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.

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.

Wondering where to camp near breweries in the South Okanagan? Natalie Gates ventures beyond the Penticton Ale Trail to Osoyoos and Oliver for a BC camping and craft beer adventure.

Breweries inside:

• Abandoned Rail Brewing, Penticton
• Backroads Brewing, Osoyoos
• Firehall Brewery, Oliver

Heading South for Summer Solstice 

In celebration of the longest day of the year, my husband, Colby, and I headed south from our home in Kelowna for a camping and craft beer getaway. The last camping blog I did for the BC Ale Trail was in one of the province’s wettest regions, Tofino, so it’s only fitting I went to the driest for this one. We’re tender, coastal folk, you see. We both spent most of our lives in the temperate rainforests of Squamish and Vancouver Island. Now that we’re living in Kelowna, I’m still fascinated by the rolling hills of sagebrush, the endless vineyards, and the drier climate.

Farm Views en route at Abandoned Rail

No trip from Kelowna to Osoyoos and Oliver is complete without a stop at one of Penticton’s many breweries. We chose the picturesque Abandoned Rail Brewing on the Naramata bench. German-certified brewing techniques, authentic pretzels, and farm views make this a perfect break on your way down south. If you’ve got your pup with you, you’re in luck as the picnic table seating is dog-friendly. We don’t have a dog, but we got to pretend. 

Camping in Okanagan Falls

After that hard work was complete, we continued on to our campsite in Okanagan Falls, which is a small community on the southern tip of Skaha Lake. We opted for sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park, a small provincial park right beside the river that connects Skaha Lake and Vaseux Lake. While not all of the sites are extremely private (some are), there’s good tree cover, and it’s nice and quiet. There are also flush toilets (yay!). All in all, it’s a solid, peaceful home base for exploring the southern Okanagan. 

Our site was right by the river, so we got to soak up that soothing sound while practicing our amateur bird-watching skills. We even made friends with a bird that had built her nest right above us. We never figured out what species it was, though (we’re amateurs, remember).

For dinner, we grilled veg with burgers and chicken we picked up at T-Bones, an Okanagan staple. Paired with the Goldenauer Golden Ale from Abandoned Rail, it was an excellent start to the trip.  If your sweet tooth is acting up after dinner, make sure you head to the iconic Tickleberry’s ice cream (only a 20-minute walk from the campground). 

Other campgrounds to consider in Southern Okanagan

Check out Destination Osoyoos for a list of other campgrounds in the area. We were originally hoping to stay at Sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point), which looks awesome, but we were late on the reservation draw. It’s on a peninsula that stretches into the lake, which would be stunning to wake up to. 

Inkaneeep Park near Oliver also looks nice, especially if you’re a birder!

Destined for the Desert 

After a camp breakfast (read: bacon), it was time to explore. We took the back road, Green Lake Road, into Oliver, which was gorgeous. Rolling hills, little lakes, bird sanctuaries, vineyards, and farms dot your journey. If you’ve got time, slow your pace and soak it all in. It would also be a lovely place to road bike—we saw a couple of groups doing just that. 

After fueling up with a second coffee at The Ditch Cafe in downtown Oliver, we had to get back to business. We needed something outdoorsy to work up our beer appetite. One of the lovely people working at Abandoned Rail had suggested Peach Cliff, which offers lake and valley views. But… I only brought Birkenstocks and we were getting a little late to beat the heat this time. 

So we opted for something less uphill and ended up in the beautiful Osoyoos Desert Centre. Mineral sunscreen lathered, film cameras ready, and bucket hats donned, I don’t think we’ve ever looked like bigger tourists. These coastal kids don’t mess around with sun safety though. 

The centre teaches you all about the rare, biodiverse ecosystem of the Osoyoos desert. You can join a guided tour or do a self-guided one ($10 either way). I found it fascinating to learn about the flora and fauna because they’re truly unique from other parts of the province. Colby and I agreed we’d want to come back for one of their evening tours, which is when more critters are active. 

It was a pretty hot day, so by the end of it, we were seeing mirages of ice-cold beer. After hydrating with water, it was high time for the real reason we were in the area…

Other walks to consider near Oliver and Osoyoos

• Peach Hill: We’ll definitely be back to do this one, which promises great views of the area. 
• Rattlesnake Bite: This is another easy hike that offers moody views of the valley, complete with cacti along the trail. We actually did this one back in February, the first time I’d ever been to Oliver.  

Backroads Brewing, Osoyoos

Believe me, I love wine country—especially this far south because I’m a big fan of bold reds. But nothing tastes quite as good after an afternoon in the desert heat as a cold, foaming glass of BC craft beer. 

Change my mind. 

Walking into Backroads Brewing, our mirage came true. The desert theme continued with burnt orange walls and cactus green ceilings, and we grabbed a flight for the patio which peeks over at Osoyoos Lake.

The brewery is originally from Nelson, so this is its second location. Each beer was crisp and refreshing, which was exactly what we were craving: 

• Hippie Katcher Kolsch
• Star Party Super Dry Lager
• Barbe Rouge Pale Ale
• First Descent NW IPA

We also tried the El Dorado Golden Ale, which we both named our favourite. It’s no wonder it won third place in the 2017 BC Beer Awards and, with that tidbit of knowledge, we grabbed a few extra to enjoy back to camp.  After wrapping up at Backroads, we migrated next door to the beach where we jumped in the lake to cool off even further. Then I almost stepped on a fish that looked big enough to eat my entire foot… and it was time to dry off.

Whether you’re coming pre-paddle board or apres swim, Backroads Brewing is there to support you through all of life’s ups and downs.

Cheers to Cherries

The Okanagan is, of course, famous for its orchards and fruit season in the summer. Making our way back to Oliver, I was excited to see all the “Fresh Cherries” signs on the roads between our brewery stops. We pulled over and grabbed a bag of plump red cherries, perfect for camp snackin’.

Wine Stop… Because We Had To

Speaking of delicious, deep red fruit-based products…

We were here for the beer, but we had to sample some of the other stuff Oliver is famous for. You know, for research purposes. We pulled into Rust Winery and enjoyed a Tuscany-esque moment before getting back to work. 

Firehall Brewery, Oliver

Ummm… 911? Is this the fire department? I think there’s an emergency.

The beer is too good and the vibes are too vibey.

Located in an old firehall, Firehall Brewery is clearly a go-to gathering space for both locals and visitors (I know I’d be hanging out here all the time if I lived in Oliver). There’s Firehall Bistro upstairs, but we hung out at the brewery downstairs, which is complete with a big ‘ol patio and a large but cozy tasting room.

The space does a great job of maintaining the firehall theme while working in fun little surprises that keep things extra interesting. Inside, the taproom is a cool nook that shelters you from the Okanagan heat. A stack of records piles around the stereo and a record player, complete with a pair of firefighter boots and a Nicholas Cage cutout (obviously). 

There’s even a fire hydrant doggie water dispenser. All it’s missing is a Dalmatian! 

We sat on their spacious patio and enjoyed a flight, cauliflower bites, and Greek salad because #health. 

Here’s what we tried for beer

• Kick Axe Lager
• Backdraft Blonde
• False Alarm Bitter
• Stoked Ember Ale Extra Special Bitter

It was hard to pick a favourite from those, but the Lager and Blonde were top contenders. Balanced and beautiful, they were the perfect way to round out our camping and craft beer extravaganza in the desert. 

If you have a minute, check out the Firehall’s backstory—it’s a good one. I also really appreciated their tagline, “Extinguish your thirst.”

Explore camping and craft beer in Osoyoos, Oliver, and South Okanagan 

We bookended our trip with another stop in Penticton before one more night at camp. A Spanish dinner at the wonderful Chulo Tapas turned into strolling along Okanagan Lake, admiring the old muscle cars that were getting ready for the next day’s car show as the sun set. That’s one of the other great things about this part of the Okanagan. All of the communities are so close together, so you can easily set up camp and bounce between them, sipping all the delightful beverages and sampling all the great eats they each offer. 

If there’s one thing Southern Okanagan does well, it’s keeping your tastebuds happy and a smile on your face. Rest assured, the BC Ale Trail will help you make the most of your trip no matter where your tent takes you.

Please enjoy responsibly – both the beer and Super, Natural British Columbia. We encourage you to know and follow the Camper’s Code. Have you taken the pledge yet?

The post Camping and Craft Beer in BC’s South Okanagan appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Tin Whistle is not only Penticton’s first craft brewery, but also the first in the South Okanagan region, and BC’s 12^th craft brewery. Over their incredible history, they’ve won many awards, modernized and grown their branding through two ownership changes (notably, it has always had women within the ownership teams), and have also had the distinction of becoming a zero-waste facility and Canada’s first carbon neutral brewery under the leadership of current owners Alexis Esseltine and Tim Scoon. I was fortunate to spend some time chatting with Alexis about the brewery’s milestone birthday recently, as well as their ongoing focus on sustainability and how they hope to inspire the craft beer industry.

To celebrate 30 years, Tin Whistle will be releasing 12 brews over the course of the year. “This year is going to be one big celebration,” says Tim. “We are going to brew this incredible line-up of limited edition, small run beers and release them out into the world every month. We dug into the Tin Whistle archives to bring back long lost recipes, and looked deep into beer history to bring light to fascinating styles that are uncommon, but oh so delicious. And we’ve looked ahead to what we think beer can be with new ingredients and approaches to brewing. You won’t want to miss a single one.”

But let’s start at the beginning, shall we?

A Brief History of Tin Whistle Brewing

The original four-person team of Linda and Richard Green, and Lawrie and Lynda Lock opened the brewery in a converted railway museum with the help of Frank Appleton. Yes, that Frank Appleton. Some of their original beer recipes, though tweaked and modernized, live on today as the best-selling Peach Cream Ale (formerly Peaches n’ Cream Ale), the Black Widow Dark Lager (formerly Black Widow Dark Ale) and the Coyote Lager (formerly Coyote Ale), for example.

In 1998, Lorraine Nagy purchased the brewery and ran it for 22 years with her son, Mike Nagy. During the Nagy’s tenure, Tin Whistle crafted multiple award-winning beers: Gold at the 2014 BC Beer Awards for the Stag Apple Scotch IPA; another gold in the fruit beer category at the 2016 BC Beer Awards for the Raspberry Blonde Ale; The Killer Bee Dark Honey Ale won a silver medal at the Calgary International Beer Festival in 2016; along with several more. They grew the brewery’s distribution channels and beer line-up as well.

In 2015, the brewery moved to the Cannery Trade Center, formerly a fruit cannery for the nearby Okanagan orchards, where it still resides today.

New Look, New Direction, Sustainable Beer

The brewery had been for sale for some time when COVID-19 changed, well, everything.

Owning a brewery had always been a distant dream for Alexis and Tim, who believed that a small brewery set amid the tiled subway tunnels of Toronto would be the perfect oasis on long, boring commutes. They moved to Vancouver from Toronto, with a stopover in Saskatchewan. After losing their jobs to the pandemic, they decided it was time for a change. They began looking at starting or buying a business where they could put their backgrounds in business and sustainability to use, bring new opportunities to their growing family, and maybe even fulfill a long-held dream. They came across Tin Whistle’s for sale listing in 2020, and the rest, as they say, is history.

You could argue that buying a brewery, of all things, in the midst of a global pandemic, with three kids at home, and no background in the craft beer industry, was a major risk for the couple. But talking to Alexis and hearing the passion and drive that she pours into her business, I don’t think there could ever be a doubt that they would succeed.

First up, once Alexis and Tim took over, was a new look. The outdated labels and bomber bottles became vibrant colours, mythical creatures and tall cans.

The bare, industrial-warehouse feel of the tasting room transformed into something bright and colourful, with an airy look, lots of greenery, and welcoming, fun vibes.

With the help of head brewer Matt Farmer, they tweaked and adjusted classic beer recipes and began brewing new, interesting and compelling beers that their customers wanted to drink. Alexis tells me that one of the most valuable things about being hands-on in the tasting room and around the brewery is the ability to listen. To talk to customers and hear their feedback, and to note what they are taking home with them.

Almost every Friday, a new experimental brew is released. Having a smaller pilot system in addition to the main brew house allows for small batches of experimental beers, letting Matt get creative and innovative with new recipes, new techniques and ingredients. Sometimes, they don’t work. Other times, they’re a hit and are eventually released as larger batches.

“When someone orders a second pint, or asks if they can take a 4-pack home, that’s when you know you’ve gotten it right”, says Alexis.

This love of experimentation has led to some truly unique brews, and keeping in line with the brewery’s mission of sustainability, they often seek out ingredients that would otherwise be considered waste. Much like farmers find value in spent grain as food for their livestock, brewers can find distinctive flavours in things like grape skins from nearby wineries and even spent rice used to brew sake.

The Cherry Blossom Japanese Lager is one such stand-out brew. It began as one of the Friday small batches, and it took some time to perfect before its release for Earth Day in 2024. Since then, it has won a silver medal in the Experimental Beer category at the 2024 Canada Beer Cup. The consistency of the rice is much different from traditional brewing malts and was a bit difficult to work with at first, but it was a challenge that, when overcome, produced a vibrant, slightly floral, lightly fruity and utterly delicious brew. It’s back again for 2025, just in time for spring, and will be available across B.C. through BC Liquor Stores, taking over shelf space once held by American imports.

Another great example is the third release in their 30^th Anniversary series, the Rosé Lager: a crisp, refreshing beer brewed with hundreds of pounds of Syrah and Viognier grape skins already pressed by local winery Blasted Church. “Giving ingredients a second life is still new in beer, but it’s an exciting frontier,” says Alexis. “We’re turning what would have been waste into something beautiful and flavourful. To us, that’s a win-win: sustainability and great beer in one glass.”

“Taste Matters, But So Does Our Impact”

A clear statement from the brewery’s website, and one that they live by in their day-to-day operations as a zero-waste, carbon-neutral facility. When they took over the brewery, Alexis knew that her background in green business was an asset that she could put to good use, showing that breweries can be sustainable, too.

“Our whole mission is to challenge the status quo. Not coming from a traditional beer background is actually an advantage – we’re not bound by ‘that’s not how it’s done.’ Instead, we ask ‘why not?'” says Alexis.

Getting to the point of zero waste took time and thought. It began with a dumpster dive – literally. Going through the brewery’s waste to determine what could be reduced or eliminated, what could be reused, and then what could be recycled in local or other BC recycling programs was the first step. “It’s not sexy”, Alexis admits with a laugh, but it’s necessary.

There are no dumpsters or large garbage cans for the brewery. Nitrile gloves are collected in a designated bin and returned to a special recycling facility in Langley approximately once per year. Dunnage (shipping materials) is returned or reused. Grain bags, plastics, cardboard, glass, etc, are all sorted carefully and recycled. Compostable materials are composted. It might take a bit of time, but it’s worth it.

The brewery extends recycling and reusing to their PakTech buy-back program. The plastic toppers from 4- and 6-packs of beer would cost the brewery about $0.25 each to buy new. Instead, Tin Whistle offers customers a $0.25 credit for every topper brought back to be reused.

Check out Tin Whistle’s 2025 Earth Day video, with the topper recycling program in the spotlight.

Alexis also works closely with nearby Okanagan College on sustainability projects. They have three on the go at the moment: finding a viable solution for spent grain recycling on a large scale, a water re-use project, and their ongoing algae bio-reactor, which offsets CO2 emissions.

The algae bio-reactor project is a really interesting one. In simple terms, CO2 is captured in weather balloons at the brewery during the brewing process. The gas is then put into scuba tanks, which go to the College where they feed tanks of algae. In turn, the algae thrive and reproduce and can be harvested in turn. Depending on the type of algae, such as spirulina*, it can be quite an in-demand product.

*Spirulina is a ‘super food’, rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants, and can also be used as a non-chemical food colouring.

There are plenty of folks out there who want to work on sustainability projects that would be able to help other breweries to lower their impact, “people want to help,” Alexis tells me. From universities to city and provincial grants, the resources are out there and available to anyone who is interested in taking advantage of those opportunities. Part of why she does what she does is to share the knowledge across the industry and to make it more easily attainable for other breweries.

What Does Carbon Neutral Mean?

We’ve heard the term, but what does it actually mean? Breweries use electricity, natural gas, and other resources with impactful carbon footprints, they send waste to landfills, where it decomposes, releasing methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. So, how does one become carbon neutral?

Again, this process starts with a careful evaluation of the business, including audits of their natural gas and electricity usage, garbage outputs, and so on. Some places for improvement were quickly and easily identified. The 20-something-year-old facility was still using a lot of equipment that had been around for many years. Upgrading equipment like the compressor and keg washer to more efficient models made quick improvements. Natural gas usage is one of the biggest impacts on carbon footprint, Alexis explained to me, and eventually they’d like to be able to put in an electric kettle (a part of the brewing equipment), but finding one capable of doing what they need it to do is proving difficult.

Becoming a zero-waste facility also helped to improve their carbon footprint, but even with all of the changes, there is a balance owed. The next step that businesses can take is to purchase carbon offsets. There is a whole catalogue of investment opportunities that are available for the express purpose of offsetting an organization’s carbon footprint. For example, Tin Whistle contributes to a tree planting project in the Great Bear Rainforest, among others. The positive impacts of those projects balance any carbon footprint created at the brewery. “Ideally,” Alexis says, “we want to get to a zero balance by ourselves, without buying offsets, and we’re working towards that. But, we are focused on reducing our impact every day. It’s Earth Day every day in our world. ”

After 30 Years, What Comes Next?

First, Tin Whistle will continue to be laser-focused on the beer. Winning awards might be a great pat on the back, but brewing beer that is innovative, sustainable and tasty is the goal. They also plan to bring the non-alcoholic version of the Peach Cream Ale to market in cans. It’s taking time to first perfect the recipe, and then find a canning solution that is safe and affordable, but Alexis tells me it could be coming soon. They are also sourcing more and more local ingredients from Western Canada (a gentle push from the threat of tariffs also helps with that aim), as well as looking into ingredients that have a lower carbon footprint themselves, such as native grains that use less water during the growing process, or the drought resistant hop varieties being developed by the BC Hop Growers Association.

Next up: expanding again to tell their story and share their beer beyond the Okanagan. When Alexis and Tim took over, the brewery was shipping beer province-wide on a larger scale. They chose to scale back while they perfected new recipes and made changes to the brewery, focusing on their community and their own backyard, so to speak. But now it’s time to start growing, and I, for one, am very excited at the prospect of being able to find more Tin Whistle beer in the Fraser Valley! The Peach Cream Ale is already available around the province in BC Liquor stores, but I’m looking forward to having a wider variety to choose from.

Of course, the third goal for the coming years is to continue to push forward to become independently carbon neutral and further their environmental projects. The project Alexis most wants to focus on next is the large-scale solution for recycling spent grains as a raw material in other production cycles.

Throughout our conversation, one theme came up again and again (other than themes of sustainability, of course): community and collaboration. Running a business usually means competition, staying tight-lipped about your plans, and protecting your interests. But in the craft beer industry, it means something different. The week that Tim and Alexis took over the business, she tells me, every other brewery in town came in to say ‘hi’, to meet them, and share their beer. They were taken aback by the warm welcome from their competitors, but quickly learned that craft beer is a collaborative community. And I can’t help but agree that that is what makes the industry so special.

Cheers to another 30 years of sustainable craft beer, Tin Whistle!

The post Celebrating 30 Years with Canada’s First Carbon-Neutral Brewery: Tin Whistle Brewing Co 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!

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The Noble Pig’s roots in Kamloops run deep. Their dedication and grassroots efforts, which have earned them this year’s City of Kamloops Community Service Award from the Kamloops Chamber, are a testament to their 15 years of community building. For the team, this honour is not just about peer recognition. It’s a reflection of their long-term commitment to support, sustainability, and genuine care for the community.

Since opening its doors in 2010 as Kamloops’ first craft brewery, The Noble Pig has not just been a part of the city’s beer and food scene but a driving force in shaping it. Led by managing partners Maeghan Summers (operating manager), Jared Summers (executive chef), Nick Murphy (head brewer), and Sara Hanrahan (restaurant manager), they have set out to create a space where locals and visitors could gather, enjoy upscale yet approachable food, and sip craft brews that tell a story.

Their beer program began with four flagship brews inspired by the classic tale of ‘The Three Little Pigs’: the Munich helles lager Straw House, the Belgian pepper ale Stick House, the mocha porter Stone House, and the India pale ale Big Bad Wolf. Over the years, these beers have become more than menu items; they’ve become local staples, loved for their quality and brewed with the spirit of the Kamloops craft beer scene.

Food and Beer, Rooted in Community

The Noble Pig’s commitment to Kamloops goes beyond serving up great food and beer. It’s about making thoughtful choices that have a lasting impact on the community. Since 2010, The Noble Pig and their sister spot, Underbelly, have spent over $8 million on local food and contributed more than $250,000 to community projects. These investments strengthen Kamloops’ local economy and highlight the brewpub’s deep connection to the area.

Nearly all their ingredients come from within 100 kilometres, sourced from partners like Blackwell Dairy, Thistle Farms, and other local purveyors. Executive chef Jared Summers and his team transform ingredients into high-quality, playful dishes that nod to the brewhouse’s pig-themed branding. Sustainability is woven into every part of their kitchen.

In a tough industry, The Noble Pig has stayed strong, driven by a simple belief in doing what’s right. Their story isn’t just about their success—it’s about lifting up the greater Kamloops community, one choice at a time.

Beyond the Brew: Making a Difference

At The Noble Pig, community work is more than a checkbox; it’s a way of life. The brewhouse regularly supports local causes, from donating to hospital expansion programs to partnering with the local Rotary Club to benefit a wide range of community needs, from youth sports to hospice care. They also actively participate in initiatives that assist families in need, whether through fundraising efforts or by giving their time and resources.

The team takes pride in redirecting advertising dollars to community initiatives. Instead of traditional marketing, The Noble Pig invests in local events, fundraisers, and projects that have real, measurable impacts.

“We do it because it’s the right thing for our people,” the team shares. “The community pays our bills, so we take care of the community that takes care of us.”

Their efforts have a ripple effect, inspiring other local businesses to join in. The Noble Pig team doesn’t just celebrate their own success; they’re one of the loudest supporters of their peers, celebrating the growth of the Kamloops beer scene as a collective triumph.

*Read more about this summer’s fundraising collab brew Shot of Gold 2.0 here.

Crafting Moments and Memories

In a city with a proud, blue-collar work ethic, The Noble Pig balances tradition with innovation. Their playful spirit is evident in everything they do, from naming beers like the ultra-dry IPA Javelina* to debuting their now-famous Free Bird chicken sandwich marinated in leftover pickle juice from their housemade crispy pickles. But beneath the humour is a serious dedication to quality and community.

They’ve created a space where moments become memories—where visitors and locals alike feel connected to Kamloops. “We’re not just making food and beer; we’re gatekeepers to experiences that imprint on people’s lives,” Summers reflects. “That’s our role, and it’s the most rewarding job in the world.”

*Javelina pigs are a South American desert breed known for their love of hot, dry climates, which makes it the perfect name for an ultra-dry IPA!

Full Circle Community Impact

The Noble Pig’s impact is felt in every corner of Kamloops, from the farmers they support to the guests who leave with unforgettable memories. Their story is a testament to what can happen when a business chooses to invest in its community fully, weaving a tapestry of local pride, sustainable practices, and the simple joy of great beer and food.

Winning the Kamloops Chamber’s City of Kamloops Community Service Award may be a recent highlight, but for The Noble Pig, the real reward is knowing they’ve helped build a stronger, more connected Kamloops. As Hanrahan notes,

“Community and beer are the pillars of our success, and we’re just getting started.”

The post Community, Craft, and Commitment: The Story of The Noble Pig Brewhouse 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.

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