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

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

Port Coquitlam’s Breweries

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hopping Back on the Traboulay PoCo Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

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

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

Brunch, Lunch or Dinner at Breweries

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

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

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

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

Prix Fixe Menus at Restaurants with Notable Craft Beer Options

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

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

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

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

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

Beer-Related Experiences

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

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

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

Final Thoughts on Dine Out Vancouver

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

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

The post Dine Out Vancouver 2022 Suggestions for Craft Beer Lovers appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

When you’re on the hunt for food and beer pairings, craft beer lovers may be familiar with gastropubs and bars such as Alibi Room, St. Augustine’s and O’Hare’s for beer and grub. But what if you’re looking for a date night idea or want to try something different (while still having great craft beer options)? Fret not. From Lebanese and pan-Asian cuisine, to Italian favourites and hidden gem fine-dining, Vancouver is your delicious oyster.

Taps and Tacos, Port Moody

Located only steps from Brewers Row in Port Moody, Taps and Tacos serves up tacos and other Mexican-style dishes with globally inspired flavours. Not only will you find craft beer brewed by Port Moody breweries, you will also find a few other popular beers that would go well with their food and mason-jar desserts.

Explore everything Port Moody has to offer on the Port Moody Ale Trail.

Bells and Whistles, Vancouver

Burgers and fries (I love their All Day Breakfast sandwich!), soft serve and sundaes, and did I mention they have a game room at the Fraser location? Bells and Whistles have a core beer menu featuring local Metro Vancouver breweries; there is also a rotating tap menu at both locations where you may find beers from breweries on Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and beyond.

Wild Thyme Lebanese Food, New Westminster

Wild Thyme is a beloved restaurant in New West. They may not have a big craft beer menu, but you will find a variety of beer and breweries such as Yellow Dog Brewing, Hoyne Brewing Co., and Dageraad Brewing. Their food is delicious (don’t forget the Homemade Pita and dips!) and of very good value!

Torafuku, Vancouver

A pan-asian restaurant, Torafuku never disappoints me with their Crack Salad and Kickass Rice Bowls. They have also reimagined their menus and offerings a few times throughout COVID and I admire their resilience. They don’t really have beer on tap, but you will find bottled and canned craft beer from popular breweries like 33 Acres Brewing, Superflux  Beer Co., and Strange Fellows Brewing.

Tap and Barrel, Multiple Locations

Tap and Barrel has a wide variety of dishes and a big craft beer menu at every location. While the menu may seem like the standard brewpub affairs, I find their flavour combination balanced and they often incorporate their own fun twist. Most importantly, all their locations have a spectacular waterfront view!

Gyoza Bar, Vancouver

The more casual concept of the Aburi Restaurant Group, I have been to Gyoza Bar plenty of times for gyoza and beer over happy hour. Now their menu includes Marukatsu Cuisine, which combines Japanese deep-fried cutlet with Mexican culinary influence, and I think that pairs perfectly well with craft beer.

Osteria Savio Volpe, Vancouver

Italian cuisine tends to put emphasis on wine pairing, but Savio Volpe has a decent craft beer menu from across Metro Vancouver. Enjoy their house-made pasta or mains from the wood-fire grill with a pint of local brew.

The Mackenzie Room, Vancouver

Truthfully, The Mackenzie Room has a very small craft beer menu (three rotating taps). But they are by far one of my favourite restaurants in the city so I have to include them on this list for you. My husband and I have been going there for our wedding anniversary since 2016 (except for last year due to COVID) and every time we are blown away.

Bonus: Breweries with Delicious Bites

Of course, many breweries have their own kitchen with a menu that goes well with their beer. Here are a few memorable ones from my previous visits:

Field House Brewing, Abbotsford

I love the beer lawn at Field House’s Abbotsford location, and their food is tasty as well. My family and I went last year for some beer, pizzas and mac ‘n’ cheese, and it was a perfect way to spend an afternoon there.

Wildeye Brewing, North Vancouver

Wildeye Brewing has a great patio and an interesting beer menu, but I also enjoyed their food when I visited them just a few weeks ago. The Gyoza and Taco Trio were spot on in terms of flavours.

Luppolo Brewing Company, Vancouver

Partnering up with Mordimi, an authentic Italian pizzeria, Luppolo Brewing offers pizza that are like a cross between Roman and Neapolitan style pizzas. The crust is crispy, with a bit of chew, but not droopy towards the centre.

Final Thoughts

There are many other beer-forward eateries in Metro Vancouver, but I hope my list here helps you discover restaurants that you didn’t consider ordering a beer at. If you have any suggestions for me to try, hit me up @vanfoodies on Instagram or find me at vanfoodies.com!

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

The post 8 Metro Vancouver Restaurants to Visit for Good Bites and Brews appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Day 1

What better way to start a trip to Vancouver’s North Shore than a stop at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park? While we are no strangers to this iconic attraction, it has also been a couple of years since we last visited its winter Canyon Lights. Crossing the 140m suspension bridge in broad daylight allows you to fully appreciate the surrounding forest, mountains, and the Capilano River far, far below. Adding to the thrill was the sway of the bridge and distant shrieks from other visitors.

Beyond the suspension bridge, there are a variety of other equally breathtaking parts to check out. Did you know there are no nails or bolts in the Douglas Firs that hold up the viewing platforms of the Treetops Adventure? Those platforms are adjustable and moveable to accommodate the growth of the trees. When you’re done with that, the Cliffwalk offers a U-shaped walkway suspended 300ft above the rushing river and two extended platforms with glass bottoms. There’s really endless beauty in the park, so make sure to spend some time lingering. Take a walk on the many boardwalks throughout and take in the depth of the forest that surrounds you.

While we were at the park, we dropped by one of its restaurants, Cliff House, for lunch. It might seem strange to see southern BBQ served up at a BC park, but give that 20-hour slow-cooked, house-smoked brisket a try, and all your doubts melt away. The fixin’s ain’t bad either and, of course, it helps that they serve up a selection of local craft beer. In our case, a refreshing can of Bourbon Blood Orange Wheat Ale from Bridge Brewing Company worked beautifully with the meal. As a cherry on top, grab a seat by the performance stage beside the restaurant and be serenaded by a young lady with an acoustic guitar.

On our way to our hotel in the Shipyards District, we made a stop at Black Kettle Brewing Company. The patio was buzzing with energy as if the last year and a half never happened. There was a birthday party at one end and the rest of the patio was filled with small groups of people and their furry friends.

Our flight included Blackberry Porter, Session Ale, Cherry Lemonade, and Nitro Oatmeal Stout. Since we’re in the middle of a gorgeous summer, you will notice a pattern of sours, lighter ales, and fruit-forward beers in our flights as we carried on with our trip.

This brewery also serves up handheld bites, such as burgers, tacos, and wings that would go well with their beer. Regrettably, we came to Black Kettle after lunch, so it will have to be next time.

Once we arrived in the Shipyards District, our eyes were drawn to a symbiotic blend of rugged industrial structures with modern-day buildings. New hotels, restaurants, and public spaces have populated the area in the last few years. Outside the beautiful, sparkly Polygon Gallery, children and kids-at-heart dipped their feet in the water feature. Small groups of people dotted the long, wave-like wooden benches. A quick stop at Nemesis Coffee transitioned us from one brew to another. With a Nitro Cold Brew and an Iced Latte in our hands, we set out for a stroll along the waterfront.

Following the signs, we discovered that we were walking along The Spirit Trail, which goes from Deep Cove all the way to Horseshoe Bay. It’s a pedestrian and bike-friendly trail with various access points across the North Shore. As we headed west from Lonsdale Quay Market and through the Waterfront Park, we were treated with a panoramic view of the Vancouver Harbour and Downtown Vancouver. We were then greeted by rows of cute and colourful houseboats docked at the Mosquito Creek Marina, all the while enjoying the cool sea breeze on a warm sunny day.

By this time, we were hungry for more.  So we trekked our way back to Lonsdale Quay Market for a snack. The market is home to more than a dozen food outlets so there were plenty to choose from. Craving something sweet, the display case of liege waffles at Craffles shined like a beacon. How does one ever choose just one flavour out of the possible 10? We settled with a trio of waffles and took our snack over to Green Leaf Brewing Co. The sign at their door that says they welcome food from other market vendors makes me really happy. It’s the right attitude in these difficult times!

Sustainability is at the heart of Green Leaf, so they strive to have a minimal environmental impact in the brewing of their beer, kombucha, and ginger ale. I really enjoyed the malty taste in their refreshing Amber Lager, but my favourite was definitely the Lolo Stout. Not only was it delicious on its own with its coffee and chocolate note, but it also paired well with the trio of Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, and Matcha waffles from Craffles. Stouts tend to be a heavier beer, usually released in the winter, but this was light and airy. I can picture myself sipping it by a campfire on a summer evening.

We kept our car at the hotel parking lot and started venturing northbound on a hilly walk. We almost missed the entrance of Streetcar Brewing because it was tucked away next to the storefront for a kitchen and bath store. The narrow entryway that led us down to a dark basement transported us back to the Prohibition era, but it took us to a spacious tasting room and patio decorated with twinkling lights facing Lolo Lane.

Sipping beer on Streetcar’s patio felt a bit surreal. We knew we were surrounded by businesses and residential buildings in a busy area of town, yet the back alley was peaceful and quiet, almost secluded. We hung out on this patio for a while, fighting over the last sips of our favourites from our beer flight: the Tart Passion Fruit Ale and Guava Gose.

Out front, a group of men laughed and chatted with beer in hand, perhaps a bachelor party–something else made possible with the start of Phase 3!

We might’ve been a bit ambitious when we decided to walk 12 blocks uphill for dinner. Working up a “drinkatite” and appetite, we arrived at Lonsdale Bridgedeck, part of Bridge Brewing, and grabbed a seat on their outdoor patio.

I’m usually not a gin person, but the citrus and juniper berry note in the Lemon Gin Saison made it almost cocktail like, and we were definitely in a full-on summer vacation mood after sipping the PrimeTime Tropical.

Beer always goes well with handheld food. At Bridgedeck, their Crunch Wings were true to its name — crunchy, crispy, and coated with just the right amount of seasoning and sauce. They have very interesting flavours, too. We went with Korean Sweet & Spicy and Cumin & Szechuan Pepper. Both had a hint of spice and heat that went down easily with a gulp of beer. And I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I absolutely loved the Veggie Taco in the Taco Trio. The roasted sweet potato and paneer made great taco toppings. Why I haven’t seen that before?!

Walking downhill to our hotel was an easier feat. We even stopped at the Fun Alley for a quick snap, walked right past a 20-people lineup at Earnest Ice Cream, and continued on until we reached the sliding doors of Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier.

Day 2

We woke up bright and early the next morning and drove to the easternmost part of North Vancouver: Deep Cove. A branch of the Burrard Inlet facing Indian Arm, it is the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations. Deep Cove is well known and popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. Staring at the glistening water and rows and rows of kayaks, we joined six other participants on a three-hour Deep Cove Explorer Tour with Deep Cove Kayak.

The rocking motion of the kayak, the swooshing sound of the water, the warmth from the sun…there’s something cathartic and therapeutic about being in a kayak. Over the three hours, we spotted harbour seals, bald eagles, and sea stars. Our friendly guide, Lauren, also provided us with lots of tidbits about the area. It was satisfying to paddle across the inlet to reach as far north as Raccoon Island, then over to the Jug Island Beach (which is in Belcarra!). Did I mention we were rewarded with a fluffy doughnut each from Honey Doughnut during our break at Jug Island Beach? Totally worth the workout! As we returned, I was in awe of the sheer number of kayaks and paddleboards heading back to shore after a morning enjoying the water–like birds flocking back to the coop.

We needed to fuel up after the morning workout and our next destination was perfect for that. Nestled in a nearby business park, Deep Cove Brewers & Distillers has a charming patio space lined with trees, and a tasting room surrounded by wood barrels. The juxtaposition of the elegant entrance and rustic farmhouse furniture makes the space very unique. There was a group of office workers taking a lunch break, a few friends catching up over lunch and beer, and others simply having a relaxing Monday afternoon.

The Passionfruit Orange Guava (aka POG) Sour had the perfect balance of tartness and tropical fruit note. The Nitro Crawl Stout was also delicious. The Cucumber Pilsner was refreshing with a surprisingly prominent cucumber flavour. And let’s not forget their tasty Lobster Roll! The table next to us ordered one for each person. It’s that good!

Next, we went to the original location of Bridge Brewing. By now we have sampled a few of their beers, so we beat the norm and ordered a pint each of Side Cut IPA and Wunderbar Kolsch. Side Cut was the first BC rendition of the popular North East IPA style and it’s worthy of an encore. The hazy beer was creamy, with a strong aroma of grapefruit and tangerine, and the perfect amount of hop flavour.

The rush hour traffic zooming along Main Street combined with a hopping Happy Hour crowd on the patio made for sense of normalcy at Wildeye Brewing. Before this trip, I had saved an Instagram post about Wildeye’s “Rainbow Flight” so I made sure to order that. With the alluring hue of pink, orange, purple, and green, the Rainbow Flight was more than a feast for the eyes. The addition of blue curacao in the cocktail-inspired Blue Margarita from the local Sons of Vancouver not only made the beer green, but it also enhanced the citrus peel note in this kettled gose. I also became a fan of their Limoncello Sour.

Their food menu was also very appealing. Both items we ordered were spot on. The Gyoza were crispy on the outside with juicy fillings, and the ginger soy sauce was tasty and reminded me of teriyaki sauce with a hint of spice. The tacos were fully loaded, with lots of toppings. Once again, I was blown away by the vegan Fungi Taco that was packed with flavours and what seemed like buckets of mushrooms.

You wouldn’t know it’s a Monday evening if you were sitting next to us at Tap and Barrel Shipyards District. The patio was full and the hockey game was playing in the dining room; the cheers were deafening whenever the Canadiens scored or triumphantly blocked a shot. This familiar (yet strange) atmosphere was intoxicating.

Tap and Barrel has an extensive craft beer menu, divided into different styles so there’s something for everyone. With the direct sunset view of the Vancouver Harbour, Mr. and I sipped our 33 Acres Experiment Mezcal Gose and BREWHALL x Phillips Sunset Stranger Sour. We truly had the best seats on the patio!

The Crispy Humboldt Squid, along with fried banana peppers, made excellent beer food. The acidity in everything was appetite-inducing and addictive. We loved how balanced the Hot Honey Calabrese Pizza was (we learned to drizzle honey on our homemade pizza going forward) and the texture of the dough was perfect.

After dinner, we took a short stroll around Shipyards District and stopped at Welcome Parlour for some ice cream. They, too, have a flight option that allows you to sample multiple flavours. The vegan chocolate orange ice cream was surprisingly tasty.

Day 3

Tomahawk Restaurant has been an institution in the area since the 20s. I remember watching it featured on Triple-D on TV a number of years ago. Between the collection of Indigenous artifacts and the water feature with countless rubber rucks, the interior decor captured my attention.

Our jaws literally dropped when our order of Mixed Grill arrived at our table. We shouldn’t be surprised by the size of it when the menu description started with “nine generous slices of Yukon style bacon,” yet we couldn’t believe how much food there was on the plate. Tomahawk prides itself on its Yukon style bacon and they have every right to. It looks like ham (think Canadian bacon) but still has all the characteristics of sliced bacon. I went on to order myself an Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon with a side of Pancakes. Safe to say, we started our last day in North Vancouver with a bang.

We had three more breweries to visit on this day, and they all have great patios. We love the feel of AstroTurf on our feet at North Point Brewing. We hadn’t had a Hefe for a while so Banana Pancakes was a perfect addition to our flight. A children’s cooking class was being let out next door and, as we people watched, Mr. and I debated which sour was better. Mr. liked the funk in Beaches as Kiwi but I much preferred the combination of peach, pineapple, and mango in Tropic Like It’s Hot.

Over at Beere Brewing, their staff had fun naming their beers. You will find cheeky names like “Flamango” for their mango milkshake IPA, but you will also see random head-scratchers such as “Sitcom Reference.” Here, Mood Ring definitely won our hearts. The hazy double dry-hopped sour was very balanced with layers of flavours. I would’ve liked to try their rice lager, Rice is Nice, but it’s sold out on tap–which gives me one more reason to return to North Vancouver for another brewery hop.

At our final brewery stop, House of Funk Brewing brought me a brew vs. brew dilemma because they also serve up espresso from their own roasted coffee beans. I solved it with the classic Joyce solution of ordering both. Funk Juice is a series of smoothie sours that they produce. The pineapple coconut was absolutely delicious and rightfully named because it was really juicy. Also, kudos to them for collaborating with Pink Boots Society (PBS) to brew Wallonia as a salute to women in the beer industry. A portion of the proceeds from Wallonia goes directly to the PBS Scholarship Fund to support the professional development of women in brewing.

Final Thoughts

In addition to the 14 spots on the North Shore where we can experience local craft beer, North Vancouver has also designated 7 alcohol allowed zones so you can consume alcohol outdoors from 11 am to dusk. It includes Victoria Park West, Shipbuilders Square, and Cates Deck by Lonsdale Quay Market. Did Mr. and I have a favourite North Shore brewery in mind? Perhaps. Does it matter? Not really, because the best part of this trip is getting on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail, and trying them all!

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

The post Exploring Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Many local restaurants are offering special take-out options in the form of brunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. There are also bakeries and patisseries that have put together cakes and pastries that are a feast for the eyes and the bellies.

For the beer-loving moms in your life, many of the province’s craft breweries are also offering lovely Mother’s Day specials you won’t want to miss. Check them out!

Cannery Brewing

198 Ellis Street, Penticton

Take mom to Cannery Brewing on May 9 to enjoy live music from 5pm to 7pm in their family-friendly backyard.

Container Brewing

1216 Franklin St., Vancouver

Purchase a Mother’s Day Crate that includes their Be Right Back sour wheat ale, and to-be-released German pilsner, Noch Mal. Also in the crate are Salted Caramel Polygon Hearts by Beta5 Chocolates and cookies from BAK’D Cookies. Pre-order required for delivery or pickup on Friday, May 7.

Craig Street Brew Pub

25 Craig Street, Duncan

Pre-order the Take and Bake for 4, which includes roasted chicken breasts, sides and dessert. Pre-order between Tuesday and Friday, May 4-7, for pick-up all day on Sunday, May 9.

Farm Country Brewing

#5 – 20555 56 Avenue, Langley

Stop by the brewery between Thursday and Saturday, May 6-8, to pick mom up some beautiful 6-inch potted begonias, grown by local family-owned-and-run Scania Greenhouses. Don’t forget the beer merchandise!

Mountainview Brewing Co.

390 Old Hope Princeton Way, Hope

Stop by Mountainview over the Mother’s Day weekend for their Taco Crunch Supremes and a pint of the new Blackberry Way amber sour (releasing on May 7). Saturday, May 8, is also their “Brews & Blooms” day where you can pick up fresh flowers from Wild Rabbit Flowers starting at noon!

New Tradition Brewing Company

Unit 11, 215 Port Augusta Street, Comox

New Tradition will feature a flight of their beer with a flight of Benino gelato on Mother’s Day for $18.25. Choose from 8 beers on tap and 6 flavours of gelato.

Old Yale Brewing

404-44550 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack

$5 pint and free bundles of flowers for moms in their tasting room all day on May 9, 11am-8pm

Ravens Brewing Company

2485 Townline Road, Abbotsford

Enjoy 10% off their cocktail kits on May 7-9 with code MOTHERSDAY at their online store, or in the tasting room! On Mother’s Day, May 9, their new cocktail flights will be on special to enjoy on their heated patio, plus $1 off caesars and screwdrivers.

Rustic Reel Brewing Co.

760 Vaughan Ave, Kelowna

Rustic Reel has partnered up with Old School Petals and Taste of the Okanagan Specialty Foods to offer two gift packages: small gift package for $55 and large for $75. Pre-order by Wednesday, May 5, for pick-up at Rustic Reel on Saturday, May 8, from 11am-5pm, or Sunday, May 9, from 9am-5pm.

Slackwater Brewing

218 Martin Street, Penticton, BC

Spend a few extra bucks on a great card or gift because Slackwater Brewing has brunch covered! On May 9th, Mother’s get to eat off their fantastic brunch menu free of charge! Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday from 11am-2pm.

Vice & Virtue Brewing Co

1033 Richter Street, Kelowna

In collaboration with Table Forty Nine, you can pick up a brunch picnic box. For $125, A Table For Mom includes waffles, eggs, beers from Vice & Virtue, smoked bacon or trout, hash browns, chocolates, and more!

Whistle Buoy Brewing Company

Unit 63 – 560 Johnson St, Victoria BC

Spoil your mom with this $40 Mother’s Day Box that includes Whistle Buoy beer and merchandise and other local products. You may also include a customized message in a card. Boxes will be prepared and ready for pickup starting at noon on Friday, May 7, until end of day on Sunday, May 9.

Need More Ideas?

Every beer-loving mom would appreciate a selection of her favourite brews. Put together a personalized gift basket full of beer and snacks. Or surprise her by ordering beer delivery from her favourite brewery. You could also order take-out from a local brewpub or restaurant with a side of cold, refreshing beer.

Final Thoughts

There are only a few days left, so start planning! Make sure to follow the latest travel and gathering restrictions and stay safe. Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mom and mom-to-bes out there!

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

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