Fall might be the most exciting season when it comes to craft beer. There’s just so much variety over a three-month span. It starts with the height of fresh hop season in September, as breweries engage in a race against time to get hops from the vine to the tanks in a once-a-year ritual that … 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 Fall Beer Season Is Here in BC. The air is cooler, leaves are changing colour, and the sun is setting a bit earlier each evening. Sweater weather features a distinct range of seasonal beers, including Oktoberfest-themed lagers, pumpkin-infused ales and fresh hop IPAs. Here is a selection of fall-themed beers from B.C. craft breweries. … Continued
BC brewers are raising the bar with their 2025 summer releases, embracing everything from local berry additions and innovative hop varietals to session-friendly alcohol levels. The days are long and the weather is warm, and craft brewers are answering the calls of BC beer lovers with a wave of refreshingly drinkable releases perfect for patio … Continued
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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
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
Happy Spring! As flowers bloom and warmer weather arrives, let’s embark on a tasting tour of the many special beers BC’s breweries are releasing this spring. There is a wide assortment of styles to choose from, including sours, IPAs, saisons, and a variety of fruit-infused beers. Browse this list to find something from your local … Continued
With the arrival of autumn, BC breweries are releasing a variety of fall-themed beers. Here is a sampling of some autumnal beer styles to look for from your local brewery or to seek out on a fall getaway. How Fresh Can You Get? Each autumn, beer lovers await the arrival of a very special style … Continued
Meet Tony Dewald, Inaugural Recipient of the John Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award for Brewing Excellence BC’s craft beer industry has been going strong for over 40 years now, thanks in large part to the hard work and expertise of its pioneering brewers. Nowadays you can wander the BC Ale Trail and find a craft brewery … Continued
Writer Lucas Aykroyd delves into the amazing First Nations cuisine served across Metro Vancouver and the Indigenous art found along our BC Ale Trails. Life is about choices. Currently, I’m munching on duck prosciutto and musing about what to choose next from the Indigenous game sampler platter in front of me. Elk juniper salami, homemade … 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
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
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
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
Ale Trails – Season 1: Episode 2 – Squamish, BC ‘Ale Trails’ is a doc-style mini-series looking at the intersection between mountain biking and local craft breweries, and how both work to support and enhance their community. Join us, as we explore Sea to Sky Country, showcasing beautiful Squamish, and meeting the proud, passionate locals … Continued
Is there anything more iconic than van-dwelling, craft beer-sipping, and surfing in Tofino? BC’s surf capital isn’t exactly a secret. But, no matter how many times you explore the area in and around Tofino, there’s a chance to discover something new. Whether it’s an undiscovered-by-you view spot or a friendly face you meet along the … Continued
BC Breweries Win 64 awards and Howe Sound Brewing Named Canadian Brewery of the Year! Wow, what a haul! British Columbia’s craft breweries continued a long-running tradition of winning more than their fair share of medals at the annual Canadian Brewing Awards, which were announced in Calgary last weekend. All in all, 39 different breweries … Continued
Beer. Chocolate. Mmmm. Two of life’s finer pleasures — indulgences many of us choose to enjoy on a regular basis… in moderation, of course. But what about together? That’s right, I’m talking about chocolate beers — special beers brewed with chocolate as an ingredient in some form, whether it is milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cacao … Continued
There’s no shortage of breweries with pizza on the BC Ale Trail. In celebration of National Pizza Day (and just because), we visited breweries on mid-Vancouver Island with fantastic pizza pies. But if you’re on the mainland, don’t fret. We’ve got a list of where to find a brewery pizza across the province, too. Pizza … Continued
From natural disasters to economic shutdowns, 2021 continued to challenge us all. Still, many of BC’s local craft breweries endured. Let’s look back at some of the good, the bad, and the delicious things 2021 brought. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty sick and tired of dealing with adversity. Between heatwaves, wildfires, … 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
From pumpkin carving and costume parties at breweries to special spooky beers, Halloween on the BC Ale Trail brings plenty of tricks and treats. Here’s what the witches are brewing this year! Pumpkin carving events at breweries Looking for places to release your creative skills? Many breweries this year are providing you with that … Continued
“You agreed to what?” I’ve made the mistake in the past of saying that there isn’t enough money in the world to get me to drink pumpkin beers, and I’ve managed to stick to that statement pretty well. Until now, when, in true daytime talk show style, the results are in, and this article proves … Continued
It’s a tale of triumph when an old dog learns new tricks and is recognized as a leader of the pack. R&B Brewing — a Vancouver craft beer pioneer — was nearly left behind by the craft beer evolution and explosion in the 2010s, but investment from a fellow brewery opened the doors to one … Continued
The 19th Annual Canadian Brewing Awards were given out on September 18th, 2021, at an event held at the Hilton Québec in Québec City, and brewers from British Columbia took home 40 trophies. The big wins came from the Prairies this year, with a repeat for Alberta with The Establishment Brewing Company taking home Brewery … 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
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
Writer Lucas Aykroyd spotlights some perfect places to enjoy travel and tourism in British Columbia while sampling craft beer at the same time. The wait is finally over. It’s time to get back out there and explore British Columbia this summer. When you visit BC attractions that offer craft beer, it just makes your sightseeing … Continued
With the May long weekend upon us, it’s more important than ever to stay local and support local. Here are some ways to enjoy the long weekend on your local Ale Trail. Once upon a time — and someday again, soon — the long weekend meant planning a little getaway to live it up and … 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
Looking for allergy-friendly breweries? Love visiting breweries but having a hard time finding a dish that matches your dietary restrictions? Discover 12 BC breweries serving unique and delicious dishes catered to you! Many people visiting breweries are there for the food as much as the beer. Menus at breweries are getting more impressive, and with … Continued
Stay local. Support local. Give local. This holiday season, give the gift of craft beer and local experiences on the BC Ale Trail. How is it already time to think about holiday season gifts?!?? I don’t know about you, but 2020 has been the longest, yet quickest year. But since it is that time of … 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
Living in Victoria, the “Cradle of the Craft Beer Revolution,” I’m blessed for craft brewery choice. That said, there’s a special sense of nostalgia when I go back to the breweries in my hometown, Squamish. Walking into A-FRAME Brewing feels like coming home, though I may be a bit biased. I grew up in Squamish … 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
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
It’s time for some BC ale-venture travel! Read on for bucket-list destinations from friends of the BC Ale Trail. Could we have a more beautiful backyard? The answer is no. Full stop. And now it’s time to explore our stunning province. Travelling in BC may be a little different this year, but British Columbians (including … 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
With the arrival of summer, here are 60+ ideal summer beers from British Columbia’s craft breweries. Enjoy from the comfort of your own back yard or visit your local brewery’s tasting room, which may have a new patio! BC’s brewery tasting rooms are cautiously reopening with the guidance of the bc craft brewers guild once … Continued
For those who enjoy their beer, there’s usually a need for a pick me up the following morning. Coffee and beer have developed this balanced relationship, with one taking priority in the AM hours, and the other making the afternoon and evening its home, but there are instances where the two meet in amazing happenstance. … Continued
Winter is a time for warming foods and feeling cozy. Get hygge on the West Coast at these breweries and places to stay on the BC Ale Trail. Okay, so your first question is possibly hygge-what? So let’s start with that. Hygge—pronounced “hue-guh”— is the Danish concept of living well and being cozy and relaxed. … 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
The 10th Annual BC Beer Awards were announced on October 19, 2019 in Vancouver, BC. Awards were given in 31 beer-style categories during the ceremony held at the Croatian Cultural Centre. This was the largest competition to date with 1200 entries from 121 breweries around British Columbia. The big winner of the night was actually … Continued
Hello traveller! So you’ve found yourself in Squamish, have you? Nice. If I may be so bold as to ask, what brought you to our fair town? The BC Ale Trail? Did you watch the video as well? Wasn’t it lovely? Fantastic! So let’s see what we can see, shall we? You’re here to take … Continued
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!
Craft beer, romantic? You better believe it! Hop up your date night in cask style on the BC Ale Trail with these ideas for you and your sweetie! When my partner started homebrewing a few years ago, little did I know that his new hobby would become one of our favourite ways to go out … Continued
From our home base in Bellingham, WA, British Columbia has long been a favorite destination. Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Corridor, and the BC coastline feel far enough away to be exciting, yet close enough that we can travel there in a day. From gondolas to “grinds”, the hiking trails in BC offer up a … Continued
109 breweries submitted 1,085 beers to be judged in 30 categories for the 9th annual BC Beer Awards. Fifty-one of those breweries walked away winners. But only one can claim the bragging rights of brewing the best BC beer of 2018: Twin City Brewing Company. The relative newcomer from Port Alberni won Best in Show for … Continued
Burnaby’s Dageraad Brewing named Canadian Brewery of the Year. Dozens of B.C. brewers travelled across the country to attend Saturday night’s gala awards ceremony for the Canadian Brewing Awards held in Halifax this year — 38 different breweries from British Columbia won a total of 51 medals, representing approximately one-third of the 163 total medals … Continued
From advent calendar-style beer boxes to special seasonal creations, BC’s craft breweries celebrate winter with a variety of interesting seasonal mixed packs. Advent calendars are a popular and fun holiday gift that many of us enjoyed as children. Do you remember the excitement of opening the little paper windows each day in December leading up … Continued
Squamish has come of age in the craft beer world and is now set to become a BC Ale Trail destination. For many people, Squamish has long been a refuelling stop on the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. But in recent years, this town of around 20,000 people has repositioned itself as an … Continued
This blog post picks up where we left off in “The History of BC Craft Beer — Part 1.“ After helping create Canada’s first microbrewery in Horseshoe Bay, BC, Frank Appleton returned to his home in the Kootenays but soon found himself in demand as a consultant brewmaster. Over the next two decades, he would … Continued
Get ready to explore even more of BC’s beer, breweries and beautiful regions and cities: The BC Ale Trail is expanding. Eight new ale trails will launch this summer — bringing the total to 15 — in areas ranging from lakeside towns to the metropolitan big city. The new trails are: BC’s multicultural craft beer capital, Vancouver, where … Continued
The story of Frank Appleton and Canada’s first craft brewery. When it comes to beer, we’ve never had it so good. It’s an oft-repeated phrase these days, but sometimes it’s worthwhile to take stock of how far beer in Canada has come. Fifty years ago, beer culture in Vancouver was a wasteland saturated with the … Continued
