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.

———

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.

Tucked into the northeastern arm of the shimmering Shuswap Lake on one of four “arms” that give the region its name, this vibrant little city of just over  20,000 sits on the traditional territory of the Secwépemc Nation and delivers big on craft beverages, outdoor recreation, and local food culture. Whether you’re rolling in for a weekend escape or building out a longer Shuswap itinerary, Salmon Arm has the ale-venture you’ve been looking for. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Grab a Pint at Ricochet Brewing & Taphouse

Your Salmon Arm ale-venture starts downtown at Ricochet Brewing & Taphouse, the city’s newest and most buzzed-about craft beer destination. It is also Salmon Arm’s 2024 Business of the Year, and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2025. The beer itself is brewed lakeside in Sunnybrae on the sunny shores of Shuswap Lake, then poured fresh at the vibrant downtown taphouse. With 36 taps pouring their own thoughtfully crafted brews alongside a rotating selection of BC’s best independent breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries, there’s truly something here for everyone.

The space is warm, game-filled, and full of good company — bring a deck of cards and settle in. Families are welcome until 10 pm, and the legendary kids’ snack flight (think taster glasses of soda, candy, and cheezies) is a hit with guests of all ages. Pair your pint with the fan-favourite beer cheese mac & cheese or order in from one of Salmon Arm’s local kitchen partners. Ricochet is more than a taphouse; it’s the kind of place where locals and visitors find themselves staying for just one more round.

Raise a Glass at Barley Station Brew Pub

For a taste of enduring Shuswap hospitality, head to Barley Station Brew Pub, a beloved Salmon Arm institution. Housed in a warm, rustic-charmed space, the Barley Station has been a gathering place for locals for years, and it’s easy to see why. They brew their own rotating selection of handcrafted ales, lagers, and seasonal specialties using local ingredients, and pair them with elevated pub fare that hits every comfort note. The pet-friendly patio is perfect for sunny Shuswap afternoons, and happy hour is always a good call. Whether you’re a hophead, a lager lover, or just hungry for a hearty meal, Barley Station delivers every time.

Sip Craft Cider at Northyards Cider Co.

Salmon Arm’s craft community extends beyond its breweries. Cider lovers are very well taken care of here.

Northyards Cider Co. is a craft cidery, orchard, and tasting room rolled into one. Their ciders are made using traditional methods from 100% BC apples and local fruit — pressed, fermented, and left to speak for themselves. The tasting room is a bright, upscale spot to slow down and truly savour what the Shuswap grows. Tours are available, and you can even book a stay on-site.

Walk the Wharf at Marine Peace Park (with Ice Cream!)

You simply cannot visit Salmon Arm without walking the wharf — and yes, it’s as impressive as people say. The park’s roots go back to 1907 when the original government wharf was built here, and the grounds have been a beloved community gathering place ever since. Designated as Salmon Arm’s Marine Peace Park during Canada’s 125th birthday celebrations in 1992, the beautifully landscaped grounds feature gardens, mature trees, a gazebo that made the journey from Expo 86 in Vancouver, and grassy picnic areas perfect for a lazy afternoon by the water.

The real showstopper, though, is the 440-foot curved wooden pier stretching out over the shimmering waters of Shuswap Lake with panoramic mountain views in every direction. It’s a genuinely iconic BC landmark. In summer, the Shuswap Arts Council brings it to life with Wednesdays on the Wharf, a free concert series running every Wednesday from June through August. Keep an eye on the water too; the bay is rich with bird life, and herons and grebes are frequent visitors. It’s the kind of place where a simple stroll turns into an extended stay.

Hike the Foreshore / Raven Trail

For a longer, more immersive nature experience, lace up and hit the Foreshore / Raven Trail: a stunning path that winds along the lakeshore and through the natural wetlands that make Salmon Arm one of BC’s premier birdwatching destinations. The main trailhead sits at the east end of Harbourfront Drive in downtown Salmon Arm. Parking is limited at the trailhead, so consider leaving your car at Marine Peace Park and walking the SABNES East Walkway and Harbourfront Drive to get there. It’s a lovely warm-up.

This trail is part of the BC Bird Trail, so please leave your pup at home. Keep your eyes peeled for great blue herons, western grebes, and all manner of migratory species. It’s the kind of walk that reminds you why people fall in love with the Shuswap.

Paddle the Lake Canoe Beach

The Shuswap is made for getting out on the water, and paddling is one of the best ways to do it. The sandy shores of Canoe Beach make for a perfect launch spot. Bring your own kayak or paddleboard – or rent one through Salmon Arm Go Karts and Mini Golf. If you don’t want to haul your rental to the water yourself, their handy delivery and pick-up service is well worth it for just an additional $25. There’s something truly special about taking in Salmon Arm from the water; gliding along the glassy surface of the bay with mountain peaks rising in every direction, the city quietly at your back and nothing but open sky and Shuswap ahead. It’s a perspective on this place that you simply can’t get from the shore.

Grab a Gelato and Stroll McGuire Lake

McGuire Lake Park is one of Salmon Arm’s most beloved spots, and the fact that it sits right in the centre of town makes it all the more special. Before you set out, swing by Pink Cherry for a scoop (or two) of gelato to enjoy on the walk. 

This beautiful little urban oasis is a genuine delight: a peaceful, wildlife-rich lake ringed by plentiful gardens, mature willows, and a fully paved, wheelchair-accessible walkway that makes for an easy and scenic loop for all abilities.

The park is full of small surprises. At its heart stands the Japanese Friendship Gate, a gift from Inashiki, Japan — Salmon Arm’s sister city — and a popular spot for photos. A seasonal illuminated fountain adds a lovely touch, particularly in the evenings. The grassy picnic areas along 6th Street NE are perfect for a slow lunch in the sun, and the serene willow trees section near the hospital is a favourite for weddings and quiet reflection alike. 

Shop the Farmers Market and Wander Downtown

Salmon Arm’s Downtown Farmers Market is a wonderful place to get a real taste of the community. Browse stalls piled with locally grown produce, artisan goods, and handcrafted creations that reflect the creativity and care of the people who call this place home. It’s a warm, welcoming scene that captures everything special about small-city BC.

From the market, wander into the broader downtown along Salmon Arm’s charming main streets. You’ll find boutiques, galleries, and one-of-a-kind shops that showcase the town’s artistic spirit and independent character. This is the kind of downtown where you actually stop in places, and not just walk past them.

Fuel Up with Local Eats

One of the best things about Salmon Arm is that the food scene genuinely reflects the community: independent, quality-driven, and full of character. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s a local spot that does it well.

Start your morning right at Westgate Bakery & Café or Shuswap Pie Co. Both are the kind of beloved neighbourhood institutions that locals swear by. Westgate turns out artisan breads and decadent pastries alongside a great coffee, while Shuswap Pie Co. does homestyle pies and baked goods entirely from scratch. Either way, you’re setting a high bar for the day. If you’re after something more nourishing, The Nom has you covered with wholesome meals, smoothies, fresh-pressed juice, and healthy snacks from their downtown storefront — the kind of fuel that actually keeps up with an active Shuswap itinerary.

Come dinnertime, the options are just as varied. Nineteen05 Kitchen & Raw Bar offers a more elevated evening out, with locally inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and fresh flavours in a modern lakeside setting. For a taste of the Mediterranean right in the heart of the Shuswap, Ambrosia Grill Taverna brings authentic Greek flavours and modern vibes to Salmon Arm. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a proper getaway. If Italian is calling, AnDiamo is a must, serving up handcrafted pastas, fresh local ingredients, homemade tiramisu, and on weekends, the owner himself takes to the mic for a little live entertainment that has a habit of turning dinner into a full evening. For something bold and vibrant, Cantina Vallarta brings authentic traditional Mexican cooking to the Shuswap with ingredients and flavours that feel genuinely transportive. And if you’re after something hearty, lively, and unapologetically fun, Canooligans’ delivers creative comfort food with a local twist and the kind of atmosphere that makes the evening stretch on a little longer than planned — which is always a good sign.

Don’t overlook Cahoots either. This BBQ, bakery, and cocktail spot is a fantastic find for a Friday or Saturday brunch that drifts effortlessly into happy hour. Think smoky, satisfying food paired with a laid-back space that does mornings and evenings equally well.

Where to Stay

Salmon Arm has accommodation options to suit every travel style. Whether you’re looking for polished comfort in the heart of the action or a peaceful retreat just outside of town.

For those who want to be close to everything, Hilltop Inn is Salmon Arm’s premier resort-style luxury boutique hotel. Spacious, thoughtfully appointed rooms range from well-equipped Queen and King Executives to generous Junior Suites with soaker tubs and kitchenettes, all with views of the outdoor pool, gardens, forest, or Shuswap Lake. Nearby hiking trails offer an escape into nature, or head for the downtown shops, restaurants, and waterfront, which are all within easy reach. The pool, open seasonally from May to September, is the largest outdoor heated pool in BC, and on a warm Shuswap evening, it’s a pretty wonderful place to wind down after a full day.

If a quieter, more intimate experience is what you’re after, Inn at the Ninth is something special. Tucked alongside the ninth hole of the Salmon Arm Golf Club, just a short drive from downtown, this warmly hosted B&B offers individually decorated suites — each with a private entrance, en-suite bathroom, and views of the surrounding forest and mountains. A complimentary continental breakfast is included each morning, and the host’s genuine warmth and local knowledge have made it a consistently top-rated stay in the region. It’s the kind of place guests talk about long after they’ve checked out.

Plan Your Salmon Arm Ale-venture

Salmon Arm may sit on the quieter side of the Shuswap, but it’s anything but sleepy. From craft breweries and cideries that celebrate local ingredients and community spirit, to trails that wind along one of BC’s most beautiful lakes, to a downtown full of independent shops and remarkable food, this city rewards the curious traveller at every turn. Pack your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall for the Shuswap.

Find Salmon Arm on the Southern Interior Ale Trail and start planning your next ale-venture to the sunny Shuswap.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Salmon Arm: Sips, Strolls, and Shuswap Adventures appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

What Even Is a Salmon Arm?

Salmon don’t have arms, they have fins. At least, I think they do? Hold on a minute while I go check Google….

….okay, upon further investigation, I have determined that salmon do not have arms and the name Salmon Arm has nothing to do with the anatomy of a fish. My bad.

The truth of the name comes from one of BC’s most precious natural resources. Salmon Arm is one of four ‘arms’ that feed into the stunning Shuswap Lake in British Columbia. This particular arm has historically been a prime location for salmon runs during September and October. So, while the name isn’t about a mutated fish like the one Bart Simpson caught, it is about fish abundance. Makes sense now, right?

Now that we’ve learned a little bit of toponymy, let’s dive in to another Salmon Arm fact. Did you know it’s home to North America’s longest, curved wooden wharf? It’s true! I saw it with my own eyes while on assignment with the BC Ale Trail and the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society (SAEDS).

Beyond its impressive wharf and endless beautiful scenery, Salmon Arm also boasts a vibrant beer scene. Despite being a smaller city with a population under 20,000, it’s a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers. The three breweries I’m about to highlight each offer something unique and distinct to the region.

Ricochet Brewing

Located in the heart of downtown, Ricochet Brewing’s Taphouse fills a much-needed void in Salmon Arm, with a diverse selection of craft beer and cider from across BC. With 36 taps, including 10 of their own brews on tap when I visited, the Ricochet tasting room has something for all BC craft beer and cider lovers. They also offer delicious food sourced from local kitchens and restaurants. The meat pie I ate was perfect on a chilly winter day.

Ricochet is also a family-friendly spot that offers an array of games, kid’s food and drink options and, my kids’ favourite, the snack flight. It features two flight glasses of soda or juice, a glass of candy and a glass of cheezies. And let’s be honest here, it wasn’t just my kids’ favourite; it was mine too! So don’t be shy about ordering one for yourself, it isn’t just for the kiddos.

While their tasting room is relatively new (it opened in July 2024), owners Marc and Meaghan have already been brewing and supplying the Shuswap region with Ricochet beer for two and a half years. Their five-year plan of opening a tasting room came to fruition a bit earlier than anticipated, but the decision has clearly paid off. Their commitment to the community and focus on creating a welcoming space has been a huge hit with both locals and out-of-towners. They even won Salmon Arm Business of the Year for 2024. Add on the fact that Marc and Meaghan are two of the nicest, hardest-working people you’ll ever meet and it makes Ricochet a must-visit when you’re in Salmon Arm.

The Barley Station Brew Pub

A Salmon Arm staple since 2006, The Barley Station offers a classic neighbourhood pub atmosphere for pub-goers 19+. But unlike most standard pubs, their brewing prowess has earned them multiple accolades. The pub boasts a cabinet full of trophies from the Canadian and BC Beer Awards over the years, as well as the Best Ale Award at the 2008 Okanagan Fest-of-Ale for their Sam McGuire’s Pale Ale. On my visit I sampled a flight of some of their core beers and the standout for me was the Bushwacker Brown Ale.

Beyond their award-winning brews, The Barley Station boasts a cozy pub food menu with some interesting twists. While you can find traditional favourites, they also offer more adventurous options like the Haskap Bison Burger and Miki’s Berbere Sandwich. There’s something to satisfy every palate.

The Barley Station is also committed to giving back to the community. They donate $0.10 to the Salmon Arm Trail Alliance for every sleeve of Shuswap Trail Ale IPA sold. Additionally, their current Burger It Forward initiative, in partnership with Canada Beef, donates the equivalent of one meal to Food Banks Canada for every feature burger purchased. Beer, burgers and charitable initiatives? Count me in!

Crannóg Ales*

(see editor’s note below)

First of all, let’s get the pronunciation of Crannóg out of the way so you don’t embarrass yourself like I did saying it incorrectly in front of Rebecca and Brian, the owners of Crannóg Ales. It’s pronounced “cran” “uhg”, not “cran” “awg”.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, I highly recommend checking out Brian K. Smith’s excellent article on the BC Ale Trail website about the history of Crannóg, Canada’s (and possibly North America’s) first certified organic on-farm microbrewery.

What I’m here to tell you about is what to expect on a visit to Crannóg Ales…

Crannóg isn’t actually in Salmon Arm; it’s about a 30-minute drive west in Sorrento, at Left Fields Farms, located on the unceded Secwepemc Territory. Also owned by Rebecca and Brian, Left Fields is a certified organic farm with a deep commitment to sustainability. From wastewater treatment and reuse to repurposing spent grains to feeding leftover beer to their pigs (lucky pigs), Left Fields and Crannóg strive to minimize their environmental footprint and not outgrow their farm.

This commitment also extends to their brewing process and to-go options. Crannóg grows its own organic hops and even sells hop rhizomes, playing a key role in the BC-grown hop revolution they sparked back in 2001. In regards to take-home offerings, they exclusively offer growler fills, available at the brewery, designated drop-off spots, and weekly farmers’ markets. This choice reflects their dedication to reducing waste from single-use packaging and not outgrowing the capacity of their farm.

Visiting the Crannóg tasting room requires a bit of planning. No, you cannot just show up any day of the week and drink a pint at your leisure. The only way to enjoy a beer on premises is by booking a tour, which typically run on Fridays and Saturdays by appointment, with a maximum of 6 people. While this may sound like quite the effort just to get a fresh glass of Backhand of God stout, all I can say is, trust me, it’s worth it.

Touring the farm adorned with Brian’s Celtic artwork, seeing all the amazing things they do outside of brewing great beer (making vinegar, yarn production, papermaking and more) and hearing Rebecca and Brian’s passionate advocacy for sustainability, organic farming, and human rights issues is truly inspiring. Also chatting with them about the Vancouver punk-rock scene and Brian’s band Immoral Minority, was another personal highlight for me. They’ve actually had Vancouver punk legends DOA play at their farm a few times.

It really is difficult to capture the entire Crannóg Ales experience in just a few paragraphs. There’s so much to talk about. Truly, the best way to understand it is to experience it for yourself.

Sláinte!

*Editor’s note: In 2025, Crannóg was purchased by BNA Brewing. The physical brewery and tasting room in Sorrento closed as of August 2025, but beer production will continue at BNA Brewing using ingredients from Left Fields Farms. Be sure to watch for your favourite Crannóg brews on tap at BNA’s locations around the Interior. 

The post Sips in the Shuswap: Discovering Salmon Arm’s Brewery Scene appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY

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

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

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

Get crafty this March in Kamloops and the Shuswap region. Part of the Southern Interior Ale Trail, these InBEERior communities are home to diverse breweries, restaurants, and cideries serving up local flavours with a unique flair. And be sure to add a flick or two to your tasting adventure roster at the Kamloops Film Festival.

Fill Your Tasting Pass to Win!

Now is the perfect time for a tasting tour of Kamloops and the Shuswap. How do you participate?

1. Visit any of the participating businesses listed below during the month of March, 2022, and ask for a stamp when you buy beer, cider or food, or attend a film during the Kamloops Film Festival. Note: The Kamloops Film Festival takes place March 3-12, 2022. Check thekfs.ca for details.
2. Once you have collected six unique stamps, hand in the pass at any of the participating businesses or Shuswap Visitor Centre to receive a special BC Ale Trail camp mug (while supplies last). Completed Tasting Passes will be entered in a draw for a chance to win a brewery prize pack or the Grand Prize package: a two-day getaway on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail!

Great prizes to be won!

Prizes include a Grand Prize Getaway to Kelowna and West Kelowna plus several smaller packages.

1. The Grand Prize includes two nights accommodation in Kelowna plus $100 to spend at a BC Ale Trail brewery along with a BC Ale Trail swag pack valued at $200.
2. Several other prize packages featuring BC Ale Trail swag, merchandise from the participating breweries, and gift cards to local liquor stores and taphouses will also be awarded. We will collect all the completed Tasting Passes and then draw random winners in April.

Check out the Southern Interior 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 Southern Interior Ale Trail. Be sure to visit Crannóg Ales, the organic, farm-based brewery located in Sorrento, BC, between Kamloops and Salmon Arm.

Read Melanie Chambers’s recent blog, “Pints & Powder,” for more ideas on how to explore Kamloops, including winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding or tubing at Harper’s Mountain; Nordic skiing, fat biking or snowshoeing on a variety of trails around the city;  or more urban adventures like shopping, dining and, of course, beer tasting!

Accommodation Discounts in Kamloops

Receive 15% off a two-night stay with the following Kamloops accommodation partners when you show your Kamloops-Shuswap Tasting Pass upon check-in.

Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel
660 Columbia Street West • (250) 374-7878

Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre
1250 Rogers Way • (250) 828-6660

Prestige Kamloops Hotel
1810 Rogers Place • (250) 372-0987

Ranchland Inn
2357 Trans-Canada Highway East • (250) 828-8787

Riverland Inn & Suites
1530 River Street • (250) 374-1530

Where can you pick up a Tasting Pass?

The Kamloops-Shuswap Tasting Passes are available for free at any of the participating businesses, as well as at local tourism Visitor Centres.

Here is the full distribution list:

Kamloops:

Bright Eye Brewing – 292 Tranquille Rd
Iron Road Brewing – 980 Camosun Cres
Kamloops Film Festival – 503 Victoria St (Paramount Theatre)
Noble Pig Brewhouse – 650 Victoria St
Red Beard Cafe – 449 Tranquille Rd
Red Collar Brewing Co. – 355 Lansdowne St
Underbelly By The Pig – 120 5 Ave (at Lansdowne St)

Shuswap:

Barley Station Brewpub – 20 Shuswap St S, Salmon Arm
Crannóg Ales – 706 Elson Rd, Sorrento
Northyards Cider – 3181 11 Ave NE, Salmon Arm
Shuswap Cider – 100-2090 10 Ave SW, Salmon Arm (in the Westgate Public Market)

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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