Now, we all know that these sweet summer moments are made better with a British Columbian-made craft beer in hand, and that’s exactly what I’m here for. My name is Josh Duncan, and I’m a self-proclaimed craft beer lover living in beautiful Kelowna, an area that’s home to around 20 fantastic and diverse craft breweries. I love patio pints on a hot Okanagan summer day. I love browsing local liquor stores for new craft selections. And I love visiting breweries while on vacation because they’re often the heartbeat of small BC communities.

I’ve been able to showcase that love through a weekly beer column that has featured hundreds of beers and dozens of breweries over the past three years. Now I get the privilege of highlighting all of the exciting BC Ale Trail craft beer options that will go perfectly with your summer plans. I’m talking lagers that beg for a fresh slice of lime, sours that showcase the best fruit that BC has to offer, hazies that channel the tropical vibes you seek and everything else in between.

Simply put, these are the beers that need to be on your radar the next time you visit your local taproom or stop by your favourite liquor store ahead of a summer adventure. I’ll even help you out with featured picks from each BC Ale Trail region, because I understand the overwhelming feeling of standing in a liquor store with dozens of enticing options staring back at you from the fridge.

Jump to a region near you:

Cariboo Chilcotin (100 Mile House, Lillooet and Quesnel)

Kootenay Rockies (Nakusp and Nelson)

Thompson Okanagan (Kelowna, Lake Country, Penticton and Summerland)

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Powell River, Vancouver and Whistler)

Vancouver Island (Victoria and Port Alberni)

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

If you’re someone with a simpler palette for beer but wants to support BC’s craft breweries, Barkerville Brewing Co. has the perfect option for you.

The Pearl River Lemon Ginger Pilsner is light and refreshing, with an ABV of 5.4%. You may know lemon and ginger as a classic wellness combination that’s celebrated for soothing upset stomachs, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. It turns out to be an incredible beer combination as well, which the Quesnel brewery has showcased brilliantly with this seasonal beer that will snap you to attention before warming your soul.

Just under 400 kilometres south of Barkerville Brewing Co. is Lillooet Brewing, proud creators of the Mountain Bluebird Belgian Wit. Mountain Bluebird is decorated, winning Best in Class at the 2023 Okanagan Fest of Ale and returning in 2024 to win Best Wheat Ale as well. Named in honour of conservation efforts in the Lillooet area to protect the Mountain Bluebird, this wheat beer is citrus- and coriander-forward with a crisp, sweet finish.

Three seasonal releases from Barkerville Brewing Co.

Two Sisters Spruce Tip Ale (4.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
Made using spruce tips that were harvested from the Wells-Barkerville Community Forest by our own brew crew.

Pearl River Lemon Ginger Pilsner (2.4% ABV | 21 IBU)
A taste of adventure awaits you with each sip of this new spin on our classic pilsner. Let the splash of zippy citrus awaken your venturesome spirit as the peppery bite of ginger warms your resolve for the long journey ahead.

Claim Jumper Peachy Keen Kettle Sour (4.07% ABV)
Bursting with ripe BC peaches, this kettle sour opens with a lively tartness and finishes with a lush stone fruit character and a gentle natural sweetness. The result is a refreshing, thirst-quenching beer that’s perfect for warm days and easy drinking.

Find Barkerville Brewing Co. on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Cask and Cleaver Brewing

Strawberry Cheesecake Sour (4% ABV | 5 IBU)
A bright sour crafted with real strawberry and lactose for a creamy, dessert-inspired pour. Juicy berry character, soft sweetness and lively tartness come together in a smooth, vibrant finish that feels both playful and polished.

Peaches & Cream Ale (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A golden ale crafted with ripe peach, vanilla and soft malt sweetness. Juicy fruit and a smooth, cream-like character carry through to a bright, easy finish. It’s decadent yet refreshing, with just a hint of forged summer indulgence.

Blueberry Limeade Sour (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU)
A bright and refreshing sour crafted with real juicy blueberries and crisp lime. These ingredients shine through in a tart, vibrant pour with a clean finish – lively, refined and forged for summer. 

Find Cask and Cleaver Brewing on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Lillooet Brewing Company

Grizzly Bear Vienna Lager (5.3% ABV | 19 IBU)
An unfiltered European-style lager with a deep-copper colour and malt-forward flavour. Expect hints of biscuit and caramel with subtle herbal and floral notes.

Mountain Bluebird Belgian Wit (5.9% ABV | 15 IBU)
Our award-winning Belgian wit is infused with bitter orange peel and coriander. You’ll get interesting notes of bubble gum, clove and pepper on the nose.

Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour (5% ABV | 4 IBU)
The Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour blends tangy blackberries with lively citrus for a refreshingly complex profile, with subtle malt flavour that adds balance to every sip.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Kootenay Rockies

Did you hear? British Columbia’s newest brewery, Nakusp Brewing Co., just opened its doors in June on the eastern shores of Upper Arrow Lake, and I can’t wait to visit their new space.

One of their inaugural beers is the Thorn to Be Wild Blackberry Blonde Ale, which begs to be consumed on a patio this summer. They use local blackberries to juice up this light beer that goes down smooth with a refreshing finish.

Nakusp Brewing Co. also has a couple of IPAs, a pale ale, a kolsch and even a nitro stout on tap for their first summer. Be sure to check this new brewery out on your next West Kootenays road trip!

Thorn to be Wild Blackberry Blonde (6% ABV | 16 IBU) from Nakusp Brewing

A smooth, light-bodied blonde ale brewed with the flavour of local blackberries. Juicy blackberry aromas lead into subtle berry sweetness and a delicate malt profile, finishing clean and refreshing with every sip.

Find Nakusp Brewing in Nakusp, BC

Cerveza De Limon Mexican Lime Lager (4.7% ABV) from Backroads Brewing Company

A Mexican-style corn lager with fresh-zested lemon and lime for a citrusy punch.

Find Backroads Brewing Company on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

Penticton’s Cannery Brewing says their Dry Hopped Imperial Red is “a true passion project,” so I’d be remiss not to feature it for this region.

In beer terminology, imperial means a stronger, bolder and more intense version of a base beer style – essentially a beer that is considered strong when compared to what you’d usually expect from that style. In this case, the Dry Hopped Imperial Red is 7.5% ABV, a much higher alcohol content than most amber or red ales you’d find, and therefore it receives the imperial title. This one has a rich, malt-forward profile, which complements the Simcoe, Mosaic, Centennial and Chinook hops as they deliver layers of citrus and pine.

Around 15-20 minutes up the road in Summerland is Giant’s Head Brewing, where a beloved summer favourite is back on tap and in liquor stores for another year. It’s the Apple Lite Lager, a summer seasonal that offers up a fruity twist on the brewery’s year-round 3716 Lite Lager. It’s made by mixing the 3716 Lite Lager with apple juice made from McIntosh, Granny Smith and Gala apples from Steve & Dan’s Fresh BC Fruit Farm in Oliver. A six-pack of the easy-drinking, the 4.5% ABV Apple Lite Lager is perfect for a hot summer day.

Gluten Schmuten Gluten Free Fruited Sour (4.9% ABV | 15 IBU) from Abandoned Rail Brewing Co.

Light, refreshing and endlessly crushable, this tart sour features a clean, fruity finish with apricot and subtle blueberry notes. Made with BC-grown fruit juice, it offers just a hint of sweetness for balance. It’s an easy-drinking, gluten-free twist on a classic style. Gluten levels are always less than 20 ppm.

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. on the Penticton Ale Trail 

Extra Pale Ale (3.2% ABV | 30 IBU) from BNA Brewing Co.

BNA Brewing Co. is re-releasing this fan favourite at a lower ABV, but not compromising any of the bright tropical citrus notes, clean bitterness or dry finish

Find BNA Brewing Co. on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail or Southern Interior Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Cannery Brewing

Dry Hopped Imperial Red (7.5% ABV | 60 IBU)
This limited-release Dry Hopped Imperial Red is a malt-forward lager with a bright, aromatic hop profile. Dry-hopped with Simcoe, Mosaic, Centennial and Chinook, it delivers layers of citrus and pine that beautifully complement its rich malt backbone. This beer is a true passion project from our brewing team, exploring the balance between rich malt character and vibrant hop expression.

Wildfire Dark Lager (5.5% ABV | 15 IBU)
This dark lager pays tribute to the firefighters who bravely fight our nation’s wildfires. It will be available for a limited time as of late July and through the summer. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this beer will go to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Okanagan Adventure Pack
Cannery Brewing’s Okanagan Adventure Pack contains a collection of three cans each of four of our most popular beers – Lakeboat Lager, Muse Pale Ale, Trellis West Coast IPA and Naramata Nut Brown Ale. The beer options included in this pack are designed to go along with all of your summer adventures. Enjoy them after a hike or a bike ride, after doing some yard work or while relaxing with friends on the patio.

Find Cannery Brewing on the Penticton Ale Trail 

Six seasonal releases from Cutwater Brewing and Lounge

Peachy Keen Fruited Gose (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A refreshing wheat ale that’s bursting with juicy peach and bright tangerine notes.

Lazy Daze NEIPA (5.5% ABV | 57 IBU)
Big, smooth and seriously hoppy. This one is packed with Azacca and Galaxy hops, and bursting with tropical and stone fruit flavour and aroma. 

The Pale Rider Canadian Pale Ale (5% ABV | 33 IBU)
Brewed with high-quality two-row Canadian Prairie barley, this beer has a light biscuity malt backbone with hints of orange citrus and light pine. A very drinkable pale ale with a frothy white head and a crisp, clean finish.

Berry Potter & The Strawberry Wand of Destiny (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A strawberry gose that’s tart and sweet with a hint of sea salt, and fermented with loads of fresh strawberries.

The Highlander Red IPA (5% ABV | 59 IBU)
A clean and smooth beer with light chocolate notes, driven by premium Château Cara caramel malt.

EL HEFE! Hefeweizen (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A true traditional German wheat hefeweizen with subtle notes of clove, banana, orange and coriander, roasted in-house by our very own Chef Logan!

Find Cutwater Brewing and Lounge on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Apple Lite Lager (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU) from Giants Head Brewing

The 3716 Lite Lager blended with locally-grown McIntosh, Granny Smith and Gala apples that come together to create a crisp, clean lager.

Find Giants Head Brewing in Summerland, BC

Rascally Radler – Grapefruit Radler (3.5% ABV | 20 IBU) from Grey Fox Brewing

Tangy and juicy citrus flavour with a gentle malt sweetness. Gluten-free, of course!

Find Grey Fox Brewing on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

Did you know that over 90% of Canada’s highbush blueberries are produced right here in BC? Did you know that the vast majority of those are grown in the Fraser Valley? 

If not, that’s a fun fact for you, and fortunately, something that the fine folks over at Camp Beer Co. were well aware of.

The Langley brewery has taken some of those fresh blueberries to create the unique Shadow Ridge Blueberry Tea Sour, which won a gold medal at the 2025 Canada Beer Cup. While the vibrant blueberry flavours do the heavy lifting in this beer, you can’t undersell the role of the honeybush tea that is native to South Africa. The combination produces a rich, juicy, tart and refreshing beer that is unlike anything you’ll taste this summer. And while it’s perfect for beating the heat and will go down easy, don’t let this beer fool you; it’s an imperial at 7% ABV, which means you’ll want to pace yourself before you get too lost in its delicious flavour.

Oh man, is this second feature for Vancouver, Coast & Mountains ever a fun one. It’s two beers that you can mix to create a third. It’s essentially a three-for-one. Lucky you!

Let me explain. Main Street Brewing has collaborated with Vancouver social media icon Seabus Memes to create the Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner and Basement Suite Spaghett Sour. The former is a 5% ABV pilsner that comes in 473 ml cans. It’s crisp. It’s bright. It’s full of citrus flavours. Honestly, it will satisfy you on its own. The latter is a little rowdier at 7% ABV and has notes of grapefruit, lemon peel, chamomile and tangerine, all packed together in a 250 ml can.

If you mix these two creations into your favourite large pint glass, you’ll create what the brewery calls a “poor man’s Aperol Spritz.” This adventurous DIY pint is perfect for summer sipping while you scroll through the latest Seabus meme drop on a Friday afternoon.

Three seasonal releases from Bomber Brewing

Rosefinch Raspberry Sour (4.5% ABV)
Bursting with bold, ripe raspberries, this refreshing brew offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavours to harken the coming of warmer days ahead.

Limoncito Loco Salted Lime Lager (4.5% ABV)
Limoncito Loco – our “crazy little lime” – is a crisp, salt-kissed lager inspired by the classic chelada. Brewed with sea salt, organic dried lime and fresh lime zest, it’s bright, zippy and dangerously crushable. Basically summer in a can – no beach required.

Hefe Metal Hefeweizen (4.7% ABV)
This refreshing, golden, medium-bodied wheat ale roars with a dynamic but harmonious chorus of amped-up fruit and spice notes.

Find Bomber Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Bridge Brewing Company

PrimeTime Limelite (4% ABV)
A crisp, ultra-refreshing light lager with a bright twist of lime. It’s easy-drinking at 4% ABV, it’s clean, it’s zesty, and it’s made for long patio sessions.

Nimbus (4.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
A smooth and juicy sipper loaded with tropical fruit character – think mango, pineapple and a splash of peach. Bright citrus up front gives way to a soft, creamy finish, with just enough hop bite to keep things crisp.

Find the Bridge Brewing on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Camp Beer Co.

Shadow Ridge Blueberry Tea Sour (7% ABV | 22 IBU)
This unique beer is brewed with generous additions of blueberry purée and honeybush tea. Vibrant berry flavours lead the way, supported by the tea’s natural honey-like sweetness and delicate floral notes. Rich, juicy and refreshxingly tart, it finishes smooth with layers of fruit and herbal complexity. Shadow Ridge was a gold medal winner at the 2025 Canada Beer Cup.

Hidden Horizons Oat Cream IPA (6.7% ABV | 25 IBU)
A juicy hazy IPA bursting with pineapple, peach, passionfruit and strawberry candy. Superdelic, Nectaron and Rakau deliver saturated New Zealand hop character, while lactose paired with a ton of oats gives this beer a soft, smooth finish.

Liquid Light Witbier collab with Dageraad Brewing (5.1% ABV | 18 IBU)
A collaborative witbier from Camp Beer Co. and Dageraad Brewing, this one is brewed with Belgian malts, osmanthus tea and orange zest. It offers a refreshing mix of floral, citrus and subtle sweetness, while a late addition of pear juice adds a smooth, fruity finish. Light, crisp and complex, it’s perfect for a refreshing summer drink!

Find Camp Beer Co. on the Langley Ale Trail

Four seasonal releases from Dead Frog Brewery

Cream Soda Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A juicy, sweet, bright pink sour bursting with refreshing flavours of fresh fruit, a hint of vanilla and a blast of summers gone by. 

P.O.G Tropical Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A refreshing tropical sour ale bursting with a juicy combo of passionfruit, orange and guava. This one will have you feeling like you’re on a beach in Hawaii.

Peach Lemonade Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A refreshing sour golden ale with a fresh splash of peach, a hint of lemon and a crisp finish. 

Lemon Warhead Imperial Sour (9% ABV | 12 IBU)
A lemon packed sour exploding with flavours of fresh squeezed lemon, a splash of sweet lemon zest and a juicy blast of lemon on the finish. This powerful brew gloriously balances refreshing lemon flavour with so, so, so very much sour.

Find Dead Frog Brewery on the Langley Ale Trail

POG Sour (8.3% ABV) from Five Roads Brewing

This POG sour bursts with the tropical flavours of passionfruit, orange and guava! Its extra-strong sour flavours balance sweet citrus notes with a tangy and tropical complexity. Light-bodied and crisp, it finishes clean with a mouthwatering tartness that invites another sip, making it a perfect choice for this summer’s sour selection!

Find Five Roads Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Canadian Wheat Lager with Pineapple (5% ABV | 24 IBU) from Foamers’ Folly

Bright and tropical with juicy pineapple leading into citrus, mango and subtle berry notes from Mosaic hops, all layered over a soft wheat backbone. Light-bodied and slightly hazy, it has a smooth, creamy texture with a lively carbonation and a clean lager profile. This beer finishes crisp and refreshing, with lingering tropical fruit and balanced, gentle bitterness.

Find Foamers’ Folly Brewing on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Locality Brewing

Maple Lager (4.5% ABV)
Light, crisp and refreshing, Maple Lager is a smooth German-style lager brewed with real maple syrup. It’s a brilliant golden colour with a clean, dry finish. This easy-drinking lager showcases subtle bready malt character and a delicate maple sweetness that lingers just enough to keep you coming back for another sip.

Mango IPA (7.5% ABV)
Juicy, hazy and packed with tropical character, this 7.5% IPA combines real mango purée with Elani and El Dorado hops for vibrant notes of ripe mango, pineapple and citrus. It won’t be released until the end of July to celebrate our birthday, but this smooth, fruity and dangerously easy-drinking beer is worth the wait!

Blonde Ale (5% ABV)
The Keeping it Simple S.M.A.S.H Blonde Ale is a light and easy-drinking American ale. This beer has a base of pale malt with a light touch of hop, and it’s fermented with a clean ale yeast. This beer is as straightforward as it gets!

Find Locality Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Luppolo Brewing Company

Tart Wild Ale w/ Local Raspberries (5.4% ABV)
After being fermented with our house culture of Brett and Lacto, this one is refermented on hundreds of pounds of fresh raspberries from the Fraser Valley. It’s a refreshing, medium-bodied beer that pours a bold, bright red with a mousse-like head. Aromas of raspberry and lemon lead to flavours of fresh-picked raspberries and a subtle Brett funk. The finish is a lovely balance of jammy sweetness and bright acidity.

Luce Dry Japanese Style Rice Lager (4.8% ABV)
Luce (Italian for light), is our interpretation of a crisp, dry, Japanese-inspired rice lager. This beer truly is sunshine in a glass! This beer underwent a cereal mash in the kettle with high-quality Haiga rice. The addition of the rice lightens the body and adds a unique grain character, making this beer incredibly crisp, refreshing and the perfect companion to these long summer days. Lagered long and cold, and naturally carbonated, Luce boasts aromas of petrichor, honey and a restrained herbal tea hop character. High-quality local pilsner malts were used to enhance the flavour and drinkability for a smooth, yet crisp finish. Let Luce awaken your palate and further brighten your spirit! 

Find Luppolo Brewing Company on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Main St. Brewing

Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner (5% ABV | 35 IBU) and Basement Suite Spaghett Sour (7% ABV | 10 IBU)

This limited-edition collaboration with @seabusmemes brings together two very special brews that can either be enjoyed on their own or combined to make something entirely new and wonderful. Blend the 473 ml Vancouver Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner with the 250 ml Basement Suite Spaghett Sour for a one-of-a-kind local flavour that’s a take on a Spaghett Cocktail (aka the poor man’s Aperol Spritz). It blends Special Sauce’s crisp, bright and citrus flavours with Basement Suite’s adjuncts of grapefruit, lemon peel, chamomile and tangerine to make a three-in-one beer experience that’s perfect for summer sipping. Whether you’re top shelf or in the basement suite, this is one combo that screams for the memes.

Find Main St. Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford

Golden Hour Raspberry Sour (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU)
Lush raspberry unfolds into a juicy, ruby-red tartness in this sour. Bright fruit flavour is balanced by a light, crisp body and a clean, mouth-watering finish. It’s perfect alongside lighter bites or something sweeter. 

Lake Days GolHazy Pale (5.5% ABV | 25 IBU)
Bursting with bold tangerine and zesty citrus, this hazy pale ale layers bright tropical and stonefruit notes over a smooth, juicy body. Aromatic with a soft, balanced finish, it’s endlessly drinkable and perfect alongside your favourite pizza.

Salty Lime Mexican Lager (5% ABV | 18 IBU)
A refreshingly unique and modern twist on a traditional Mexican lager. We used flaked corn to create a light-bodied and easy-drinking beer with just a touch of sweetness to perfectly compliment the salt and lime flavours. This Mexican lager is the finest balance of sweet, salty and tangy, which makes it a must-try.

Find Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Sidekick Brewing

Clever Kit Pale Ale (5% ABV | 35 IBU)
Built on a clean base, this smooth pale ale delivers bright tropical and stone fruit hop character with a splash of citrus and just the right kick. It’s the kind of dependable companion that shows up, sharpens the moment and keeps things humming.

Lifeguard Spike Pineapple Whip Sour (5% ABV | 12 IBU)
Inspired by the sunny nostalgia of a pineapple whip, Spike layers juicy pineapple with soft vanilla and lactose for a creamy, whipped texture. It’s bright and tropical up front, with a zippy sour finish that keeps the sweetness in check. 

Rhinestone Renata Black Lime Lager (4.5% ABV | 10 IBU)
Rhinestone Renata struts in with a whole lot of sparkle. Brewed with black limes, kaffir lime leaves and a smooth blend of corn and pilsner malt, this crisp lager shines gold in the glass and leaves a playful twang on the tongue. Easy-drinking with just enough earthy funk to keep things interesting, it’s made for disco nights, dusty boots and second rounds.

(Rhinestone Renata is a collaboration with Home By Midnight, the dance party for early risers. Proceeds from the sale of this beer will go towards helping support queer joy on and beyond the dance floor.)

Find Sidekick Brewing on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Steel & Oak Brewing

Sunglow Hefeweizen (4.8% ABV)
A classic German Hefeweizen brewed with a double decoction process for rich banana bread character and a soft, pillowy finish.

Juniper Dry Gin Saison (4.5% ABV)
A dry saison brewed to taste like a gin rickey. The idea came out of a brainstorm at Four Winds Beach House, and our head brewer, Aaron, turned it into something special. He preserved lemon and lime in-house by soaking them in salt and alcohol, then added juniper berries foraged from Vancouver Island to bring that botanical gin character.

Subtropic Hazy IPA with Nectaron (6.2% ABV)
One of our most popular beers, Subtropic is a hazy IPA that’s been on our roster since 2018. This version features a generous dry hop of Nectaron, a New Zealand hop that’s become one of the most sought-after in craft brewing right now for its intense tropical aromatics.

Find Steel & Oak Brewing on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Storm Brewing

Pina Colada Hazy IPA (7% ABV | 20 IBU)
A juicy IPA with strong notes of Coconut and Pineapple.

Strawberry Shortcake Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU)
A malty amber ale infused with strawberries and vanilla.

Find Storm Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Townsite Brewing

Suprazunga Blonde Ale with Passionfruit, Orange and Guava (5.2% ABV | 25 IBU)
This dry-hopped blonde ale gains its superpowers from the delicious passionfruit, orange and guava additions. It’s safe to say this beer is ready to save the day with its crisp reflexes and fruit-forward finishing moves.

Berms & Bridges Hazy Pale Ale with Lemon and Sea Salt (4.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
Conditioned with fresh lemon juice and pink Himalayan salt, Berms & Bridges is bright and bursting with citrusy goodness.

Blackberry Peach Sour (5.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
In late summer, the endless vines of ripe, juicy blackberries can be found all over the Sunshine Coast. This beer pays homage to those hot sunny days picking berries (and eating a few along the way). This balanced tart wheat ale pours a bright pink hue, packing in everything this delicious berry has to offer. This year’s version includes the addition of peach puree for an added stone fruit punch! 

Find Townsite Brewing on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Trading Post Brewing

Raspberry Wheat Ale (7.5% ABV)
Everyone’s favourite backyard beer is back! Big, bold and juicy, the Raspberry Wheat Ale is slightly sweet and dangerously crushable. 

Rosie Rhubarb Crumble Ale (5.8% ABV)
Rosie was born from a family recipe — the rhubarb cake that our operations manager Quinn’s mom made famous, now brewed into a beer. A generous oat bill brings that warm dessert softness, while local raw wildflower honey from Honey Bee Centre and fresh Fraser Valley rhubarb from Obella Farms push and pull between sweet and tart.

Borealis Haskap Sour (4.5% ABV)
Borealis is a fruit sour brewed with haskap berries. The name comes from the boreal forest, the northern Canadian ecosystem where haskaps grow wild and are among the very first berries to ripen each spring. We wanted a name that felt rooted in where the ingredient actually comes from.

Find Trading Post Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Whistler Brewing Co.

Lime Creamsicle Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
As the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and soak up the sun. When thirst strikes, cool down with a pint of Whistler’s new Lime Creamsicle Sour! A refreshing lime-flavoured beer with a smooth, ice cream twist and a touch of tart citrus at the end. The ultimate treat for warm, sunny days!

Creamsicle Sour Mixer Pack (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A new and unique series of craft sour beers, the Creamsicle Sour Mixer Pack features four exciting flavours – lime, orange, raspberry and blueberry. All of these blend the tangy, sour undertones of lime, orange, raspberry, and blueberry, only to be complemented by a smooth, creamy finish. Perfect for the summer months!

90 Light Lager (4% ABV | 15 IBU)
A light lager of superior quality and taste, this easy-drinking beer has a touch of malt and is crisp and refreshing. With only 90 calories and four grams of carbs, it’s time to try a Canadian light beer!

Find Whistler Brewing Co. on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

Play Date Apricot & Guava White Sour (5.7% ABV | 7 IBU) from Yellow Dog Brewing

The Play Date series is back for its sixth release, bringing the throwback vibes with a fresh new flavour combo. Play Date Apricot Guava Sour is bright, juicy, and just the right amount of trouble, blending smooth apricot sweetness with tropical guava and a crisp tart finish. So grab a few, head to the dog park, and ensure to plan your next Play Date! 

Find Yellow Dog Brewing on the Port Moody Ale Trail

Vancouver Island

We end our tour on Vancouver Island with a few selections from the always-impressive Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

First up is a new Dinosour from Phillips Brewing Co. that will have you yearning for the days of your youth. The Dinosour Power Rocket Pop is inspired by the iconic tri-colour popsicle and delivers those nostalgic flavours of cherry, blue raspberry and lemon-lime. And not to sound like your parents when you went for multiple Rocket Pops as a kid, but don’t have too many of these Dinosours because they’ll sneak up on you at 7% ABV.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter that you can really sink your teeth into, how about the 4% ABV Lemon Lime Fizz from Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.? It’s the ultimate summer sipper that’s brewed with 100% local grain from Field 5 Farms in nearby Saanichton. This light, crisp and refreshing creation is sweet, not sour, despite being defined by its bright, lemon-lime zest character.

Three seasonal releases from Dog Mountain Brewing

Tamatea India Pale Lager (5.5% ABV | 45 IBU)
Crisp with clean, light bitterness, this IPL is incredibly refreshing. Brewed with only Waimea hops, grown in the Nelson region of New Zealand, which give notes of tangerine, grapefruit, pineapple and pine. This is a hoppy, clean lager.

Rodeo Double NEIPA (7% ABV | 11 IBU)
We brewed this beer with the IPAs of the years gone by in mind. Very little hop bitterness, but piles of hop flavour and aroma.

I “Heart” PA Hazy IPA collab with Twin City Brewing (8% ABV)
We ‘Heart’ PA; Port Alberni is our city. We also ‘heart’ IPAs. There are loads of late-stage hops in this beer.

Find Dog Mountain Brewing on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Phillips Brewing & Malting

Solaris Citrus Wheat Ale (4% ABV | 4 IBU)
An easy-drinking summer sipper with bright lemon zest, fresh lime and a soft wheat finish. Smooth, crisp, seriously refreshing and only 4% ABV, perfect for sunny afternoons when one never quite feels like enough.

PUFF Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV | 35 IBU)
A vibrant, modern hazy loaded with hop character from Krush, Strata, Galaxy, Citra and Luminosa, bringing waves of citrus, tropical fruit and ripe stone fruit. Soft, pillowy, juicy and highly aromatic, it’s got just enough bitterness to stay balanced and effortlessly drinkable.

Dinosour Power Rocket Pop Sour Ale (7% ABV | 1 IBU)
First sip and you’re right back with that classic tri-colour ice pop. You know the one. A warm summer day, the ice cream truck song drifting down the street, kids sprinting with coins in hand, sticky fingers and the only plan being “stay outside until the streetlights come on.” Cherry. Blue raspberry. Lemon-lime. In that order. Exactly like you remember – except it’s 7% and you’re an adult now. 

Find Phillips Brewing & Malting on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Vancouver Island Brewing

Thrashin’ Caddy Juicy IPA (8% ABV | 40 IBU)
For centuries, cadborosaurus was just thrashin’ waves and keepin’ it cryptid, but this beer is too dang juicy to hoard. So Caddy came crashin’ ashore, shades on, tarps off, ready to party.

This beer provides a juicy hop punch with ripe orange and peach aroma. It is dangerously smooth!

Beach Shack Blackberry Blonde (5.2% ABV | 20 IBU)
The cooler’s full, the music’s on and the sprawling blackberry vines are full of plump, ripe fruit waiting to be popped in your mouth. This is summer at the beach shack. This fresh addition to our beach shack lineup delivers a burst of sun-ripened sweetness with a smooth, easy finish. It’s the flavours of the Island summer, one sun-kissed sip at a time. 

Find Vancouver Island Brewing in Victoria, BC

Lemon Lime Fizz (4% ABV | 11 IBU) from Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.

Brewed with 100% local grain from Field 5 Farm – barley, wheat and einkorn. Light, crisp and ultra refreshing with a dry finish and bright lemon-lime zest character. Fizz is an easy-drinking option made for sunny days.

Find Whistle Buoy Brewing Co. on the Great Victoria Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Summer Beer Roundup: Sip Into Summer with BC Craft Beer appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

While Vancouver takes centre stage as a host city, communities across the province are joining the excitement with fan zones, watch parties, beer gardens, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to cheer alongside fellow fans.

So, whether you’re looking for a lively place to catch a match, gather with friends, or soak up the atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of ways to join the celebration this summer in our Match Day Pints Guide. We’ve created this list of the best fan zones, watch parties, and community events happening around British Columbia. Click on any participating brewery below for event details, or find all of these events in the BC Ale Trail app. Don’t have it yet? Download it today and take BC’s craft beer scene with you.

Cheers to a summer of great matches, great beer, and memorable moments!

Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley

Vancouver

FIFA Fan Festival

The official FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park will be BC’s largest tournament celebration, featuring giant screens, live entertainment, food vendors, cultural programming, and interactive fan experiences throughout the tournament.

Granville Island

One of Vancouver’s most iconic destinations is getting into the soccer spirit with free public match screenings throughout the tournament. Between games, explore the Public Market, waterfront patios, and vibrant craft beverage scene.

R&B Brewing

Watch matches on a massive 140-inch screen while enjoying special Team Canada food and beer pairings.

Parallel 49 Brewing

One of Vancouver’s largest breweries has transformed its 250-seat patio and event space into an outdoor viewing area for all of the games this June and July, featuring a giant outdoor screen, DJs, food, and more.

Luppolo Brewing Company

Showing select matches in the tasting room. Table reservations are highly encouraged.

Steamworks Brewing Co.

Serving as Vancouver’s unofficial Swiss headquarters, welcoming fans of all nations throughout the tournament.

Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse

Showing matches in the taphouse throughout the tournament

Strathcona Beer Co.

Offering watch parties, snacks, and match-day drink specials.

Container Brewing

Enjoy patio parties for every game, all tournament long.

East Vancouver Brewing Company

Enjoy a pint and good food while they show matches all tournament long. Table reservations encouraged.

Strange Fellows Brewing

Watch the world’s best teams compete all tournament long while enjoying Strange Fellows’ award-winning beers.

Main Street Brewing

Enjoy all the Team Canada matches along with select tournament games. Open early for select games.

Howe Sound Brewing

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering $12 double Caesars and $20 jugs of Howe Sound Lager during the games. Enjoy a $20 burger and beer special from Monday to Friday. Open 30 minutes before early games.

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North Vancouver

Uber Eats Canada Soccer House

The Shipyards will become home to Uber Eats Canada Soccer House, a waterfront gathering place featuring match screenings, special events, entertainment, food, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate Canada’s biggest soccer summer yet.

Strathcona North

Showing every match with early openings for select morning games, true 20oz pours, and daily happy hour specials.

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Surrey

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Three free Soccer Fan Zones at Surrey Civic Plaza, Cloverdale Agriplex, and South Surrey Athletic Park will feature giant screens, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and licensed beer gardens.

Way Back Brew Co.

Showing matches all month long, making it easy to settle in with a locally crafted pint and soak up the match-day excitement.

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New Westminster

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

New Westminster is Fired Up for soccer with public watch parties, cultural programming, community events, and activities taking place throughout the tournament.

Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering a special $8.50 breakfast menu and $12 double Caesars, as well as a $20 burger and beer special every day. Open 30 minutes before early games.

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Delta

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Watch matches from Ladner’s Chisholm Street Wharf or the North Delta Recreation Centre while enjoying community programming and activities.

Four Winds Brewing Co.

Showing every match in the taproom.

Four Winds Beach House & Brewery

Catch every match on large projectors and TVs overlooking Boundary Bay.

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Coquitlam

Public Watch Parties

Public match viewings will rotate between several outdoor locations, creating neighbourhood gathering spaces for fans throughout the tournament.

Mariner Brewing

Showing every tournament match on the big screen with full sound, plus daily soccer-themed T-shirt giveaways and Team Canada jersey raffles on select match days.

Side Quest Brewing Co.

Showing all matches (that start between 12-7 pm) with the sound on. No cost to come, happy hour from 12-6 pm with $5 pints.

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Port Moody

Train Wreck Brewing

Join fellow fans for match screenings throughout the tournament.

Yellow Dog Brewing

Showing all matches throughout the tournament and hosting special giveaways during every Canada match. Grab a pint and join fellow supporters as Canada takes on the world’s best.

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Port Coquitlam

Taylight Brewing

Extended hours, international match celebrations, and tournament-themed food and beer specials throughout the tournament.

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Langley

Camp Beer Co.

A massive outdoor watch party experience featuring every match, special soccer mug club perks, custom cask beers, food features, and a final match celebration.

Dead Frog Brewery

Catch all the action throughout the tournament while enjoying a lineup of locally crafted beers.

Five Roads Brewing

Watch Vancouver-hosted matches while enjoying specials on their soccer-themed Mexican lager. Team Canada goals unlock $5 beers.

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Chilliwack

Sidekick Brewing

Showing every match in the taproom, with $15 60oz pitchers during Team Canada games.

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Pitt Meadows

Foamers’ Folly Brewing

Showing every single match LIVE. Grab a $5 pint and enjoy the festivities!

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Squamish

Howe Sound Brewing

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering a special breakfast menu and $12 double Caesars, as well as a $20 burger and beer special from Monday to Friday. Open 30 minutes before early games.

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Pemberton

Bridge Brewing

Catch every match on multiple screens, full sound, delicious handcrafted eats, and a pint of your favourite craft beer in hand.

Sunshine Coast

Gibsons & Sechelt

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Both Gibsons and Sechelt have received provincial funding to support free celebrations. Keep an eye on local event listings for details on community viewing parties and special programming throughout the tournament

Persephone Brewing Company

Join fellow fans for watch parties and receive 10% off on match days when you mention “Match Days.”

The Spare Room at The Alley

Pair all the action with Persephone pints and a full pub menu featuring burgers, wings, and more.

Vancouver Island

Victoria

Public Watch Parties and Community Events 

Downtown Victoria is embracing the tournament with outdoor watch parties, street activations, and community events hosted in partnership with local businesses throughout the city.

Driftwood Brewing

Enjoy all the games on their new 75″ TV, starting at 12:00pm daily. Select matches shown with sound.

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Langford

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Langford’s cultural district will come alive with public match screenings, local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and a licensed beverage garden. It’s an ideal stop for soccer fans travelling through southern Vancouver Island.

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Comox Valley

Public Watch Party

Celebrate Canada’s opening match with a community gathering featuring live music, cultural performances, and a shared viewing experience in one of Vancouver Island’s most scenic regions.

Interior BC

Kamloops

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Riverside Park will serve as Kamloops’ soccer headquarters, with matches broadcast on a large outdoor screen at the Rotary Bandshell. Team Canada games and the tournament final will feature enhanced programming, including food trucks, family activities, live entertainment, and a beer garden.

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Kelowna

Kelowna Beer Institute

Transforming into “England House” for every England match, complete with a dedicated viewing room, prizes, food specials, and a pint included with admission.

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Penticton

Yellow Dog Brewing

Catch Canada’s matches with fellow fans while enjoying locally crafted beer and the vibrant atmosphere of Penticton’s brewery district.

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Salmon Arm

Public Watch Parties

Salmon Arm is planning a series of free community watch parties, giving visitors another reason to spend time in the Shuswap region during the tournament.

Ricochet Brewing & Taphouse

Join the After the Pitch celebrations with an expanded street-side patio, food specials, outdoor games, and 36 BC craft beverage taps.

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Cranbrook

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

The East Kootenays will join the celebration with public viewing opportunities and soccer-themed community events throughout the tournament.

Northern BC

Prince George

Public Watch Party

Prince George will host a community watch party for the soccer final, bringing fans together to celebrate the culmination of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Join the Celebration

One of the best things about the beautiful game is how it brings people together. This summer, communities across BC are creating spaces where fans can gather, cheer on their favourite teams, and be part of the excitement.

Whether you’re watching from a waterfront fan zone, a community watch party, or your local brewery patio, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the soccer spirit. And while the tournament may be a global event, it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate local. BC’s craft breweries are producing world-class beer in communities across the province, and many are opening their doors for match-day festivities.

So pull on your lucky jersey, gather your crew, and raise a locally crafted pint to a summer of great beer, unforgettable moments, and world-class soccer.

For further resources, visit Super, Natural BC.

The post Match Day Pints: Where to Celebrate the Beautiful Game in BC appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Whether you’re a die-hard hop head or just love a good excuse to experience a new corner of the province, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. From intimate community celebrations to sprawling multi-brewery showcases, BC’s craft beer festivals bring together the best local breweries, cideries, and distilleries under one roof — paired with great food, inventive non-alc options, live music, and the kind of good vibes that only come from a crowd of fellow beer lovers.

Why not make a proper getaway out of it? BC’s festival circuit spans the entire province, giving you the perfect reason to explore a new town, support local businesses, and discover what makes each region’s beer scene one-of-a-kind.

Here are the spring and summer beer festivals worth marking on your calendar right now — because the best fests have a way of selling out fast.

Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival • Fort Langley

June 13

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Parksville Beer Festival • Parksville

July 4

Indulge in your love for craft beer, connect with like-minded individuals, and support local businesses, all within a festival atmosphere curated for enjoyment and discovery. At the Parksville Beer Festival, it’s not just about exceptional beers – it’s also a haven for foodies! Get ready to complement your craft beer experience with a fantastic selection from the specially curated food trucks.

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Phillips Backyard Music Festival • Victoria

July 10 – 12

Phillips’ multi-day music festival is back again, blending craft beer culture with live music in a fun, inclusive, community-centred atmosphere. This year’s lineup includes big names like Chance the Rapper and Father John Misty, among many others. Weekend passes are sold out, but single-day tickets are still available — get yours before they sell out!

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Battle of the Brews • Surrey

August 15

The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and 93.7 JR Country are hosting the 8th Annual Battle of the Brews.  This fun charity event will offer attendees a great afternoon of craft beer tasting and food trucks.  Attendees will get the chance to help choose their favourite beers, and all proceeds from the event will help fund Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society youth initiatives.

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Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival • Chemainus

August 15

The Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival is a community-rooted, non-profit event bringing together 30+ BC breweries pouring 100+ craft beverages alongside ciders, non-alcoholic options, and 15+ food trucks and local eats — all set to live music. With shuttle service available for a safe ride home, it’s a great reason to explore the Cowichan Valley and support local.

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Squamish Beer Festival • Squamish

August 29

Located at the Loggers Sports Ground, the Squamish festival brings together more than 55 breweries and cideries for craft beer lovers to celebrate great beer and mountain culture with food, games, axe throwing, DJs, an artisan marketplace, live music, and more.

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Barnside Harvest Festival • Ladner

September 11-13

More than just a beer festival, Barnside Harvest Festival is a celebration of local food, craft beverages, music, and community. Held at Paterson Park in Ladner, this three-day event features an impressive lineup of live music alongside a curated selection of BC craft breweries, cideries, wineries, and food vendors. It’s the perfect way to savour the final days of summer.

Shuswap Brewers Fest • Salmon Arm

September 13

Hosted at Northyards Cider Co., the Shuswap Brewers Fest brings together craft breweries, cideries, distilleries, food vendors, and live entertainment for a relaxed afternoon celebrating the region’s thriving beverage scene. As an added bonus, the event supports the Salmon Arm Rescue Society, making every sip a chance to give back to the local community.

Whistler Village Beer Festival • Whistler

September 16-20

Set against the stunning backdrop of Whistler’s mountains, the Whistler Village Beer Festival combines craft beer, cider, seltzers, live music, and mountain-town energy into one unforgettable weekend. The festival features a series of events throughout the village, culminating in the Main Event at Whistler Olympic Plaza, where dozens of beverage makers come together for an afternoon of sampling, food trucks, games, and good times.

The post Cheers! 2026 Summer Beer Festivals appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Our province’s craft brewers have been busy getting ready for it, and this year’s lineup of spring releases is one to get excited about.

From Northern BC to Vancouver Island and the Kootenays, breweries big and small are bringing out the kinds of beers that just make sense this time of year: crisp lagers, zesty sours, hazy IPAs, and more than a few fruit-forward surprises that lean into the season.

And this year, our cider and spirits friends are along for the ride too. Whether you’re looking to try something new or want to get together with friends who aren’t into beer (we don’t judge!), our Cider- and Spirit-making friends have some tasty options to sample this spring.

Whether you’re a regular at your neighbourhood taproom or looking for an excuse to hit a new Ale Trail, there’s something in this roundup for you. Let’s get into it.

Jump to a region near you:

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Kootenay Rockies

Northern BC

Thompson Okanagan

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (includes the Fraser Valley)

Vancouver Island

PLUS! Find new flavours from our friends in the Craft Community.

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Two new releases from Barkerville Brewing Co.

Brew’s Irish Red Ale (4.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
A smooth, easy-drinking Irish Red Ale with a rich reddish hue. Subtle caramel sweetness is balanced by notes of roast barley and black malt, finishing dry with a lightly toasted character.

Pearl River Lemon Ginger Pilsner (6.3% ABV | 21 IBU)
A taste of adventure awaits you with each sip of this spin on our classic pilsner. Let the splash of zippy citrus awaken your venturesome spirit as the peppery bite of ginger warms your resolve for the long journey ahead.

BONUS – Coming Soon:
Keep your eyes peeled for a new release coming soon: Claim Jumper Peachy Keen Kettle Sour. Bursting with ripe BC peaches, this kettle sour opens lively and tart, then finishes with lush stone fruit character and a gentle natural sweetness, creating a refreshing, thirst-quenching beer made for warm days and easy drinking.

Find Barkerville Brewing Co in Quesnel on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Two new releases from Cask and Cleaver Brewing

Peaches & Cream Ale (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A golden ale crafted with ripe peach, vanilla, and soft malt sweetness. Juicy fruit and smooth cream-like character carry through a bright, easy finish — decadent yet refreshing, with just a hint of forged summer indulgence.

Blueberry Limeade Sour (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU)
A bright, refreshing sour crafted with real blueberry and lime. Juicy blueberry and crisp lime shine through in a tart, vibrant pour with a clean finish — lively, refined, and forged for summer.

Find Cask & Cleaver Brewing in 100 Mile House on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Kootenay Rockies

Two new releases from Backroads Brewing Co

Sipasaurus Rex Dry Hopped White Ale (5.7% ABV)
Sipasaurus Rex won 2nd Place at the 2019 BC Beer Awards in the Specialty IPA category. Aggressive dry-hopping with Mosaic of this dry, crisp and refreshing white ale imparts a complex bouquet of blueberry, mango, stone fruit, rose and citrus. Pours a golden yellow with a dense white head. It’s ferociously good

Powerslave Pilsner (5% ABV)
A light-bodied, clean and refreshing mostly German-style Pils. The subtle grainy-sweet malt character sets up a moderately crisp hop bitterness with delicately floral, herbal, and spicy notes. Pours a clear straw colour with a bright white head

Find Backroads Brewing Co in Osoyoos, and in Nelson on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

Two new releases from Fernie Brewing Co

Back Cast Orange Mango Ale (4.5% ABV | 15 IBU)
This Orange Mango Ale is made for that perfect last cast—a crisp, easy-drinking brew packing a tropical punch. Back Cast is a thirst-quenching Blonde Ale bursting with ripe orange and mango flavours.

Boasting a medium body, a clean finish and a brilliant colour when poured, Back Cast looks just as refreshing as it tastes. A bright, sessionable beer, you’ll be casting for more long after the late summer sun has set.

Wallride White Ale (5.2% ABV | 17 IBU)
After a day of big climbs & fast descents, this smooth, citrusy & refreshing Witbier is the post-ride brew you’ve been pedalling for.

Wallride is a classic Belgian-style Witbier, zesty and effervescent with a dry finish and a touch of haze. Brewed with a Belgian yeast alongside orange peel and coriander, Wallride is a refreshing summer sip best enjoyed after a day on the trails.

Find Fernie Brewing Co in Fernie on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

Three new releases from Over Time Beer Works

Stockticker Raspberry Sour (5% ABV | 7 IBU)
A proper kettle sour, Stockticker combines a perfect blend of subtle tartness from real raspberries with a soft sour that doesn’t punch you in the face. However, you may punch someone in the face to get another! Enjoy it on the sunny Over Time Beer Works patio or available soon in all-new, re-designed Over Time cans!

Split Wit Witbier (5.1% ABV | 20 IBU)
A light, bright, and happy wheat beer, finished with an orange peel dry hop. This beer is the perfect way to split from winter to summer. A slight citrus flavour blended with hints of clove and coriander, with just enough malt quality to give it a light bread undertone.

Third Age Pilsner – New Zealand Pilsner (5% ABV | 28 IBU)
A traditional cold fermented pilsner with some untraditional surprises. Made with the Wai-Iti hops of New Zealand as opposed to traditional European hops, giving it a subtle blend of tropical fruit smell. Reaffirmed with a juicy tropical fruit flavour. The kind of beer a Hobbit would relax with while sitting in the afternoon sun of the Shire. Also soon to be available in newly rebranded Over Time Beer Works Cans.

Find Over Time Beer Works in Kimberley on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

Three new releases from Whitetooth Brewing Company

Tomorrow We Ride Hefeweizen (5.3% ABV | 12 IBU)
Immerse yourself in Whitetooth’s modern Hef, with notes of tangerine, honey, cloves, vanilla and banana.

Surfin’ On Lupulin Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV | 36 IBU)
Surfin’ On Lupulin is an exploratory Hazy IPA that plays with prodigious dry hopping and high-protein grains to produce haze and intensely juicy, fruity, citrusy hop flavour. The team at Whitetooth changes hop combinations with each brew in the exploratory series.

Jambrosia Raspberry Wheat Ale (5.2% ABV | 17.3 IBU)
A translucent, delicate rose coloured Wheat Ale dominated by red raspberry aroma, refreshing light fruit flavour and pink-tinged head. A hint of orange peel is detectable in the dry finish.

Find Whitetooth Brewing Company in Golden on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

Northern BC

Two new releases from Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse

Sherona Mexican Lager (4.5% ABV | 18 IBU)
This is Sherwood’s spin on another very popular Mexican lager with the addition of lime extract. Released every year for Cinco De Mayo, it’s a fan favourite for the times when spring feels a lot like summer.

Kinfolk Kolsch (5% ABV | 18 IBU)
A crisp, clean, delicately-balanced ale with a subtle fruit and hop character. An ale for the lager drinker and their kin.

Find Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace on the Northern BC Ale Trail

Two new releases from Wheelhouse Brewing Company

Killer Wit Belgian Wheat Ale (4.8% ABV | 23 IBU)
A Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with a blend of traditional spices, including coriander and orange peel. Brewed in Spring to celebrate the return of resident Killer Whales to Prince Rupert’s harbour.

Clara Lager – Salted Lime Mexican Lager (4.5% ABV | 19 IBU)
Inspired by Mexican Cervezas. This bright and light beer is brewed with heaps of flaked corn for extra crispness and fresh lime zest and sea salt.

Find Wheelhouse Brewing Company in Prince Rupert on the Northern BC Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

Two new releases from Abandoned Rail Brewing Co.

Sundrops Japanese Lager (5.2% ABV | 13 IBU)
Brewed in collaboration with friends at Soe Cafe, Sundrops celebrates the balance of tradition and innovation. Inspired by Soe’s Japanese heritage, this crisp rice lager honours the refined flavours of classic Japanese brews while weaving in a touch of Abandoned Rail’s German brewing roots.

Gluten Schmuten – Gluten Free Blueberry Sour (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
Gluten Free but flavour full! Drinks light, tart and fruity with subtle blueberry notes from BC grown blueberries.

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail

See Kootenay Rockies for new brews from Backroads Brewing Co in Osoyoos and Nelson, BC

Two new releases from BNA Brewing Co.

BNA Lite Lager (4% ABV | 10 IBU)
A classic light-bodied lager with an ultra dry finish.

Maria’s Coffee Cerveza (5% ABV)
Launched at this year’s Fest of Ale, this pleasantly surprising beer was a hit! It’s now at tap in the Okanagan at all three BNA locations. Pronounced aroma of dark roast coffee carries through on the palate leading to a crisp and clean finish. (Contains no caffeine)

Find BNA Brewing Co. in their original Kelowna location, on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail; in Vernon on the Southern Interior Ale Trail; and in their new taproom in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail.

Three new releases from Cannery Brewing

Babe Brew Tropical Hazy Pale Ale (5.5% ABV)
Cannery Brewing’s Tropical Hazy Pale Ale is a Babe Brew fundraiser beer. It is brewed with Australian Galaxy hops and passionfruit & guava fruit terpenes. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this beer supports the Beer Babes Family charity. Funds raised are awarded as grants to women working in the beer industry. The team at Cannery would like to thank the amazing sponsors of this beer: Hops Connect, Yeast Canada, Altro Labels, TricorBraun and Toniko Creative Agency. This beer is available in the taproom now. It is also available at private liquor stores around BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Lemon Lager with Honey (4.5% ABV | 15 IBU)
Lemon Lager with Honey is a limited-release beer. It is a citrus-forward light lager brewed with lemon and local honey from Orchard Blossom Honey in Keremeos. It is dry, crisp and refreshing.

Hop Chowdah Hazy IPA (6.5% | 45 IBU)
The popular Hop Chowdah Hazy New England IPA is back again for the spring and summer. It’s juicy with relaxed bitterness and a soft mouthfeel. It is hopped with Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka and Nectaron hops.

Find Cannery Brewing in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail

Three new releases from Copper Brewing Co

Kelrona Mexican Pilsner (5% ABV | 28 IBU)
Copper’s crisp, easy-drinking Mexican pilsner with a splash of fresh lime. It’s bright, refreshing, and seriously crushable!

Hop Juice Jr. Hazy Pale Ale (4.3% ABV | 33 IBU)
This beer is a collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops, and is a light, easy-drinking, hazy pale. This beer packs a punch from the hops without the bitterness. Loads of tropical notes with some subtle but pleasant pine and earthy notes to it. This is Copper’s brewer’s favourite beer to date! One pint says it all!

Irish Cream Nitro Stout (5.4% ABV | 38 IBU)
Rich and velvety with cascading nitro bubbles. This nitro has notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and subtle caramel that blend seamlessly with a smooth, lightly sweet finish. Low bitterness and a soft mouthfeel make this an easy-drinking, classic stout that’s indulgent without being heavy. *NOTE: Contains Lactose

Find Copper Brewing Co in Kelowna on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Apple Lite Lager (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU) from Giants Head Brewing

This is Giants Head Brewing’s Lite Lager with a blend of locally grown McIntosh, Granny Smith & Gala Apples

Find Giants Head Brewing in Summerland, BC

Jelly Swell – Beach Beery Light Lager (4% ABV | 20 IBU) from Kettle River Brewing Company

Part sunshine, part sonic-sipper, mixed with a whole lotta good vibrations. Brewed in collaboration with 103.1 Beach Radio, this berry-kissed light lager hits juuuust right. Crisp, juicy, and perfectly in tune with longer days and louder nights. Turn it up, crack it open, and jam on – cause this jelly will leave ya feelin’ swellll!

Find Kettle River Brewing Company in Kelowna on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Capo Italian Lager (5% | 27 IBU) from Neighbourhood Brewing

Capo Italian Lager keeps it cool and collected. It’s crisp, clean, and quietly confident with fresh floral and herbal notes that add just the right amount of swagger. Easy drinking but far from basic, it’s the kind of Lager that shows up sharp and leaves a lasting impression.

BONUS – Coming May 21st: Be Cool Raspberry Sour (5.5% ABV | 5 IBU) This raspberry Sour keeps things tart, juicy, and effortlessly smooth. Bursting with fresh raspberry and a lively punch of acidity, this sour is bright, playful, and just the right amount of cheeky. Being cool never tasted so good!

Find Neighbourhood Brewing in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail

Three new releases from Ricochet Brewing

Switchback Pale Ale (5% ABV | 30 IBU)
This pale ale is crisp, balanced, and easy-drinking. Light citrus and subtle pine notes sit over a clean malt backbone, finishing with a smooth, moderate bitterness.

Kick Back Kolsch (4.7% ABV | 27 IBU)
Brewed for easy-going moments, kick back Kolsch is crisp, smooth, and endlessly drinkable. Light malt character meets the subtle floral and herbal notes of German Mittelfruh hops, finishing clean and refreshing. It’s the kind of beer you crack, pour, and kick back with – no rush, no fuss, just good beer.

Core Collection Variety Pack

• Lakeside Lager (4% ABV | 10 IBU): Nice and light, crisp, easy drinking
• Switchback Pale Ale (5% ABV | 30 IBU): Easy drinking, slight citrus and subtle hints of pine. Moderate bitterness.
• Shuswap Daze Hazy IPA (6.9% ABV | 45 IBU): Pineapple, Mango and a hint of coconut. Tropical and refreshing.
• Mountainside Pilsner (5% ABV | 9 IBU): A lightly hopped, crisp, refreshing beer with slightly spicy notes and gorgeous golden colour.

Find Ricochet Brewing’s Taphouse in Salmon Arm on the Southern Interior Ale Trail

Miami Weisse Lime Coconut Tart Ale (4.7% ABV) from Tin Whistle Brewing Co.

The first drop in Tin Whistle’s Travel With Your Tastebuds Series, and honestly… It’s giving full tropical getaway energy.

Bright, zesty lime.
Light, refreshing tartness.
Crisp, easy-drinking body.
All wrapped up in a smooth coconut finish that’ll have you mentally on a beach somewhere.

No passport, no problem. This is THE beer of the summer. Find it now at BC Liquor Stores and private liquor stores across the Okanagan and Kootenays. Travel With Your Tastebuds — global styles, locally brewed. Inspired by adventure, flavour, and the world’s most unforgettable beer traditions.

Find Tin Whistle Brewing Co in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail

Brock’s Beer West Coast Pilsner (4.7% ABV | 35 IBU) from Yellow Dog Brewing

This West Coast Pilsner is built for crisp passes and clean finishes. Brewed in collaboration with Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, this collab brings together Yellow Dog Brewing’s hop expertise with a smooth, modern edge. It’s bright, snappy, and refreshingly dialled in with a subtle hop bite and a perfectly dry finish. Easygoing but confident, it’s the kind of beer that shows up ready to play!

Find Yellow Dog Brewing in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail; and in Port Moody on the Port Moody Ale Trail

Vancouver Coast and Mountains

Primetime Limelite Lager (4% ABV) from Bridge Brewing Company

A crisp, ultra-refreshing light lager with a bright twist of lime. Easy-drinking at 4% ABV, it’s clean, zesty, and made for long patio sessions.

Find Bridge Brewing Company in their original location in North Vancouver, and now at Bridge Brewing – Pemberton, as well as Lonsdale BridgeDeck Kitchen and Taps, all on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail.

Two new releases from Container Brewing

Gantry Pilsner (4% ABV)
Light hops, crisp, and clean.

Cloud Theory Nitro Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV)
Currently on Version 11 of this hazy brew.

Find Container Brewing in Vancouver on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

Three new releases from Dageraad Brewing

Sprucio – Mixed-culture Saison with Spruce Tips (5% ABV)
This collab with Wheelhouse Brewing blends the fruity, resinous notes of freshly harvested spruce tips with the characteristic funk and tanginess of a Dageraad mixed-culture beer.

Entropy Series No. 17 – Batch #4 – Balaton Sour (6.4% ABV)
The base sour ale is aged in oak barrels, entwining subtle spice notes with the tart and tangy funk of a mixed-culture fermentation. Afterwards, the beer is rested on Balaton cherries, providing a luscious cascade of red fruit notes paired with warm spice notes.

Dageraad 12th Anniversary Biere de Coupage (6.5% ABV)
To celebrate our 12th Anniversary, we created this magnificent blend of five different barrel-aged beers. Each brings another layer of nuance and complex, building wood character on hop aromas on mixed-ferment funk. It’s a layer cake of Dageraad’s brewing sensibilities. Bring your own candle.

Find Dageraad Brewing in Burnaby on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Three new releases from Dead Frog Brewery

The Citrus Lager Splash Pack – 8 new tall cans of citrus bliss!
Featuring the Pepper Lime Lager, Yuzu Pilsner, Calamansi Pilsner, & Grapefruit Pilsner:

• Pepper Lime Lager (5% ABV) – A crisp golden lager with a splash of all-natural lime and a hint of black pepper.
• Grapefruit Pilsner (5% ABV) – A clean, crisp pilsner with a refreshing burst of zesty grapefruit.
• Yuzu Pilsner (5% ABV) – A juicy and refreshing pilsner with a blast of fresh-squeezed yuzu.
• Calamansi Lager (5% ABV) – A smooth and crisp golden lager with a tropical twist of fresh-squeezed calamansi.

Cream Soda Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A juicy, sweet, bright pink sour bursting with refreshing flavours, fresh fruit, a hint of vanilla, and a blast of summers gone by.

Lemon Warhead Imperial Sour (9% ABV | 12 IBU)
A lemon packed sour exploding with flavours of fresh squeezed lemon, a splash of sweet lemon zest, and a juicy blast of lemon on the finish. This powerful brew gloriously balances refreshing lemon flavour with so, so, so very much sour.

Find Dead Frog Brewery in Langley on the Langley Ale Trail

Three new releases from Farm Country Brewing

Dad Jokes Lager (5% ABV | 30 IBU)
The beer that started it all. Dad Jokes is our award-winning corn lager — light, crisp, and endlessly drinkable, with a unique barley and corn blend that keeps you coming back for another round… and another bad joke.

Czech Lager (4.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
Light, crisp, and floral. A traditional Czech-style lager brewed for easy drinking — clean bitterness, soft malt backbone, and a delicate hop character that lingers.Endlessly drinkable.

Put Me in Kölsch (5% ABV | 25 IBU)
Smooth, subtle, and seriously crushable. Our Kölsch honours the traditional German style — light and crisp with a delicate fruity character and a clean, dry finish that keeps the glass emptying itself.

Find Farm Country Brewing in Langley on the Langley Ale Trail

Three new releases from Field House Brewing

Superdelic Loral Cold IPA (7% ABV)
This crisp and refreshing cold IPA is full of flavour with a lager-like profile. Its bright, juicy character comes from the combined Superdelic and Loral hops, finishing with a mix of citrus and floral aromas.

Strawberry Daquiri Soft Serve Sour (7.5% ABV)
Inspired by warm days and strawberry daiquiris, this soft serve sour is brewed with loads of real strawberry and a touch of creamy vegan vanilla for a smooth, full-bodied sip. Pairs well with a cocktail umbrella and good times.

Super Tall Motueka Rakau Hazy IPA (8.5% ABV)
Sip into the New Zealand spirit with this stacked fruit-forward brew! This double IPA is packed with loads of Motueka and Rakau freestyle hops, layered with Motueka Sub Zero Hop Kief for an added zesty lime + tropical aromatic boost.

Find Field House Brewing in Abbotsford and in Chilliwack on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Four new releases from Five Roads Brewing

1st Goal Lager (4.6% ABV | 15 IBU)
A crisp, light lager perfect for match day. Score one for your team!

Ginger Lime Mule Anniversary Ale (5.2% ABV | 15 IBU)
Inspired by the bold flavours of a Moscow Mule, this crisp, refreshing brew is crafted with fresh ginger, tart lime juice and lime zest, and packed with vibrant flavour. Raise a glass to a fresh twist on a classic!

Una Mas Mexican Lager (4.6% ABV | 15 IBU)
This Mexican lager delivers a light golden colour, clean malt character, and a crisp, thirst‑quenching finish. Pair it with a lime, and you’re all set for a perfect day on the patio!

Vienna Lager (5.5% ABV | 25 IBU)
Five Roads’ Vienna Lager is a German-style Marzen with notes of lightly caramelized sugar, bread crust, & a spicy hop profile to balance it out.

Find Five Roads Brewing in Langley on the Langley Ale Trail

Three new releases from Foamers’ Folly Brewing Co.

Canadian Wheat Beer with Pineapples (5% ABV | 24 IBU)
Bright and tropical, with juicy pineapple leading into citrus, mango, and subtle berry notes from Mosaic hops, layered over a soft wheat backbone. Light-bodied and slightly hazy, it has a smooth, creamy texture with lively carbonation and a clean lager profile. The beer finishes crisp and refreshing, with lingering tropical fruit and balanced, gentle bitterness.

Foamers’ Lager – Helles Lager (5% ABV | 17 IBU)
A bright, golden lager with a soft, bready malt backbone, subtle floral and herbal hops, and a light body that’s full of flavour with a crisp, refreshing finish.

Juicy Double IPA (8% ABV | 65 IBU)
This hazy powerhouse shines with Galaxy-driven notes of passion fruit, peach, and citrus. A body of sweet dextrin malt and pillowy wheat and oats finishes smooth and slightly bitter, showcasing bright tropical hop character. A deep dive into juicy hop-saturated bliss.

Find Foamers’ Folly Brewing Co. in Pitt Meadows on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

Three new releases from Fuggles Beer Co.

Mango Street (4/9% ABV)
Mango, juice, mango.

Shiori Peach Sour (5.6% ABV)
Juicy, sweet, sour.

Force Lime Lager (5% ABV)
A clean, classic lager with a bright hint of lime. Very refreshing!

Find Fuggles Beer Co. in Richmond on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Two new releases from Locality Brewing

Spruce Tip Pilsner (5% ABV | 28 IBU)
Brewed with traditional pilsner malt and delicately infused with hand-foraged spruce tips, this crisp and refreshing pilsner brings a taste of the forest to a classic German style. Aromas of fresh pine, citrus zest, and herbal spice lead into a clean malt backbone with subtle notes of cereal and bread. The spruce tips lend a bright, resinous finish that complements the gentle bitterness and dry finish. It’s a refreshing twist on tradition!

Cherry Vanilla Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
Bright and refreshing, this sour ale blends tart cherry with smooth vanilla for a perfectly balanced contrast. Juicy fruit acidity leads the sip, while soft vanilla rounds out the finish with a gentle sweetness. Light-bodied and lively, it delivers a clean, refreshing sour with a dessert-like twist that never becomes heavy.

BONUS! Check the Craft Community section below for a tasty cider made by Locality!

Find Locality Brewing in Langley on the Langley Ale Trail

Two new releases from Luppolo Brewing Company

Mare Oyster Pilsner (5.5% ABV)
Mare—Italian for “sea”—dives deep into the terroir of coastal British Columbia. Brewed with 100% local ingredients, this pilsner isn’t afraid to come out of its shell. Made with Vancouver Island Pilsner malt from Field Five Farm and locally grown Hallertau Mittlefruh hops, it’s a true taste of the tide.

The folks at Luppolo tossed in whole oysters and shells from Fanny Bay to shell-abrate our salty roots and tweak the water profile, giving Mare a subtle salinity and a briny minerality that’ll have your taste buds doing the wave. It pours a bright straw-yellow with a pearly white head—like sunshine on a freshly shucked half-shell. Take a whiff, and you’ll catch ocean breeze, lemon zest, and fresh-cut beach grass. With its medium body and smooth, silky mouthfeel from natural carbonation, Mare is shore to be your go-to beach buddy. Crack it open and sea where it takes you. After all, the world is your oyster—slurp it up!

Limoncello Sour Weisse (4.5% ABV)
When life gives you lemons… well, you get the idea. This refreshingly light and flavourful Berliner-style, sour wheat beer is fermented with Luppolo’s house culture of Brettanomyces and Lactobacillus and conditioned with the peel and juice from a large quantity of fresh lemons. Aromas of freshly-squeezed lemons and subtle spice lead to flavours of citrus and tropical fruit with a subtle brett character and bright acidity. A perfect summer sipper, or really any time of the year, when you are looking for something to brighten your day.

Find Luppolo Brewing Company in Vancouver on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Two new releases from Main St. Brewing

Altabani Italian Pilsner (5.2% ABV | 22 IBU)
This new brew gets its name from the Capo di Tutti Capi — a.k.a. the mafia boss of all bosses — in the classic 1969 film The Italian Job, who ambushes Michael Caine and his crew in the Alps and tells them it’s a “long walk back to England”.

This crisp, clean and crushable Pilsner has a subtle herbal character and floral aroma and is built on a bill of BC Pilsner, Vienna, honey and Carafoam malts, the classic European Noble hop Lubelski and Hallertau Mittelfrüh and is time fermented with a thiolized lager yeast to enhance hop flavours. Ciao, Bella: this is one Italian Pilsner that gets the ’Job done.

Cannonball West Coast Double IPA (8% ABV | 75 IBU)
This new super-sized 568mL West Coast DIPA showcases a deliciously dank medley of Pacific Northwest hops that include Columbus, Centennial, Simcoe, Amarillo and Cascade, plus a malt bill of Pilsner, Pale and Vienna, all leading a big, bold brew that’s soaked with flavour.

Find Main St. Brewing in Vancouver on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail

Three new releases from Sidekick Brewing

Naveen Mango Lychee Sour (4.8% ABV | 10 IBU)
Packed with lush mango and floral lychee, this tart tropical sour is juicy, fragrant, and seriously easy to love. It’s fruity without being heavy, with a refreshing acidity that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Arnold Iced Tea Lemon Radler (3.5% ABV | 10 IBU)
This Iced Tea Lemon Radler is a crisp, non-sweet take on a radler. Real lemon character and smooth iced tea notes come together in a refreshing sip that’s equal parts laid-back and lively.

Fresk Kicks #1 (6.5% ABV | 35 IBU)
Kicking off Sidekick’s rotating Hazy IPA taproom exclusive series, this release is bursting with mandarin and peach character over a soft, pillowy body. Dolcita and Eclipse hops bring bright citrus and stone fruit notes, while the haze keeps everything smooth, lush, and easy-drinking. A fresh start with plenty of juice.

Find Sidekick Brewing in Chilliwack on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Two new releases from Steamworks Brewing Co.

Triple Berry Sour (4.8% ABV | 12 IBU)
15% fruit puree by volume, this jammy delight is dripping with ripe summer berry flavour and a refreshing tartness that will leave you wanting another sip. Want to know a secret? We called it triple berry – but there are actually four kinds of berries in it.

Tropical Tart Wheat Beer (4.9% ABV | 15 IBU)
A simple wheat beer hopped with tropical heavyweights Citra and Galaxy is co-fermented with gobs of the superfruits pomegranate and passionfruit. The result is, technically, a delicious fruit beer, but let’s be honest – it’s basically juice.

Find Steamworks Brewing Co.’s Brewery and Taproom in Burnaby on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail; the original Brewpub or the Mount Pleasant Kitchen and Taphouse in Vancouver on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail; and the newest taphouse, Steamworks Brewing Co North Shore in North Vancouver on the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail.

Sunglow Hefeweizen (4.8% ABV |15 IBU) from Steel & Oak Brewing

Steel & Oak has always loved a Hefeweizen, and Sunglow is the one they keep coming back to. They double decocted this version, a time-consuming and frankly overcomplicated process that they do anyway because it makes everything better: the mouthfeel, the banana bread depth, the gentle clove spice that makes this style so satisfying. Best enjoyed with a slice of orange and nowhere to be.

Find Steel & Oak Brewing in New Westminster on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Three new releases from The Patch Brewery

Sun Krush: Pale Ale (5.5% ABV)
Sun Krush is a spring, juicy pale ale brewed with Krush hops. Soft and hazy with bright orange citrus and candied fruit notes, it’s smooth, juicy, and refreshing with a balanced finish. Available now on tap, with cans coming at the end of May.

Tropical Ridge Guavaweizen (5.5% ABV)
Tropical Ridge is a 5.5% Guavaweizen. Light, bright, and refreshing, it features tropical notes of guava and banana for a smooth, fruit-forward finish. Perfect for sunny days in the picnic area, and available now on tap only.

The Mexican Salted Lime Lager (4.3% ABV)
Mexican Salted Lime Lager is a 4.3% ABV crisp, refreshing lager with a zesty lime kick and a touch of salt for a clean, bright finish. Easy-drinking and ultra refreshing, it’s made for warm days and patio sessions. Available in cans starting May 1st.

Find The Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

Two new releases from Tinhouse Brewing Co

My Best Day ISA (India Session Ale) (4.5% ABV | 43 IBU)
A tasty light India Pale Ale, dry-hopped with Galaxy & Citra. Perfect sunny day sipper.

Hyde Kriek (Cherry) Sour Ale (6.5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A kettle soured ale, with a late addition of dark cherries. Pours a beautiful dark red, with a fantastic pink head.

Find Tinhous Brewing in Port Coquitlam on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Raspberry Wheat Ale (7.5% ABV) from Trading Post Brewing

Everyone’s favourite backyard beer has returned! Big, bold and juicy – the Raspberry Wheat Ale is slightly sweet and dangerously crushable.

Find Trading Post Brewing in their Brewery or the Fort Langley Eatery, both in Langley, on the Langley Ale Trail; or at the Abbotsford Eatery on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Three new releases from Whistler Brewing Company

Lime Creamsicle Sour (5% ABV)
As the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and soak up the sun! When thirst strikes, cool down with a pint of Whistler’s Lime Creamsicle Sour. A refreshing lime-flavoured beer with a smooth, ice cream twist and a touch of tart citrus at the end. The ultimate treat for warm, sunny days.

Forager Gluten-Free Grapefruit Ale (5% ABV | 35 IBU)
The folks at Whistler Brewing have hunted and gathered an assortment of flavours to create this juicy golden grapefruit ale. With a grist of sorghum and rice, it’s hop-forward and full of character. But this gluten-free beer has a twist! With a generous dose of grapefruit flavour, this beer has a refreshing grapefruit aroma, is lightly hopped, has a clean citrus finish and is perfect for summer sipping!

Blackberry Dark Sour (5.6% ABV | 7 IBU)
With a scent of blackberry, this latest sour is full of blackberry flavour with a blend of dark fruit, a touch of chocolate and coffee notes to round it out. With a pleasant acidity that makes this beer nice and tart, this full-bodied sour has lots of flavour, is well-balanced and is wonderful to drink.

Find Whistler Brewing Company in Whistler on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

See Thompson Okanagan for Yellow Dog Brewing in Penticton and Port Moody.

Vancouver Island

Three new releases from Bad Dog Brewing Company

Lite’n Up! (3.5% ABV | 18 IBU)
A crushable light beer with great taste.

Anubis Camomile Blonde (5% ABV | 21 IBU)
A blonde ale with spicy chamomile notes and a sweet kiss of honey.

Peel Out Citrus IPA (5.5% ABV | 55 IBU)
The addition of orange peel gives this IPA a nice citrus aroma and a light orange rind finish.

Find Bad Dog Brewing in Sooke on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Two new releases from Bayview Brewing Company

Rainbows In The Darkness – Hazy Pale Ale (5% ABV | 21 IBU)
Brewed with ample oats and wheat to give you a smooth and silky mouthfeel. Enigma and Sabro hops were added in the whirlpool and then the brew was double dry hopped with Sabro and Vic Secret hops. You’ll find aromas and flavours of pineapple, peach, coconut, and citrus peel.

The Hills Are Alive – Vienna Lager (5.6% ABV | 22 IBU)
Rich, full-bodied, and smooth. This clean and malty lager is brewed with local Vancouver Island Field 5 Vienna malted barley and WHC Labs “Einstein” lager yeast. This combination gives a bready, biscuity, and chewy toffee body with restrained bitterness to let the malts shine.

BONUS – Coming soon!
Keep your eyes peeled for a new release coming soon: Dilly Idol Dill Pickle Gose. A classic gose base with coriander and sea salt, then amped up with cucumber, dill, and pickle brine. A pickle lover’s dream! Arriving late May or early June.

Find Bayview Brewing Company in Ladysmith, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

Three new releases from Category 12 Brewing

Mango Guava Tropical Sour (5.5% ABV)
This tropical sour is a study in solar proximity, saturated with lush mango and guava. Lightly infused with vanilla to calibrate the finish, it’s a bright, acidic revelation designed for maximum solar enjoyment.

Microdose Small IPA (3.2% ABV | 25 IBU)
Microdose is a precisely formulated Small IPA proving you don’t need a heavy ABV to make an impact. Utilizing a dry-hop payload of Mosaic, Simcoe, and Eclipse, it delivers a vibrant spectrum of tropical fruit and bright citrus at an effortless 3.2%.

Mexican Lime Lager (4% ABV)
Crushable and refreshing, this Mexican lager packs an extra punch of thirst-quenching flavour with the all-natural addition of salted lime. An instant summer classic.

Find Category 12 Brewing in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Two new releases from Cumberland Brewing Company

Rye Saison (6.2% ABV)
All the flavour of a saison, in a crisp taste with Nelson Sauvin hops, bringing sweet grape notes to counter some of the spiciness of the style.

Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV)
Fruity and juicy, just like the style aficionados expect.

Find Cumberland Brewing Company in Cumberland on the Northern Vancouver Island Ale Trail

Three new releases from Dog Mountain Brewing

Hefewizen (5.4% ABV | 20 IBU)
This deliciously hazy beer is a German wheat beer brewed with 50% wheat, creating a soft, pillowy head and smooth mouthfeel. Hefewizen has notes of fresh bread, a light, sweet malty backbone, clove, banana and lemon. For this batch, the team at Dog Mountain added some lemon peel to the process to increase the lemony punch.

Scrimshaw Graf (8% ABV | 15 IBU)
This cider-beer hybrid is crisp, dry, tart and slightly confusing. Graf is made with apple juice, like a cider, but in this case, the folks at Dog Mountain used slightly less than 50% juice to produce something that is still reminiscent of a lager. It gives tart, dry apple up front, followed by sweet malty notes that dance on your tongue.

Audrey’s Favourite Cake – Cherry Cheesecake Sour (5.8% ABV)
This kettle sour is a treat! Vanilla, real graham crackers, cherry and the soul of cheesecake. No cheesecakes were harmed in making this beer!

Find Dog Mountain Brewing in Port Alberni on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

Two new releases from Hoyne Brewing

Framboozle – Raspberry Wheat Ale  (4% ABV)
Pink hues and aromas of juicy berries lead to a balanced blend of malt and fruit on the palate. Pleasantly tart and effervescent

Liquid Sunshine Juicy Session Hazy Pale Ale (3.3% ABV)
A 3.3% ABV hazy ale bursting with pineapple, mango, passionfruit, and citrus zest. Juicy, smooth, and light for any session

Find Hoyne Brewing in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Three new releases from Mount Arrowsmith Brewing

Switchback Lager (4.8% ABV | 10 IBU)
Mount Arrowsmith’s first-ever lager is a refreshing, smooth, and easy-drinking brew crafted with Canadian pilsner malt for a perfectly balanced flavour. This crisp, clean lager delivers a subtle malt sweetness with an exceptionally drinkable finish.

Ridgeline Hazy IPA (6.2% ABV | 50 IBU)
A lush, juicy hazy boasting tropical flavours & aromas of pineapple and citrus peel. Our New England-Style IPA is sure to satisfy, as low perceived hop bitterness paves the way for a smooth, creamy finish.

Weekend Rambler Bumbleberry Sour (4.6% ABV | 5 IBU)
The Weekend Rambler Sour Series 5.0 delivers a bright bumbleberry burst of raspberry and blackberry, layered with juicy tartness and a crisp, refreshing finish, with a light dry hopping of Sabro. Vibrant, balanced, and made for the weekend.

Find Mount Arrowsmith Brewing in Parksville on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

Three new releases from Phillips Brewing & Malting

PUFF Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV | 35 IBU)
PUFF Hazy IPA is a vibrant, modern hazy loaded with hop character from Krush, Strata, Galaxy, Citra and Luminosa, bringing waves of citrus, tropical fruit, and ripe stone fruit. Soft, pillowy, juicy, and highly aromatic, it’s got just enough bitterness to stay balanced and effortlessly drinkable.

Dinosour Tropicolada Sour Ale (4.2% ABV | 1 IBU)
A vibrant tropical sour ale bursting with juicy pineapple and smooth coconut, inspired by the classic piña colada flavour combo. Bright acidity and a refreshing sour backbone keep the fruit lively and crisp, while soft coconut adds a rounded, creamy note for an easy-drinking finish. Refreshing, balanced, and full of beachy character, this is a modern sour built for sunny days and a tropical state of mind.

Gorilla Mode Peach Slayer – Fuzzy Peach IPA (8% ABV | 30 IBU)
A boldly peach-centric hazy IPA that celebrates stone fruit from first aroma through the final sip, a true showcase of peach-driven hop expression. Intensely juicy, aromatic, and pillowy, with fuzzy peach character leading every layer of flavour and aroma

Find Phillips Brewing & Malting in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Two new releases from Rusted Rake Brewing

The Beet Saison (6% ABV | 10 IBU)
A fresh Saison brewed with orange peel, coriander and farm-grown beets for a lively purple colour, hearty flavour and earthy aroma.

Willem Wets His Whistle Witbier (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
Belgian yeast gives this Witbier subtle notes of spice and fruit, while bittersweet orange peel and coriander offer a zesty hit. A top secret spice blend provides an air of mystery to this lip-smackingly crisp beer, just the way Willem likes it.

Find Rusted Rake Brewing in Nanoose Bay on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

Three new releases from Small Gods Brewing

A Many Splendored Thing Tangerine Hazy Saison  (5% ABV)
Brewed with Amarillo and Simcoe hops alongside a vibrant dose of tangerine puree, this beer balances the peppery, rustic character of a farmhouse ale with bright citrus sweetness.

Wheelies Motorcycle Cafe Collab: Uneasy Rider Kolsch (5% ABV)
This Kölsch is clean, crisp, and built for the journey ahead. Light-bodied with subtle malt sweetness and delicate hop presence, it refreshes without demanding attention.

Bruja Tajin & Lime Cerveza (4.4% ABV) – A collab with Boomtown
Each batch of Burja features a massive amount of hand-zested and squeezed lime juice, along with a boatload of Tajin spice to make the most authentic, natural-tasting salted lime lager with a subtle kick of spice on the finish.

Find Small Gods Brewing in Sidney on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Three new releases from Spinnakers Brewpub

Sakura Super Dry Rice Lager (4% ABV | 4 IBU)
This super dry rice lager was brewed with organic cherry blossom powder straight from Japan.

Saphir Dry-Hopped Kolsch (4% ABV | 20 IBU)
This light-bodied brew has elegant notes of Green Tea and sweet citrus.

West Coast IPA (6.3% ABV | 54 IBU)
This West Coast IPA is dry-hopped with experimental HBC 630 hops for a complex, fruity aroma.

Find Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Craft Community

Two new releases from Daisy Chain Cider Co

Dry Cider (6.5% ABV)
Daisy Chain’s original Dry Apple Cider has a balanced flavour profile featuring fruity apples supported by a light acidity and mild tannins.

Dark Fruits (6.5% ABV)
Intense and juicy with rich notes of dark berries—specifically blackberries and blueberries. Dark Fruits has a dry, clean, and crisp acidic finish.

Daisy Chain Cider is produced in Langley by Five Roads Brewing. 

Pineapple Upside-down Cake Cider (6.7% ABV) from Locality Brewing

Enjoy our tribute to pineapple upside-down cake by savouring this cider! Blended with pineapple puree and a splash of maraschino cherry, this fruity and sweet cider will satisfy your dessert cravings. Fresh pineapple jumps forward first — bright, tropical, and juicy. Beneath it is a soft layer of vanilla, warm brown sugar, and a subtle cake-like sweetness. Sweet pineapple and warm cake-like flavours balance beautifully against a refreshing apple backbone.

Find Locality Brewing in Langley on the Langley Ale Trail

Two new cocktails from Roots and Wings Distillery

Willows Refresher – Blueberry Liqueur Lemonade (3% ABV)
A bright and tart lemonade with a sweet blueberry liqueur. Perfect to be enjoyed in the sunshine.

Roots Old Fashioned (2oz of 40% ABV)
Your classic cocktail with the traditional sweetness and hint of bitterness expected in an old fashioned. Perfect to sip while enjoying the views at the Distillery.

Find Roots and Wings Distillery in Langley on the Langley Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Patio Season Starts Here: BC’s Spring Beer Roundup appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

In the world of craft beer, one of the simplest (and honestly, most enjoyable) of those choices is opting for refillable growlers and howlers.

Long before sustainability became a buzzword, these humble containers were already doing the work. They’ve always offered a way to reduce waste, support local breweries, and enjoy beer a little more intentionally. Now, as conversations around climate impact and conscious consumption continue to grow, they feel more relevant than ever.

If you’ve spent any time exploring BC’s craft beer scene, you’ve likely come across both growlers and howlers. The concept is simple: bring a reusable container to your local brewery, have it filled fresh from the tap, take it home, and do it all over again. No excess packaging, no unnecessary waste, just good beer and a system that makes sense.

And that simplicity is exactly what makes it so impactful.

Every single-use can or bottle comes with an environmental cost. From extracting raw materials to manufacturing, transporting, and eventually recycling (or worse, landfilling), it’s a resource-heavy cycle that repeats itself with every purchase. Refillable containers interrupt that loop. Instead of constantly creating something new, you’re extending the life of something you already have.

Over time, one growler can replace dozens, even hundreds, of single-use containers. It’s a small shift, but one that adds up quickly.

Across British Columbia, where the craft beer industry has grown to nearly 250 breweries, that impact becomes even more meaningful. With that kind of scale comes responsibility. Breweries are already navigating sustainability challenges like water usage, energy consumption, and rising waste management costs. Many are actively working toward better solutions, whether that’s reducing water use, repurposing spent grain, or finding ways to reuse materials like can carriers.

But sustainability in beer isn’t just a brewery-side effort. It’s something drinkers can actively participate in, too.

That’s where refill culture really shines, especially in places like Victoria, where breweries are often just a short walk or bike ride apart. Choosing to refill instead of buying packaged beer not only reduces waste, it keeps your dollars local and strengthens your connection to the people behind the beer.

And some breweries are leaning into that idea in a big way.

Take The Empty Keg Brew House, for example. At a time when many breweries are moving away from growler fills or limiting what they’ll refill, they’ve gone in the opposite direction, actively encouraging customers to bring them in. They’ll fill any growler, not just their own, making it easier for people to participate in reuse without friction.

Their approach is rooted in a simple idea: reuse is better than recycling. Growlers don’t end up in a landfill or require energy to be processed into something new; they just keep going. It’s a small operational shift that reduces the need for canning and bottling, and ultimately, cuts down on waste altogether.

They’ve even added small incentives, like discounted fills and a growler club punch card, but the real value is in making sustainable choices feel easy and accessible. It’s a reminder that when businesses create systems that support better habits, people are far more likely to adopt them.

And it’s not just about sustainability, it’s also about how we drink.

Howlers, the smaller 32-oz version of a growler, offer a more flexible way to enjoy craft beer. They’re perfect for trying something new, sharing a couple of pints, or simply buying exactly what you’ll drink. Less leftover beer means less wasted resources, from the ingredients themselves to the energy used to produce them.

Even the containers have evolved. Today’s growlers come in stainless steel, insulated designs that keep beer cold for hours, or lightweight options that are easy to take along to the beach, a picnic, or a backyard hang. They fit seamlessly into everyday life, which is exactly what sustainable choices need to do.

Because at the end of the day, sustainability doesn’t have to feel complicated or overwhelming.

Sometimes it looks like walking into your local brewery, handing over your growler, and choosing to refill instead of replace.

One small habit. One easy swap. One refill at a time. 

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Earth Day, One Refill at a Time: Why Growlers & Howlers Still Matter appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

This year, we’re also honouring one of the most influential figures in Canadian brewing and brewing education: Nancy More.

Five Questions with Nancy More

Could you describe your career in a nutshell?

“I joined Labatt as a technical trainee and then worked at breweries across Canada,” Nancy says. “My 15 minutes of fame were being appointed Head Brewmaster at Labatt New Brunswick, the first woman to hold that level of position.”

Her career quickly became international. “I moved to Russia with SunInterbrew to help improve quality, breweries, new beers, and leaders across Russia and Ukraine.” She later worked with InBev Global and Guinness.

“When I returned to Canada, Kwantlen was starting up the Brewing and Brewery Operations program. Dominic Bernard and I co-wrote the curriculum, and I taught from the inception of the program through to 2025.”

What did you enjoy most on a day-to-day level?

“My favourite parts of any job worked well together: developing people and solving problems,” she says. “A great way to develop people is to coach them through solving problems they experience on the job.”

She adds, “One of the best parts of working in our industry is seeing how your products help people enjoy life and celebrate important moments.”

What moment feels most defining when you look back?

“Taking the opportunity to move to Russia set me on a different trajectory,” Nancy reflects.

“My team came from all over the world. We all had different ideas about brewing, but by talking through problems, we found the right solution for the brewery we were working with.”

The experience shaped a lesson she often shared with students: “I learned that we are more the same than we are different, but that the differences are important. The way we did things in Canada was just one way, not the right way.” She adds, “And, this made students laugh whenever I said it, it depends.”

What has mattered most to you beyond the beer itself?

“No doubt: the people. I’ve been involved in training young brewers all over the world and have seen our graduates become great brewers and leaders,” she says. At KPU, she taught leadership and management, lessons many students only fully appreciated years later.

“I also realized early on that my way of working with people was different from many of my male colleagues. I wanted to show that my way could be just as effective.”

The industry has changed significantly over the years. From your perspective, how has the experience for women in brewing evolved?

“This is a tough question,” Nancy says. “Recently, I asked a group of women in the industry if things were getting better, and sadly, the answer was ‘not really.’ People talk about diversity, but behaviours and opportunities haven’t changed as much as they should.”

Still, she remains hopeful. “The fact that people are talking about diversity is progress. Visibility matters; young women need to see people like them in the industry to believe that they belong. Maybe this is part of what I’ve done through teaching, to show that this is possible.”

What advice would you give to women entering brewing today?

“You don’t have to be one of the boys,” Nancy says. “Express yourself and then deliver solutions. Your style may be different; demonstrate how it can be successful.”

She also emphasizes community. “Help each other. Find your supporters, and thank them for what they do for you. I send my thanks out to people (Steve K, Ivan G, Dave P, Chris L, Gene Z.) who stood up for me and made sure that I was given opportunities and coached me to be a success.”

Read more about Nancy’s legacy as a BC Beer Awards Industry Legend Award winner, and the scholarship named in her honour.

International Women’s Day Brews & Events Across the BC Ale Trail

Breweries across the province are marking International Women’s Day with collaboration, creativity, and community impact.

Kootenay Rockies

• Fernie Brewing Co. will be tapping a Light Scottish Ale in celebration of the women shaping the brewery every day.

Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley

• Farm Country Brewing hosts a March 8 tap takeover featuring beers all brewed by the talented women and non-binary members of Langley’s craft beer community. Vote for your favourite to crown the Pink Boots Trophy winner.
Here is the list:

• Brookswood Brewing Co: DIPA / Aurora’s Cashmere
• Camp Beer Co: Fruited Lager / Unladylike
• Dead Frog Brewery: Shirley Temple Ale / Girley Shirley
• Farm Country Brewing  & Barley Merchant : Saison / Femininom Saison
• Five Roads Brewing: Ale / Black Cherry Chicory Root Ale 
• KPU Brew Lab: India Session Ale / Shared Path
• Locality Brewing: Berliner Weisse / Princess Peach
• Smugglers Trail Caskworks: Cask, fruited sour /Róisin
• Trading Post Brewing: Fruited saison/ Yuzu Saison  
• Fraser Valley Cider: Semi-Dry Cider /  Dark Cherry Chocolate 

• Five Roads Brewing will be offering brewery tours and free tastings from 4–6 pm on March 8.

• Field House Brewing will release a women-brewed Raspberry Lime Lager. On tap only on March 8th, $1 per beer sold will be donated to the Ann Davis Transition Society.

Northern BC

• Deadfall Brewing Company hosts its second annual International Women’s DJ Vinyl Night on March 7, with DJs spinning exclusively female artists starting at 7 pm.

Thompson Okanagan

• Cannery Brewing will be brewing a tropical hazy pale ale on March 6, with a release planned for April 10, at the Okanagan Fest of Ale. Partial funds from the sale of this beer will be donated to the Beer Babes Family.

• Jackknife Brewing becomes JillKnife for the week, with a special beer release on March 8.

• Railside Brewing celebrates International Women’s Day with Mango & Ginger brews, live music, family-friendly fun, and $4 from every pint donated to Mamas for Mamas.

Vancouver Island

• Driftwood Brewery marks its first Pink Boots brew, celebrating a brewing team that is now half women. Available in the taproom on Friday, March 6th, with $1 off pints of Pink Boots Brew. Meet the brew crew from 4 – 6 pm.

• Gladstone Brewing hosts a March 7 Pink Party with music, celebration, and community spirit.

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

• Coast Mountain Brewing releases Queen of Hops, a Hoppy Lager brewed annually to honour International Women’s Day.

• Steamworks Brewing partnered with Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre on a Wildberry Wheat Ale, supporting survivors through collaboration and awareness. This beer will be available on tap at all Steamworks locations.

Raising a Glass

From the classroom to the brewhouse, International Women’s Day on the BC Ale Trail is a reminder that beer is ultimately about people; the ones who teach, lead, collaborate, and create space for others to grow.

This March 8, raise a glass to the women shaping BC beer, today and into the future.

The post International Women’s Day on the BC Ale Trail: Voices, Leadership & the Women Shaping Beer appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

From rugged coastal trails and picturesque lakes to sun-drenched Okanagan valleys and alpine summits — paired with a cold, locally-crafted beer at the end of it. BC’s craft breweries are woven into the fabric of communities across the province, offering the perfect reason to stop, reflect, and savour where you are. And with the exciting rise of non-alcoholic craft beer and sparkling hop waters — now better than ever in flavour and variety — every kind of adventurer can get in on the fun. Toss an NA beer in your pack, crack it at the summit, and enjoy the view. No compromises required.

We’ll be serving up samples of a few NA brews and hop waters while we’re there. Come by the booth to say hi, check in on the BC Ale Trail mobile app for bonus points, and sip something new.

Find out more about what we’re pouring, and meet the breweries behind the beverages:

• Road Pop hop waters from Barnside Brewing in Delta, BC
• Hopped Up! hop waters from Category 12 Brewing in Victoria, BC
• Three varieties of non-alc beer from Dry Goods in Vancouver, BC
• LoGo non-alc beer from Fernie Brewing Co. in Fernie, BC
• Three varieties of non-alc beer from Field House Brewing Co in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, BC
• Hop Soda from Longwood Brewery in Nanaimo, BC
• Two varieties of non-alc beer from Steamworks Brewing in Burnaby and Vancouver, BC
• Nevertheless non-alc beer from Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver, BC
• Peach Cream Ale from Tin Whistle Brewing in Penticton, BC
• Two varieties of non-alc beer from Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in Victoria, BC

Click the links above to head straight to that listing, or scroll to experience them all.

Read more about the non-alcoholic options available on the BC Ale Trail and how they’re made.

• Road Pop hop waters from Barnside Brewing in Delta, BC

Road Pop is Barnside’s refreshing solution for those seeking healthy, hydrating alternatives without compromising on taste. Made with premium hops grown on Barnside’s farms in Ladner, BC, Road Pop brings the essence of our farm-based story to life in a beverage everyone can enjoy, anytime. Crisp, clean and inclusive, Road Pop delivers the subtle hop aroma and flavour you love with all the benefits you deserve.

Each flavour of Road Pop is 100% alcohol-free, sugar-free, and calorie-free.

Original: Crisp. Clean. Classic. Hints of grapefruit and citrus from our farm-grown hops. Refreshing and ultra-drinkable with a clean, dry finish.

Cranberry Orange: Lightly Tart. Smooth Citrus. Cranberry brightness layered with soft orange notes from all-natural fruit oils, balanced with gentle hop citrus character. Refreshing, slightly tangy, and clean on the finish.

Lemon Lime Fresh. Zesty. Vibrant. Lively lemon and lime aromatics from all-natural fruit oils piggyback the grapefruit and citrus notes from our farm-grown hops. Crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. 100% Alcohol free, sugar-free, and calorie-free.

Barnside Brewing is a farm-based brewery located in Delta, BC, crafting award-winning beer using their own farm-grown ingredients. Road Pop is our offering for those who are looking for a refreshing alternative. A perfect fit for the outdoor lifestyle, offering a hydrating alternative, loaded with flavour and beneficial qualities.

Barnside won the BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience award in 2023. Check out the feature blog to learn more about the brewery’s origins and the team’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and community. Barnside was also voted the top brewery in last spring’s Best Brewery Patios in BC contest, and one of the top 10 Coziest Breweries, both as voted by local beer lovers. Stop in today to find out why!

Find Barnside Brewing on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail, where you’ll also find river- and ocean-side trails perfect for accessible biking and walking, and beaches that feel miles from the city.

Get inspired for your next ale-venture with our recent Road Trip Journal by Oregon beer writer Matt Wastradowski.

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• Hopped Up! hop waters from Category 12 Brewing in Victoria, BC

All fizz. No fuzz. Just pure, aromatic refreshment. The folks at C12 have taken their love of hops beyond beer. Hopped Up! is their line of zero-alcohol, zero-sugar, zero-carb, sparkling waters infused with the same hops used in their craft beers.

They have captured the delicate aromatics of citrus, tropical fruit, and berries without any bitterness. The result: a scientifically precise, guilt-free refreshment for any time of day.

Choose from three flavours: Juicy, Citrusy and Berry.

Find Category 12 Brewing on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail, along with a huge variety of bike paths, ocean-side experiences, and urban adventures.

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Three varieties of non-alc beer from Dry Goods in Vancouver, BC

The Dry Goods line of NA beers is a part of the Good Life Brand Collective, the same folks behind Field House Brewing Co, Nicelife Cocktail Co and more quality beverages, so you know they’re brewed with care, intention and quality ingredients

. In addition to their core non-alc offerings, Dry Goods also has a limited release schedule innovating new flavours in the craft non-alc industry throughout the year.

This weekend, we’re pouring:

Pilsner: Savour the essence of timeless brewing with Dry Goods Classic Pilsner. Bursting with a balanced malt flavour and a hint of hop aroma, this non-alcoholic brew offers a refreshing taste of tradition.

Grapefruit IPA: Discover the refreshing zest of Dry Goods non-alcoholic Grapefruit IPA. Packed with abundant grapefruit aroma and a tangy taste, this brew offers a citrusy twist on the traditional IPA.

West Coast IPA: Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours of the West Coast with Dry Goods Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA. With an intense hop aroma and flavour that shines brightly, this brew offers a refreshing take on a classic style.

DID YOU KNOW – Dry Goods might not have its own taproom, but you can shop online!

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• LoGo non-alc beer from Fernie Brewing Co. in Fernie, BC

Why brew a non-alc beer? The team at Fernie Brewing explains: “With LOGO, we wanted to create a non-alcoholic craft beer with the same great taste and quality as Fernie Brewing Co.’s beers. As consumer tastes change and more people opt for non-alc options, it’s important for us to have a choice for the beer drinkers out there who still want to enjoy a full-flavoured, mountain-fresh craft beer, without the alcohol.”

Unlike other options in the non-alc craft beer market, LOGO is brewed just like FBC beer and then the alcohol is stripped out, so you still get the same great taste FBC is known for. This weekend, we’re pouring:

• LOGO Pilsner: Light and clean, with slight malt flavour. This non-alc Pils is a classic, go-to for the adventure lifestyle enthusiast.
• LOGO IPA: All the hop, none of the alcohol, this non-alc IPA is fruity and delicious. An accessible, hop-forward option that ensures no one gets left behind.
• LOGO Citrus: A bright, crisp brew bursting with lemon and lime. Big on refreshment, without the alcohol, this non-alc beer is made for adventure.

FBC is a craft brewery nestled in the Rocky Mountains, dedicated to quality, community and adventure.

Looking for a true ale-venture? FBC’s Trail to Ale Challenge is a popular and fun, mountain and beer-filled Fernie adventure. The Challenge consists of bagging three peaks, on bike or foot, in any order, within a 24hr period. Open to bikers, runners and hikers, you have to get to the top of Hyperventilation, Project 9 and Swine Flu, then send it all the way back to the brewery within the 24hr time limit. We’ll see you on the trails!

Find Fernie Brewing Co. on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail. This Ale Trail is an outdoor adventurer’s dream, chock full of hikes, mountain biking trails, scenic rivers to paddle, raft, and fish, picture-perfect golf courses, and so much more.

Get inspired for your Fernie experience with a Road Trip Journal by BC travellers Jake and Marie, and their adventure pup, Rosie.

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Three varieties of non-alc beer from Field House Brewing Co in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, BC

Field House is introducing non-alcoholic versions of three of its core beers:

Salted Lime Mexican Lager: Light, crisp, and crushable, this non-alcoholic Mexican-style lager is brightened with real lime juice and a touch of sea salt. Refreshing, flavourful, and perfectly drinkable, all the classic lager vibes with none of the buzz.

Hazy Juicy IPA: Soft and creamy on the palate from a generous dose of oats, this hazy IPA is bursting with Talus and Sabro hops, delivering tropical fruit, coconut, and citrus notes. Juicy, flavorful, and fun to drink. This brew has all of the character of a classic IPA, without the alcohol.

Salted Black Porter: Brewed in a Baltic Porter style with rich, roasted, and caramelized malts, this non-alcoholic porter delivers notes of coffee, chocolate, sweet caramel, and a subtle hint of licorice. Smooth, full-bodied, and surprisingly easy to drink, with all the flavour of a classic porter but none of the alcohol.

Go behind the scenes at Field House with a recent Hops Among Friends interview with founder Josh Vanderheide.

Both of Field House Brewing Co.’s locations are on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail. Here, you’ll find plenty of hiking and biking trails, rivers to raft and fish, wildlife spotting opportunities, and farm-fresh flavours. Get inspired for a visit to the Fraser Valley with Oregon beer writer Matt Wastradowski’s recent Road Trip Journal.

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• Hop Soda from Longwood Brewery in Nanaimo, BC

The crisp, clean taste of soda water is complemented by the subtle floral notes of hops, providing perfect hydration for those looking to expand their palate and try something new. Enjoy it on its own, or mix it with your favourite spirits for a truly refreshing cocktail experience. Crafted with West Coast Hops: Amarillo and Cascade. Alcohol free, sugar-free and gluten-free.

The brewery is currently closed for their seasonal break. In the meantime, visit the Longwood Brew Pub and Restaurant, also in Nanaimo, to sip the lineup of Longwood beer alongside mouthwatering pub fare.

Want to take your experience to the next level? Enter to win an epic weekend getaway by collecting stamps on your Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail Tasting Passport! (contest runs until March 8, 2026)

Find Longwood Brewing on Boxwood Road and the Longwood Brew Pub on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail.

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• Two varieties of non-alc beer from Steamworks Brewing in Burnaby and Vancouver, BC

Steamworks crafts non-alc beers inspired by beloved styles, using quality ingredients to create brews that satisfy your expectations while standing proudly on their own merit. The result is a clean, authentic beer experience that maintains all the character and complexity of traditional brewing, because it never had that character taken away.

This weekend, we’re pouring:

Lions Gate Lager  – Gold Medal winner at the 2025 BC Beer Awards. A crisp, clean, and easy-drinking lager with full craft beer flavour. Refreshing and sessionable.

Hazy IPA – Based on Steamworks’ best-selling Flagship IPA recipe. A hazy, juicy hop explosion with bright tropical fruit notes backed by delicate malt character

Grapefruit Radler – A refreshing citrus twist on craft brewing — light, bright, and perfect for warm-weather occasions. Launching March 2026.

Steamworks has been brewing in Vancouver since 1995 and has built a reputation as one of BC’s top craft breweries. The decision to introduce a non-alcoholic portfolio was driven by a few things: the NA beer category is one of the fastest-growing segments in the beverage industry, with more consumers looking for high-quality options that fit a health-conscious, moderation-minded lifestyle but without sacrificing the craft beer experience. Steamworks saw an opportunity to meet that demand authentically, leveraging nearly 30 years of brewing expertise and existing production capacity at the Burnaby brewery. Rather than slapping a “non-alcoholic” label on a watered-down product, the team developed a biological brewing method using specialty yeast to create real craft beer from scratch at 0.3% ABV. The goal was to give people a genuine craft option in a space largely dominated by mass-market brands — proving that NA beer doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavour.

Steamworks Brewing Company is Vancouver’s original steam-powered brewery, established in 1995 in the heart of Gastown. As one of BC’s leading craft breweries, they’ve spent decades crafting award-winning beer with a spirit rooted in quality, community, and a deep connection to the place they call home. Their customers are active, adventurous, and intentional; the kind of people who hit the trails, get out on the water, and gather with friends after a long day outside. Living in BC, the outdoors isn’t a hobby, it’s a lifestyle, and that’s reflected in who Steamworks is as a brewery.

Non-alcoholic beer is a natural extension of that culture. It’s about being present, staying sharp, and making the most of every moment – whether that’s a post-hike reward, a trailhead refresher, or a campfire hang. For them, NA and outdoor adventure go hand in hand.

Find Steamworks Brewing Co’s Brewery and Taproom on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail, and their Brewpub on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail.

Or, visit their taprooms: Steamworks Brewing Co North Shore in North Vancouver, and Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen and Taphouse in Vancouver, BC

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Nevertheless non-alc beer from Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver, BC

It took the brewers at Strange Fellows years to perfect the recipe for their first NA brew, Nevertheless Pale Ale. Soon after having perfected it, a hazy IPA version followed, and then a Pilsner. Full-bodied, aromatic and flavourful, these brews are nevertheless non-alcoholic.

In 2023, Nevertheless Pale Ale made history by taking home a 3rd place medal in the Specialty Beer category at the BC Beer Awards. It was the first non-alcoholic brew to go head-to-head with alcoholic beers – and win!

Nevertheless Pale Ale: Crushable and satisfying with bright citrus and tropical fruit aromas, Nevertheless Pale Ale is brewed just like a traditional beer, with no compromise to process or flavour. The only thing it’s missing is alcohol.

Nevertheless IPA: Brewed for those who love a big and juicy hazy IPA, but not the alcohol, this highly quaffable NA beer is dry-hopped with hops from down under, and ripe with aromas of pineapple, stone fruit and pine.

Nevertheless Pilsner: Following in the big footsteps of Nevertheless Pale Ale and IPA, the non-alcoholic Pilsner is a crisp, light-bodied beer with subtle floral and herbal aromas, offering a bright and refreshing taste.

Find Strange Fellows Brewing on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

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Peach Cream Ale from Tin Whistle Brewing in Penticton, BC

Tin Whistle Brewing’s iconic Peach Cream Ale has gone 0.5%. The same beer you know and love, at only 0.5% alcohol. A luscious peach aroma with a light peach taste make this beer a true taste of the Okanagan. Brewed and packaged in Penticton in BC’s only carbon-neutral brewery. Available on draught and to go in the Tin Whistle’s tasting room, and in liquor stores throughout the Okanagan and Kootenays (for now!).

Tin Whistle is BC’s first and only carbon-neutral brewery. They operate an entirely zero-waste facility, sending nothing to landfill from their entire operation. “We believe in great beer with less impact,” says co-owner Alexis Esseltine. Read more about Tin Whistle’s 30-year history and continuing commitment to sustainability here.

Find Tin Whistle Brewing on the Penticton Ale Trail. Penticton is a Mecca for outdoor activities, and attracts visitors from around the world because of it. Once you arrive, you can pedal along the KVR trail, a former train line that’s been converted into miles and miles of bike trail that winds through wineries, through historic rail tunnels and over trestle bridges. You can paddle on Okanagan or Skaha Lakes, because the city is nestled perfectly between the two. Or, rock climb the incredible Skaha Bluffs Park.

Get inspired for your Penticton ale-venture: take it easy with relaxed rides, laid-back experiences and local flavours with Jake and Marie in their Road Trip Journal. Or, kick things up a notch with the Ale Trails episode, featuring Penticon’s epic mountain bike trails – produced in partnership with Mountain Biking BC.

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Two varieties of non-alc beer from Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in Victoria, BC

Whistle Buoy’s non-alc line-up includes two ‘core’ NA brews: the NA Pale Ale and NA Hazy IPA. Co-owner Isaiah Archer says, “Our NA beers are made the same way as our full-strength beers: in small batches with high-quality local ingredients, but with a non-alcohol-producing yeast strain, and they are pasteurized for shelf stability.”

They use locally grown malt and the same high-quality hops as their staple full-strength beers, but scale back the grain bill and use a non-alcohol-producing yeast strain. The results are solid craft beers that the folks at Whistle Buoy are proud to drink and serve. Their non-alc beers are pasteurized to ensure shelf stability and avoid re-fermentation.

All of Whistle Buoys’ non-alc beers are also available as a full-strength version, so you can enjoy the same great beer, but choose the strength that’s right for you. They also have rotating non-alc beer options available at the brewery, such as the NA Fuzzy Peach Sour and Shaft Stout.

NA Hazy IPA – Inspired by the Low Vis Hazy IPA, this beer delivers all the same hoppy goodness with a lighter touch. Designed to drink like a proper hazy IPA featuring Citra and Mosaic hops with a fluffy yellow haze. Expect fruity flavour and aromas with a gentle bitterness that satisfies without overwhelming the senses.

NA Pale Ale – Inspired by Whistle Buoy’s flagship beer, Coastality. A clean, modern pale ale with citrus flavour and aromas. A balanced beer for a balanced lifestyle.

Whistle Buoy is a small-batch experimental tap room brewery located in downtown Victoria’s Historic Market Square. The brand is inspired by the great outdoors of Vancouver Island, coupled with the urban energy of downtown Victoria. “We love to run, bike, surf, fish, and generally enjoy what nature has to offer in our backyard. Our brand was inspired by our love for spearfishing and freediving, a pastime we can enjoy around the coast of Victoria, and in remote wilderness locations around Vancouver Island,” says Isaiah.

Read more about the team behind Whistle Buoy in this Hops Among Friends interview.

Find Whistle Buoy Brewing Company on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

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Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Join the BC Ale Trail at the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show! appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

The winding West Coast road. The ocean peeking through the trees. That feeling that you’re heading somewhere just a little bit magical.

We set out to experience the breweries of Sooke and Shirley along the BC Ale Trail, taking our time and soaking in every stop. To find them yourself, download the FREE BC Ale Trail app or pick up a Greater Victoria Ale Trail map at any participating location and let it guide your adventure.

Here’s how our day unfolded…

Sooke Oceanside Brewery

Our first stop was tucked behind a surf shop, overlooking the ocean, and it instantly felt like the kind of place you’d want to become a regular.

We were greeted by owner Ryan, who took the time to share the backstory of Sooke Oceanside. The idea for the brewery was born during his successful career as an executive chef. After long days in professional kitchens, his downtime and passion project lived in his garage: brewing beer. What started as a creative release slowly evolved into something much bigger and eventually became the coastal community hub it is today.

You can feel that the chef’s mindset in the beer program is thoughtful, balanced, and intentional.

We sipped our way through:

• Leechtown Lager – crisp and endlessly drinkable
• Renfrew Red – smooth malt character with coastal ease
• Stiff Jab – bold and punchy
• Stick in the Mud Coffee Porter – rich, roasty and beautifully layered

The taproom is small but mighty, filled with local artwork, warm wood, ocean views, and space for intimate live music nights. It feels personal. Community-forward. Authentic.

They’ve also built something really special for locals, a Mug Club that keeps regulars coming back. Plus, great merch (think cozy hoodies, hats, glassware) that you’ll actually want to wear. And from what Ryan shared? There are some very fun things coming down the pipeline, new beers, creative collabs, and fresh ideas in the works.

It’s a brewery that feels rooted in Sooke but still evolving, and we love that.

You can reach Sooke Oceanside via BC Transit, making it one of the more accessible stops on the route.

Bad Dog Brewing Company

Next up: Bad Dog Brewing, and this is exactly what you picture when you think of small craft beer made with love.

Tucked away on a rural property, the space includes the brewhouse and taproom, a picnic area, and the Hot Diggity Dog Food Trailer parked outside.

We actually caught them mid-brew (our favourite timing), which meant we got to peek into the brewhouse and chat with Rosie and John about the family history behind the brewery and their deep love of craft beer. You can tell this is more than a business; it’s a passion project built on years of appreciation for the craft.

Our flight included:

• Space Walk Passion Fruit Ale – bright and fruit-forward
• Kona’s Gone Coconuts – red ale with balanced malt and coconut
• Short ‘N Stout – a smooth milk stout
• Tire Biter – a deliciously hoppy West Coast IPA with citrus and grapefruit notes
• Liquid Hippy – a touch of haze with the zing of mango and hibiscus flower

Every beer felt intentional and handcrafted.

Hot Diggity Dog is not just an afterthought; it’s legit. Think:

• Crispy Chicken Burger
• Kimchi Wraps
• Pulled Pork Buns
• Pulled Pork Poutine

Comfort-forward, beer-friendly bites that absolutely hit.

Of course, we can’t talk about Bad Dog without mentioning the brew dogs. The resident pups are part of the charm, and they welcome visiting dogs too. Between the family story, the dogs, the merch for sale, and the laid-back rural setting, being there genuinely makes you feel like family.

The vibe is perfect. The people are even better.

BC Transit will get you close, but plan for about a 30-minute walk to reach the property.

Checkerhead Brewing (Shirley)

We then made our way to Shirley for Checkerhead, and honestly? This isn’t just a brewery stop. It’s an experience.

Checkerhead has it all: an apiary, disc golf, hiking trails, an Airbnb stay option, gardens growing ingredients for beer, mead and kombucha, interactive games like the Beer Puppeteer rig — and Dave.

Dave is the mastermind juggler behind Checkerhead and truly one of its greatest attractions. His background in busking and world travel shows up directly in the beers he creates; each one is dedicated to someone he’s met along his journey.

We sipped:

• Moroccofied Cerveza, inspired by a flamenco-shredding, joke-slinging, world-class juggling legend who tours with Olé!
• A Coconut Blonde Ale dedicated to a New Zealand hula hooper and street performer
• Wee Zebra ISA, honouring El Gleno Grande (aka Glenn Singer) — a theatrical street performer whose slow-motion miniature zebra-riding act became an international festival legend
• A beautifully tart Rhubarb Braggot
• A Wrye Wit Roggen, layered and spice-forward with rye character
• A Tayberry ale made from berries grown right in Dave’s garden

One of the most unique touches? When you order a beer, you can watch a video about the person it’s dedicated to. We got to “meet” our flight, seeing their talents, magic, and personalities come alive through the stories behind the beer.

Being at Checkerhead really pulls you out of whatever is happening in the wider craft beer world — the uncertainty of the industry, the hype cycles, the bureaucratic red tape that can make it feel heavy — and brings you back to the heart of it all.

It surrounds you with the love and joy of the craft beer that got most of us hooked in the first place. The creativity. The storytelling. The human connection. The pride in ingredients grown on-site. The willingness to experiment simply because it’s fun.

The love of the trade shines through here in a way that’s overwhelmingly contagious. You don’t just drink beer here, you feel it.

Checkerhead is not accessible via BC Transit, so plan for a designated driver or carpool.

Beyond the Breweries

You don’t just have to sip; you can explore.

• Sheringham Point Lighthouse

We wandered out to this stunning National Heritage Lighthouse and took in the sweeping ocean views. It’s peaceful, dramatic, and feels quintessentially West Coast.

• Shirley Delicious

A café tucked in the woods serving fresh-baked goodies, brunch, lunch and excellent coffee. It’s cozy, charming and absolutely worth lingering over.

• Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Naturally carved rock pools along the Sooke River — we explored the trails, and (in warmer months) you can take a refreshing dip. A favourite day-use spot for locals for good reason.

Where to Stay

If you’re turning this into an overnight (highly recommend), here are a few places we love:

• The Bee View Suite (Airbnb) – cozy, private and peaceful. Perfect for a romantic or quiet getaway. (Located on the Chekerhead property)
• SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort – cliffside oceanfront cottages with jaw-dropping views.
• Ocean Song Cottages – charming standalone cottages surrounded by nature.
• Prestige Oceanfront Resort – full-service comfort right on the water.
• Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina – townhouse-style suites overlooking the marina, ideal for groups.

Final Thoughts

Sooke and Shirley are not just “quick brewery stops.” They are coastal experiences filled with passionate owners, family stories, creative risks, rural charm, ocean views, and that feeling of connection that makes craft beer so special.

Whether you download the BC Ale Trail app or grab a map and wander, this stretch of Vancouver Island is absolutely worth the drive.

Trust us: go for the beer, stay for the people.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post A Sooke & Shirley Brewery Day appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

The city sits at the meeting point of the Rocky, Purcell, and Selkirk mountain ranges, making it a gateway to some of the most dramatic winter terrain in British Columbia. From world-class skiing to cozy indoor escapes, here’s a look at some of the best winter fun Golden has to offer.

Whitetooth Brewing: Your Après-Adventure Headquarters

After a day of chasing powder or exploring Golden’s backcountry, Whitetooth Brewing is where the town comes together. Known for its approachable, award-winning craft beers, friendly atmosphere, and deep community roots, Whitetooth is the ideal place to unwind, warm up, and swap stories from the day.

This winter, Whitetooth’s tap list leans perfectly into the season. Launchpad, a Belgian-inspired rye ale, brings smooth malt character with a subtle spicy rye edge, making it an easy companion after a long day outdoors. Newly released as well is Emberfest Black Lager, a collaborative brew with Kicking Horse Culture created to celebrate Emberfest, running February 14–21, 2026. With notes of chocolate and coffee, and a crisp, refreshing finish, it captures that winter energy and Golden’s creative vibe.

Looking ahead to spring, they’ve got some fun brews on the way. Sunpit Coconut Mango Blonde Ale drops in March, bringing a bright, tropical taste that hints at the warmer days to come. Also coming is Shreddy Shreddy Pow Pow Hazy IPA, a playful nod to Golden’s mountain culture. Later in the season, Dogtooth Rover Red Lager makes its return. This Canadian Beer Cup Gold medal winner is a true fan favourite.

With its rotating tap list and laid-back atmosphere, Whitetooth Brewing is the best place to wrap up a winter day in Golden.

While Whitetooth doesn’t serve food in-house, they’ve partnered with local restaurants to make sure great beer is always paired with great food. Reposados Tacos brings authentic Mexican flavours with house-made gluten-free corn tortillas and slow-roasted meats, while Doka Lisa Pizza and Red Tomato Pies serve handcrafted pizzas perfect for pairing with a fresh pint. Guests can pick up their food and bring it into the brewery, or order directly and have it delivered straight to their table.

Outdoor Adventures

Golden is a playground for winter sports enthusiasts, offering activities for every level of adventure. These are some of the top outdoor winter experiences: 

Ski and Snowboard at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Just 14 kilometres from Golden, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is one of North America’s most epic ski destinations. Known for its smooth, dry “champagne powder,” the resort consistently delivers outstanding snow conditions throughout the winter season.

With the fourth-highest vertical drop on the continent, long continuous runs, and a vast ski area featuring both marked runs and off-piste terrain, Kicking Horse offers challenges and rewards for confident riders and adventurous explorers alike—while still providing terrain suited to a range of abilities. For non-skiers, sightseeing gondola passes make it possible to ride to the summit without any ski equipment and enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding national parks. At the top, Eagle’s Eye Restaurant offers Canada’s most elevated dining experience, paired with sweeping alpine views.

Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a relaxed and rewarding way to experience Golden’s winter landscapes. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors at a slower pace while still getting a solid workout surrounded by mountain views.

Thanks to the Golden Nordic Ski Club’s investment in grooming, the trails are kept in tip-top condition throughout the season. The Golden Golf Course features groomed trails ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers, especially during the heart of winter. The Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre is another popular spot, with an extensive network of groomed trails winding through forested terrain, along with rental services and on-site facilities to make getting started easy.

For more confident skiers, there are also opportunities to venture beyond the groomed tracks, creating your own routes across frozen lakes and through quiet woodland areas. With convenient rentals available around town, cross-country skiing in Golden is accessible, scenic, and well worth adding to your winter itinerary.

Snowmobiling
Golden is a favourite winter destination for snowmobilers thanks to its stunning mountain scenery, varied terrain, and consistently light, dry snow. The area features three staging areas, six signature groomed snowmobiling areas, and eight additional riding zones, offering everything from beginner-friendly trails to intermediate terrain, advanced hill climbing, and extreme mountain riding.

Visitors can choose from guided tours or sled rental services, with options ranging from half-day introductions to full-day adventures better suited for experienced riders. With more than 150 kilometres of trails to explore and a season that typically runs from December through April, snowmobiling in Golden delivers both adrenaline and unforgettable alpine views, no matter your skill level.

Heli-Skiing in the Purcells
Based in Golden, CMH Purcell provides access to an enormous backcountry playground in the Purcell Mountains, where vast alpine terrain stretches as far as the eye can see. With hundreds of potential runs across glaciers, high alpine bowls, and tree-filled subalpine forests, no two days are ever the same.

Guided by experienced professionals, groups head out on day heli-skiing adventures, flying far beyond the resort into untouched terrain in search of deep powder and wide-open lines. The experience is tailored to your group’s ability and style, making it ideal for confident, advanced skiers looking for first tracks, dramatic scenery, and the unforgettable thrill of arriving by helicopter.

Snowshoeing
Few winter activities let you slow down and truly take in Golden’s alpine surroundings like snowshoeing. Moving through quiet, snow-covered forests and along mountain trails, it’s an immersive way to experience the landscape without the need for technical skills or lift tickets. With snowshoe rentals available at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre and rental shops in town, getting started is easy.

Popular routes like Moonraker and Canyon Creek offer a mix of terrain, from gentle sections to more challenging climbs, along with rewarding viewpoints along the way. For well-marked routes and a more relaxed outing, the Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre is a great option, with mapped trails winding through forested surroundings. Just outside Golden, winter waterfall trails—such as the route to Wapta Falls in nearby Yoho National Park—make for a memorable day trip, leading through snow-covered forest to a dramatic frozen waterfall that’s especially striking in winter.

Indoor Activities

Not every adventure has to be outside. Golden also has a variety of indoor activities perfect for winding down or taking a break from the cold:

• Confluence Climbing Gym – Stay active indoors with challenging climbing routes.
• Hockey – Catch a game and experience the adrenaline rush of the Junior A Golden Rockets hockey 
• Alley Cat Bowling – A classic five-pin setup makes for an easy, all-ages activity out of the cold.
• Golden Cinema – Catch a movie after a day in the snow, cozy and warm.

Golden, BC, is a destination where adventure and community collide, and Whitetooth Brewing sits right at the heart of it all. Whether you’re carving down mountain slopes, exploring hidden backcountry gems, or just looking for a welcoming place to share stories over craft beer, Golden has it all—and Whitetooth is the perfect place to cap off your day.

Explore More: Find Golden, BC, and Whitetooth Brewing on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail. 

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Winter in Golden: Adventure, Après, and Community appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Inside the city’s tasting rooms, warmth gathers, candlelight flickers against pint glasses, steam rises from wet coats hung by the door, and conversation hums low and steady. Outside, rain taps patiently on windows, and streets shine under strings of reflected light.

Winter is a season of turning inward, grounding ourselves, finding comfort, and savouring the simple pleasures. And lately, something especially beautiful has been brewing beyond the taps.

Across Victoria, breweries are transforming their spaces into galleries, giving walls life through the hands of local artists. These taprooms now invite guests not only to taste the city but to see it, reflected in brushstrokes, textures, and colour palettes inspired by Vancouver Island itself.

At Victoria Taste Buds, we’re all about celebrating where food, culture, and community intersect. And this trend? It’s a triple win, breweries, artists, and beer lovers all getting a healthy pour of inspiration.

Brewing Culture: Why Art Belongs in the Taproom

When a brewery features local art, it’s making a quiet but powerful statement: creativity is part of the craft. These aren’t just places to sip, they’re places to feel, connect, and reflect.

For artists, a taproom wall can be a canvas for connection. Their work gets seen, discussed, and often purchased by new audiences who might not stroll through gallery doors. Each exhibit can open doors to commissions, collaborations, and friendships that reach far beyond the brewery walls.

For breweries, art deepens their story. A thoughtfully curated mural or print can embody their brand—the rugged coastline, the West Coast light, the sense of community that fills every pour. It invites guests to stay a little longer, to look closer, and to feel part of something living, evolving, and local.

For the community, it’s an expression of shared pride. A pint and a painting together turn a casual drink into a cultural experience, one that reflects who we are and the city we continue to build together.

Mental Health in the Mix

Winter can be beautiful, but it can also be heavy. With darker mornings and longer nights, many of us instinctively seek warmth, comfort, and connection.

Art uplifts. Whether it’s a playful digital piece, a moody coastal landscape, or an abstract splash of colour, visual art can calm a racing mind, offer a spark of joy, or simply give us something beautiful to rest our eyes on.

Tasting rooms, in turn, become refuges, cozy living rooms humming with laughter, glowing wood, and the soft buzz of community. There’s something deeply restorative about sipping a seasonal ale beside a wall of local creativity, especially when the rain drums gently outside.

Social connection matters more than ever this time of year. Every shared laugh, every conversation sparked by a painting or a pint, chips away at the chill and loneliness that can creep in.

And for visitors exploring Victoria, art-filled breweries tell a richer story than any map could. They offer a peek behind the curtain of local life and creativity, a chance to meet the artists, photograph the murals, and maybe even bring home a little piece of the city’s soul.

Why Winter Is the Perfect Season for This

Winter invites us inward. We slow down, seek warmth, and gravitate toward spaces that feel calm, intimate, and intentional. Breweries that pair visual art with winter-inspired brews mirror that instinct beautifully, offering a refuge from the cold and a reason to linger.

 Seasonal art rotations set the tone, snowy landscapes, minimalist winter palettes, moody night scenes, or playful nods to the holidays without overwhelming the senses.
 Soft, cozy atmospheres make taprooms ideal for long conversations, solo reflection, or settling in with a notebook while the world quiets outside.
 Emotional grounding matters most in winter; art and ambiance work together to create a sense of comfort, presence, and gentle connection during the darkest months.

Breweries Leading the Way

At Driftwood Brewery, creativity pours from every corner. Their tasting room walls echo the same bold, imaginative spirit found on their iconic labels. Rotating exhibitions bring new voices to the forefront, and each display feels like an extension of the brewery’s adventurous soul.

But they’re not alone. Across the city, from cozy microbreweries tucked into industrial alleys to waterfront taprooms with sweeping views, art is finding a home among the hops. These spaces are becoming cultural landmarks, places where the line between gallery and gathering place blurs, and everyone’s invited to be part of the experience.

How You Can Support

• Admire the art and ask questions about the artists.
• Share what you discover online to spread the word.
• Buy a print or original piece if one catches your eye.
• Suggest your favourite local artist to your go-to brewery.
• Encourage breweries to keep the rotation going and highlight new voices.

At Victoria Taste Buds, we’ve always believed that food and drink are just the beginning. What makes this city shine are the people who pour their hearts into what they create, whether it’s in a glass, on a wall, or behind a camera.

So this season, when you raise a pint of stout or hazy IPA, take a moment to look around. You might just find a piece of art that speaks to your soul and a space that feels like home.

Cheers to cozy corners, creative hearts, and community-first breweries.

Looking for more artistic stops along the BC Ale Trail?

These breweries around the province also feature rotating art galleries on their walls, or have artworks permanently on display:

• Backroads Brewing Co in Nelson and Osoyoos:

Backroads hosts local artists in both their Nelson and Osoyoos locations. Artists are featured for six to eight weeks, with a focus on a variety of artistic styles as well as photography. The Nelson taproom generally showcases artists from the Kootenays, while the Osoyoos taproom will showcase south Okanagan and Similkameen-based folks.

• Cannery Brewing in Penticton:

Each year, Cannery Brewing hosts the Mini Mural project in partnership with the Penticton Art Gallery and the Ignite the Arts Festival. 10 artists are selected to create square murals, which hang at the brewery from March when the Festival kicks off, until October, when they are auctioned off. 

• Container Brewing in Vancouver:

Container features the work of Vancouver fine-art photographer Bryce Barry, with several large wood-mounted prints on display.

• Luppolo Brewing Company in Vancouver:

Luppolo is currently hosting Mending: Belonging, an art exhibition curated by the Co-Share Collective, a coalition of non-profits working in the Chinatown and Hogan’s Alley neighbourhoods. The exhibition features work from three artists seeking to discuss the question: “What is your connection to the neighbourhood, and why is it important to you as an artist?” Get more info here.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Beyond the Pint: Breweries as Creative Hubs appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.