Day 1

Arrive & Explore Downtown PoCo

Start your weekend in the heart of Port Coquitlam at Leigh Square. Featuring public art and fountains, the square is also a hub for community events during the summer months.

Port Coquitlam Farmers Market

Shop for farm-fresh produce, homemade treats, and artisan-made goods every Thursday from 3 to 7 pm.

Downtown PoCo Friday Nights

Enjoy live music, a beverage garden, family activities, local vendors, and a fountain light show on Friday, June 19 and July 3 from 4–9 pm.

Music in the Square

Live afternoon concerts featuring professional musicians and a variety of genres on July 5, July 19, August 9, and August 23 from 2 to 5 pm.

Fountain Light Shows

Visiting on a Friday or Saturday evening? Stick around for the Leigh Square fountain light shows at 7 and 9:30 pm.

Dinner & Drinks at Patina Brewing Co. Brewhouse & BBQ

A fitting next stop, Patina Brewing Co. pairs craft beer with slow-smoked barbecue. The rotating tap list keeps both casual beer drinkers and craft enthusiasts happy, featuring approachable lagers, award-winning core favourites, and the occasional experimental brew. The food menu leans heavily into comfort classics, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken wings, and several barbecue-inspired poutines. 

If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday, stay for late-night happy hour from 8:30 pm until close. Between the busy patio, friendly staff, and laid-back atmosphere, Patina is the kind of place where one quick pint easily turns into an entire evening.

Day 2

Breakfast & the Traboulay PoCo Trail

Kick off Saturday with brunch at Crave Bistro & Bar, a local favourite that elevates breakfast classics with global twists. The menu ranges from waffle bennies and rolled omelettes to flavour-packed specialities like Mexican chilaquiles and Turkish menemen. Whatever you order, Crave is the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of exploring.

Walk or Bike the Traboulay PoCo Trail 

One of the best ways to experience Port Coquitlam is by getting outside. The Traboulay PoCo Trail is a scenic 25-kilometre multi-use loop connecting parks, pathways, forests, wetlands, and urban neighbourhoods. The trail is mostly flat, with a mix of paved paths and packed gravel, making it accessible for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all ages and activity levels.

Do the full loop, or just pick a section and go at your own pace. Either way, the trail offers a peaceful contrast to a weekend of brewery hopping and makes that first afternoon pint feel especially well earned.

Explore the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

PoCo’s brewery scene is small but well-connected, offering a laid-back way to spend an afternoon. Several tasting rooms are located in close proximity to one another, making for an ideal self-guided tasting tour. Be sure to download the free BC Ale Trail app before you start, and it’ll help you navigate between stops. Plus, check in at each brewery and earn rewards along the way.

Tinhouse Brewing

 A 12-tap neighbourhood brewery with a welcoming, community-focused space, Tinhouse Brewing is known for balanced, approachable beers with a noticeable lean toward British-inspired malt-forward styles. Alongside hazy IPAs and crisp lagers, expect rotating brown ales, porters, seasonal releases, and occasional barrel-aged offerings.

Side Quest Brewing Co.

Just a block from Tinhouse, Side Quest Brewing Co. brings a playful, pop-culture twist to the craft beer experience. Inspired by fantasy, gaming, sci-fi, and all things nerd culture, the beer lineup stays grounded in thoughtful, approachable beers, but with plenty of character.

Taylight Brewing

Bright, open, and inviting, Taylight Brewing focuses on easy-drinking IPAs and refreshing lagers across its rotating tap list. Its location near the riverfront section of the Traboulay PoCo Trail also makes it a convenient stop for walkers and cyclists looking to rest and replenish.

Patina Brewing Co

Circle back to Patina Brewing Co. for another flight and a round of shareable barbecue favourites.

Poco Brothers Brewing Co

End the brewery loop at Poco Brothers Brewing Co., located inside the historic Cat & Fiddle Pub. Established in 2021 as the pub’s in-house brewery, Poco Brothers offers fresh small-batch beers alongside the Cat & Fiddle’s full menu.

Fremont Village & Casual Local Dining

After an afternoon of tasting rooms, spend some time exploring the Fremont Village area. The north-side district combines shopping, dining and outdoor spaces, making it a convenient place to continue the evening.

When dinner rolls around, Cat & Fiddle Pub is a natural choice. A longtime neighbourhood favourite, it has been a cornerstone of the Port Coquitlam community since 1979 — known for hearty comfort food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a longstanding commitment to local charities and sports teams. 

And when you’re ready for one last pint, Poco Brothers Brewing Co. is right there for an effortless nightcap.

Day 3

Family-Friendly Activities & One Last Pint

Start your final morning at The Big Flat Pancake Co., a popular local brunch spot known for its Dutch-style pancakes. Unlike traditional North American pancakes, these are thin, soft, yet still fluffy, with plenty of sweet and savoury flavours to choose from. Alongside the signature pancakes, they also serve waffles, eggs, sandwiches, coffee, mimosas, and Caesars for a leisurely brunch experience.

Before heading home, Port Coquitlam has a few great options for a relaxed Sunday morning:

Hyde Creek Recreation Centre

A popular local complex with pools, racquet courts, and fitness amenities. 

Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC)

Featuring a leisure pool and seasonal spray park that’s perfect for kids on a warm summer morning.

Leigh Square & Donald Pathway

A relaxed urban walking area connecting downtown pathways, art installations, and green space.

If you missed any breweries on Saturday, Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to squeeze in one last tasting room stop. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up a growler or four-pack and bring a little bit of PoCo home with you.

Why Port Coquitlam Makes a Great Weekend Getaway

Port Coquitlam strikes the balance between outdoor adventure, local flavour, and a strong sense of community. The city feels relaxed without lacking energy, and its growing craft beer scene adds to its appeal as a weekend destination. 

Whether you’re visiting for the breweries, restaurants, trails, or a quieter escape within Metro Vancouver, Port Coquitlam is well worth a weekend getaway.

Continue your travels along the North of the Fraser Ale Trail. 

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Port Coquitlam’s Best Bites, Brews & Outdoor Adventures appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen some of my biking stories. My husband and I have cycled a number of bike routes and trails across Metro Vancouver, and one of our favourite ones is the Traboulay PoCo Trail. Why, you ask? Because this trail offers nice rewards for beer lovers like us, and like you!

But first, let me tell you more about the Traboulay PoCo Trail. This 25 km trail loops around the entire community of Port Coquitlam, it’s mostly flat and is well-maintained with a mix of paved paths and hard-packed gravel surfaces. This trail is great for cyclists of all levels, and it’s also suitable for runners, walkers, and even families with strollers. For me, it’s the constant change of scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities that make the Traboulay PoCo Trail appealing. As we bike along the trail, we get a variety of landscapes from forest and farmland to meadow and marsh, riverfront and creekside. We hear various birds chirping; we have even had bear encounters (from a safe distance, of course!) It also takes you through the city centre, where you will likely find yourself at one of the five breweries in Port Coquitlam for a pit stop.

Port Coquitlam’s Breweries

Near the 7km marker of the Traboulay PoCo Trail, you will find Side Quest Brewing Co. and Tinhouse Brewing. Side Quest Brewing Co. is a nerd-culture craft brewery inspired by games, fantasy, sci-fi, and pop culture — crafting thoughtful, approachable beers with depth and balance under the direction of owner and brewer Michael.

The founders of Tinhouse Brewing started out mostly as home brewers and decided that it would be fun to bring their beer to the rest of the world, offering an all-inclusive safe space for any and all to enjoy. You won’t miss their “Cold Beer” sign on the trail! I like that they experiment with different flavour combinations in their seasonal beers. For example, the Let’s Get Take-Out Thai Wit gives you the exotic note of a Thai curry – galangal, ginger, lemongrass and kefir lime. I also encourage you to check out the Tinhouse 5K Series, a run/walk event held on the last Sunday of every month between May and September. Created by Tinhouse to encourage the community to stay active, the entry fee is very affordable, and the course covers part of the Traboulay PoCo Trail, so it’s the perfect trial run for those who haven’t been before! Best of all, partial proceeds go towards the PoCo Community Foundation, raising over $4,000 last year for local charities.

Just steps away from the 10km marker is Taylight Brewing. The second brewery to open in Port Coquitlam, they are known for their funky styles of beer and quirky handwritten tap list on the blackboard. In the spring, you will find Sakura Yuzu Ale and Strawberry Shortcake Sour; around the winter holidays, there is Eggnog White Stout and Hibernation Cherry Plum Stout. You never know what they will release next! But if you are looking for an “Intro to Taylight”, try these two everyday brews: Loco Poco Czech Pilsner, made with 100% Czech Saaz hops, and Slack Tide Hazy Pale Ale, a juicy crowd pleaser with notes of pineapple and tropical fruit.

Did you know that PoCo Brothers Brewing Co. is nestled inside the Cat & Fiddle Pub? About a 10-minute biking detour off the Traboulay PoCo Trail from Taylight, Cat & Fiddle has been a Port Coquitlam staple since 1979. They serve only PoCo Brothers’ beers on tap, and their Happy Hour offers are amazing! They have over 20 flavours of their “World Famous Wings” and I recommend Pineapple Curry, Bourbon BBQ, Sweet Thai Chili, and GarPar (tip: head in for Wing Wednesdays). I had the pleasure of meeting Miguel Molina, head of brewing and operations at PoCo Brothers. This year so far, the brewery has served up more than 15 beers in cans and on tap. Most recently, their Amber Ale took home Gold at the 2025 Canadian Brewing Awards. Their other award-winning beers are the Dark Lager and one of the best sellers, a Hazy IPA. Try them on tap at Cat & Fiddle, or purchase some cans to take home.

Note: Miguel is also the brewer behind the Changing Colours Brewing Project

Last but not least, Patina Brewing is located closer to the end of the 25km loop of the Traboulay PoCo Trail. More than a brewery, Patina also offers Southern BBQ on the menu. Their Kölsch and Italian Pilsner are both award-winning – the Kölsch having won Silver at the most recent Canadian Brewing Awards – and the Thai Lager and Raspberry Lime Sour are perfect for warm summer days. What has put them on the map recently is the release of Platform Canadian Pilsner, a collaboration with Translink, that is made with 100% Canadian ingredients, including water from the Coquitlam watershed!

Hopping Back on the Traboulay PoCo Trail

Whether you are cycling the full loop or taking a stroll through one part of the Traboulay PoCo Trail, remember to make a few stops along the way and take in the view. And the view changes through the seasons as well. Some of my favourite stops are

• The viewpoints just past the DeBoville Slough at North Pitt River;
• Inside ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park near the Millennium Bridge;
• A picnic at Gates Park or Lions Park; and
• A water break by the Coquitlam River around the 22km marker.

Mr. and I also rotate beer stops every time we hit the trail, or take home some brews-to-go in our pannier bags. Next time, I want to add the new PoCo Climb to our itinerary for an extra workout.

Will you check out the Traboulay PoCo Trail this spring? Be sure to tag @BCAleTrail on your ale-venture!

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Ride smart, drink responsibly. The BC Ale Trail and our brewery members are committed to promoting craft beer enjoyment responsibly. Consider taking some cans to go, or ask about non-alcoholic options — and please don’t drink and ride, or drive.

*Editor’s note: This blog was originally published on July 18, 2025 and has been updated to reflect a change of ownership and branding for Northpaw Brewing, which is now Side Quest Brewing Co. 

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post A Beer Lover’s Guide to the Traboulay PoCo Trail appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Tapping Into the Trails Capital of BC

One of the best things about writing about hiking and craft beer in Western Canada is the inspiration to keep exploring places I haven’t yet been. When I wrote Beer Hiking Canadian Rockies, I included small towns I was led to because of their local craft breweries. I then had the task to pair a brew with a nearby hike — a fun and refreshing way to get to know both the locals and their landscape. 

That book covered the Rockies, so regrettably, Vernon wasn’t within its scope. But this constellation of hiking, biking and experiential trails, plus Vernon’s star breweries, is now squarely on my radar—especially since Vernon, with its 500 km of trails, was officially named the Trails Capital of BC in 2023.  

I’m more than happy to shine a light on this region for others, whether they’re visiting from across the country or from just down the road. From my home base in Banff, where the streets and trails are often heaving with visitors, it’s invigorating to discover just how much Vernon offers as an outdoor playground. It’s the kind of place that warrants full attention—and I’m always keen to encourage some well-deserved geographical dispersion in tourism! 

Vernon is a great example of how trails, from the rocky and rugged to smooth wheelchair-friendly pavement, shape a community. The Trails Capital designation was granted by the Canadian Registrar of Trademarks and highlights the collective effort of local government, the Ribbons of Green Trails Society, businesses, and volunteers in developing this extensive system. As Hannah Lucich of Tourism Vernon explains,

“Trails are a great way to connect the community to our natural environment in all seasons. From cross-country ski trails to multi-use pathways connecting downtown to our trail networks, there is truly a trail for everyone here.”

A quick click on Tourism Vernon’s new interactive trail map makes it easy to choose a hike and the right level of challenge. I home in on the Okanagan Rail Trail — a route that feels tailor-made for a beer hike. It hugs the scenic shores of Kalamalka, Wood and Ellison (Duck) Lakes, winding past colourful cliffs, forests, vineyards, and orchards. Even better, the trailhead is just a couple of kilometres from BNA Brewing Co., housed in a converted warehouse space. 

Founded in 2015, BNA Brewing is owned by Kyle and Carolyn Nixon, locals who’ve steadily turned the original location in Kelowna into one of the city’s most popular gathering spots. Their second location in Vernon opened this year. It’s all craft beer brewed in-house, retro vibes and fun and games. Think ten-pin and duck-pin bowling, vintage arcade games, bocce, and even a vintage milk truck bar. 

With BNA’s recent partnership with Crannóg Ales, I’ve got my eye on their iconic Back Hand of God stout, brewed with organic ingredients and hops from Crannóg’s Left Fields organic farm—a perfect post-trail reward.  And now that BNA has released their new Extra Pale Ale on tap and in cans, I know exactly what I’ll be packing to bring a taste of Vernon home with me! 

In my experience, breweries are more than places to grab a pint—they’re an immediate entry point into the local vibe. You’re likely to find feature beers that reflect regional flavours, stories shared across tables, and people still dusty from the trail, swapping recommendations for the next best hike or ride. 

And speaking of rides….

Another search on the interactive trail map for a not-too-difficult-but-still-rewarding bike route leads me to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and the Lookout Trail. I’m always up for a bit of a climb if it ends with a sweeping panoramic views of Kalamalka Lake and Cosens Bay. 

That kind of workout only makes the post-ride pint taste better, especially at Vernon’s other standout craft brewery, Silverstar Brewing Company. Formerly known as Marten Brewing, it officially rebranded last summer under new ownership led by Pardeep “PJ” Jaswat. Silverstar has rolled out cans of its seasonal Tutti Frutti IPA, Very Berry Touch Sour, and the new Sling it Light Lager, a sleek 3.7% collaboration with golf influencer Mac Boucher that’s already landing at golf courses across Southern BC. 

Vernon makes beer hiking easy. In fact, it’s like the city curated the experience just for me. Its network of trails includes several urban Multi-Use Pathways allowing visitors to explore Vernon by bike or on foot with ease. The 3km Polson Greenway along 30^th Street connects to the Polson Park Path, creating a scenic route to travel between Silverstar Brewing and BNA Brewing.

Fun fact: Vernon was an early adopter of BC’s craft beer scene back in the 1980s. Okanagan Spring Brewery, founded here in 1985, was one of the first large-scale operations in the province and, while smaller microbreweries paved the way, it helped bring locally brewed beer to a wider market.  

Another way to experience urban Vernon by ‘trail’ is on the Pour and Explore Loop — created by Tourism Vernon in partnership with local beverage producers. This immersive route connects six stops—the two breweries, Planet Bee’s Honeymoon Mead, Cambium Cider Co, The Perch Winery and Okanagan Spirits Distillery—each offering its own brand of local flavour. 

In Vernon, trails and taps go hand in hand. After time on the trail— whether you’re chasing sweeping viewpoints, cruising rail beds, or coasting through open meadows—a locally made beer offers a satisfying way to reflect, recharge and soak up the spirit of the place. 

The region’s reputation as a trail town is well-earned. I’ve got my routes mapped and my pints picked out. I can’t wait to experience it all for myself! 

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Trail Mix: Hikes, Bikes, and Brewery Flights In Vernon appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

‘Ale Trails’ is a doc style mini-series looking at the intersection between mountain biking and local craft breweries, and how both work to support and enhance their community.

Vancouver’s North Shore has a taste for the avant-garde. As an early adopter of both craft beer and mountain biking, the North Shore has had a global influence in shaping these once-fringe pursuits.

In 1982, the North Shore was Ground Zero for the craft beer revolution when Canada’s first microbrewery opened in Horseshoe Bay. From there, a few brewpubs and small breweries slowly filed into the industrial spaces, but it wasn’t until the early 2010s that Vancouver’s North Shore really came into its own with multiple breweries opening over the span of a few years!

The city now boasts 11 active breweries (with more on the way) — most of which reside in the very walkable Shipyards Brewery District. From light lagers to Triple IPAs so hazy that you can almost stand a fork in them, each brewery has its own unique vibe and experimental offerings. With patio views up to the North Shore mountains, some patrons are oblivious that those mountains are where mountain bike trail riding was conceived.

Concealed beneath the dense temperate rainforest, the early 1990s ushered in a two-wheeled revolution. The perfect combination of steep mountainous geography, creative trail builders conjuring circus-like ladder bridges and “skinnies” for a few unhinged locals to test the strength of their bikes and bones catalyzed into what modern mountain biking is today. Oh, and the dirt.

“When you’ve been riding as long as I have, you become a sommelier of dirt,” says mountain bike Olympian and North Shore local Andreas Hestler. And the North Shore mountains have been concocting the perfect blend for millennia.

The Bike Mecca affectionately known as “The Shore” is in a constant state of reinvention. Beginning as a truly hard-core, locals-only network of secrets and rumours, The Shore has aged gracefully into a broad network of trails over three mountains: from accessible entry-level green flow trails to the original double-black technical gnar from which its legendary status was garnered, and everything in between. The rich history remains important to the identity of The Shore and while some older trails are being modernized to accommodate modern bike design and riding style, the character remains the same and there will always be elevated skinnies for those who want them.

As the revolution continues in both beer and bikes, nowhere else can boast more profoundly that there is truly something for everyone. Local photographer Dave Smith sums it up perfectly: “The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Shore is still The Shore, mountain biking is still mountain biking, and there are few things better than enjoying a beer after a ride.”

‘Ale Trails’ is a collaboration between Mountain Biking BC, Vancouver’s North Shore, and the BC Ale Trail, and produced by adventure filmmakers, Ben Haggar and Mike Gamble / Cold Salt Collective.

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Members of the BC Ale Trail are committed to ensuring their beers are promoted and enjoyed responsibly, by those adults who choose to consume them. No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk.

The post Mountain Biking and Craft Beer: Vancouver’s North Shore appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

The days are warm and the evenings are long, and the season offers all sorts of opportunities to shake off the dust of winter. For many people, spring and summer in BC mean one thing: adventure. Mountaintop hikes, kayaking trips, bike camping, you name it. While there’s no shortage of activities in the region, there are not always enough days in a week for multi-day trips to far-flung locales. 

Conveniently for those of us who spend much of our summer in the city, Metro Vancouver offers a variety of great day trips — mini-adventures if you will — that combine two of the greatest aspects of summer in the city: urban bike exploration and patio season. From where I live in East Vancouver, there are a number of safe, reasonably beginner-friendly rides that — although not specifically designed to bring you to breweries — happen to do that job quite well. 

Recently, my friend Meaghan and I put some air in our tires, packed sunscreen and water bottles, and headed east toward New Westminster along the BC Parkway. This mostly flat, 25-kilometre cycling route runs from East Vancouver through Burnaby to New West. Leaving from Trout Lake, you encounter a short but steep climb to get up to Nanaimo Station, and then it’s fairly flat from there on out. 

The route largely parallels the Skytrain, allowing you to explore the parks and neighbourhoods of each city on a comfortable combination of off-street bike paths and traffic-calmed side streets. 

Our first brewery stop of the day was Studio Brewing, which is conveniently located on the bike path just past Metrotown. Arriving at a brewery at 1 pm on a Tuesday isn’t exactly the best time to get a sense of the vibe, but we were pleasantly surprised to see another couple roll up on bikes just as we did. 

Studio had nine beers on the tap list: among them a dark lager with notes of cherry, an espresso and cacao-focused American Stout, and some spring-forward offerings like a lemony New World Saison and an IPA with mango and passion fruit notes. 

From Studio Brewing, we carried on along the Parkway to New West. The route passes through Byrne Creek Ravine Park, where you get to enjoy a beautiful — but brief — ride through an urban forest park before the path leads you onto a very loud and exciting overpass over the industrial traffic of Stewardson Way. 

After about 20 minutes, you’ll end up at Steel & Oak Brewing. Tucked away next to an overpass near the Fraser River, Steel & Oak was surprisingly busy for a Tuesday afternoon with a few tables full on their patio and a few people seated at the long indoor bar.

On tap were some of the brewery’s flagships like Royal City Ale and Shiny Things Hazy IPA, along with some easy-drinking, summer limited editions, including a Light Lime Pilsner and a Yuzu Guava Pale Ale. 

Steel & Oak also has a snack menu with plenty of offerings for hungry bike travellers. We got the calzone from Emilio Finatti Pizzeria and two Jamaican patties from Elbo Patties. 

From Steel & Oak, you have a few options. If you want to call it a day you can return home on the same path or take the Skytrain home from Columbia Station. Or you can carry on through New West, along the waterfront, until the BC Parkway meets up with the Central Valley Greenway, a separate linked bike path that will bring you north towards Coquitlam and eventually back to Vancouver. 

We chose a bit of a hybrid and decided to carry on along the Central Valley Greenway as far as Sapperton so we could check out Another Beer Co. 

We did, however, get a bit lost. 

There is significant construction underway by the waterfront in New West, and while intuition was telling us to take Columbia Street, Google was telling us to take a bike path along the waterfront. 

Trust your intuition, folks. 

Unfortunately, the bike path that Google recommended did not exist due to the construction, and in order to avoid backtracking, we ended up hiking our bikes up a set of stairs to get to Columbia Street 

Unless it’s a leg day for you, I give this route 1/10. I do not recommend it. 

But once we found our way back on the Central Valley Greenway, it was smooth sailing onto the Brunette-Fraser Regional Greenway, an oddly idyllic little path through the industrial section of Sapperton.

It was just a few short blocks from the welcoming patio of Another Beer Co, where they were serving up everything from Kolsch to Coconut Imperial Stout to a German Sour. 

From here, again you have options. For a longer ride, you can carry on along the Central Valley Greenway, stop at Dageraad Brewing, pass Burnaby Lake, and eventually ride back into Vancouver through Brentwood Town Centre. 

The day felt full enough, so we chose to backtrack slightly to take the Skytrain home from Sapperton. 

If you like bikes and you like beers, this is only one of a few great rides around Metro Vancouver to check out this season. Here are a few more: 

Gravel or Road from Vancouver to Port Moody

Road: The Adanac bike route turns into Frances Street. You follow that basically until you hit Burnaby Mountain, then take the Barnett Highway, which has a wide shoulder, all the way into Port Moody.

I did this route with my mom a few years ago. She was 70 years old then, hadn’t ridden a bike in years, and said she felt safe the whole way. Save for one steep climb on Adanac just east of Boundary Road, she said the effort level was totally manageable. 

Gravel: There’s also the gravel route, which basically follows Barnett Highway but in the woods. Upside: no cars. Downside: way harder! It’s essentially steep climbs and descents the whole way. I did this ride as well with a few friends and I was totally tuckered out. 

Once you get to Port Moody, you have “Brewer’s Row” all on one strip:

• Moody Ales 
• Parkside
• Rewind
• Twin Sails 
• Yellow Dog 

You can then either ride back or (pro tip) Skytrain home from Moody Centre.

North Van Two Bridges Loop 

If you ride over the Lion’s Gate Bridge, you can hit the North Shore Spirit Trail bike route, which basically hugs the water the whole way across North Van and is generally very flat. With the exception of the last section by Wildeye Brewing, which feels a little uncomfy, it’s also really safe and pleasant to ride. 

Breweries you can hit on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail: 

• Black Kettle Brewing
• La Cervecería Astilleros 
• North Point Brewing
• Shaketown Brewing
• Beere Brewing
• House of Funk Brewing
• Braggot Brewing
• Wildeye Brewing

You could also pop up to Bridge Brewing if that somehow wasn’t enough. 

Then ride back into the city over the Ironworkers Bridge. 

PoCo’s Traboulay Trail

I can’t speak from experience on this one, but rumour has it that the 25km Traboulay Trail in Port Coquitlam passes many of the city’s breweries including: 

• Boardwalk Brewing
• Northpaw Brew Co
• Patina Brewing
• Taylight Brewing
• Tinhouse Brewing

Drink lots of water, have fun, and stay safe!

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY
No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a bike or motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk.

The post Bike Paths & Breweries: Metro Vancouver Mini-Adventures appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

‘Ale Trails’ is a doc-style mini-series looking at the intersection between mountain biking and local craft breweries, and how both work to support and enhance their community.

Join us, as we explore Kamloops and Williams Lake, meeting the proud, passionate locals who call these tight-knit communities home.

The title ‘birthplace of freeride’ could go to either Williams Lake or Kamloops.  Both central BC towns have deep roots reaching back to the 80s and 90s pioneering this more extreme side of mountain biking.  While Williams Lake focused on their steep, loose natural chutes and terrain features, Kamloops built inconceivably big jumps, which combined set the foundation for modern freeride events like Redbull Rampage.  The former Williams Lake political slogan ‘Embrace your inner Cowboy’ was taken quite literally in regards to taking two wheels off road.

The rural region retains aspects of a wild west self-reliant ruggedness but is also developing a more refined culinary culture on the town side of the ranch lands as illustrated in the diverse craft beer scene. Kamloops supports four craft breweries all of which are refreshingly different. Red Collar Brewing is the elder statesman of the club serving up traditional Trapist style high alcohol European beers. The Noble Pig lets creativity fly with stand-out seasonals and four unique flagship beers. Iron Road Brewing is the spot for Lagers and if you want to have no idea what is on the tap list, new kid on the block Bright Eye Brewing pours hazy IPAs, fruited sours and other aromatic creations right out of the brewing tanks. With no flagship beers, fresh is king with roughly 200 different brews per year so there’s guaranteed to be something new on tap with every visit.

Williams Lake has also joined the craft beer game with Fox Mountain Brewing. When Dave Reedman opened the brewery in 2020, he always had mountain biking in mind. As an avid rider himself, he conveniently located the brewery within easy riding distance of the trail network and the artwork and beer names are a tip of the hat to a few of the iconic trails. 

Both Kamloops and Williams Lake’s trail networks have evolved and matured from their gnarly beginnings and like the diversity of beer, there’s something for each and every rider no matter what skill level. Both towns are developing infrastructure for beginner and adaptive riders to make the sport more inclusive but if you still want to surf down steep sand chutes or hit massive jumps… those are still there too.

‘Ale Trails’ is a collaboration between Mountain Biking BC, Tourism Kamloops, Tourism Williams Lake, and the BC Ale Trail, and produced by adventure filmmakers, Ben Haggar and Mike Gamble / Cold Salt Collective.

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Members of the BC Ale Trail are committed to ensuring their beers are promoted and enjoyed responsibly, by those adults who choose to consume them, for the continued prosperity of the craft beer industry in British Columbia.

No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk.

The post Mountain Biking and Craft Beer: Kamloops and Williams Lake appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

‘Ale Trails’ is a doc-style mini-series looking at the intersection between mountain biking and local craft breweries, and how both work to support and enhance their community.

Join us, as we explore the BC’s Southern Interior, showcasing Vernon and Shuswap, and meeting the proud, passionate locals who call these tight-knit communities home.

The Southern Interior region of BC holds an ecological cross-section of the province with alpine meadows, arid Douglas fir grasslands, damp cedar and hemlock forests of the Columbia Mountains and the warm expanse of Shuswap Lake. Not only a feast for the eyes, the diverse terrain creates endless possibilities for mountain bike trails with a landscape dotted with historic farm breweries and apple orchard cideries conveniently located for that post ride bevie.

Along with an abundance of flow, Vernon has more technical trails on offer with expansive trail networks at Predator Ridge, Ellison Provincial Park, Kalamalka Lake and the King Eddie Plateau which boast the 54km Killer King Route – linking the two aforementioned networks on nearly continuous singletrack. Marten Brewing Company in downtown Vernon even serves up a Killer King Blonde Ale which channels money directly back to the trails. Oh, and let’s not forget the Bike Park at Silver Star and Cambium Cider located conveniently at the base of the mountain.

A short drive north, Salmon Arm is the main hub for mountain biking where there are two choices of riding: low angle and fast, and steep and fast, with easily accessible stacked loop trail systems at South Canoe or long, epic traverses deep into the mountains.  The manicured trails are directly supported by the Barley Station Brew Pub‘s Shuswap Trail Ale IPA, along with two cideries – Shuswap Cider Company and Northyards Cider Co to wet your whistle. For growler take-a-ways, Crannóg Ales have been serving up high quality beer for 22 years and were Canada’s first organic brewery and are one of only a handful of organic farm-based breweries worldwide.

‘Ale Trails’ is a collaboration between Mountain Biking BC, Tourism Vernon, Shuswap Tourism, and the BC Ale Trail, and produced by adventure filmmakers, Ben Haggar and Mike Gamble / Cold Salt Collective.

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Members of the BC Ale Trail are committed to ensuring their beers are promoted and enjoyed responsibly, by those adults who choose to consume them, for the continued prosperity of the craft beer industry in British Columbia.

No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk.

The post Mountain Biking and Craft Beer: Vernon and Shuswap, BC appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

‘Ale Trails’ is a doc-style mini-series looking at the intersection between mountain biking and local craft breweries, and how both work to support and enhance their community.

Join us, as we explore part of BC’s interior, showcasing Penticton,  and meeting the proud, passionate locals who call this tight-knit community home.

For years, Penticton was a hidden little gem in the south Okanagan sitting in a tranquil valley between Okanagan and Skaha lakes with orchards and vineyards stretching to the horizon. Behind the relaxed vibe, groups of passionate locals were quietly crafting large networks of trails for mountain biking and one of the most robust beer scenes with the highest brewery per capita ratio in Canada. With fuel-free initiatives – biking and supporting local are integral cornerstones of the carbon-neutral community.

Coined ‘the craft beer capital of Canada’ by Lonely Planet, there are more breweries in Penticton today than there were in all of BC when Tin Whistle and Cannery Brewing opened in 1995 and 2001, respectively.  As “craft beer missionaries”, the pair of breweries put in years of work converting traditionalist beer palates to the cosmopolitan flavour explosion that Penticton’s breweries are serving up. Rounding out that list includes Highway 97 Brewing, Barley Mill Brew Pub, Abandoned Rail Brewing Co, Neighbourhood Brewing and Yellow Dog Brewing. With such density, competition could be fierce, but the collaborative spirit between the breweries is what really sets the Penticton beer scene apart.

The biking is just as diverse as the beer. Cycling has a rich, interdisciplinary history in Penticton – from hosting Ironman competitions since 1983 to cycle touring the wineries and the endless single-track options for mountain biking, Penticton’s early spring season is a great time to enjoy adventures on two wheels when a lot of the province is still locked in snow. The terrain varies from dense forest of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine opening into grasslands and rock slabs descending to Okanagan Lake.  No matter your style, there’s something for everyone to complete the perfect combo of bikes and beer.

‘Ale Trails’ is a collaboration between Mountain Biking BC, Visit Penticton, and the BC Ale Trail, and produced by adventure filmmakers Ben Haggar and Mike Gamble / Cold Salt Collective.

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY 

Members of the BC Ale Trail are committed to ensuring their beers are promoted and enjoyed responsibly by those adults who choose to consume them. No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk. 

The post From Berms to Brews: Penticton’s MTB and Craft Beer Scene appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

‘Ale Trails’ is a doc-style mini-series looking at the intersection between mountain biking and local craft breweries, and how both work to support and enhance their community.

Join us, as we explore Sea to Sky Country, showcasing beautiful Squamish, and meeting the proud, passionate locals who call this tight-knit community home.

In this episode, we delve into the mirrored growth of the craft beer and mountain biking scenes in Squamish. From the historical significance of Howe Sound Brewing to the contemporary offerings at Backcountry and A-FRAME Breweries to the trails of Pamplemousse, Miki’s Magic and Gouranga – Squamish continues to push the limits of what is possible on a bike and in the brewery.

We start by visiting Howe Sound Brewery, one of the original “safe havens” for mountain bikers and climbers in Squamish. At over 25 years old, they focus on respecting the brewery’s legacy while still being innovative and staying ahead of the curve.

We then check out A-FRAME and Backcountry, who helped truly bring the craft beer movement to Squamish. Mountain bikers frequent Backcountry thanks to creative brews, great pizza, and spectacular pop culture references.

“We can always tell how the dirt is on the mountain by how it is on the floor here at the brewery.”At A-FRAME, it’s all about cabin vibes and good times. Their brewer is passionate about traditional methods which results in clean, true-to-style brews. Paired with a great patio and taco food truck, A-FRAME is a popular post-ride stop.

‘Ale Trails’ is a collaboration between Mountain Biking BC, Tourism Squamish and the BC Ale Trail, and produced by adventure filmmakers, Ben Haggar and Mike Gamble / Cold Salt Collective.

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY

No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a bike or motor vehicle, or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk.

The post Mountain Biking and Craft Beer: Squamish, BC appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

‘Ale Trails’ is a doc style mini-series looking at the intersection between mountain biking and local craft breweries, and how both work to support and enhance their community.

Join us, as we explore the wilds of Northern BC, showcasing the uniqueness of Prince George, Terrace and Smithers, and meeting the proud, passionate locals who call these tight-knit communities home.

Prince George. The largest city in Northern BC has a blossoming craft beer and mountain bike scene. Between its three breweries, Trench Brewing and Distilling, Deadfall Brewing, and CrossRoads Brewing and Distilling, and the constantly expanding Pidherny trail network, there’s enough variety to keep any seasoned rider and craft beer aficionado occupied.

Smithers, nestled in the Bulkley Valley, is driven by a passionate population. Its trail system, grown from hardcore locals in the ’90s has evolved into a modern network of sustainable all-mountain trails. Its breweries, Smithers Brewing Company and Bulkley Valley Brewing, will greet you with the warm atmosphere of the North, and flavours to keep your thirst well and truly quenched.

Terrace has a history of being a very technical location but, over recent years, has utilized grants to expand and create new, mixed ability trails that allow every ability of rider to have fun. Home to Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse, the Terrace craft beer scene brings a variety of beer styles and flavours into what has typically been a very Lager-based town.

‘Ale Trails’ is a collaboration between Mountain Biking BC and the BC Ale Trail, and produced by adventure filmmakers, Ben Haggar and Mike Gamble / Cold Salt Collective.

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Members of the BC Ale Trail are committed to ensuring their beers are promoted and enjoyed responsibly, by those adults who choose to consume them, for the continued prosperity of the craft beer industry in British Columbia. No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk.

The post Mountain Biking and Craft Beer: Northwest BC appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.