the best beer brewed in Canada. Our starting point was Nelson BC, so after … Continued
October is BC Craft Beer Month and the highlight is the BC Beer Awards. All of the British Columbia brewing industry comes together to celebrate BC Craft Beer. In this episode Joe Wiebe (Thirsty Writer) joins me to co-host this episode. BC Beer Awards Winners List http://bcbeerawards.com/winners-2017/ In this episode we spoke with: Ken … Continued
Welcome to the BC Ale Trail podcast page. Aaron from the Cascadian Beer Podcast will visit a different BC brewery every month and report back here. Follow along, subscribe, and send us suggestions for a brewery you’d like us to profile. October is BC Craft Beer Month and the highlight is the BC … 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
