Foamy February isn’t actually a thing (at least not yet!), but intentionally foamy beer pours have become a specialty at a dozen or more craft breweries in British Columbia — and there’s even a new festival celebrating them that’s happening right now. Read on to learn more about side pours and slow pours before you … Continued
During the early days of craft beer in BC casks were all the rage. Weekly cask nights kept the thirsty beer nerds busy between the cask festivals that had developed a very keen following. Brewers would create 20-40 litres of a one-off beer and serve it directly from a steel cask. CAMRA, Central City, Tri-cities, … Continued
As winter settles in and the holiday season approaches, craft breweries across British Columbia are unwrapping creative and festive beer offerings. These seasonal brews are more than just beverages—they’re an invitation to gather with friends and loved ones, capturing the warmth, comfort, and jubilant spirit of the season. Winter beers have a special magic about them. … 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
Whether you’re a visitor to BC, or simply making the most of a well-earned staycation, this brewery crawl aims to keep the holiday spirit going! Explore beautiful seasonal light displays followed by stops at a handful of breweries – all accessible by public transportation. Our journey takes us from historic Gastown in downtown Vancouver … Continued
Kaslo’s little brewery is home to a hidden legend of BC brewing and an inspiration to women in craft brewing everywhere. Shirley Warne may be a self-declared bitch, but she is warm, welcoming, and clearly loved by the staff at her brewery. I’ve just driven nine hours from Vancouver to reach the tiny village of … 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 Penticton’s Beer Blocks breweries donate $3K from Do Good beer Penticton Beer Blocks recently donated $3,000 to BC Parks Foundation from sales of the … Continued
Cycling from Vancouver to New Westminster The days are warm and the evenings are long, and the season offers all sorts of opportunities to shake off the dust of winter. For many people, spring and summer in BC mean one thing: adventure. Mountaintop hikes, kayaking trips, bike camping, you name it. While there’s no shortage of … 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
Throughout February, Metro Vancouver craft beer lovers can take part in Tasting Passports along TransLink’s Dine the Line to collect stamps at up to 64 participating businesses for a chance to win a Staycation package, transit passes, swag and more! Blogger Yasmine Hardcastle takes us on a passport preview. Note: All of the prizes have … Continued
January is often the toughest month to muddle through – it’s cold, wet, and dark, and we’re all dragging ourselves back into our regular schedules. It’s tough for breweries, too. With so many people participating in Dry January, tasting rooms go empty and sales go down. Even people who aren’t going dry this month may … 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
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
One of the most important aspects of the holiday season is showing gratitude to family, friends and neighbours. Many of BC’s craft breweries are showing appreciation to their customers for all the support they have received this year by giving back to the community in a variety of ways, including: fundraising for flood victims, supporting … Continued
Despite ongoing COVID restrictions and vaccination passports, BC Craft Beer Month enters its eleventh year with a variety of events, beer launches, and special fundraising releases. While our days are getting shorter and patio season is over, October is a great month to celebrate all that is BC craft beer. It’s the month of fresh … 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
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
The designated driver plays an important part in a local brewery visit: they get everyone home safely. But having a pint or a flight is a no-no. Luckily, being the DD on the BC Ale Trail doesn’t mean you’re relegated to just water. There are refreshing non-alcoholic craft beverages available for you to enjoy. If … 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
Variety is the spice of life. It’s time to mix up some craft beer cocktails for Valentine’s Day. In our home, my guy does most of the cooking and I tend to be the purveyor of drinks. (And usually have to do the washing up — it’s only fair.) It’s a good dynamic, and it’s … 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
With the Stanley Cup playoffs in full swing, writer Lucas Aykroyd catches up with former NHLers Matt Walker and Dave Babych and highlights links between hockey and craft beer in BC. Hockey and beer. For many British Columbians, those two topics are as inseparable as the Sedin twins. When the Vancouver Canucks get on 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
The BC Ale Trail invites you to visit these sunny patios at BC Craft Breweries Summer is here and the time is right for sipping craft beer in the sunshine. The good news for beer lovers is that as part of Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, the provincial government has allowed many breweries to … Continued
Thirsty? Quench your thirst this summer with these refreshing and easy-to-make craft beer cocktails. BC is in Phase 3, but my partner—a.k.a. The Brit—and I have chosen to stay hyper-local and continue to eat and imbibe at home. But I miss eating out and sipping something lovely. Craft beer and wine are readily available, but … 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
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the way we all live and work, but British Columbia’s breweries are continuing to release new and exciting beers for the spring season. While it isn’t appropriate to travel in order to visit these breweries and taste their products right now, hopefully you can find some of these new … Continued
Rain or shine, the tasting rooms on the Port Moody Ale Trail are ready for you. Blogger Yasmine Hardcastle from West Coast City Girl explores Brewers Row in her soon-to-be new community. Ever since the Skytrain expanded to the Tricities (Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam) in 2016, Port Moody has become a very accessible … Continued
This is the fourth feature in the Hops Among Friends series. This series is designed to introduce you to the people that make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. My last Hops Among Friends interview was with Gary Lohin from Central City Brewers + Distillers. Gary recommended I speak with David Varga … Continued
Special Guest Blog by Local Wanderer We recently visited the Port Moody Ale Trail, and we had the BEST weekend sitting on patios, sipping craft beer, and indulging in yummy tacos. The BC Ale Trail has come a long way since our original road trip along Vancouver Island’s “beer belt,” and you can find a ton of craft beer … Continued
What if all your favourite breweries were on the same street? Well, that’s exactly what has happened in Port Moody, BC. The zoning of the municipality has created a unique situation where all the breweries are located on Murray Street. There are four breweries situated on this street, which has earned it the nickname of “Brewers … Continued
There’s the beer. Great craft beer. And the breweries. Amazing breweries all around this province working together to grow the craft beer scene. Plus there are fantastic craft beer and cask events where we go and try an incredible selection of these beers. But behind all of these breweries and events are the inspiring, passionate … Continued
Vancouver Craft Beer Week is fast approaching — and that means it’s time to brew up the annual VCBW Collaboration Beer. The eighth annual VCBW Collaboration Brew took place April 20 at Yellow Dog Brewing in Port Moody. This year’s beer, a hazy pale ale, was designed by the Brewers Row breweries — Moody Ales, Twin Sails, … Continued
Gibsons is just a short ferry ride away from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, making the Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Festival the perfect way to spend a cool and wet February weekend. This year’s event was a great example of the way the beer community comes together not only to celebrate great beer, but also … Continued
When the weather is wet and windy it’s the perfect time to go inside and drink delicious craft beer. Craft beer enthusiasts on the Sunshine Coast did just that on Saturday, November 12, when a crowd of local residents, as well as visitors from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, gathered for the 2016 Powell River … Continued
It’s evident when you visit Port Moody’s Brewers Row, especially on a weekend, just how popular it’s become. Some days getting a parking spot can be challenging with locals and folks from nearby towns flocking to the area. That problem will soon be alleviated somewhat with the Evergreen Skytrain Line slated to start running in December, … Continued
