Bay Ale, brewed at Horsehoe Bay Brewery by John Mitchell and Frank Appleton, was the first collaboration in the history of Canadian craft beer, and the spirit of that partnership is now being replicated in a new beer – The Transatlantic Collaboration IPA, a beer produced in collaboration with Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria and Fuller’s … 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
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
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
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
Hops Among Friends is designed to showcase the people who make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail. In this latest installment, Kim Lawton interviews Melanie MacInnes from Locality Brewing. My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Alex Jopson from Another Beer Co. At the end of our discussion, Alex … Continued
Feature Stories Jump to: August 2025 • July 2025 • June 2025 • May 2025 • April 2025 • March 2025 • February 2025 • January 2025 View stories from 2024 Best beer makers in Okanagan recognized at Ogopogo Brewer’s Challenge Castanet • October 6 “The Ogopogo Brewer’s Challenge awards ceremony took place Sunday at … 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
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
