An Autumn Ale-venture
in Maple Ridge

Just half an hour from Vancouver, Maple Ridge is close enough for a quick escape yet feels worlds away. I set out on a weekend adventure with my best friend Josh, and together we discovered that Maple Ridge is the kind of place where you can slow down, sip local craft beer, and pack your days with equal parts relaxation and fun.

This trip was part of the BC Ale Trail, a series of curated routes that connect beer lovers with local breweries, outdoor adventures, and food experiences across British Columbia. The Maple Ridge Ale Trail offered us a taste of it all: small-town charm, creative energy, and community spirit.

After checking in at the Best Western Maple Ridge Hotel, Josh and I had a chance to settle into our home base for the weekend. The hotel has recently been renovated and features an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a complimentary continental breakfast, perfect for fueling up before heading out.

Our first stop was The Patch Brewery, a farm-turned-brewery owned by the Laity family, who have been a pillar of the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows community since 1879. What sets The Patch apart is its deep connection to the land. They incorporate Laity-grown barley and BC-sourced hops in their beers, ensuring each pint truly reflects its surroundings. The team even participates in experimental hop breeding programs, hoping to discover the next “it” variety for BC craft beer.

We had the chance to meet some of the Laity family while we were there, and it was one of those special travel moments, sharing a pint, swapping stories, and getting a sense of their passion behind the brewery. Their Pumpkin Ale and Laity Lager were my personal favourites, each one carrying that distinct local character. With wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted brews, and a welcoming vibe, The Patch set the perfect tone for a good weekend.

Dinner that evening was at Kingfishers Waterfront Bar & Grill, a restaurant perched right on the Fraser River. The view is spectacular, with patios overlooking the water. Josh ordered the salmon three-way charcuterie board, and I had a hearty meat pot pie with gravy so good, I would’ve licked the plate if Josh hadn’t judged me, paired with local craft beers from their rotating tap list. It was an authentic taste of West Coast comfort. Kingfishers has been a long time supporter of BC craft beer and their restaurant is proudly BC-forward in all that they offer.

We capped off the evening with a stroll through Kanaka Creek Park. Known for its natural beauty and recreational appeal, Kanaka Creek was named the 8th most popular park in Metro Vancouver, attracting over 610,000 visitors in 2022. The park features a network of walking, hiking, and biking trails, as well as numerous wildlife species to spot along the way. The lake is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy canoeing or fishing. Wheelchair accessible and equipped with parking and public washrooms, Kanaka Creek is a space that truly invites everyone to enjoy it. Wandering the trails at sunset, Josh and I were reminded why Maple Ridge is such a natural gem.

From fresh produce to artisan goods, it was the kind of market where every vendor had a story. We grabbed breakfast here before heading out to explore. 

*Note: The market is seasonal, running every Saturday, from April – October, 9 am to 2 pm.

Josh and I took some time to wander the Downtown Public Art Walk. Maple Ridge’s Town Centre is filled with creative touches, from mosaics to murals, each adding colour and personality to the streets.

The piece that stood out to me the most was the Cemetery Gates at Maple Ridge Cemetery. They don’t look like ordinary gates. The ironwork curves and flows in soft waves, giving them an almost meditative feel. Artist Colin Southwell designed them during his time as Maple Ridge’s first Artist in Residence. He added two butterflies as a tribute to friends who lost children, a detail that makes the gates feel both sad yet beautiful.

The Art Walk was a great way to learn about the town’s history, as many of the pieces are tied to Maple Ridge’s people and stories.

By the time lunch rolled around, Josh and I headed to Chameleon. Their menu leans into a farm-to-table philosophy, celebrating what’s fresh and local.

I ordered a tossed green salad, and Josh went classic, ordering the grilled cheese sandwich with smoked tomato soup. The sourdough was crispy, and the cheese pull was one of those over-the-top, can’t-help-but-wow moments. The blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda gave it that gooey stretch that looked worthy of an Instagram reel.

 Keigen, the bartender, was as friendly as they come and clearly loves what he does. He suggested we try a couple of his mocktail creations. I’ll be honest, I’m usually not a big fan of mocktails; they either miss the mark by being either too sweet or taste nothing like the real thing. I have to give it to Keigen, although he might not have completely changed my mind with his Strawberry Apple Sour or Espresso Martini; they were both delicious, very pretty to look at, and I might’ve been fooled for a second. Well done, Keigen. 

Chameleon also has a happy hour menu, a full dinner menu, and a strong lineup of craft beers alongside local bubbles. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, winding down with friends, or planning a night out, it’s a spot worth adding to your Maple Ridge list.

In the afternoon, it was time to get on the water. At Jerry Sulina Park, we rented paddleboards from Paddle Gear and floated along the Alouette River. Truth be told, I had never paddleboarded in my life, but the staff at PaddleGear were so relaxed and helpful in teaching us how to use our gear, I felt comfortable enough to try it. Two hours go fast when you’re laughing at your best friend trying to balance on their board, manage the river current, and suck in their stomach for that Instagram-worthy shot.

In the end, memories were made, photos were taken, and laughter was shared on both sides.

To balance things out,  we made our way to Switchback Brewing for a flight of beers. Their cozy tasting room offered a variety of 10 beers on tap, including a couple of nitro pours and a cask option, so Josh and I went with a flight of their recommended picks.

The standout for me was the Mango & Fuzzy Peach Kettle Sour. I was half expecting it to lean candy-sweet because of the name, but it didn’t at all. Instead, it was tart and had just enough fruit flavour to make it taste like summer, but in a grown-up way.

I really enjoyed the Our Neck of the Woods Hazy IPA, a collaboration with The Patch Brewery and Foamers’ Folly. It has a citrus, hoppy kick that you want in a hazy pale ale, and a smooth finish. I liked it so much I grabbed a four-pack to take home, always the sign of a beer that sticks with you.

When night fell, Memorial Peace Park lit up with music and laughter as the Our Neck of the Woods Festival began. The 2025 festival lineup included Danielle Ryan, Hey Ocean, Jojo Mason, and Sam Roberts Band.

I honestly wasn’t familiar with Jojo Mason before that night, but it didn’t matter. He carried himself with real stage swagger, mixing country hooks and sincerity; he got the crowd moving. Even people who didn’t know the songs were clapping, swaying, or singing along. By the end, I was one of many who quietly admitted, “Okay, I’m into this.” On to my Spotify list you go.

The whole vibe was fun and inclusive. You had people lounging on blankets, kids dancing, dogs on leashes, and food trucks galore. It felt safe and relaxed, like a big block party.

It made me appreciate our tasty Our Neck of the Woods IPA more. It’s definitely a good music festival beer.  All in all, that night it was nice to be reminded of how fun local festivals can be, with great music, solid beer, and community energy.

We ordered the Ponderosa Benny and the Farmer Skillet. The Benny came with soft poached eggs and a hollandaise that is thick and creamy, and surprisingly, vegan. The skillet was loaded with potatoes and vegetables, making it the kind of breakfast that sets you up for the day.

We lingered over coffee, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. 

For our last bit of adventure, Josh and I headed to WildPlay Maple Ridge. It’s one of those places that shows outdoor fun isn’t just for kids. Adults can climb, swing, and laugh their way through the courses, too, and it’s a great way to push yourself a little out of your comfort zone.

WildPlay features nine ziplines, over sixty aerial games, and a 40-foot jump for those brave enough to try it. I even paid for the add-on so I could do the drop, but at the last minute, I froze. Turns out, I’m more afraid of heights than I thought. I backed out. The staff were patient and encouraging throughout. Josh, on the other hand, didn’t need any pep talks. He loved every second, jumping from tree to tree like Tarzan, grinning the entire time. 

WildPlay gave us a chance to tap into the adventure side of Maple Ridge, and even though I chickened out, it gave us a story Josh will be laughing about until I finally go back and take that leap.

Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, where two sisters carry on a family tradition by crafting artisanal cheeses from local ingredients, was a great place to hydrate afterwards and sample a few aged cheddars. The store offers a wide selection of items for sale from local artisans and farmers, as well as a frozen foods section, allowing you to take home farm-fresh soups and baked goods. Mental note: come back for high tea.

We were looking for a post-adventure pick-me-up, and our next stop at 2 Peaks Nutrition fit the bill. They offer plant-based, healthy smoothies, shakes and refreshers, snack bowls and more to fuel any adventure you might be on. We picked out a decadent, but nutritious meal shake and an energy refresher, and enjoyed our sips on route to Pitt Meadows for our final brewery stop of the weekend.

We wrapped up the trip with a stop at Foamers’ Folly Brewing in nearby Pitt Meadows. If The Patch felt rooted in history and Switchback felt cozy and social, Foamers’ Folly was all about variety. Their tap list is vast and adventurous, with beers ranging from easy-drinkers to experiments you won’t find anywhere else.

Josh and I shared another flight, and it was a good mix of playful and classic. One of the highlights was their Tropic Like It’s Hot, a fruit-forward IPA that was juicy without being cloying, with a bit of bitterness at the end to keep it balanced. We also tried their S’mores Stout, which honestly surprised me. Dessert-style stouts can sometimes be heavy and syrupy, but this one kept the roasted malt front and centre, with just a hint of chocolate and sweetness. It was the kind of beer you sip slowly, like a treat after dinner.

The fun of Foamers’ Folly is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but the beer is still solid. You can taste the creativity, and it’s easy to see why they’ve built a reputation for having one of the most diverse lineups on the BC Ale Trail. It felt like the right note to end the weekend on, sitting back with a flight, trading favourite parts of the trip with Josh, and appreciating how lucky we are to have so much variety right here in BC.

Spending the weekend with Josh in Maple Ridge reminded me how easy it is to swap the city pace for the charm of a small town. Just thirty minutes from Vancouver, the Maple Ridge Ale Trail brought together everything I love about travel: markets, art, outdoor adventure, and of course, craft beer.

The BC Ale Trail isn’t just about what’s in your glass. It’s about the communities behind every brewery, the landscapes that shape the ingredients, and the people you meet along the way. For us, Maple Ridge was a reminder that adventure doesn’t always require a long journey; sometimes the best weekends are waiting right around the corner.