International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress, amplify voices, and reflect honestly on the work still ahead. Across British Columbia, breweries are marking March 8 with special releases and events led by women in brewing. This year, we’re also honouring one of the most influential figures in Canadian brewing and brewing education: Nancy … Continued
As winter settles in and the holiday season approaches, craft breweries across BC are unwrapping their most creative and festive beer offerings yet. Winter beers have a special magic about them. Often darker and more robust, these carefully crafted ales and stouts are perfectly designed for the colder months. But it’s not just about the … Continued
The days are growing shorter, the weather is cooling down, and there’s nothing quite as comfortable as getting cozy at your favourite local brewery. We asked BC Ale Trail fans to vote for their favourite cozy brewery space across the province, and the responses poured in, just like a rainstorm on a dreary Vancouver day. … Continued
Langley’s Camp Beer Co. wins 5 awards en route to being named 2025 Brewery of the Year! The 2025 BC Beer Awards were announced on October 17 in New Westminster, BC. Taking top honours were Camp Beer Co. (Brewery of the Year) and Smithers Brewing (Best in Show). Since opening in 2019 just before the … Continued
Summer has arrived in beautiful BC, and there’s nothing quite like settling onto the perfect patio with a cold craft beer in hand. When we asked BC Ale Trail fans to vote for their favourite brewery patios across the province, the response was overwhelming – clearly, BC craft beer lovers are passionate about their outdoor … Continued
It’s no secret that international politics and economic policies are playing havoc with small businesses on both sides of the border, and breweries are no exception. Canadian brewers face uncertainty over long overdue markup tax reform, tariffs and availability when it comes to essential supplies like cans, kegs, and even ingredients like hops, which are … Continued
It’s time to start planning your spring and early summer BC ale-ventures, and what better way to kick things off than with a beer festival? Make 2025 the year you turn a craft beer festival into a full-fledged getaway. Picture this: a weekend escape where dozens of craft breweries (and maybe even a cidery and … Continued
Rich in history, urban experiences and fresh craft beer. The Langley Ale Trail offers a mix of urban and rural charm with craft breweries, a cidery, and a distillery, featuring menus inspired by local ingredients and history. Just a short drive from Vancouver, it covers Langley City, Langley Township, and communities like Brookswood, Walnut Grove, … Continued
Patio season is here, and that means more opportunities to bring your canine companion along with you to dog-friendly breweries. There are a few things to know before you go to ensure the most enjoyable visit for yourself and your dog. What is it about craft beer and dog lovers? Maybe it’s just that good … Continued
It’s time to start planning your spring and early summer BC ale-ventures, and what better way to kick things off than with a beer festival? Dozens of craft breweries (and maybe even a cidery and distillery or two) all coming together at one venue, with good food, music, and your fellow craft beer lovers — … Continued
A toast to the women in the beer community! As the world gears up to commemorate International Women’s Day this Friday, it’s a fitting moment to raise our glasses to the women who have been making significant strides in our industry and the beer community at large. From ancient civilizations where women were the primary … Continued
As December arrives, many craft breweries in British Columbia are releasing special beers they have created to celebrate the holiday season. These seasonal beers are perfect for the wintertime. Many are a little darker and stronger — ideal for colder, darker days — and some of the recipes even include spices, cranberries, or other tasty … Continued
Jump to: August 2025 • July 2025 • June 2025 • May 2025 • April 2025 • March 2025 • February 2025 • January 2025 View stories from 2024 Feature Stories Local brewers weathering a storm in the craft beer industry A pioneering Burnaby brewer says his industry may have finally “turned the corner” … Continued
Langley has become something of a hotspot on the brewery scene in recent years. This fast-growing city on the edge of Metro Vancouver is home to 13 Ale Trail locations, including a number of award-winning breweries. Too often my husband, Tom, and I miss these delights as we travel through the Lower Mainland on our … Continued
We’re used to wine pairings with dinner — but what about beer pairings? If the international success of books such as Garrett Oliver’s The Brewmaster’s Table is anything to go by, it seems that many people appreciate beer as a drink equal to wine when it comes to complementing the food we eat. In fact, … Continued
In just about every community across BC, there exists a special place where friends gather and where visitors come first to get a true taste of the local flavour. That’s the BC craft brewery experience. We want to hear from you about who’s doing it best. Is it dogs on the patio? A wicked … Continued
Trans-Canada flights from Halifax to British Columbia will be carrying some extra weight early next week as representatives from BC breweries return home with their medals! The 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards were announced in Halifax on Saturday, June 3, and once again this year, craft breweries from British Columbia fared extremely well on the national … Continued
Spring is here! The weather is warming up all across British Columbia — blossoms are blooming and bees are buzzing around them. Many of your favourite local breweries are releasing special beers to celebrate the season. Here is a round-up of more than 75 spring-themed beers from BC craft breweries. Lots of them feature berries or fruit, … Continued
So you think you know what it takes to enjoy a dreamy picnic? This spring, get out to explore BC and find your new favourite picnic spot. Thanks to a variety of lovely patios and parks where responsible alcohol consumption is allowed, the craft beer picnic possibilities are plentiful! Over the last couple years, some … 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
Two long-time friends wanted more craft beer in their own backyard. Not only did they brew the beer they wanted, but they built a better backyard. That beer and that backyard patio, both crafted with an emphasis on the outdoors and buoyed by friendly staff and next-level campfire food, have earned Langley’s Camp Beer … Continued
During BC Craft Beer Month, the province’s craft breweries are serving up a wide variety of harvest-themed beers that are perfect for fall. We highlight 70 for you below! Many breweries work with local farms to use freshly harvested hops — the resulting fresh hop or wet hop beers are unique to the season so … Continued
October was officially declared BC Craft Beer Month by the Government of British Columbia in 2011. What started off with a smattering of events put on by some of the approximately 40 breweries open then has turned into 31 days of fall beer releases (fresh hop and pumpkin to name a few), special events, tap … Continued
A BC musician is touring craft breweries across the province with a goal we can all get behind: Explore new parts of our beautiful backyard, make new friends, and try new craft beers along the way. Steven Marriott is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter with a passion for bringing people together through music. He says he planned … Continued
This is the latest installment in the Hops Among Friends series, which showcases the people that make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. In this edition, Kim Lawton interviews Martina Solano Bielen from KPU. I spoke with Ashley Brooks, the Quality Control Manager at Four Winds Brewing in my most recent … 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
Ahhh, spring is here! Flowers are bursting out of the ground, fruit trees are showing off their colourful blooms, and breweries are launching some delicious seasonal beers. Warmer days and longer evenings are ideal for enjoying beer outdoors — on a porch, patio or at a picnic. With so many great breweries throughout British Columbia, … Continued
March 8 is International Women’s Day and more than 35 BC breweries are brewing up a special beer to showcase women as well as inclusion and diversity in the craft beer industry in BC. Back in 2013, the thought of women gathering together all over British Columbia to brew a special batch of beer seemed … Continued
This is the latest installment in the Hops Among Friends series, which is designed to showcase the people that make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. Kim Lawton interviews Ashley Brooks, Quality Control Manager at Four Winds Brewing. Most recently I interviewed Marinna Perry, one of the Lounge Managers at Strathcona … Continued
Stepping Out For a Walkable Weekend in the Fraser Valley’s Craft Beer Capital Here’s an observation. By offering British Columbians a nifty way to plan short or long ‘staycation’ getaways, therefore bypassing the hassle of expensive border tests, quarantining, and guilt, the BC Ale Trail represents a potentially vital service to a population that’s been … 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
Whether you just want to have a beer and meet Santa, looking for that perfect gift for someone special (while having a beer), or even just wanting to find a way to help others, BC’s craft breweries around the province are here to help. Holiday Markets Holiday Markets are a great place to visit for … Continued
B.C.’s breweries are celebrating summer by releasing dozens of delicious and innovative beers that are perfect for enjoying outdoors. Many of these beers are special, limited-edition releases, and some are only available at the breweries themselves. But, now that travel restrictions have been lifted, it’s OK to explore the province to visit breweries in other … Continued
Refreshing craft beer, delicious food, a warm summer breeze… Is there anything better than a craft beer picnic? As of June 15th, travel within BC is encouraged. This means there are extra opportunities to enjoy a craft beer picnic! Over the last few months, certain municipalities have gradually rolled out rules allowing alcohol consumption in certain … Continued
With the arrival of warmer weather, BC breweries are offering a wide range of spring beer releases — and beer lovers are drooling over all the delicious options. Warmer days are perfect for patios and picnics. As the days get longer and the sun sets later and later in the evening, there is more time … Continued
Despite the recent “Circuit Breaker” Public Health Order that has forced breweries to close their tasting rooms, we can all still support our local craft breweries in a variety of ways. Seven Ways to Support Your Local Breweries 1. visit a brewery patio Good news! Breweries are allowed to continue serving beer on their outdoor … Continued
Enjoying a picnic outside is one of the great pleasures of warmer weather—even more so if you’re able to include a craft beer or two in the picnic basket. People who have travelled in Europe may have had the experience of enjoying wine or beer as part of a picnic in a public space like … Continued
March 8 is International Women’s Day and many BC breweries are brewing up a special beer to showcase women in craft beer. The annual Pink Boots Collaboration Brew on March 8 started off in 2013 as a way to provide awareness of women in the brewing industry and to raise money for the Pink Boots … 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
As summer comes to an end, BC’s craft breweries are serving up a variety of harvest-themed beers and other styles perfect for fall. Look for these BC fall beers at your favourite local liquor store or directly at the brewery. How Fresh Can You Get? Every BC fall beer lover awaits the arrival of a … Continued
Enjoying a picnic outside is one of the great pleasures of summer — even more so if you are able to include a craft beer or two in the picnic basket. People who have travelled in Europe may have had the experience of enjoying wine or beer as part of a picnic in a public … Continued
New Experiences are Brewing Nearby… As Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan begins, more of the parks and places we know and love are continuing to reopen. There are a handful of changes coming into effect in cities around the province including expanding patio licensing, allowing public consumption of alcohol in some designated areas, and … Continued
2019 is poised to be a very BIG year for the craft beer community in Langley. With two existing breweries and four more currently under construction, it’s making a pretty good case for becoming BC’s next craft beer boomtown. This thriving and prosperous community comprised of the City of Langley and The Township of Langley … Continued
