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.

Ellison Field Taphouse at YLW (Kelowna International Airport) is inviting the community to vote for their favourite spring beer from seven local craft options, with the winning brew earning a coveted spot on the new restaurant’s rotating seasonal tap.

Everyone who votes will be automatically entered into a draw for a $100 Ellison Field gift card and a BC Ale Trail swag pack.

Voting opens February 18, 2026 and runs for three weeks, closing on March 10, 2026. The winning tap will be announced on March 16, and the contest draw winner be notified on March 18th.

About the beers:

(in alphabetical order by brewery)

• Abandoned Rail Brewing Co – Vacay Vibes Hazy Pale Ale (5.7% ABV | 37 IBU)

Jammed full with Bru-1, Idaho 7, Galaxy, CryoPop, and Sabro hops to give fresh tropical aromas and flavours of pineapple, stone fruit and grapefruit to round out with a crisp, bitter bite.

• BNA Brewing Co. – Back Hand of God Stout (5.3% ABV | 22 IBU)

Back Hand of God is a smooth, dark stout with incredible balance and drinkability. It pours deep black with a soft, creamy off-white head. The aroma brings forward roasted barley, cocoa, and a hint of caramel, followed by flavours of coffee, dark chocolate, and gently toasted malt. It’s rich without being heavy, bold without being bitter, and finishes silky smooth.

A stout with depth, simplicity, and standout flavour. Easy to appreciate, hard to forget.

• Cannery Brewing – Hop Chowdah Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV | 45 IBU)

This hazy IPA is juicy with relaxed bitterness and a soft mouthfeel. Hopped with Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka & Nectaron hops.

• Copper Brewing Co. – Blackcurrant Sour (5.4% ABV | 18 IBU)

The folks at Copper doubled down on the lactose in this sour, giving this beer a full body and smooth finish. Aged on 40 pounds of blackcurrant, this beer is juicy and full of flavour.

• Kelowna Beer Institute – Citratooth IPA (5.6% ABV | 65 IBU)

A classic West Coast IPA. Refreshing notes of citrus and pine, a mildly sweet and caramel malt body, all coming together in a crisp and bitter, yet balanced finish.

• Tin Whistle Brewing – Cherry Blossom Japanese Lager (4.7% ABV | 23 IBU)

Delicate, refreshing, and quietly complex, this Canada Beer Cup award-winning Japanese-style lager is brewed with sake kasu—the rice recovered from sake brewing—sourced locally from Kizuna Sake in Penticton.

Soft rice sweetness sets the stage, while gentle cherry blossom aromatics bring floral elegance and subtle fruit notes, all balanced by a clean, crisp finish. Light on the palate yet layered in flavour, this lager is endlessly drinkable and perfect for any occasion.

• Yellow Dog Brewing – El Perro Cerveza (5% ABV | 12 IBU)

Crisp, clean and refreshing; this Mexican-style Lager hits all the buttons. Crushable and refreshing, this beer is perfect for hot weather and really any occasion. It will have you dreaming of white sand and ocean waves.

See full contest rules.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Vote for the Spring Tap at Ellison Field Taphouse appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

In 1947, the first commercial flight took off from this historic airstrip. By 1949, the original terminal building opened with a 3,000-foot grass runway, marking the start of Kelowna’s aviation story.⁠  Today, Ellison Field Taphouse brings that history to life with a modern twist. Now open pre-security, this beer-forward restaurant honours the airport’s roots while giving travellers a place to relax, enjoy craft BC beers, and savour a menu for every part of the day.⁠

Step in, raise a glass, and experience a taste of Kelowna’s aviation past. ⁠

Airport History

Kelowna International Airport’s (YLW) story began in 1946 when residents voted to purchase the 320-acre Dickson Ranch in Ellison. The first flight took off in fall 1947, and by 1949, the airport celebrated its grand opening with a terminal building, a 3,000-foot grass airstrip, and a fleet of small aircraft. The real game-changer came in 1958 when Canadian Pacific Airlines launched daily DC-3 service to Vancouver, which kicked off negotiations with the federal government for a proper paved runway. By 1960, the city had extended and paved the runway to 5,350 feet and expanded the taxiway and apron—a major upgrade that set the stage for serious growth.

The 1970s brought modern amenities like an air traffic control tower and on-site weather office, and in 1975, a Track Guidance Localizer was installed to improve flight reliability in poor weather. The ’80s and early ’90s saw over $10 million invested in upgrades to the terminal, runway, and airline facilities, fueling growth in both passenger traffic and the airport’s commercial sector. By 1997, YLW was handling more than 800,000 passengers annually, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in North America. A $20-million expansion in 1998 prepared the airport for the anticipated milestone of one million passengers by 2011.

Fast forward to today, and YLW has become Canada’s 9th busiest airport, serving 2,133,582 passengers in 2024. From a grass airstrip to an international hub, Kelowna’s airport has come a long way—and it’s still climbing.

Ellison Field Taphouse

YLW’s newest food and beverage spot, Ellison Field Taphouse, is now open in the former White Spot location before security. The name pays homage to the historic Ellison Field—the very ground the modern airport sits on today. With a complete renovation that includes expanded seating and a full kitchen, the taphouse celebrates both the region’s aviation heritage and its thriving craft beer scene.

Beer lovers will appreciate the taphouse’s partnership with The BC Ale Trail, which brings an exclusive lineup of draught beers straight from seven nearby Okanagan breweries. It’s a beer-forward menu that showcases local craft brewing talent, making it a perfect spot to relax before your flight, or the perfect first stop when you get to town to experience a true taste of place, and set the tone for your visit.

Enjoy craft beer from:

• Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. (Penticton)
• BNA Brewing Co. (Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton)
• Cannery Brewing (Penticton)
• Copper Brewing Co. (Kelowna)
• Kelowna Beer Institute (Kelowna)
• Tin Whistle Brewing (Penticton)
• Yellow Dog Brewing (Penticton and Port Moody)

The food menu offers something for every time of day and taste. Breakfast options include avocado toast, breakfast brioche, Greek yogurt, strawberry whipped ricotta toast, and a hearty farmer wrap. For lunch and dinner, guests can choose from contemporary appetizers like burrata, honey sriracha lime wings, and loaded hummus, along with mains like flatbreads, a honey dijon chicken sandwich, smoked turkey club, Mediterranean grain bowl, and roasted beet and orange salad.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in with a local brew, Ellison Field Taphouse brings a taste of the Okanagan to your travel experience.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Discover Kelowna’s Ellison Field Taphouse – From Historic Flights to Beer Flights appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Twinkling lights all around, Christmas markets fill the air with the scent of fir and baked treats, and local businesses, including West Kelowna’s two standout breweries, bring their own winter warmth to the community.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend getaway, exploring with friends, or searching for the perfect holiday gift, West Kelowna offers a festive mix of activities, flavours, and cheer. Here’s your guide to experiencing the best of the city this Christmas on the BC Ale Trail.

Holiday Spirit in West Kelowna

West Kelowna truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering festive events, charming experiences, and plenty of cheer for visitors and locals alike. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.

Twinkle Tour – December 1–31 | Various locations

Want to see the best holiday light displays in town? Take a self-guided tour of all the Twinkle Tour entries. Winners will be announced December 19th, and a mobile-friendly map is available online. 

Family Paint Night at The Hatching Post – December 11 | 5.30 pm – 7 pm

Create a festive masterpiece — choose between painting Elf Legs or a Snowman. Fun for all ages!

Ugly Sweater Music Bingo at Connector Brewing – December 18 | 6 pm – 8 pm

Head to Connector Brewing dressed in your ugliest holiday sweater. Listen for songs, dab your card, and win fun prizes. Free to play!

Lakesider Brewing Ugly Christmas Sweater Party – December 19 

A crowd favourite! Enjoy music, mingle with friends, and compete for prizes in your best (or worst) festive sweater. Free entry.

Pancake Breakfast with Mrs. Claus at Connector Brewing – December 21 | 11 am

Warm pancakes, family fun, and a holiday appearance from Mrs. Claus herself.

Dining in the Domes – Frind Winery | Wed–Sun

Frind’s iconic winter domes return for another cozy season. Book a private, twinkle-lit dome right along the lake and settle in with wintery views, delicious food, and an intimate holiday atmosphere that feels straight out of a snow globe.

Boxing Day Hangover PJ Party at The Hatching Post – December 26

Still recovering from the holidays? Throw on your comfiest PJs (or get dressed if you must) and join The Hatching Post for a day of laid-back fun with all-day Happy Hour and Music Bingo. 

NYE Beer-Paired Dinner at Lakesider Brewing – December 31

Ring in the new year on Eastern Time with a 3-course beer-paired dinner and a 9 pm bubbly countdown.

A Craft Beer Christmas: Meet West Kelowna’s Breweries

West Kelowna’s brewery scene is small but vibrant — and during the holidays, both taprooms bring their own festive flair. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to warm up or the perfect local gift for the craft beer fan in your life, these two breweries deliver.

Lakesider Brewing Co.

Lakesider Brewing Co. embodies everything people love about the Okanagan lifestyle — casual, welcoming, and effortlessly cozy. Their lake-house-inspired taproom features warm lighting, a glowing fireplace, and a just-launched food menu that fits perfectly with winter comfort vibes.

Their seasonal lineup is built for winter comfort. The Fireside Winter Ale brings rich notes of dried fruit and brown sugar (so popular it’s now only available in the taproom). Midnight Swim Nitro Stout is smooth and roasty with dark chocolate and coffee under a creamy nitro head. And Pandosy’s Penance, a Belgian Abbey Ale aged on Okanagan cherries, offers dark fruit, spice, and slow-sipping warmth. Whether you’re sipping in the taproom or grabbing Gift Cards and merch (toques, tees, hats, or hoodies), Lakesider makes holiday gifting easy.

The Hatching Post

The Hatching Post is West Kelowna’s most cinematic brewery — a custom-built Wild West saloon full of rustic charm, smoky BBQ aromas, and a lively community vibe. Part brewery, part destination, it’s the perfect place to warm up after a day of holiday exploring.

Their Midnight Run Nitro seasonal is rich, dark, and kissed with hints of coconut, poured silky smooth thanks to its nitro finish. Pair it with a platter from Smokeshow BBQ and settle in for a cozy winter feast. With trivia nights, live music, themed events, and family-friendly fun all month long, The Hatching Post is always buzzing during the holidays. Looking for the perfect gift? Get their Gift Card online or in the taproom. 

Sip, Celebrate & Stay Cozy

Whether you’re here for the festive events, the cozy brewery vibes, or the sparkling lights of the Twinkle Tour, West Kelowna offers a winter season filled with warmth, flavour, and holiday spirit. Bundle up, sip local, and make the most of this magical time on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

For more events and travel inspiration, check out Visit Westside.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post A West Kelowna Winter: Christmas Magic, Local Cheer & Festive Sips appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Fall is the perfect time to explore this corner of BC. By the end of September, the high summer Okanagan temperatures have given way to crisp mornings and gentle sunny afternoons, and the dry, warm climate means that outdoor activities can be enjoyed long into November. The throngs of tourists associated with the peak summer season have also melted away by the fall, leaving a peaceful serenity and allowing for undisturbed bird watching and deserted trails. It is the unique beauty of the light at this time of year, however, that is the highlight of an autumnal trip to West Kelowna. The fall sunshine glimmers on the lake, and the rusted hues of the trees and flora on the surrounding mountains are accentuated by the mellow, golden light, creating a magical experience for visitors.

Hit the Trails

With sweeping vistas across Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley, West Kelowna is a paradise for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. A network of trails caters to hikers and bikers of all ages and abilities, from gentle family-friendly paths to the more challenging trails for adrenaline junkies. Meanwhile, the 135km-long lake offers unique fishing and birding opportunities. The newly opened Westside Multi-Use Trail now connects West Kelowna to Peachland, offering a safe, car-free route for pedestrians and cyclists wishing to explore further afield. 

Best foot forward

West Kelowna is overlooked by the imposing Mount Boucherie. This 60-million-year-old extinct volcano rises 758m and rewards those who hike the 6km round trip to the summit with spectacular panoramic views of the Okanagan. Thanks to its explosive past, the mountain features unique rock formations and streams of ancient, solidified lava rock, which can be seen from the well-maintained and sign-posted trails. 

To the south of West Kelowna, Goat’s Peak Regional Park rises above Seclusion Bay, also providing hikers with terrific views of the valley below. This 63-hectare park ascends steeply from the shores of Okanagan Lake and offers a rocky trail through protected grasslands and a challenging climb up to the peak through open woodland. The Mountain Goat Trail to the summit is a 5.3km round trip with an elevation gain of 385m and rewards those who conquer it with awe-inspiring 360-degree views. 

To the northeast of Goat’s Peak lies the 95-hectare Glen Canyon Regional Park. There, the trails meander under the forest canopy, following the babbling waters of Powers Creek, and culminate with impressive views of a 24m tumbling waterfall. Interpretive signs along the way highlight the canyon geology and syilx history, while shady resting spots offer glimpses of the many animals that call the park home. Though just minutes away from the city streets, these trails are a haven of tranquillity. 

For those seeking a less strenuous excursion, the Waterfront Trail in Kalamoir Regional Park is an easy 1.5km beachfront trail. The easy access provided by the trail to beaches, an accessible dock, and two off-leash dog beaches makes it the perfect outing for families with young children or fur babies and for those with limited mobility. 

Get on your bike!

Just a seven-minute drive from downtown West Kelowna lies a mountain biker’s utopia: the Smith Creek Trail Network. This hidden gem offers thrill-seekers challenging ascents, such as the Holy Pail Up Climb, and adrenaline-pumping, fast, flowing descents. The network has routes for all abilities, with colour-coded trails indicating the skill level required, and some sections providing ride-around options for tricky man-made features.  The majority of the trails here cater to intermediate/advanced riders; however, it is in these more challenging routes that the park comes into its own. Those seeking the rush of a fast descent with berms, jumps, and technical features should check out the South Trail Descent, while those wanting to catch some air should head to the Smith Creek Jump Line. If you’re looking for a little company on the trails, Sovereign Cycle organizes group rides on Tuesday evenings throughout the fall. Check out their social media pages for more information on dates and times.  

A bird’s eye view

Over 240 species of birds have been identified in the Greater Westside (West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation) by local birdwatchers, and October offers unique sightings of migratory birds, making this the ideal fall getaway destination for ‘twitchers’ and bird enthusiasts. The flocks of Sandhill Cranes passing overhead in early October are a spectacular sight, with their prehistoric-sounding cries being audible long before they are visible. Summer-visiting birds such as Western Tanagers, Orioles, Grosbeaks and most of the warblers migrate at this time, as do many of the ducks and grebes who move south a little later in October and November. But not all birds are leaving the Okanagan, and fall sees the return of Arctic birds such as Tundra and Trumpeter Swans, Snow Geese, Rough-Legged Hawks and Bohemian Waxwings. Birds can be spotted in all of West Kelowna’s regional parks, while the lakeshore offers fantastic opportunities for observing waterbirds. An excellent birding map and guide is available to help visitors locate and identify the many different species in the area. 

Indigenous Experiences

West Kelowna is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people who have lived here since time immemorial. The Indigenous community on this land is the Westbank First Nation, a self-governing band that is one of the eight bands which comprise the Okanagan Nation Alliance. The Sncewips Heritage Museum in West Kelowna is owned and operated by the Westbank First Nation to provide a space for syilx voices. The name sncewips translates as “a conversation with an ancestor,” which perfectly captures the ethos behind the museum. Through its captivating displays, exhibits, artwork, and storytelling, the museum showcases the heritage and culture of the Okanagan People. Sncewips offers guided tours of the museum and outdoor tours of the Westbank First Nation community core, while the gift shop features authentic Indigenous products which honour the traditions and craftsmanship of the local Indigenous community. Museum docent Coralee Miller is an outstanding guide who brings the experience to life with a wealth of knowledge and fascinating stories. This exceptional museum is a must-do for any visit to West Kelowna, and after your visit, don’t forget to pop in to the Indigenous-owned and operated Kekuli Café for hot coffee and a mouthwatering traditional bannock.

Fall Nut Harvest at Gellatly Nut Farm

Fall is the peak time of year to visit West Kelowna’s historic Gellatly Nut Farm Park. Although this 117-year-old heritage site is open year-round, a visit to the park in September to mid-November coincides with the nut harvest, when visitors can pick their own nuts or purchase pre-picked bags of nuts such as chestnuts and hazelnuts at the on-site store.  The Gellatly Nut Farm Society hosts a Harvest Festival in October to celebrate the nut harvest, with family entertainment, kids’ crafts, live music, tours of the historic grounds, and, of course, nut harvesting. 

Quench your thirst

Traditionally a mecca for wine connoisseurs, in recent years, West Kelowna has been making a splash in the craft beer community, too. With three breweries opening within the last four years, West Kelowna is fast becoming a destination for beer enthusiasts, and with fall-inspired brews and events on the horizon, these tap rooms are not to be missed!

Lakesider Brewing Co.

Lakesider Brewing Co. emphasizes the easy-going Okanagan lifestyle with the comfortable lake house-style interior of their award-winning taproom, and their patio-perfect, flavourful beers. Here you can expect crisp lagers, fruity wheat beers, and flavour-packed ales all crafted for sipping in the sunshine.  With outdoor living firmly in the limelight, it comes as no surprise that Lakesider boasts a family- and pet-friendly heated patio from which to enjoy a beverage and artisanal pizza from the taproom kitchen. Even as the mercury falls in the latter months of the year, guests can stay toasty warm around the cozy fireplace. Fall is celebrated at Lakesider with Oktoberfest festivities taking place at the brewery in early October, and a Halloween party happening at the end of the month. For beer aficionados, Lakesider offers an impressive lineup of rotating taproom brews, with mouthwatering new releases coming this fall. Look out for their light, citrusy Whitecap Witbier, velvety-smooth Midnight Swim nitro stout, Belgian Cherry Ale brewed with local cherries and packed with big Belgian flavours, and the fruity, aptly named, Fireside Winter Ale, all coming soon. 

The Hatching Post

The Hatching Post is a brewery unlike any other! The brainchild of Jason Parkes Customs, the brewery appears to be straight out of a western movie and looks somewhat incongruous amongst the rather more genteel wineries of the Westside Wine Trail. But that is exactly the ethos of The Hatching Post – unlike anyone else, but inclusive to all. To step inside the custom-built brewery saloon is to step back in time to another world, where you can hitch up your horse, lay down your hat, and sling back a refreshing beer. The spacious patio caters not just to faithful steeds, but kids and dogs are welcome here too. The brews themselves, such as The Aristocrat Amber Ale and Parlour Tricks Hazy IPA, all represent characters and stories from The Wild Bunch. Expect traditional American-style craft beer from the core beers, augmented by some more unusual rotating seasonal taps. For those looking to refuel, the food at The Hatching Post is something to behold, with the Smokeshow BBQ serving vast helpings of tender Texas-style BBQ meat. Groups can opt to share one of the brewery’s signature platters, such as the “Meat Sweats” platter, an enormous banquet of smoked and slow-cooked meats. On Thursdays, the saloon hosts “Spaghetti Western Night” where adults can tuck into plates piled high with spaghetti, meat sauce and smoky meatballs for just $20, and kids under 10 eat for free. The fall months are action-packed at the Hatching Post: take the stress out of Thanksgiving dinner preparations and head to the saloon for their Thanksgiving feast; don your lederhosen and join in the Oktoberfest celebrations the following weekend; or get your spook on with Halloween cocktails, costume prizes and live music at the Haunted Saloon on October 31. Rumour also has it that the brewery is getting ready to launch a seasonal Cherry Stout, which will be available at Brewphoria on October 25

Connector Brewing

Having only just celebrated its first birthday, Connector Brewing is the newest brewery to the craft beer scene in West Kelowna. As the name suggests, Connector is all about the connections we make with other individuals, community to community, and with nature. The modern taproom has been created to reflect these ideals, with the fresh space designed in such a way that no matter where you are seated, you are connected to other elements, whether it be engaging with the natural surroundings by taking in the view of the lake, or joining in on an event from the mezzanine bar. Even the brewery production space is connected to the taproom, with large windows providing a link between guests and the production team. Although the brewery doesn’t currently have a patio (they are working on one for next summer, so watch this space…), the vast garage doors are opened on warm days to create an inside/outside vibe, and allow visitors to sip and bask in the autumn sunshine. Connector’s selection of core beers is approachable with an emphasis on easy-drinking, lower-alcohol patio sippers, such as the crushable Citrus Got Real Lime Lager and the refreshingly herbal Hunnie I Basiled the Kids Pale Ale. This fall, the brewery is releasing a series of small-batch beers which showcase the Okanagan fall harvest and take a fun and fresh play on their delicious lagers. Gerry’s Berry Splash features a blueberry and blackberry infusion, while the next batch, Say it Ain’t Sauv, will be a Kolsch celebrating the wine harvest. This homage to the fall continues with Connector’s second annual Fall Festival taking place at the start of October. If you miss that event, make sure to check out their weekly music bingo or the open mic Jazz Jam featuring a house band, which takes place on the first Friday of each month.

Hit the Hay

After a busy day of hiking, biking, eating and drinking, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest your head, and with a diverse selection of accommodation options, West Kelowna has you covered. The Cove Lakeside Resort is situated on the water’s edge, right next door to the Gellatly Nut Farm and within walking distance to two trailheads and birding locations. The spacious, private, 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom suites are tucked amongst beautiful gardens, and feature balconies or patios where guests can soak up the afternoon fall sunshine with views of either the lake or the surrounding mountains. There is an on-site spa to relax and rejuvenate the weariest of travellers, and visitors in early October can enjoy two outdoor heated pools, a private beach, and a selection of lawn games. Those staying later in the fall are able to warm up in the outdoor hot tub or get cozy next to one of the fire pits on the hotel grounds. 

The brand-new Doubletree by Hilton opened earlier this year, close to the Glen Canyon Regional Park and a short hop to the Smith Creek Trails. The on-site restaurant, Turtle Jacks, has a lounge to relax in and enjoy watching your favourite sports team on large screen TVs. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness suite. 

Conveniently located next to the Two Eagle Golf Course and a short walk to restaurants and shops, the Fairfield by Marriott has been recently renovated and offers comfortable accommodation at an affordable price. The indoor pool here is a firm favourite with families, as it features a kids’ splash zone and waterslide. 

With its unparalleled position between the lake and mountains, picture-perfect panoramas, and such a vast array of activities on offer, West Kelowna is sure to be your new favourite fall escape. So pack your bags and get ready to take it all in on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Fall in Love with West Kelowna appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Melanie MacInnes from Locality Brewing. At the end of our discussion, Melanie recommended that I speak with Gary Brucker from Barn Owl Brewing for my next Hops Among Friends interview. Gary is one of the co-founders and the managing partner at Barn Owl Brewing, which was established in 2019 in Kelowna on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Gary and I have met several times because we are both based in the Okanagan. We met in person for this interview at Detonate Brewing in Summerland. I had a great time chatting with Gary, and it was really awesome to be able to talk face-to-face over a beer

You can read through all of my previous Hops Among Friends articles here. It’s been an absolute privilege to interview so many amazing leaders in the craft beer industry over the last few years.

Kim: How did you get started in craft beer?

Gary: Accidentally. I grew up in Southern Alberta and I became a lover of beer through my curling experience, and then later on through my men’s fastball league. Beer was always a part of our social experiences. I was very much a lager and pilsner drinker. When I moved to the Okanagan, 1516 from Okanagan Spring became my go-to beer. Then I tried Boddingtons through a friend who was selling this international brand for Labatt. I began to realize I had a wide palate and that I’m willing to try any style of beer.

Having said that, I still also enjoy getting razzed by my friends for enjoying a Saskatchewan Old Style Pilsner. It takes me back full circle.

Myself and a couple of friends were all looking ahead to the next 20 years of our lives. None of us had ever owned our own business before, but we all loved craft beer. It was a unity of spirit, if you will.

We had been joking about craft beer for some time, but when the barn became available, we thought it was a great fit. I wanted a space where we could provide a craft beer experience. It was very important to all of us that we created an experience for our guests. That has really helped shape who we are.

From here, Barn Owl Brewing was born. It was founded by three beer-loving friends—a doctor, a teacher, and a church worker. I was the church worker. In fact, I remained a church worker for the first four years that we owned the brewery. One piece of advice we got early on was to not give up our day jobs for the first few years of owning the brewery. Thankfully, we listened.

We are located in a restored 1920s heritage barn. When we first saw it, it had a dirt floor and a ladder to the loft. There were 21 applicants for the building, but we were selected. We had a home builder help us with the plans and then they built it, complete with a vaulted loft, a fireplace, antique furniture, shuffleboard, board games, and plenty of seating.

It was 10 months from the time we applied for our liquor license until opening day. We took over the space on Feb. 1, 2019, and we opened in July. We had eight months before the COVID shutdown, which allowed us time to figure some things out. It also endeared us to the community, so there was definitely understanding from the community when we had to lay off our staff. Even in that short time, we had great community support, and people would line up on Saturdays to buy our crowlers to support us. This really accelerated our role as a community gathering place.

After about a year, we realized that the three of us founders had different visions. For the sake of the business, we had to make a shift, and we ended up moving to two owners, myself and Tim (the doctor). Tim and I make it work because we have very different portfolios and areas of responsibility, and we each stay in our own lanes.

We like to say that between myself and my partner, we’ve had over 100 years of beer-drinking experience. Our wide palates are reflected in the brewer we hired at Barn Owl, and the variety of beer styles, and the experiences we offer.

When I think back to the early days, before we even opened the brewery, we spent a lot of time visiting other breweries. I wasn’t just a consumer, I had my eyes wide open to everything. I remember visiting Field House Brewing in Abbotsford numerous times. I saw the employees hanging out together. The staff were hugging each other. It was a family.

I said often in the early days, that we would know we were on track when we reached a point where our staff would want to bring their friends to our place. By year three, this is what we had created, even during COVID. It was and is amazing to see.

Kim: Tell me more about the Barn Owl theme.

Gary: We wanted to be able to say “We’re going to the barn”. We had a long list of possible names that tied to “the barn”. The night we were planning to make the final decision on the name, an owl was sitting on the neighbour’s roof the entire evening while we had dinner in my backyard. Additionally, the barn was known for having all sorts of different breeds of owls in the space. And from there, the Barn Owl name came to be.

Our logo was created by a beer lover in Edmonton. We ran a contest on Instagram. We selected the logo she sketched out, and we had a graphic designer finish it.

The more we learned about the history of the barn, the more interested we became in its rich past. It was the largest working dairy farm in the entire Okanagan Valley in the 1920s. In the 1930s, the farmhouse (most recently a salon) became an eatery called the Ritz Diner for those building the KVR (railway). It even became a brothel for the railway workers.

When the barn was a working dairy farm, the building that was right beside us and attached to the barn was the milk shed where they milked the cows. We have taken over this space now as well, and we operate it as the Milk Shed Coffeehouse.

Kim: What makes Barn Owl unique?

Gary: We were going to do live music once or twice a month, but during COVID, our liquor inspector talked to us about bringing in more live music as a way to support musicians. We’ve been having live music twice a week, every week since then.

We’ve become the community gathering spot that we envisioned. Maybe even more than we envisioned. We get some tourism traffic, but our location is far enough away from downtown that we are truly a community gathering spot for the locals who live in the Mission. The coffeehouse has enhanced that even more.

Also, it’s important to us that we are reflective of the community. We have four quality wines on at any time. We have local Kombucha, Karma Sodas, and alcohol-free beer. Plus we have Grey Fox gluten-free beers.

We have crib nights and a running club. There is no room for a kitchen here, but we have four restaurants across the street that people can order in from. And then we have food trucks that draw their own crowd (6 days a week in the summer months). We also have the Little Tokyo Ramen food truck onsite every weekend year-round.

Back when we interviewed our brewer candidates, we ended up selecting Colin Pistawka who was brewing at Swans in Victoria. He was from Kelowna, and he wanted to move back home to Kelowna. He understood what we wanted. We have 14 of our own beers on at any time. We know that it’s a bit crazy to have this many beers in our little facility, but we like to have a broad range of beer styles available.

Colin is a constant learner. He was a biochem major, heading to be a doctor, but realized he liked brewing more. We know that beer is science. And he loves it. He loves learning about brewing beer, the process, and the beer market. His greatest satisfaction is when people come in saying they don’t like beer, and by the end of their time with us, they’ve found a beer that they like. That’s in part because of the wide range of beer styles that we offer. Colin is now a shareholder in the business.

Kim: Tell me about some of your proudest accomplishments at Barn Owl.

Gary: People tell me they love our beer and the experience of the Barn. That’s all we need. We can barely keep up with beer production. We are 5.5 years in now. Colin feels like he’s found the recipes people love, the ingredients he loves, we have the history to know what we need seasonally, and we have the flow in the brewing space. Colin doesn’t need awards. He’s very proud of what we are doing.

For me as an owner, what I’m really proud of is that we are a community gathering space. Families come in together. You can see the kids playing a game, while Grampa’s having a beer, and Gramma’s having a glass of wine. Having created an intergenerational family gathering space is really rewarding for me. Last night we had a retirement party in our loft, and last week we hosted a baby shower and birthday party. It’s amazing to see the range of people coming in for events.

We are also very proud of the consistency of our staff. Other than students, we have not had much staff turnover in the last 5.5 years. Our staff tell us they are treated well by us and by our customers. They know our regulars. The consistency of our team has helped build our brand.

Kim: Let’s talk about your community involvement at Barn Owl. 

Gary: Early on, the food bank came to us and they said they always have leftover donated whole grain bread. They get so much donated bread and they can’t use it quickly enough before it goes stale. They explained that other food banks in Europe were partnering with breweries who were using the leftover donated bread to make beer. So, we started taking the food bank’s leftover whole grain bread and using it to make Breaking Bread Amber Ale. Our brewer roasts the bread and uses it in the mash. We give $1 from each beer sold back to the food bank. We’ve donated around $15,000 now back to the food bank from this beer. This really connected us with the community.

We said from the beginning that we wanted to be a contributing member of the community.

We have had other collaborative partnerships too. We have partnered with Mamas for Mamas. We have a partnership with our local radio station, New Country 100.7, and we brew a Casey Clarke Show Kölsch. People would come in for this beer alone.

We have also collaborated with the Bridge Youth and Family Services and another local radio station to produce our Beach Radio Blonde Ale.

We’ll have one or two community brews on at any time, where we give a portion of the proceeds to a community organization that aligns with our values.

Kim: What do you have planned at Barn Owl for this winter? 

Gary: During the winter, we are continuing with our Monday night run club. We have a lot of runners in our community.

We are also going to do a bit more food in our kitchen. We can now do limited food offerings in the Milk Shed in the evenings after the coffee service ends.

We are trying to make this a year where we maximize everything we are doing. We feel like we are working well in our niche. We are going to keep doing what we do well.

The biggest boost for us is using the loft space for events. We can have 54 people for an event in our loft. Events do really well.

We are also planning to run another two Barn Bites and Brews events. This is where we partner with a local chef who pairs our beers with a variety of dishes.

Kim: I understand you use an innovative BREWHA brewing system to make your beer. Can you please tell me more?

Gary: The BREWHA system allows us to operate within a much smaller brew space, so we can have a larger variety of beers available. It also contributes to environmental sustainability by using less water, chemicals and energy. It’s pretty cool because when other breweries are looking at a BREWHA system, the manufacturer recommends that the brewery folks come and spend a day with us to learn.

Kim: We are in a period of uncertainty around the world right now. What keeps you up at night?  

Gary: Honestly, nothing. If anything were to keep me up, it would be our debt load. But, I have a lot of peace. Kelowna’s real estate market is strong. And we’re confident in what we’ve built. It’s more than just beer. If it was just beer, I’d be terrified. I remember Ken Beattie saying something along the lines of ‘if you’re just about beer, you’re probably going to fail. Gone are the days when it’s just about beer.’ We’re confident in what we do, and we’re grateful for that.

Kim: If you had one piece of advice for someone wanting to get into the craft beer industry, what would it be?  

Gary: Sometimes you don’t know what will work until you try. Just try some things and see what works. Experiment and find your lane. See what sticks for your neighbourhood and your business. Don’t be afraid to fail. Try it, and learn from it.

I’ll also share the same advice we got when we started: don’t give up your day job. It’s important to keep a steady stream of income.

Lastly, I would say, surround yourself with people that know more about everything than you and use them. When people learn that we have never owned a business before, they are surprised that we have been so successful. But we surround ourselves with people who know more than we do, and that has really helped us.

Kim: What is your favourite beer to enjoy in the winter?

Gary: I’m a weirdo. I have no consistent style. I will have our blueberry sour, an IPA and then a stout. And I enjoy all three. My consistent go-to beers at our place are our Headturner Hazy IPA and our Don’t Give a Hoot Pale Ale. Or our Blueberry Beret Berliner Weisse. This is the only beer that I’ve specifically asked our brewer to make. I wanted a beer with blueberries in it.

Kim: What are you drinking when you aren’t drinking alcohol?

Gary: Water. Tap water. And one coffee a day. I will drink the occasional non-alcoholic beer also, such as an Athletic IPA. I’m all about balance.

KL: What do you love about the craft beer scene in your area?

Gary: We were the seventh brewery to open in Kelowna 5.5 years ago. Then the industry here really blew up. We now have 22 craft breweries in the Greater Kelowna area. Everyone is really trying to find their alleyway. Everyone is trying to find their way in the community without going down.

I truly believe that gone are the days when you could just make good beer. Kettle River relies on their amazing food offerings. For BNA, it’s their smash burger and bowling lanes. For Red Bird, it’s their live music and offering the younger person’s party vibe. Everyone is just trying to find their way. And no, I don’t think everyone’s going to survive.

Kim: Can you tell me about some hidden gems in your area? 

Gary: Well I love to run. So I would say go for a run. I suggest going for a walk or a run along the waterfront.

Hike Knox Mountain. Within 20 minutes you have incredible views of the lake. You can see down the lake to Peachland and up the lake to Vernon. I’d also say rent a bike and go for a ride along the trestles at Myra Canyon. It is definitely worth doing.

There are numerous great spots for amazing food and cocktails. One of my recommendations is Skinny Duke’s Glorious Emporium. It’s like walking into your grandma’s place. They have amazing cocktails and great food. Born to Shake is my new favourite cocktail place. They are creating an amazing cocktail experience.

There are so many fantastic dining experiences here. The unique, smaller local places are very special.

And of course, you have to check out our incredible craft beer scene.

Kim: Is there anything else you want to share?

Gary: We’re still learning and growing. Mostly we’re thankful for places like Cannery Brewing and Field House that have been so open with us and share information and advice.

It’s an industry where people are more on your side than against you. We’re all trying to survive.

Also, our fun collabs with Mel and Andy at Locality Brewing are life-giving. I love that we can share wins and losses and grow together. People often wonder how we connected with Locality because they are in Langley. It’s a funny story. I was working at the Coast, and I got chatting with a beer Instagrammer who suggested I go to Locality, and that’s what I did. They were closed, but I called and Mel and Andy told me to come by. Andy suggested we do a Farm to Barn collab. And that’s where it all began.

Kim: You get to pick who I speak with next. Who else in the craft beer industry do you find interesting and why?

Gary: I’d like you to speak with Josh Vanderheide at Field House. They built their brewery with crowd-sourced funding. I don’t know if they truly realize how much of an impact they’ve had on this industry. Josh is so great. He wants to help the industry in general. Even though he had already won Brewery of the Year a couple of times, Josh always made time for me when I was starting our brewery. He set the standard for what customer service in craft beer looked like and that was very inspiring to me.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of the Hops Among Friends blog series, where I speak with Josh Vanderheide, the founder of Field House Brewing in Abbotsford, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail. Until then, cheers!

The post Hops Among Friends with Gary Brucker of Barn Owl Brewing appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

What is it about craft beer and dog lovers? Maybe it’s just that good people have great taste both in what they consume and who they hang out with. I’m not sure exactly what brings the two together, but it definitely seems like a lot of craft beer people are also dog people. And a lot of breweries in BC have dog-friendly patios and spaces!

Consider this list: Yellow Dog Brewing, Unleashed Brewing, Bad Dog Brewing, 3 Dogs Brewing, Twa Dogs Brewery, Red Collar Brewing, and Dog Mountain Brewing. OK, sure, that last one is an actual mountain and not a giant pile of puppies, but I’m counting it since they have a dog-friendly rooftop patio. There are a bevy of dog-themed breweries to explore in BC.

Aside from the dog-themed breweries themselves, many others have taken steps to welcome our furry friends. Take the weekly Dogs of Camp Club Night at Camp Beer Co, for example, encouraging owners to bring their pets down for a visit. And then there’s Barkside, sorry, Parkside Brewery, who have made their love for dogs a public affair. At various breweries around the province, there are spent-grain dog treats; branded dog bandanas, collars, and leashes; and often community water dishes available to borrow.

And there’s just no way to talk about dogs at breweries without acknowledging Unleashed Brewing in Kelowna. Unleashed was BC’s first brewery to get permission to have dogs in the tasting room, and they’ve had to fight hard to keep that designation. It works for them, and their patrons. Perhaps one reason is the canine code of conduct that they have crafted.

Bringing your pooch along to happy hour can be a great outing on a rainy day, a way to socialize, and just an overall fun way to spend an afternoon with your favourite companion. But keeping in mind some basic etiquette rules and manners is crucial to making it an enjoyable time for everyone.

Exposing a dog, especially a big one, to unfamiliar territory carries with it certain inherent risks. There are people bustling about with trays of drinks and food — often food that is not dog friendly (an errant bone from a chicken wing could be disastrous) — and dogs can be a tripping hazard. Never mind a surprise visit from a small child who snuck away from their parents, an encounter with another reactive dog, and of course the broken glass caused by an overly enthusiastic tail wag.

Does that mean we shouldn’t bring our four-legged friends with us to the patio? I think it’s crucial to know your dog, know their limits, and decide from there.

Here are some tips for making your next brewery visit with Fido as enjoyable as possible.

Know your dog and come prepared.

Knowing what your dog needs to be comfortable on a public patio can vary widely from dog to dog. If you have a high energy dog, making sure they get a good walk in before your visit is a great idea. Bringing a toy or chew to keep them engaged and happy at your table works well for some, but maybe less so for those with guarding tendencies. A blanket or small bed might be a big plus for dogs without the benefit of a thick coat in these early spring days.

And don’t forget the essentials: a water bowl, waste bags, and leash.

Be prepared to leave if necessary.

Dogs are social animals and enjoy spending time with their people. It’s natural for us to feel the same way, and to want to spend time with our dogs. However, not all dogs are suited to public outings. If you know your dog can be reactive towards others, or if they bark non-stop when overstimulated, pull continually on the leash to go say “Hi” to others, they may be more comfortable at home.

Leaving the patio earlier than intended, or even leaving your pooch at home, isn’t admitting defeat. It’s more about knowing your dog’s limitations and not putting them in a stressful situation needlessly. Grab a four- or six-pack to go, and head home to unwind with your pooch in a more calm environment.

Keep your dog on a leash and at your table.

Breweries are busy places, and a dog, no matter how friendly, that’s blocking the way for servers and other patrons can be problematic.

Keeping your dog close by ensures that they stay safe (no one wants to accidentally step on a paw or tail!) and that they aren’t able to help themselves to unattended snacks at the next table over. And of course, there are some people who simply don’t like dogs or may have allergies. Having our dogs with us on patios is a privilege — keeping your dog with you and not allowing them to wander ensures that other patrons are comfortable, and therefore less likely to object.

Go for potty breaks and clean up any accidents.

If you’re planning to stay for a while, be sure to take your dog for a potty break. If you’ve had to use the facilities during your stay, your dog very well might as well. Keep an eye out for cues that they may need a break. And this might seem obvious, but if an accident does happen, clean it up. You should be prepared with bags for any, shall we say, solid deposits, but ask staff for the best way to deal with a liquid oopsies.

We’d be remiss not to include some reminders for humans as well. As much as we might want to pet all the dogs, it’s not always welcomed or appropriate.

Always ask before approaching.

This applies to kids, adults, and everyone in between. Just because the adorable little fluff ball at the table next to you looks to be eyeing you up for a snuggle, doesn’t mean that they welcome attention. Consider this scenario: as much as we all want to love on adorable, wiggly, puppies, they may be working on training at the time. Teaching a young dog to lie calmly at your side without jumping up every time someone approaches is a valuable and necessary behaviour. Approaching a dog and allowing them to do that very behaviour can set back training in a frustrating way for the owners.

There are many reasons why someone may trust their dog to come to the brewery, but not to be approached by strangers — always ask, and always respect the answer given by the dog’s handler.

Never, ever feed a dog anything without permission.

Maybe you’ve always snuck your furry friend the odd tidbit from your plate, especially on special occasions. Maybe that choice is OK for you and your dog. But feeding others might result in anything from an upset tummy to a full-on allergy attack or gastro episode requiring veterinary intervention. It might seem like a harmless little treat, but it can do damage. Check with the handler, and again: respect their answer.

Now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s talk about dog-inclusive offerings and events

There are packs of breweries around the province going above and beyond to welcome canine guests. Since humans visit breweries for a ‘treat’, why not offer something for their four-legged companions as well? Moody Ales, Smugglers Trail, and Steel & Oak all offer doggy flights. Steel and Oak have taken it one step further and are donating proceeds from their flights to New Westminster Animal Services.

Some breweries have year-round fundraisers on, like Farmhouse Brewing in Chilliwack. They have stickers available for purchase featuring their unofficial, but should be official, mascot Mr. Monty who is the owner’s pup, and a frequent presence around the brewery. Proceeds from sticker sales support the BC SPCA. Another way to help animals in need is to get them out of the shelter. What better way to do that than adoption events? Five Roads Brewing, Rustic Reel, Patina Brewing, North Point Brewing, Steamworks, Parallel 49, East Van Brewing, and so many more have all hosted adoption events. Parkside Brewery is especially committed to finding homes for pups in need. In partnership with Barks ‘n Brews, they host adoption events on the third Saturday of every month throughout the summer and into September. While you can’t take a dog home directly, it’s a chance for meet and greets, to raise funds for the featured rescue, and an opportunity for the dogs to socialize and hopefully meet their future fur-ever humans.

And some breweries, like Camp Beer Co, take it to the next level with their weekly Dogs of Camp Club Night. Featuring a dog-friendly drink special, food specials for the humans, and entry into a monthly prize draw, it’s the perfect excuse to take your dog out for an evening of socializing.

Many, if not most, breweries are family-friendly. And what are dogs, if not members of the family? It’s getting increasingly common to see dog-friendly patios filled with happy wagging tails and smiling humans.

And the more we can do to be responsible dog owners and keep this momentum going in a positive way, the better.

The post Patio Etiquette for Dogs at Breweries appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Is there such a thing as too much choice? Well, beer fans in the Okanagan certainly don’t seem to think so if the ever-flourishing brewery scene is anything to go by. Appetites for new breweries are as voracious as ever, and craft brewers continue to try to meet the demand.

As new breweries opened in the latter half of 2023, my husband Tom and I set off on a couple of road trips, eager to see what these new establishments had to offer.

Backroads Brewing Osoyoos

Many readers will be familiar with Backroads’ original location in Nelson where they’ve been serving award-winning pints since 2017. Their emergence on the Okanagan beer scene is a new development, however, as they opened their second venue in Osoyoos last summer. 

It was with great sadness that Osoyoos’ sole brewery, North Basin, announced its closure in May, and for a time it looked like this pretty town near the US-Canada border would be without a brewery. Fortunately, all was not lost when Backroads jumped on the opportunity to expand into this tourist hotspot. As huge fans of Backroads Brewing (in fact, all three of Nelson’s craft breweries are fantastic — if you haven’t already made the trip to this cool mountain town, you really should) we were delighted that they would be opening so close to our hometown of Summerland, and we wasted no time in making the drive down south to check them out.

We first visited Backroads Osoyoos in the summer of 2023. The location is perfect: right in the heart of this relaxed, summery town, with views over the lake and towards the mountains on the opposite shore. Backroads had sensibly opened almost immediately after their takeover of the brewery to make the most of the tourist season, and so the taproom was initially little changed from the North Basin days. It was such a glorious day that we opted to sit on the expansive patio that stretches along two sides of the building. 

There was definitely a summer vacation vibe that day; the sun was shining, the beer was refreshing, and the conversation flowed between the different groups of tourists who filled the tables. As expected from an established brewery like Backroads, the beer was great, both in terms of the range of different ales and lagers on tap and the quality of the brews. We chatted to several of the other customers and all were in agreement that this was a great addition to Osoyoos. In fact, one couple holidaying from the UK had been on their way to visit several wineries but had only made it as far as Backroads where they had settled in for an afternoon on the brewery patio instead. 

Once the peak tourist season had come to an end, Backroads took the opportunity to close for a short time in order to transform the interior more akin to the natural, cozy vibe they have going on in Nelson. We were keen to see what changes they had made and so took a second trip to the border town, this time in early January. This cold, grey winter afternoon couldn’t have been more different from the scorching August day of our first visit — it certainly wasn’t a patio kind of day this time, but the newly renovated taproom was warm and homey. Lots of natural wood softened the space while comfortable bar stools suggested a communal, convivial space. Sitting at the bar gave us the opportunity to chat with the barman, John, about all things beer-related, and we were soon joined by a local regular, Tommy, who called in for a growler fill and ended up staying for a couple of pints. 

Our two flights covered all eight beers on tap, which ranged from the deliciously light and malty El Dorado Golden Ale to a punchy Pale Ale and on to a couple of fruity IPAs that were both sophisticated and well-balanced. My favourite had to be the Kölsch, although it was nearly knocked off top spot by a deliciously coffee-ish stout that was brought out by the head brewer, Mike, just before we left. The brewery has several neat ideas such as the “hopmeter” on the taproom menu in place of the usual IBU number (a conscious decision to get away from often inaccurate preconceived ideas of the impact of the IBUs on the taste of the beer) and a locals’ mug club. Despite it being a dreary Sunday afternoon in early January, the bar was full, and it was encouraging to see so many people hanging out and enjoying the ambience, particularly in a town so driven by the summer tourist trade.

Buffalo Rouge Brewing

The opening of Buffalo Rouge in the summer of 2023 was highly anticipated by my husband and me. As life-long vegetarians, we could hardly wait for Canada’s first vegetarian brewery to open its doors. For us, their motto of “drink good beer, eat more plants” couldn’t have been closer to our hearts, and although red tape delayed the opening of the brewery, the wait was definitely worth it! 

This nano-brewery on the eastern edge of Kelowna’s brewery district was the brainchild of husband and wife team Liam Mitchell and Crystal Cain. The couple had previously run a popular food truck, The Wagon, which served all vegan and vegetarian food, and it was their dream to expand this business into a brewery. Their dream was realized in July, and of course, we just had to go on opening weekend. Our first impressions of this up-and-coming corner of town were very positive. It’s a creative little enclave with a beautiful plant and flower store on one side of the brewery and a tattoo artist across the courtyard. The taproom itself isn’t large, but on this sunny day, the garage-style doors had been flung wide open onto the patio, allowing the light to stream into the building. The staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and we were greeted like friends by everyone there. 

Licensing restrictions meant that the brewery was only able to serve flights of three in those early days, and initially, the taps were restricted to collaborations with other Kelowna breweries, but what collaborations they were! Buffalo Rouge really knocked it out of the park from day one with their Red Ryder, Munich Helles, and, our favourite, the Buffalo Barn: an apricot Saison made in collaboration with the wickedly talented Barn Owl Brewing. Of course, the food was almost as much of an attraction for us as the beer and again we were not disappointed. We were spoiled for choice with a creative and varied vegan menu and were delighted with our delicious lunches. This is not just food for vegans: the food here is so good that it would appeal to everyone — even the most hardened carnivore! 

This new little brewery had hit the spot on so many levels — great beer, fantastic friendly service, and funky decor (think Vegas meets the Wild West) — that we returned fairly frequently over the next few months. Since its opening, Buffalo Rouge has developed its own beers, extended its menu (the festive menu was something to behold), and started to host events such as a Live Music Series. We revisited them at Halloween and were delighted to find the taproom thronging with guests who were clearly enjoying the brewery as much as we did. New on tap for the spooky season were two sublime Saisons: the Gingerine, a mouthwatering dry-hopped ginger tangerine saison, and its cousin the Spooky Saison, a lively pumpkin-spice saison. 

The beers were perfectly balanced and showed a real sophistication for such a new brewery. Since then Buffalo Rouge has released numerous small-batch beers, such as the Old English, an oat stout, and the Second Breakfast beer-mosa, and we can’t wait to return to try their latest offerings.

Three Lakes Brewing

The newest kid on the Okanagan block, Three Lakes Brewing, proudly proclaims its motto: “Brewed by women, enjoyed by everyone.” Yes, Three Lakes is flying the flag for equality in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry. The three intrepid women who own and run the brewery are best friends Melanie Raby and Cathy van Kesteren, along with Melanie’s daughter Tara Raby who is in charge of the brewing. The idea for the brewery came together over a hike one day — an adventure that is now immortalized in one of their flagship beers, The Hike Pilsner. 

The brewery is situated in the north of the city, outside the usual brewery district, but in an area that is already home to a successful brewery, Wild Ambition Brewing, and is clearly booming with development. Next door to the brewery is the popular Two Donkeys Bakery, which offers European-style bread, pastries and sweet treats, and although Three Lakes doesn’t have its own kitchen, they do sell a variety of these delicious snacks to be consumed along with their beers. 

We visited on a wet Sunday afternoon, and although it was cold outside we were greeted with a warm reception. The taproom is split over two floors and creates the feeling of hanging out at a friend’s house. There are comfortable soft furnishings and sofas to lounge in, a pool table upstairs, and the walls are decorated with hundreds of photos of friends and family. The brewery is said to be inspired by the natural beauty and outdoor activities of the Okanagan region, and evidence of this is all around, from the photos in which the friends are hiking, canoeing, and skiing, to the tent and kayaks hanging from the high ceilings. 

There were three house beers on tap that afternoon, and each demonstrated a strong brewing confidence that belied their new status. The Hook, Line and Sinker IPA was assertive with hop-forward, grapefruit notes; the Lake Minded Lager was crisp with bold hop flavours; and the Barley’s Angel Ale was a robust seasonal barleywine. As their website says, “Lake life, camping, and craft beer… what could be better?”

With such different breweries offering such diverse experiences, I believe that you really can’t have too much of a good thing when it comes to craft breweries. Judging by the popularity of these new establishments, local craft beer enthusiasts agree with me, and the appetite for new breweries is still strong in the Okanagan. But the hospitality industry is a tough one and we have begun to see closures of wineries and restaurants in the area due to reduced footfall. So the onus is on us to support our breweries and help sustain them, particularly in the challenging winter months. With that in mind, I’d encourage you all to spend these chilly days — when it’s too cold to be outside anyway — cozying up in your local brewery or checking out new establishments like these in the Okanagan.

The post Exploring Three New Okanagan Breweries appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

All you have to do is collect stamps from six of the participating locations and then enter your completed tasting passport in the draw for a chance to win.

When we emigrated from the UK six years ago, we asked friends from all around Canada where we should choose to live. Their response? The Okanagan. And how right they were! It really is hard to beat summer in the Okanagan Valley. Don’t get me wrong, winter here is awesome too with great skiing and cozy breweries to warm up in, but it is the summer when the area truly comes into its own. So, it is a very happy coincidence (or maybe good planning on the part of the BC Ale Trail?) that this year’s Kelowna & West Kelowna Tasting Passport coincides with the start of patio season. With an ever-growing number of craft breweries in the Okanagan, this is the perfect opportunity to check out new breweries, revisit old haunts, and soak up those rays on the newly opened patios.

It was another fortuitous twist of fate that resulted in my husband and I having an unexpected Thursday off work, on the very day that temperatures across the valley suddenly leapt into the mid-20s and breweries across Kelowna threw open their patio doors. So, we seized the opportunity of a child-free afternoon of beer tasting and set off towards Kelowna’s brewery district to start collecting our six stamps, with our faithful brewery hound in tow.

1st Stop: Rustic Reel Brewing

We arrived in Kelowna at lunchtime, so our first port of call had to involve a bite to eat. My husband and I are both vegetarian, admittedly not the easiest customers to please, but Rustic Reel Brewing always has the most innovative and delicious vegetarian food on offer, so we made a beeline to their patio. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Rustic Reel yet, this is one brewery you can’t miss. They have it all: a mouth-watering beer selection, outstanding food, stylish décor, and a fabulous dog-friendly patio, with huge garage-style doors that open to connect the taproom with the outside world. Lunch there is always exceptional, and Thursday’s dishes of gnocchi and a kale and brussel sprout salad did not disappoint. The sunshine demanded a summery lineup in our beer pairing, and we had a great number of lighter beers to choose from. The highlight for me was the Raspberry Hibiscus Sour — a tart and refreshing number which is so packed full of raspberry flavours that it screams summer — while my husband was blown away by the Hazy IPA, which has now become one of his current favourite beers. The fact that we eventually left Rustic Reel laden with cans of our new favourite beers speaks volumes. 

Hilariously, not only were we offered flights, but so too was Rufus, our canine companion. He very happily tucked into his selection of tasty treats (and a tennis ball) while we savoured the beer. He is a connoisseur of breweries, but this is the first time that he has had his own flight!

2nd Stop: Unleashed Brewing

Seeing as we had our four-legged friend along for the ride, we decided that the next visit really had to be Unleashed Brewing — the self-proclaimed “most dog-friendly craft brewery” in Kelowna. Dogs certainly are at the heart of the operation here, with the beers all named after dogs and some awesome canine branding. Canine companions are not only welcome on the patio at Unleashed, but they are the first brewery in BC to be approved by Interior Health to allow dogs in the taproom. This is fantastic on those cold winter days when a patio is less than appealing, but similarly, as the thermometer climbs and the patio becomes too hot for those wearing fur coats, the taproom offers a cool sanctuary. The hospitality offered to pampered pooches in the taproom really is top-notch, with doggy beds, water bowls, “beer” and snacks, and even a little fire hydrant on offer to make them feel at home (I’m fairly certain they are discouraged from “using” the hydrant though). There is a wide selection of beers to choose from and a brand-new Lavender Honey Ale (Mystical Manu) has just been released. Our favourites had to be the deliciously malty All Dogs Go To Heavenweizen, and the London Dog Special-tea Ale which is sweet and crisp with unmistakable hints of vanilla and Earl Grey tea.

Our next destination was just a few streets away, so after sticking a photo of Rufus on the wall of wigglebutts, we said our goodbyes and strolled on over.

3rd Stop: Vice & Virtue Brewing

Vice & Virtue is another brewery that we had not visited for some time, and as soon as we stepped over the threshold we kicked ourselves for not returning sooner. The small taproom is light, bright and welcoming, as was our host Jacob who had that genuine gift of making all his customers feel special. We were thoroughly spoilt for choice with the beer menu, so simply had to go with two flights, and what a great selection of beers they were! My husband’s top pick was the Brave New World NEIPA which was a juicy, tropical delight, while I favoured the Love Potion Raspberry Berliner Vice with its big punchy, raspberry flavours.  We could very happily have stayed there all evening, drinking in the sunshine and enjoying the funky tunes on the patio (apparently it was trivia night there later too) but unfortunately, real life (and parental responsibilities) beckoned, so we reluctantly tore ourselves away with sincere promises of returning very soon.

Buoyed by the fantastic experience we’d had at Vice and Virtue, we decided to stick with the theme of revisiting breweries that we had previously rather neglected for our second day of stamp collecting. So, minus the dog this time (it was too hot for a patio even for our little sun worshipper) we set forth to The Hatching Post.

4th Stop: The Hatching Post

Set amongst the fancy wineries that overlook the lake in West Kelowna, The Hatching Post saloon is immediately recognizable as a beer-lover’s refuge. The saloon building looks like it has stepped straight out of a John Wayne movie, and the Western theme continues inside, with saloon doors leading into an opulent Western bar. We had visited The Hatching Post on its opening day, just over a year ago, and were impressed even then by how slick the operation was, but today’s visit showed just how much the brewery has developed with a year of experience under its belt. With eight beers on tap, there was something to appeal to everyone, from the light, refreshing but packed-with-flavour Lager, to a couple of IPAs which would please the most ardent hop-heads. Our clear favourites today were the Black Sunday, an American Wheat ale with deliciously citrusy flavours (a patio crusher if ever there was one) and the Parlour Tricks, a NEIPA that packed a punch but with a soft mouthfeel and lack of bitterness.

The brewery also boasts a smokery and the plates of smoked meat emerging from the kitchen would be heaven to the meat eaters in the crowd (the couple sitting next to us confirmed that the “burnt ends” were amazing). It was also nice to see that vegetarians have been carefully considered too with a selection of delicious-sounding plates on offer. We stuck with the smoked beer nuts (which come as a tasty side on the tasting flight) this time though, and after picking up a couple of bottles to take home (packaged in very cool Western-style bottles of course), we continued on our way.

5th Stop: Barn Owl Brewing

Barn Owl Brewing, in the Mission area of Kelowna, is a little out of the way and so is sometimes overlooked by those heading to the brewery district, but it really is worth the short detour. This is our go-to Kelowna brewery in winter as the taproom nestled in the rafters of the historic 1920s Surtees Barn is the coziest we’ve found anywhere in Canada (a bold claim I know, but one we’re sticking with), and their Vanilla Chestnut Ale is my favourite winter sipper. In the past, the brewery has been rather stymied by its lack of outdoor space for the summer months, but no longer. The new acquisition of an on-site bakery means that Barn Owl has been able to expand its patio, as well as its food and drink menu. On this sunny Sunday afternoon, bikers and dog walkers thronged happily in the sunshine, sipping beers and coffees, while live music drifted outside from the musician who entertained the shade seekers inside.

This brewery is clearly beloved by the locals in the area, and for good reason. With an impressive 16 beers on tap (even more astounding when you see the tiny size of the brewing area) there really is something for everyone here. With so many beers on offer, we decided that we really should do two flights here (totally altruistically of course) and selected a beautiful array of colourful summer sippers. The star of the show for us was the Casey Clarke Show Kolsch which was packed with fruit aromas and had a delicate sweetness to it, while the tart Genesis Raspberry Wheat Ale also deserves a special mention. While we were there, brewery owners Gary and Tim could be seen chatting amicably with their guests — their appreciation of their loyal customers was clearly evident, and their love of the place was both obvious and contagious. 

6th Stop: Shore Line Brewing

With time ticking on, we dragged ourselves away from Barn Owl and on to our final destination of the day. Shore Line Brewing, as the name suggests, is located right on the shores of Lake Okanagan and has arguably the best views of any patio in Kelowna. The bright, stylish taproom has seven core beers on offer, ranging from the light, crisp Lochy Lager to some heavily hopped IPAs, plus a rotating seasonal brew which today was the Birdie Juice, a Citrus Blonde Ale bursting with grapefruit and lime flavours. Coming soon are the Watermelon Kolsch and the 360 Pineapple Hazy which I definitely need to try once they’re released — a good excuse for a return visit. At 5 p.m. the patio was beginning to fill up with people needing refreshment after a gruelling day on the beach, and the atmosphere was buzzing.

By this point, we were feeling decidedly snacky, and the delicious tempeh tacos we ordered complemented our flights superbly.  Looking out at the lake from the Shore Line patio was the perfect way to end the weekend and remind us of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful area. It was remarkable how easy it was to complete our tasting passport in a couple of afternoons, and we have barely scratched the surface of the craft beer scene in Kelowna & West Kelowna. Maybe we should be aiming to complete one passport per weekend throughout May — now that would be fun!

The post Spring Sipping along the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail Could Win You An Ale-Venture! appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Our popular Tasting Passport promotion returns for the month of May.

Pick up a Tasting Passport at one the participating locations (see below) and each time you visit a new location to buy a pint, some food, non-alcoholic beverage, swag, and/or beer to-go, ask for a stamp. Collect six unique stamps and be entered to win our ultimate beer-themed Weekend Getaway to Victoria.

Kelowna’s craft beer scene is a fun place to explore with a dynamic range of breweries, brewpubs, liquor stores and tap houses located in several neighbourhoods spread throughout the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Fill Your Passport to Win!

How do you participate?

1. Visit any of the participating locations listed below throughout the month of May and ask for a stamp.
2. Once you have collected six unique stamps — including at least two from each region — hand it in at one of the participating businesses to be entered in a draw for a chance to win The Ultimate Beer-Themed Weekend Getaway to Victoria or from a selection of brewery prize packs.

Note: If you aren’t able to fill your passport by the end of May, you can still enter it for a chance to win one of the secondary prizes. Drop it off at your last stop by June 1. 

Multiple entries encouraged!

The Ultimate Beer-Themed Weekend Getaway to Victoria includes:

• Two-night stay for two at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub’s Guesthouses. Enjoy a welcome gift of a beer-and-chocolate pairing for two and a complimentary breakfast for two.
• Two free passes on the Victoria Harbour Ferries’ Pickle Pub Tour
• More prizes to be announced

Several other prize packages featuring BC Ale Trail swag, merchandise or gift cards from the participating breweries, will also be awarded. *Transportation from Victoria to Kelowna not included.

The winner of the Grand Prize is: Brandon Stone.

Check out the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail for inspiration for fun ways to explore the craft beer scene locally.

Our handy four-day itinerary suggests a variety of ways to explore the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail during the tasting passport promotion.

As the largest city in the Okanagan Valley and the third largest in British Columbia, Kelowna rewards every type of traveller. This lakeside city is well known for its many beaches, golf courses and restaurants, and of course wine is a big deal here with more than 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive.

Craft beer lovers have many reasons to be excited, too. Historically, Tree Brewing was the trailblazer here (c. 1996), and while its original plant is gone now, the waterfront Kelowna Beer Institute grew out of the Tree brand. Plus, Tree’s legacy has led to a whole forest of new breweries sprouting in the North End Brewery District. Currently, there are seven breweries within walking distance there.

Like to bowl while sipping craft beer? There are actually two different breweries in Kelowna where you can try to bag a turkey (three strikes in a row): the recently renovated Freddy’s Brewpub and BNA Brewing, which is based in a gorgeous, historic building in the downtown Cultural District.

Kelowna’s craft beer revolution has spread far beyond the central city, including brewery bubbles in the northeast part of the city as you head towards the airport and down south along the lakeshore to the Mission District.

Check out the growing craft beer community across the floating bridge in West Kelowna. Lakesider Brewing, is smack dab in the middle of wine country on Boucherie Bench overlooking Okanagan Lake, and here the focus is on crowd-pleasing classic craft beer styles. The newest brewery to open on the west side is The Hatching Post, a Wild West-themed spot with 14 taps of small-batch, carefully crafted, tank-to-tap beers — all made on site in the brewery that is playfully located in the Mortuary according to the sign above the door — along with two cider taps and a fine selection of handcrafted cocktails. Pair that with real-deal, authentic Texas-style BBQ and you have something truly unique in the Okanagan Valley. 

West Kelowna has plenty of opportunities for hiking, beaches, swimming, golf and even dog-friendly beaches along the shores of Okanagan Lake.

Accommodation Discounts in Kelowna and West Kelowna

There are plenty of great hotels and other accommodation options in the Kelowna area. Check out this page for information on Packages & Promotions that are currently available.

Where can you pick up a Passport?

The Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail Tasting Passport is available for free at any of the participating businesses, as well as at local tourism Visitor Centres and some hotels.

Here is the full distribution list:

Central Kelowna

BNA Brewing
1250 Ellis St

Jackknife Brewing
727 Baillie Ave

Kelowna Beer Institute
1346 Water St

Kettle River Brewing
731 Baillie Ave

Railside Brewing
1186 High Rd

Rustic Reel Brewing
760 Vaughan Ave

Unleashed Brewing
880 Clement Ave #207

Urban Liquor
1191 Gordon Dr

Vice & Virtue Brewing
1033 Richter St

Beyond

Barn Owl Brewing
102 – 4629 Lakeshore Rd

Copper Brewing
1851 Kirschner Rd #102

Freddy’s Brewpub
948 McCurdy Rd #124

Grey Fox Brewing (gluten free)
105 – 310 Hiram Walker Court

The Hatching Post
2850 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna

Kelowna Brewing Co.
975 Academy Way #122

Lakesider Brewing
835 Anders Rd, West Kelowna

Porter’s
101 – 1851 Kirschner Rd

Public Liquor
1750 Pier Mac Way #301

Shore Line Brewing
3477 Lakeshore Rd #116

Wild Ambition Brewing
1 – 3314 Appaloosa Rd

The BC Ale Trail app is a useful map and informational tool for exploring local breweries. Collect points at each brewery you visit and redeem them for rewards.

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