From waterfront decks and mountain-view taprooms to urban patios tucked into vibrant neighbourhoods, brewery patios offer some of the best places to gather, unwind, and enjoy the flavours of BC. Whether you’re meeting friends after work, sharing a meal with family, or spending an afternoon with your dog by your side, these outdoor spaces help make the most of the season.

With so many exceptional brewery patios across the province, narrowing down a list is no easy task and this list was created by polling you — our BC Ale Trail fans. This collection highlights some of BC’s most memorable brewery patios, each offering its own unique atmosphere and scenery. These are brewery patios worth adding to your summer plans. 

Barnside Brewing

Situated amongst the fields of hops, cranberries, and grazing sheep, Barnside Brewing’s four-season patio is one of the best places in BC to experience craft beer, conversation and community, according to craft beer fans. The dog-friendly space welcomes everyone in for award-winning craft beer, tasty eats and great company.

Originally built as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the patio was a way for the brewery to welcome customers while taking advantage of relaxed rules around outdoor service.  Since then, the space has evolved to include a covered, heated patio that’s cozy in all seasons, plus a grassy area perfect for soaking in the sun in a lounge chair with a cold craft beer in hand. Barnside won the BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience award in 2023, and the feature blog is well worth a read to learn more about the brewery’s origins and the team’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and community.

But perhaps Barnside’s fans say it best:

“It is a place where hops have swagger, meals have personality, and time seems to lean back in its chair!” – @tamarastanderwick via Instagram

Find Barnside Brewing in Delta, BC, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Locality Brewing

Locality Brewing has a truly unique outdoor space. Located on McInnis Farms, the brewery itself is housed in a converted barn, and is surrounded by spaces for visitors to enjoy – including a skate park! Sit overlooking the pond – complete with a floating stage in a natural amphitheatre – or nestled amongst the hop vines. Walk the trails to get a look at the ripening barley, and watch the progress of the hops growing next to the brewery. On rainy days, take advantage of one of the mini a-frame structures, or maybe a converted grain silo, each with its own heater or fire pit. Or, enjoy the sun at one of the many tables or benches around the farm. The new lounge area is the perfect shady spot to kick back and relax on hot summer days – comfy, covered, and made for sipping something cold. There’s a food truck on site serving up juicy bison burgers, and Locality is now producing its own cider as well! Locality is kid and pet friendly, and a great destination for that weekend ride or Sunday hike.

Find Locality Brewing in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

Lillooet Brewing Company

The patio at Lillooet Brewing Company offers some of the best mountain views around, with the mighty Fraser River flowing right past — it’s truly a one-of-a-kind setting. Keep an eye out for the Rocky Mountaineer to go past as well! They’ve got a huge, pet-friendly space with sun protection and misters to keep cool on hot summer days, games, and a cozy fire pit for the colder months. The patio is open year-round and perfect for a pint in any season. When voting, many fans also made sure to note the tasty snacks available at the brewery, plus the Sowilo Food Truck that’s on site and open on weekends from May to October.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company in Lillooet, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

The Patch Brewery

One of the newest additions to the BC craft beer community, The Patch Brewery has quickly become a fan favourite! Joining the small number of farm-based breweries in the province, they use their own barley in the brews, along with farm-grown ingredients in the kitchen that currently serves up artisan pizzas.

From the Beer Barn (the outdoor bar) to the picnic benches, the Patch’s spacious picnic-style patio features plenty of room for groups of all sizes to relax and enjoy the season. With exciting new menu additions on the way, it’s the perfect spot for friends, families, and beer lovers to gather, unwind, and soak up the community atmosphere over great food and fresh craft beer.

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

Driftwood Brewing

The Driftwood Brewery patio has organically become a bustling community hub in Esquimalt. Featuring 16+ taps of fresh beer, including one-off releases and pilot experimental beers, local cider and wine, and Driftwood Spirits crafted cocktails, plus a full menu from Dumpling Drop. The folks at Dumpling Drop work out of the Driftwood kitchen, serving a Thai-inspired menu featuring their famous hand-rolled dumplings and bao buns. Open year-round, the patio is always buzzing with regulars, visitors, and, of course, patio pups.

Find Driftwood Brewery in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Camp Beer Co.

Camp Beer Co’s patio is the basecamp for good times in Langley – a laid-back space surrounded by greenery, picnic tables, string lights, and a fire pit that makes it feel like camping without leaving the city. With live music on the Camphitheatre stage, a retractable awning, glass walls for colder nights, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, the patio pairs perfectly with friendly table service to deliver craft beer adventures year-round.

Camp also won the BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience award in 2022 – it’s safe to say that their relaxing vibes and welcoming atmosphere make for the perfect urban escape.

Find Camp Beer Co in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

Farmhouse Brewing Co.

Farmhouse Brewing Co. is another of BC’s unique farm-based breweries, with an expansive outdoor space perfect in any weather. Choose from the covered and heated patio – the firebowl is the perfect place to cozy up in the winter or during a summer rainstorm – or enjoy the tented picnic area in summer, or drinks-only tables by the chicken coop. The regular picnic area includes umbrella-covered tables and a wood fire pit, ideal for cozying up in the evening. Whether you want full shade, to soak in the sun, or something in between, there’s a table that’s perfect for you – and best of all, they’re all pet-friendly.

Bring the whole family – kids and dogs: there is a family-friendly picnic area conveniently located near the professional putting green, full-sized playground, and greenspace. Farmhouse is a perfect place to unwind, in sunshine or rain.

Find Farmhouse Brewing Co. in Chilliwack, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Fern + Cedar Brewing

Built from the ground up in downtown Qualicum Beach, Fern + Cedar Brewing isn’t just a spot for great beer; it’s a full-on community hangout. A little sanctuary where dogs are welcome, friendships are fuel, and craft runs deep. And the patio is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. Heated when it’s chilly, wide open and bright when it’s sunny. Good tunes, yard games, fire pits with lounge chairs, and a vibe that says “you’re exactly where you need to be” are what you’ll find every time you stop by. Bring your whole family (including your dog), your friends, or just your thirst for something local and delicious. Every pint and plate at Fern + Cedar is a testament to the brewery’s commitment to quality and community. “Come for the beer, stay for the comfort.”

Find Fern + Cedar Brewing in Qualicum Beach, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

Abandoned Rail Brewing Co

Abandoned Rail’s expansive field- and trail-side patios offer a variety of options for you to relax in. There is a grassy area set right beside the brewery’s barley field with classic beer fest-style tables and lounge chairs. You could also opt to sit in the shade under the plum trees or the rows of cherry trees. You’ll also find a mini climbing wall and slide for the kiddos in this space. Lastly, there is the patio attached to the tasting room, equipped with its own bar and misters to beat the Okanagan summer heat.

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

Field House Brewing – ABBY

The Field House ABBY Patio is a slice of backyard bliss where cold beer, fresh food, and laid-back vibes meet under the open sky. Every Thursday, the lawn comes alive with Field Sessions: live music from local artists that turns an evening into a community gathering. Kick back in lawn chairs, stretch out on picnic blankets, or grab a spot at one of the rustic tables. With a covered, heated patio for those “summer-ish” days, and a family- and dog-friendly setup, it’s the perfect space for slow hangs, sunset beers, and all the fresh air goodness.

Find Field House Brewing ABBY in Abbotsford, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

The Beer Farmers

The patio at The Beer Farmers brewery is a serene gathering spot tucked into the heart of the Pemberton Meadows farming community, with a view that just can’t be beat. Another of BC’s unique farm-based breweries, it’s located on a fourth-generation family farm. Guests will be surrounded by fields full of potatoes, barley, highland cows, hops, veggies, flowers and other amazing locally grown crops. Enjoy a glimpse of the country life as locals and tourists alike arrive by horse, bike, and tractor. Pemberton is well known for its hiking trails and extensive cycling opportunities – from challenging mountain biking to easy off-road trails. And cold beer on a patio with spectacular views after your hike or ride – what could be better?

Find The Beer Farmers in Pemberton, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2025 and was based on a compilation of audience submissions and recommendations. It has since been updated to reflect current information and provide a more comprehensive guide to some of BC’s best brewery patios.

The post Patio Perfection: The Best Brewery Patios in BC as voted by you! 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.

Bomber’s back, baby!

Well…it never really left. But let me tell the whole story.

Beginnings

When Don Farion agreed to jump in as a spare for his friend Blair Calibaba’s local hockey team one night in the early 2010s, he didn’t realize that that decision would take his life in a new direction. The guys were cracking bottles of homebrew in the parking lot after the game, and Blair’s pilsner blew Don away. Inspired by his love of Pilsner Urquell, Blair had created a homebrew version that had the perfect balance of hoppy bite and malty backbone. Within a year and a half, Blair was the head brewer for Don’s new craft brewery and that pilsner was one of their flagship beers. Oh, and the men’s rec team they played for? The Bombers. 

This was the beginning of Bomber Brewing. However, it wasn’t the beginning of Don’s love of beer. While a young man in Montreal, Don came to love that city’s Belgian-style craft breweries. Upon moving to Vancouver in 1992, food and drink were on his mind. He opened Incendio Pizzeria in Gastown in 1996, but eventually turned back to beer. He and his longtime business partner, Dean Mallel, founded BierCraft, an iconic Vancouver restaurant. Like many, I had my first true Belgian beer experiences during excursions to BierCraft, where the staff were able to explain to me – a beer newbie back then – the difference between a tripel and a dubbel, and what the “lees” was. BierCraft converted people not only to Belgian beer but eventually to craft beer.

But the success of BierCraft wasn’t enough. As a homebrewer and a Certified Cicerone (it’s like a beer sommelier), the possibility of his own brewery kept tugging at Don’s mind. He didn’t want to be the brewer – “I don’t have delusions of grandeur!” he laughs – but he wanted a brewery whose story and space he could create.

“Breweries are all about stories,” he tells me. “That’s what draws people in.”

The story of Bomber was seeded in that first evening of hockey and homebrew: friends (new and old), sports, community, sharing a drink in a parking lot. Upon opening in 2014, Bomber Brewing quickly established itself as a beloved fixture in East Vancouver.

A Fork in the Road

By 2018, the craft beer industry in Vancouver was booming – to the point of saturation, some thought. Bomber was profiting and at high production levels, brewing 7800 hectolitres of their 10,000 Hl capacity. However, this was a difficult pace to maintain, so when the Donnelly Group (now the Freehouse Collective as of spring 2024), owner of multiple Vancouver restaurants and pubs, offered to buy Bomber, it was appealing. Dean had been battling cancer since 2011, and Don didn’t feel positive about the industry at the time, despite Bomber’s popularity: “We saw the changes in the market. We were one of the first to sell.” Their value was high and it seemed to make sense, given their personal circumstances. However, co-owner Cam Andrews, in a 2019 interview with Vancouver is Awesome, admitted that the sale caught him by surprise. It caught the public by surprise as well. 

Response to the sale was mostly negative. Craft beer fans liked the Bomber they knew – the Bomber owned by local folks and not a large corporation. Donnelly’s rebranding of the brewery, done without input from the founders and without clear communication, was also received badly. Gone were the old labels – skylines of different cities, the vintage-style font – and in their place was the black dive-bombing seagull and a modern, all-caps logo. Comments on Reddit (r/VancouverCraftBeer) disparaged this new version of Bomber.

But despite the backlash, in reality, Bomber didn’t change all that much. Aside from the rebranding, Donnelly Group was almost entirely hands-off; they kept Don on as General Manager, and he ran the brewery and tasting room just as he had before. Decisions about the beer were in his hands. In fact, Don is very positive about the Donnelly Group and their management: “I want to give kudos to Donnelly – they were amazing in the time they’ve run it [Bomber]. They don’t get enough credit for what they’ve done for craft beer in the province.” And as Chair of the BC Craft Brewers Guild, Don knows what he’s talking about. Craft beer fans often dislike corporate brewery ownership, but some of those corporations have given craft beer much-needed exposure.

After the Donnelly purchase, the pressure on Bomber to be profitable rose, not simply because of the new ownership structure but because the local craft beer market itself was becoming more crowded. The pandemic added a new layer of economic stress. By 2023, Donnelly was in financial trouble. Long story short, Bomber was on the market again that year. In early 2024, Don was battling throat cancer and business matters were the last thing on his mind. However, by summer 2024 he was with his family at his cabin in the Cariboo, celebrating his recent cancer-free diagnosis. The day after he learned that good news, he got a call from Jeff Donnelly, who reminded him that Bomber was still for sale and encouraged him to put in an offer. 

Rebirth and Return

On receiving that call, Don felt the same pull as when he first tasted Blair’s homebrew pilsner out in the parking lot. Was this a possibility? He didn’t want Bomber to disappear, and he didn’t want his employees to lose their jobs. Bomber had a place in the East Van community. So he recruited several friends and together, the five of them made an offer. With the support of Jeff Donnelly and Reid Ogdon of the Donnelly Group, it all fell into place. By October 2024, Don Farion was again the owner of Bomber Brewing. 

Don is entering this new era with a different outlook. “I remember making beer when it was fun,” he says, looking back to the first days of Bomber. “Brewing has always been fun but now the business has changed.” That rat-race he remembered from the years following 2018 – chasing volume, constantly having to calculate ROI over love of the job and the beer – is no longer one he wants to run. “Our new thought is being happy at 4500 hl. That’s comfortable for us.” Their core business will be scaled down in order to rekindle their joy in making and selling beer. 

Other planned changes are more like returns. “We’re going back to the way Bomber was,” Don puts it. “We’re going to be talking about the beer again – not the branding. And we don’t focus on the technical stuff, IBUs and all that. It’s really about balance. We want to make balanced beer. Our IPA is only 6.3% because that’s where it tastes best. We did a 4.8% Pilsner when no one was making lagers.” Their upcoming branding, while not yet unveiled, will return Bomber to something similar to their original model, but with a focus on duality and balance. They will also be expanding their core beer list. Their original flagships will remain (Skyline Lager, Avant Garde Pilsner, Outspoken IPA, Georgie’s Best ESB), but a second string of cores will be added: Reverie Hazy Pale, Furio Italian Pilsner, and Miramar West Coast IPA. 

Bomber will also be renewing its grassroots marketing and community connections. They’ve continued their tradition of brewing a special beer for the East Van Panto at the York Theatre. Since this year’s panto is Robin Hood, Bomber’s beer for the event is Maid Marionberry Ale – with a very charming label! 

Ultimately, the new Bomber Brewing under Don’s leadership will be very similar to the old Bomber Brewing, but with a renewed sense of priorities. Having looked his own mortality in the face through his battle with cancer, Don isn’t interested in chasing profit or volume. He wants to make good beer for his neighbourhood, host hockey nights at the taproom, and keep his colleagues employed. He wants brewing to be fun again. Bomber’s back!

The post Ups, Downs, and Turnarounds: Bomber Brewing’s Renaissance appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

From the early brewing history at the foundation of the Brewery Creek Ale Trail to the modern entrepreneurial spirit of the Yeast Van Ale Trail, you can be sure you’ll find the perfect vibe — and your next favourite beer! 

From March 28 – April 30, 2024, visit any of the participating businesses listed below and ask for a stamp with purchase. Once you have collected six unique stamps – three from each ale trail – hand in the passport at any participating location to be entered in the draw for a chance to win the Grand Prize Giveaway. BONUS — it overlaps with the annual Vancouver Brewers Fest running April 19-28th! 

Fill Your Passport to Win!

How do you participate?

1. Visit any of the participating businesses listed below from March 28 – April 30, 2024 and ask for a stamp with purchase.
2. After collecting three unique stamps from each of the two ale trail groups hand in the completed passport to be entered to win the Grand Prize Giveaway (details below).

The random prize draw will take place following the contest period once all of the completed passports have been collected.

The Grand Prize Giveaway includes:

• a one-night stay for two people at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, including breakfast for two at Mosaic Grille
• VIP Tasting with Brewmaster Iain Hill at Strange Fellows Brewing
• $100 gift card to Tap & Barrel
• $75 gift card to The Cascade Room
• $75 gift card to a brewery on the Yeast Van Ale Trail
• $75 gift card to a brewery on the Brewery Creek Ale Trail
• 2 x Day Passes on the Aquabus False Creek Ferry
• BC Ale Trail Swag pack

Congratulations to the winner of the Grand Prize: M. Harris of Vancouver!

Vancouver Brewers Fest

April 19-28, 2024

The Vancouver Brewers Fest is a 10-day celebration of the breweries, the people and the communities that have developed hand in hand. Different events will be held at many of the local breweries.

Attending events during the festival is a fun and easy way to collect stamps on your passport!

Check vancouverbrewersfest.com for all the info.

The Vancouver Brewery Creek Ale Trail 

Vancouver’s earliest breweries set up along a creek that paralleled present-day Main Street from Tea Swamp (roughly Ontario Street and 15th Ave) all the way down to False Creek, which then extended east to where Clark Drive is now. The City Brewery and Mainland Brewery (both built in 1887) and the Columbia Brewery (1888) were the first to use the stream to power their machinery and provide water for their recipes. Population growth in the 1890s was rapid, and the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood soon became Vancouver’s first suburb beyond the downtown peninsula. The creek itself was covered up by streets and sidewalks, and although that early brewing industry was short-lived, you can find it echoed in a progressive and exciting brewery scene there today.

Today, the eclectic Mount Pleasant neighbourhood is home to an exciting assortment of contemporary craft breweries and tap houses, as well as one of the city’s best beer-focused liquor stores. Welcome to Brewery Creek!

The Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail 

An innovative craft beer community, true to its industrial roots, “Yeast Van” is the tongue-in-cheek nickname for East Vancouver’s thriving craft beer scene. Because of its industrial history and connection to Canada’s busiest port, East Van has long been seen as a “rough-around-the-edges” part of the city, not necessarily the place you’d choose for a fancy boutique, perhaps, but perfect for a gritty microbrewery. Indeed, that’s what attracted Storm Brewing, East Van’s original craft brewery, to set up there back in the 1990s — and since then more than a dozen other breweries have followed suit.

This is definitely a multicultural area — Commercial Drive’s Italian roots are reflected at Luppolo Brewing. East Van’s industrial foundations are showcased front and centre at Container Brewing and East Van Brewing, while it’s all about style and contemporary design at Superflux, Strange Fellows, and Strathcona Brewing.

Yeast Van is also home to two creative small-batch distilleries and a meadery — so no matter where your tastes lie, you will be able to find something tasty and interesting here.

The post Go on a Tasting Tour this Spring with the Vancouver Tasting Passport appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Life is about choices. Currently, I’m munching on duck prosciutto and musing about what to choose next from the Indigenous game sampler platter in front of me. Elk juniper salami, homemade pickles, cedar jelly, and smoked cheddar are among the mouthwatering options. Dinner has been good to me so far.

“Try the pemmican mousse,” suggests Salmon n’ Bannock proprietor Inez Cook, a member of Bella Coola’s Nuxalk Nation, as she pours me a glass of Red Truck Beer Company’s Amber Ale. “It’s fantastic.”

Served with bannock crackers, the frothy dish features smoked bison meat ground into powder and blended with cream cheese and blueberries. I wish I’d ordered a second helping. Additionally, I’m loving the sockeye ceviche and sweetgrass-infused cherries.

Founded in 2010, Salmon n’ Bannock welcomes patrons in my hometown of Vancouver, specializing in wild fish and organic game. This cozy Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant on West Broadway added a sister location at art-laden YVR (Vancouver International Airport) in 2022. Salmon n’ Bannock offers one of many good reasons to explore the traditional unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations.

At a challenging time in Canada’s journey toward reconciliation, supporting local First Nations businesses is important and rewarding. While sampling craft beer safely and responsibly on the BC Ale Trail, you can also admire traditional and modern takes on West Coast Indigenous art.

Before digging into my main course, a hearty bison pot roast served with seasonal vegetables and horseradish, I check out the pieces on display in this intimately lit, lively room with black-and-red decor. BC artists like Darcy Joseph and Jon Erickson represent Indigenous culture with pride and diversity. Cedar carvings and paintings with titles such as Red Salmon and Spirit Wolf are available for purchase.

As I enjoy my dinner with a glass of Howe Sound Brewing’s Rail Ale Nut Brown, I’m already making plans to discover more Indigenous cuisine and art in Metro Vancouver.

I’ve set my sights on visiting some First Nations-affiliated breweries further afield in Metro Vancouver. For instance, Locality Brewing, a farm-based Langley brewery that identifies as Métis-owned, has hosted an on-site Métis Festival. It won the 2022 Indigenous Led Business of the Year Award at the BC Food and Beverage Awards. Achievements like these are propelled by Locality’s commitment to great beers, like its distinctively sweet and salty La Tayr Saskatoon Berry and Kelp Gose.

In 2020, New Westminster’s Another Beer Co. produced its limited-edition Askî Oci Saison. Incorporating local BC spruce tips, this beer creatively celebrated the heritage of Cree brewery co-owner Nadine (Hansen) Jopson, Métis artist Kayla MacInnis, and Métis herbal therapist Vanessa Prescott.

In Abbotsford, the 2014-founded, family-owned Ravens Brewing makes award-winning beers like Corvus Lingonberry Lime Gose. Co-owner Jocelyn Sweeting’s biological mother is Ojibwe.

Ravens Brewing states: “We would like to acknowledge the traditional ancestral shared territory of the Sumas First Nation and Matsqui First Nation. These two First Nations are part of the Stό:lō Nation. The Stό:lō people have lived in the Fraser Valley for 10,000 years. It is for this reason that we acknowledge the traditional territory in which we reside.”

When I head to Vancouver’s North Shore for an afternoon of bannock, biking, and breweries, I’m in luck at the downtown Waterfront Station. Boarding the Burrard Chinook, a SeaBus ferry that TransLink launched with a traditional First Nations ceremony in 2021, I take in its incredible external artwork depicting the life cycle of a salmon.

Inside the $32-million vessel, the artistic visions of collaborators Kelly Cannell, Siobhan Joseph, and Angela George are detailed on a panel, which I check out during the smooth 12-minute crossing over Burrard Inlet to Lonsdale Quay.

After renting a bike at the nearby Reckless Shipyards store, I pedal toward the Mosquito Creek Marina waterfront on the 6.5-kilometre Spirit Trail. This winding, paved path celebrates Indigenous culture.

Although I’m eagerly anticipating my lunch at the Mr. Bannock food truck, I keep pulling over to take photos. For instance, Wade Baker’s The Gateway to Ancient Wisdom (2008) offers an impossible-to-miss entrance to the marina, constructed with stainless steel and red cedar.

I find Mr. Bannock on a quiet side street. The food truck is nestled in a driveway, and I line up with Australian visitors to order my traditional bannock (or fry bread) and a hearty beef burger. On this sunny afternoon, it’s a satisfying way to fuel up for my local BC Ale Trail tour.

Black Kettle Brewing is just a five-minute bike ride away. I grab a seat on the parking lot patio and sip a pint of Back in Blackberry Sour. The 8,000-square-foot brewery, founded eight years ago by Bryan Lockhart, features other innovative creations by brewmaster Sarah Polkinghorne, who holds a degree in chemistry.

Stand-out Black Kettle beers include Trax Pale Ale, Cascade IPA and Don’t Feed the Bears White IPA. You can also take away beer to drink between 11 am and dusk at nearby Kings Mill Walk Park, thanks to North Van’s recently liberalized by-laws.

Cycling back along the Spirit Trail, I pause to check out Xwalacktun’s Thunderbird (2018). The five-ton basalt stone sculpture powerfully incorporates petroglyphs that evoke both this land’s ancient history and modern life.

I pull up outside the Lonsdale Quay Market, eager to check out a new pop-up venue called The Brewyard (open Thursday to Sunday through August 27, 2023). Located at the south end of the market with an open-air patio, it showcases the best of the Shipyards Brewing District, with seven different local breweries represented. It’s an excellent place to relax with a beer in the sun.

Gazing toward the white sails roof of Canada Place on the downtown Vancouver waterfront, I reflect on how our understanding of Indigenous culture and history has evolved since those white sails first went up for EXPO 86, the 1986 World’s Fair.

My last Spirit Trail stop before returning my bike is Beere Brewing, just minutes away on Esplanade. At this 2017-founded, family-owned brewery, the inventive, fun beer list ranges from Pinky Tuscadero, a classic raspberry lemonade sour, to Mental Floss, an accessible, double dry-hopped IPA. I pick up a four-pack of tall cans to go.

Right next to downtown Vancouver, more First Nations culture awaits in Stanely Park. The forested 1,000-acre urban park was once the site of an Indigenous village called X̱wáýx̱way, located near Lumberman’s Arch. You can book a Talking Trees Tour with Talaysay Tours, which sheds light on edible plants in Stanley Park, from licorice fern to salmon berries.

Today, the most-visited attraction in all of BC is the extraordinary collection of nine totem poles at Brockton Point. In 2008, artist Susan Point, who was born in Alert Bay and hails from the Musqueam Nation, added three red cedar portals. They represent male and female welcome figures, the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and a Salish dancer and a killer whale respectively.

After visiting Brockton Point, it’s an easy stroll to the Stanley Park Pavilion, where you can sip Yellow Dog Brewing’s Chase My Tail Pale Ale or Neighbourhood Brewing’s Way of Life Hazy IPA on the patio.

There’s much more to explore. The Bill Reid Gallery in downtown Vancouver is dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art, celebrating the Haida master artist Bill Reid (1920 – 1998) and the diverse living cultures of the Northwest Coast.

Takaya Tours offers guided, interpretive paddles in replica ocean-going canoes, similar to those used historically by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Guests gently paddle in the protected waters of the Burrard Inlet and beautiful Indian Arm while guides from the Coast Salish Nation sing songs, tell legends, and point out ancient village sites.

I’m looking forward to viewing Blanketing the City IV: Cathedral Square, a public mural installation that dynamically evokes Coast Salish weaving traditions from three local First Nations. It attracts supporters of the annual Vancouver Mural Festival, and is less than a 10-minute walk from Steamworks, which has offered great craft beer in Gastown since 1995. A dramatic sequel, Blanketing the City V, covers an entire building on North Vancouver’s Burrard Pier.

Canadians still have a long way to go on the path toward reconciliation. Still, the choices we make with food and drink can bring us all closer together, and that’s never a bad thing.

June is Indigenous History Month. This month, and every month, you can seek out, learn, and celebrate the rich, diverse, and living Indigenous cultures in BC and beyond. There are more than 200 Indigenous communities in BC, and over 160 Indigenous-owned tourism operators and unique experiences, each with stories to share. For more information, visit Indigenous Tourism BC.

The post Discover Indigenous Food and Artwork along our BC Ale Trails appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

That’s especially true in the case of Main St. Brewing Head Brewer Azlan Graves and his passion project called The Garage Series — an ongoing collection of wild-fermented and barrel-aged beer he’s been concocting at the Mount Pleasant brewery since 2021.

The Garage Series’ inaugural release was a Bière de Coupage that married 2015 editions of Main St.’s Stag & Pheasant Imperial Stout and Barleywine that had both been conditioning in Old Forester Bourbon barrels for five years with a 2020 Bière de Garde Farmhouse Ale.

In 2022, Azlan introduced two more models. First up was Gale Force Old Ale which was built on a base of the brewery’s 2020 Tunnerman’s Dark Mild and underwent a secondary fermentation in bourbon barrels. This fermentation process was thanks to a special strain of brettanomyces yeast that was famously a key ingredient in the beloved 19th-century English beer called George Gale’s Prize Old Ale.

Next was Circa 1775 Sumac Rosewater Saison, brewed from pilsner, raw and malted wheat and rye, and three hop varieties: Magnum, Ella and Hallertau Mittelfrüh. After a 10-month secondary ferment in Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc barrels from Penticton’s Bench 1775 Winery, Azlan rested it on freshly harvested Staghorn sumac and rosewater from Mount Pleasant grocer Afra on Main before bottle conditioning.

Both turned heads and garnered critical acclaim for Main St. Brewing. The former scored top spot in the Strong Ale & Lager category at the 2022 BC Beer Awards while the latter got the nod as best Specialty Wild Ale at the annual best-of-BC event.

Azlan’s innovations also earned high praise from Jordan St. John, Beer Certificate Head at George Brown College and the first person in Canada to brew commercially with Staghorn sumac, a plant that grows extensively throughout Canada but is rarely used in beer. Sumac adds malic acid to the mix, imparting a deep, tart, almost wine-like flavour that, when paired with rosewater, reminds Azlan of a watermelon Jolly Rancher.

“Raw and malted wheat in the same beer is basically unheard of, and adding rye is a real flex,” St. John wrote in his comments about the beer after he tasted it at the Canada Beer Cup judging session last fall. “The rosewater lessens the citric character of the sumac, focusing the beer. Back in 2011, we had oak as an option, but not wine barrels. That’s a neat trick. It fleshes out the body. It’s very clever and I like what you’ve done with some esoteric ingredients in an odd genre. Bravo.”

High praise indeed for Azlan, who first dipped his toe into the home-brewing realm years ago alongside his father Tad. Their Double Axehead fresh-hopped red ale was an annual release at the Graves house in the Kootenays.

“Sure, there was a father-son connection thing, but I also probably had interest in it because I was underage and wanted to know how to make alcohol,” Azlan says. “But the whole fermentation process really grabbed me. You’re fermenting in glass carboys so you can see the reactions and the whole process in action.

“But I didn’t like the taste of most beers, so I would add vanilla and maple syrup to a porter recipe or berries to a blonde ale.”

In other words, young Azlan was never afraid of flavour experiments.

When he was 19, (and could legally consume his own creations) he moved to Vancouver and got a job at Powell Brewery, splitting time between the tasting room and the back of house learning the trade from co-owner and brewmaster David Bowkett.

Around that time, Azlan’s early tendency to brew outside the box began to flourish. It was his first sip of an Imperial Flanders Red Ale from Storm Brewing one night at the Alibi Room that truly sent him tumbling down the wild-ale wormhole.

“That beer was unlike anything else anybody was making,” says Azlan. “It was an eye-opening experience, and then I started to track down as many Belgian sours and Flanders red ales that I could, especially Duchess de Bourgogne and Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste’s Cuvée Des Jacobins Rouge.”

Yeah. The rumours are true. He’s well-red.

The next stop in his evolution as a brewer came at Steamworks where he got wise to more brewing sleight-of-hand from brewmaster Julia Hanlon, R&D manager Brett Jamieson and quality control manager Dr. Dan Wilson.

“They would ‘Iron Chef’ me and give me a secret ingredient and get me to make a beer with it, so I got to trial a lot of things I had been putting into practice as a home brewer. It was an incredible opportunity, having access to their resources and knowledge and being able to run quality control questions past Dan.”

Hanlon similarly has fond memories of Azlan’s time spent under her wing.

“I would describe Azlan as a scholar of brewing,” she says, “which is a fancy way of saying he’s a beer nerd.”

“When he was with Steamworks, he was really into using kveik strains for all sorts of styles that would normally use a traditional ale or lager yeast. He seemed to have amassed an encyclopedia of knowledge on using them. Based on the beers I have seen him come out with at Main St., he definitely seems to stay on the leading edge of brewing techniques, for example, adding thiols and using thiolizing yeast strains. I have a ton of respect for him as a brewer and his approach toward beer styles in general.”

After Steamworks — and around the first few months of the pandemic — Azlan joined the Main St. family.

He already had an affinity for Main St. thanks to its dedicated Tunnerman’s Cask Ale program, and once aboard, he quickly affixed his stamp on that brand, diving deep into time-honoured recipes and techniques to add unique new styles to the ongoing series.

So what’s in a name? Plenty, as it turns out, when it comes to the sobriquet for the Garage Series. Azlan began his brewing journey in garages — his own and fellow home brewer Graeme Hystad’s — but there are more layers to this tale.

The heritage building in which Main St. Brewing has been making beer since it opened in 2014 was once home to the Vancouver Breweries Garage (circa 1902), the Auto Maintenance Co. (1919), Ye Old Brewery Garage (1920-’22) and Crescent Motors (1923 to 1934) and remained an auto body and repair garage until it was rehabilitated and restored to its former Mission Revival-style glory in 2010.

What’s next for the Garage Series?

No less than four new models will appear on the Main St. Garage Series showroom floor in 2023: The 2^nd annual Gale Force Old Ale, which incorporates portions of the inaugural release; A Brett Pale Ale that will mark Main St.’s 9^th Anniversary celebration in May; A Piquette-Style Ale that was conditioned for 72 hours on Pinot Noir pomace (crushed lovingly at Pamplemousse Winery in Summerland by Azlan and Assistant Brewer Joe Ross themselves); and a Golden Apricot & Toasted Noyaux Sour incorporating organic apricots from Blackbird Organic Farms in Cawston and noyaux (the kernel inside apricot stones) that Azlan himself toasted in Main St.’s convection oven.

He’s stoked to see what comes from all of them, particularly the Golden Apricot & Toasted Noyaux Sour. “I’m excited to see how the apricot and toasted noyaux work together,” he says.

His recent travels in Belgium inspired further interest in Lambic styles and how he can use BC fruit in his Vancouver cre-ale-tions.

Still, even he can’t predict what the fruits of his labours might ultimately be.

“They’re all calculated risks, in a way,” Azlan laughs. “That’s why it’s nice to hold back vintages and see how they continue to evolve and think ‘How did I get here?’ and ‘How can we improve on it or repeat it?’ These are very hard beers to repeat, but that’s part of the appeal.”

When it comes to pursuing a passion, Azlan knows that love don’t come easy. 

You just have to wait. You gotta trust, give it time, no matter how long it takes.

And that’s one of the many tools Azlan has in his Garage: Time. Knowledge. Resources. A little alchemy. And an insatiable thirst for planting Main St.’s flag in the unexplored terroir and terrain of the weird and wild world of barrel-aged beer.

The post Roll out the Barrel: Main St. Brewing Head Brewer Azlan Graves’ odyssey into the weird, wild world of barrel-aged beer. appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

This open-studio, four-day event, celebrating its 26th year, runs November 17-20 in 68+ artist studios, featuring 425+ artists, and nine in-studio demos. The Culture Crawl takes place right in the heart of the Yeast Vancouver and Brewery Creek Ale Trails. This very walkable area is accessible by transit, with Commercial-Broadway and Main Street stations in close proximity. Densely packed with artist studios and breweries alike, buses #4, #7, #20, #22, #14, and #16 all run through the area, taking you to studios and breweries in every corner of the area. 

“What the past two years have reinforced is that the arts play an incredibly important role in people’s lives,” says Esther Rausenberg, Artistic and Executive Director of the Eastside Arts Society. “We’re thrilled to bring back our classic Culture Crawl experience. The challenges of the past few years have certainly proven that artists are resilient and adaptable. Many have taken the time to reflect on their art practice, taking it to the next level by exploring new avenues and fresh approaches. We can’t wait to share these new revelations in the 26th edition of the Culture Crawl; it’s truly going to be a celebration of the vitalness of the arts.” 

 

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Strange Fellows Brewing, an ECC sponsor, kicks the Crawl season off with the Preview Exhibition series, NEXT. This salon-style curated exhibition runs November 10-20 in the Charles Clark Gallery, located right in the tasting room. When moving into their 1345 Clark Drive location, Strange Fellows was inspired by the artist studios surrounding the brewery to open their own gallery space, which regularly hosts works by local artists. 

The theme of this year’s Crawl exhibitions is NEXT. After the extraordinary challenges of the last couple of years, there seems to be a longing for change or a sense of normalcy. For this exciting exhibit, Eastside Culture Crawl artists present opportunities to reach for something new, perhaps a fresh start, or maybe the progression of current practices. It explores the aftereffects of living through a pandemic as we long for and ponder about what’s NEXT. 

NEXT is running in a total of five different gallery spaces from November 1 – 27, with each gallery featuring different artists. Strange Fellows is hosting works by Andrea Des Mazes, Anne Gaze, Brigitte Potter-Mael, Cat Mudryk, Colette Tan, Dorothy Doherty, Dzee Louise, Janine Schroedter, Julie McIntyre, and Marney-Rose Edge. 

“[Strange Fellows is] an amazing partner and have backed us from day one of their existence.” – Erin Frizzell, Managing Director Eastside Arts Society (producing organization of the Culture Crawl).

As a brewery, Strange Fellows’ beers are “West Coast crafted, old world inspired,” and its branding reflects this through distinctive, original wood-block labels by Christine Moulson, Brand Storyteller. Christine captures Strange Fellows’ whimsy and “Old World” spirit while telling the story of each beer. As a result, the brewery captures our imaginations and taste buds alike. A cast of characters from the labels can be found on the tasting room walls, hand-crafted by Christine herself. 

While checking out Next, folks can sample favourite beers such as Talisman West Coast Pale Ale and Nocturnum Dark IPA. The Blackmail Stout is back, a sure sign of fall with its rich, round and slightly sweet character. For something different, Yara the Tart Grisette offers tart, juicy, refreshing notes that feel like sun on your face. 

The Culture Crawl was envisioned as an opportunity for the public to engage directly with artists, and see a bit behind the scenes. This is very much in the spirit of many of the breweries and tasting rooms on the Vancouver ale trails where you might catch a glimpse of the brewing equipment, watch brewers at work, or smell the distinctive brewing aromas. Hoppy, malty headiness.

During the classic open studio weekend of November 17-20, you might want to head down to Andina Brewing on Powell Street. The cheery, yellow building, and South American-infused beer, food, and decor are sure to warm you on a cool November day or evening of art crawling. The Cocada Coconut Lime Sour will transport you to warmer days, and make your taste buds dance. The Hazy IPA, with Amarillo hops, is a cocktail of sweet grapefruit, zesty lemons and oranges, and just a touch of floral goodness. 

This is the perfect stop while visiting Portside Studios, located right above Andina Brewing. Portside is home to both established and emerging artists working in a wide range of styles from abstraction to realism. You will find oil, acrylic, and watercolour paintings in this light-filled studio. With a great sense of community, Portside Studios not only provides affordable spaces but has also become a blossoming community for artists. 

Andina Brewing and Strange Fellows Brewing are just two of the 17 breweries located in the Crawl catchment (2nd Ave to Waterfront, Victoria Dr. to Columbia St.). Each studio on the Crawl route has a brewery within walking distance. Always a winning combo! Perfect for a pre-crawl meet-up to decide your top studios to check out, a mid-crawl refresh and refuel, and/or an end-of-crawl debrief, chat and laugh — with cans or a growler fill to go. The possibilities are endless for that delicious and inspiring intersection of beer and art.

The last few years have been a roller coaster ride for us all. As the world strives to return to normal, it is good to hang onto those lessons of the importance of community, collaboration, and connection. The Culture Crawl and BC Ale Trail breweries offer that up in abundance this November, and beyond. 

Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
#eastsideculturecrawl

The post Beer and Art Meet at the Annual Eastside Culture Crawl appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Based in San Diego, they have spent many years enjoying the local breweries in that world-renowned craft beer destination. In the summer of 2016, two of them discussed how fun it would be to rent a van and travel across the state visiting breweries. As teachers, they had spring breaks off together, so for spring break in 2017, four of them were on their way, joined by all their spouses. A fifth couple met up with them along the way, and their journey began.

After touring California, Oregon and Washington, they found themselves on a beach in Mexico, discussing how much they enjoy drinking great beer and telling stories. That was the genesis moment for I Like Beer the Podcast.

Every year since then, the PGW Crew (“Parents Gone Wild”) have planned an annual spring break trip to visit a different beer destination. Back in 2020, they intended to travel north of the border to check out British Columbia, but, of course, COVID cancelled those plans.

Two years later, they finally made it to Canada! All in all, they visited more than 20 different breweries and taphouses in Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, and Victoria. They conducted interviews at six of the breweries, which they released in three separate podcast episodes. There were 16 people (8 couples) in total on the trip so the logistics were quite complicated. They even had branded hoodies with their intended itinerary printed on the back.

They spent their first full day in Squamish and Whistler. The team took the Sea to Sky Gondola up to the peak to view Howe Sound and stomp around in the snow.

“Snow, of course for us San Diegans, has a magical effect on us turning us giddy!” said Jeff Spanier, one of the members of the podcast team. “To our delight, there was a beer at the summit! We enjoyed several pitchers of local brew before heading down and continuing on to Whistler.”

There, they went to Forged Axe Throwing to throw axes and enjoy beer and embrace their inner lumberjacks.

“Over cans of Whistler Brewing‘s Lumberjack Kveik ale we learned that we may not be lumberjack material. We had a lot of fun, but clearly the trees are safe with us.”

Easter Sunday was spent at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, including brunch at the Cliff House Restaurant and a stroll atop the trees. They also managed to build in a visit to Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver where they recorded an interview. 

Amazingly, they only had one rainy day the entire trip — and luckily, it was a day they had planned to visit breweries all day. They enjoyed breakfast at the Granville Island Public Market followed by stops at Liberty Distillery, Faculty Brewing, Brassneck Brewery, and Main Street Brewing.

The first podcast episode they released after their return to San Diego featured interviews with Mauricio Lozano at Faculty Brewing and Conrad Gmoser at Brassneck.

 

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After a couple of days visiting North Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler, they took the ferry across the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island where they spent a few days based in Victoria. One of their non-beer goals was to see some orca in the wild.

“On our previous trip to the San Juan Islands, we struck out,” lamented Jeff Spanier. “Not this time! Our whale watching guide made sure we found a pod, and we were in awe at the spectacle of a pod moving along the shore in unison.”

A half day at the Butchart Gardens was another BC spectacle they were glad they didn’t pass on. Same to be said for drinks at the Empress Hotel.

The second episode they posted following their trip featured Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver and Phillips Brewing in Victoria.

As part of their time in Victoria they visited the nearby community of Sooke where they visited Sooke Oceanside Brewery and Bad Dog Brewing.

“The long country road to Bad Dog Brewing made half our group feel certain that we were heading to our doom. Random ‘Brewery Ahead’ signs as we traversed deeper into the woods set off alarm bells inspired by every horror movie we’ve ever seen. All for nothing, Bad Dog Brewing was an amazing find!”

They managed to pack in a lot of brewery visits over their time in Victoria, including stops at Whistle Buoy Brewing, Herald Street Brew Works, Phillips Brewing, and Lighthouse Brewing.

The third and final episode they recorded features interviews with Gary Lindsay at Driftwood Brewery and Jeff Wright at Vancouver Island Brewing.

All in all, the “Parents Gone Wild” crew from San Diego had a great experience visiting British Columbia, and say they hope to return again soon since they feel like they only just scratched the surface of the BC craft beer scene.

Biggest surprises/happy moments:

> Bears, bald eagles and orcas!

“We definitely had our full American tourist on whenever an eagle flew by. The spectacle of all 16 of us eating ice cream, pointing frantically in the air while yelling ‘Bald Eagles!’ must have been humorous for the regulars. A truly American Tourist Moment.”

> Stereotypical politeness.

“We found Canadians — everywhere we went — just as polite, helpful and pleasant as reported. We are from a tourist town, and I am afraid we might not always be so wonderful and accommodating. We will work harder at that!”

BC Ale Trail Interview

As a follow-up to their visit, I joined the gang remotely: listen to this episode to hear our conversation about their trip and the BC Ale Trail.

The post I Like Beer the Podcast Visits British Columbia appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Running from January 14-31, 2022, Dine Out is celebrating its 20th anniversary with more than 300 restaurants offering prix fixe menus priced between $20 and $59, plus culinary experiences and special offers. It’s a great time to discover new restaurants or revisit and support one of your beloved spots. Every year I go through the entire list of prix fixe menus and post some suggestions on my website. Here I have curated a list of Dine Out Vancouver 2022 ideas specifically for craft beer lovers.

Brunch, Lunch or Dinner at Breweries

A number of local breweries are offering a prix fixe menu ranging from $20 to $49. At BREWHALL, you can create so many different combinations of hand-held goodness with a side and dessert, such as Mac Attack Sando with Curly Fries and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Over in the Fraser Valley, Trading Post Brewing also offers different menus at its two restaurant locations. At Trading Post Fort Langley, I would be torn choosing between Duck Confit and Bacon & Pea Gnocchi as my entree, and the London Fog Creme Brulee sounds heavenly. Driving further out to Trading Post Abbotsford, I see two tasty appetizers in Carrot Walnut Spread and Roasted Beet Salad, and equally sweet options of Apple Cake and Chocolate Tart as dessert.

Back in Vancouver, you can’t go wrong with any items on Luppolo Brewing’s 3-course menu, especially since a beer is included in the price. I haven’t seen Vitello Tonnato on a menu in a while and I’m always a big fan of their pizzas. They also add their beer in their tiramisu. If you don’t feel like dining in, you can order a 4-pack beer and two pizzas from the Dine Out menu for $50.

From January 14 – 31, experience a spectacular $27 three-course meal at Monkey 9 Brewing in Richmond. Appies include creamy chicken barley soup, cauliflower bites,  and cheesy spinach dip. Mains include crispy chicken leg served with stacked potatoes, onion rings, brussel sprouts, and shire sauce; shrimp pesto linguine tossed in pesto sauce and topped with sautéed shrimp and tomatoes; and rocket salad with arugula, beets, radish, almonds, grape tomatoes, and goat crumble. Yum!

Prix Fixe Menus at Restaurants with Notable Craft Beer Options

Many of the other participating restaurants are great friends with our local breweries and have a notable selection of beers to choose from. For example, all the Dine Out menu items at Bells and Whistles Dunbar and Fraser would pair well with beer, including Crispy Pork Rinds, The Classic Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and my favourite All Day Breakfast Sandwich.

Romer’s three locations in Kitsilano, Port Moody and River District also have a wide variety of dishes for appetizers and entrees, and having their Almost Famous Drunken Donuts for dessert would just hit the spot. For those who appreciate Asian flavours, I was drawn to the Asian take on western dishes at Saiwoo and Sing Sing Beer Bar. Taco/Mexican food lovers can check out the menu at Tacofino Ocho and The Pawn Shop YVR.

Family-friendly Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company in Kitsilano and Main Street don’t only have a 3-course menu with a mile-long list of pizza options that are available for dine-in and take-out, but they also sell take-home pizza kits that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home (with some ice cold craft beer, of course). Speaking of additional offers, Tap & Barrel Convention Centre, Olympic Village and Shipyards cater to the foodies and craft beer lovers in training as they have a Dine Out for Kids menu so they don’t feel left out. What a cute idea!

If you are looking for something a bit different, Burgoo Bistro Downtown, Lonsdale, Main Street, and Point Grey are offering three cheese and one chocolate fondue for $10 each, plus drinks are at happy hour pricing from 11am to close.

Last but not least, I must give a shout out to The Mackenzie Room for their 5-course family style tasting menu. They are one of my favourite restaurants in town and we go at least once a year (even in the last two years) and they never disappoint!

Beer-Related Experiences

Whether you are a pure craft beer lover, or an indulger of various libations, you will be able to find a beer-related experience that suits you. Over the next few weeks, you can sign up for a tour to explore breweries in Yeast Van and Mount Pleasant, visit a distillery and two breweries in Yeast Van, savour a buttery lobster roll with beer, treat yourself to cider, wine, beer AND charcuterie, or get up early for a brew of coffee and beer. Leave your vehicle behind as full transportation is provided including pickup and dropoff at a designated location.

If you prefer a food and beer pairing experience, enjoy a four-course tasting menu curated by the chefs & brewers at Belgard Kitchen & Settlement Brewing. A $5 donation to Mealshare is also included.

And if you like a more hands-on event, you can create your own pizza pie at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. Main Street or Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. Kitsilano. Your three-course meal will be paired with Four Winds or Kits Brewing beer.

Final Thoughts on Dine Out Vancouver

Honestly, this roundup could go on and on, but I hope I gave you some ideas to start planning one of your Dine Out experiences this year. If you end up checking out any of the above, let me know how it goes! Hit me up @vanfoodies on Instagram or find me at vanfoodies.com! Stay safe!

Joyce Lam has been a food blogger in Vancouver since 2009, writing at VanFoodies.com and sharing her food adventures on social media @vanfoodies. She sets out to discover delightful eats across Greater Vancouver, find joys in hearty home-cooking, and celebrate local food and beverage producers. A marketing consultant by day, and a food blogger by night, Joyce is a petite girl with a big appetite. Her foodie motto is “I’ll try anything once.”

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