In the world of craft beer, one of the simplest (and honestly, most enjoyable) of those choices is opting for refillable growlers and howlers.

Long before sustainability became a buzzword, these humble containers were already doing the work. They’ve always offered a way to reduce waste, support local breweries, and enjoy beer a little more intentionally. Now, as conversations around climate impact and conscious consumption continue to grow, they feel more relevant than ever.

If you’ve spent any time exploring BC’s craft beer scene, you’ve likely come across both growlers and howlers. The concept is simple: bring a reusable container to your local brewery, have it filled fresh from the tap, take it home, and do it all over again. No excess packaging, no unnecessary waste, just good beer and a system that makes sense.

And that simplicity is exactly what makes it so impactful.

Every single-use can or bottle comes with an environmental cost. From extracting raw materials to manufacturing, transporting, and eventually recycling (or worse, landfilling), it’s a resource-heavy cycle that repeats itself with every purchase. Refillable containers interrupt that loop. Instead of constantly creating something new, you’re extending the life of something you already have.

Over time, one growler can replace dozens, even hundreds, of single-use containers. It’s a small shift, but one that adds up quickly.

Across British Columbia, where the craft beer industry has grown to nearly 250 breweries, that impact becomes even more meaningful. With that kind of scale comes responsibility. Breweries are already navigating sustainability challenges like water usage, energy consumption, and rising waste management costs. Many are actively working toward better solutions, whether that’s reducing water use, repurposing spent grain, or finding ways to reuse materials like can carriers.

But sustainability in beer isn’t just a brewery-side effort. It’s something drinkers can actively participate in, too.

That’s where refill culture really shines, especially in places like Victoria, where breweries are often just a short walk or bike ride apart. Choosing to refill instead of buying packaged beer not only reduces waste, it keeps your dollars local and strengthens your connection to the people behind the beer.

And some breweries are leaning into that idea in a big way.

Take The Empty Keg Brew House, for example. At a time when many breweries are moving away from growler fills or limiting what they’ll refill, they’ve gone in the opposite direction, actively encouraging customers to bring them in. They’ll fill any growler, not just their own, making it easier for people to participate in reuse without friction.

Their approach is rooted in a simple idea: reuse is better than recycling. Growlers don’t end up in a landfill or require energy to be processed into something new; they just keep going. It’s a small operational shift that reduces the need for canning and bottling, and ultimately, cuts down on waste altogether.

They’ve even added small incentives, like discounted fills and a growler club punch card, but the real value is in making sustainable choices feel easy and accessible. It’s a reminder that when businesses create systems that support better habits, people are far more likely to adopt them.

And it’s not just about sustainability, it’s also about how we drink.

Howlers, the smaller 32-oz version of a growler, offer a more flexible way to enjoy craft beer. They’re perfect for trying something new, sharing a couple of pints, or simply buying exactly what you’ll drink. Less leftover beer means less wasted resources, from the ingredients themselves to the energy used to produce them.

Even the containers have evolved. Today’s growlers come in stainless steel, insulated designs that keep beer cold for hours, or lightweight options that are easy to take along to the beach, a picnic, or a backyard hang. They fit seamlessly into everyday life, which is exactly what sustainable choices need to do.

Because at the end of the day, sustainability doesn’t have to feel complicated or overwhelming.

Sometimes it looks like walking into your local brewery, handing over your growler, and choosing to refill instead of replace.

One small habit. One easy swap. One refill at a time. 

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Earth Day, One Refill at a Time: Why Growlers & Howlers Still Matter appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

The winding West Coast road. The ocean peeking through the trees. That feeling that you’re heading somewhere just a little bit magical.

We set out to experience the breweries of Sooke and Shirley along the BC Ale Trail, taking our time and soaking in every stop. To find them yourself, download the FREE BC Ale Trail app or pick up a Greater Victoria Ale Trail map at any participating location and let it guide your adventure.

Here’s how our day unfolded…

Sooke Oceanside Brewery

Our first stop was tucked behind a surf shop, overlooking the ocean, and it instantly felt like the kind of place you’d want to become a regular.

We were greeted by owner Ryan, who took the time to share the backstory of Sooke Oceanside. The idea for the brewery was born during his successful career as an executive chef. After long days in professional kitchens, his downtime and passion project lived in his garage: brewing beer. What started as a creative release slowly evolved into something much bigger and eventually became the coastal community hub it is today.

You can feel that the chef’s mindset in the beer program is thoughtful, balanced, and intentional.

We sipped our way through:

• Leechtown Lager – crisp and endlessly drinkable
• Renfrew Red – smooth malt character with coastal ease
• Stiff Jab – bold and punchy
• Stick in the Mud Coffee Porter – rich, roasty and beautifully layered

The taproom is small but mighty, filled with local artwork, warm wood, ocean views, and space for intimate live music nights. It feels personal. Community-forward. Authentic.

They’ve also built something really special for locals, a Mug Club that keeps regulars coming back. Plus, great merch (think cozy hoodies, hats, glassware) that you’ll actually want to wear. And from what Ryan shared? There are some very fun things coming down the pipeline, new beers, creative collabs, and fresh ideas in the works.

It’s a brewery that feels rooted in Sooke but still evolving, and we love that.

You can reach Sooke Oceanside via BC Transit, making it one of the more accessible stops on the route.

Bad Dog Brewing Company

Next up: Bad Dog Brewing, and this is exactly what you picture when you think of small craft beer made with love.

Tucked away on a rural property, the space includes the brewhouse and taproom, a picnic area, and the Hot Diggity Dog Food Trailer parked outside.

We actually caught them mid-brew (our favourite timing), which meant we got to peek into the brewhouse and chat with Rosie and John about the family history behind the brewery and their deep love of craft beer. You can tell this is more than a business; it’s a passion project built on years of appreciation for the craft.

Our flight included:

• Space Walk Passion Fruit Ale – bright and fruit-forward
• Kona’s Gone Coconuts – red ale with balanced malt and coconut
• Short ‘N Stout – a smooth milk stout
• Tire Biter – a deliciously hoppy West Coast IPA with citrus and grapefruit notes
• Liquid Hippy – a touch of haze with the zing of mango and hibiscus flower

Every beer felt intentional and handcrafted.

Hot Diggity Dog is not just an afterthought; it’s legit. Think:

• Crispy Chicken Burger
• Kimchi Wraps
• Pulled Pork Buns
• Pulled Pork Poutine

Comfort-forward, beer-friendly bites that absolutely hit.

Of course, we can’t talk about Bad Dog without mentioning the brew dogs. The resident pups are part of the charm, and they welcome visiting dogs too. Between the family story, the dogs, the merch for sale, and the laid-back rural setting, being there genuinely makes you feel like family.

The vibe is perfect. The people are even better.

BC Transit will get you close, but plan for about a 30-minute walk to reach the property.

Checkerhead Brewing (Shirley)

We then made our way to Shirley for Checkerhead, and honestly? This isn’t just a brewery stop. It’s an experience.

Checkerhead has it all: an apiary, disc golf, hiking trails, an Airbnb stay option, gardens growing ingredients for beer, mead and kombucha, interactive games like the Beer Puppeteer rig — and Dave.

Dave is the mastermind juggler behind Checkerhead and truly one of its greatest attractions. His background in busking and world travel shows up directly in the beers he creates; each one is dedicated to someone he’s met along his journey.

We sipped:

• Moroccofied Cerveza, inspired by a flamenco-shredding, joke-slinging, world-class juggling legend who tours with Olé!
• A Coconut Blonde Ale dedicated to a New Zealand hula hooper and street performer
• Wee Zebra ISA, honouring El Gleno Grande (aka Glenn Singer) — a theatrical street performer whose slow-motion miniature zebra-riding act became an international festival legend
• A beautifully tart Rhubarb Braggot
• A Wrye Wit Roggen, layered and spice-forward with rye character
• A Tayberry ale made from berries grown right in Dave’s garden

One of the most unique touches? When you order a beer, you can watch a video about the person it’s dedicated to. We got to “meet” our flight, seeing their talents, magic, and personalities come alive through the stories behind the beer.

Being at Checkerhead really pulls you out of whatever is happening in the wider craft beer world — the uncertainty of the industry, the hype cycles, the bureaucratic red tape that can make it feel heavy — and brings you back to the heart of it all.

It surrounds you with the love and joy of the craft beer that got most of us hooked in the first place. The creativity. The storytelling. The human connection. The pride in ingredients grown on-site. The willingness to experiment simply because it’s fun.

The love of the trade shines through here in a way that’s overwhelmingly contagious. You don’t just drink beer here, you feel it.

Checkerhead is not accessible via BC Transit, so plan for a designated driver or carpool.

Beyond the Breweries

You don’t just have to sip; you can explore.

• Sheringham Point Lighthouse

We wandered out to this stunning National Heritage Lighthouse and took in the sweeping ocean views. It’s peaceful, dramatic, and feels quintessentially West Coast.

• Shirley Delicious

A café tucked in the woods serving fresh-baked goodies, brunch, lunch and excellent coffee. It’s cozy, charming and absolutely worth lingering over.

• Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Naturally carved rock pools along the Sooke River — we explored the trails, and (in warmer months) you can take a refreshing dip. A favourite day-use spot for locals for good reason.

Where to Stay

If you’re turning this into an overnight (highly recommend), here are a few places we love:

• The Bee View Suite (Airbnb) – cozy, private and peaceful. Perfect for a romantic or quiet getaway. (Located on the Chekerhead property)
• SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort – cliffside oceanfront cottages with jaw-dropping views.
• Ocean Song Cottages – charming standalone cottages surrounded by nature.
• Prestige Oceanfront Resort – full-service comfort right on the water.
• Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina – townhouse-style suites overlooking the marina, ideal for groups.

Final Thoughts

Sooke and Shirley are not just “quick brewery stops.” They are coastal experiences filled with passionate owners, family stories, creative risks, rural charm, ocean views, and that feeling of connection that makes craft beer so special.

Whether you download the BC Ale Trail app or grab a map and wander, this stretch of Vancouver Island is absolutely worth the drive.

Trust us: go for the beer, stay for the people.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post A Sooke & Shirley Brewery Day appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Inside the city’s tasting rooms, warmth gathers, candlelight flickers against pint glasses, steam rises from wet coats hung by the door, and conversation hums low and steady. Outside, rain taps patiently on windows, and streets shine under strings of reflected light.

Winter is a season of turning inward, grounding ourselves, finding comfort, and savouring the simple pleasures. And lately, something especially beautiful has been brewing beyond the taps.

Across Victoria, breweries are transforming their spaces into galleries, giving walls life through the hands of local artists. These taprooms now invite guests not only to taste the city but to see it, reflected in brushstrokes, textures, and colour palettes inspired by Vancouver Island itself.

At Victoria Taste Buds, we’re all about celebrating where food, culture, and community intersect. And this trend? It’s a triple win, breweries, artists, and beer lovers all getting a healthy pour of inspiration.

Brewing Culture: Why Art Belongs in the Taproom

When a brewery features local art, it’s making a quiet but powerful statement: creativity is part of the craft. These aren’t just places to sip, they’re places to feel, connect, and reflect.

For artists, a taproom wall can be a canvas for connection. Their work gets seen, discussed, and often purchased by new audiences who might not stroll through gallery doors. Each exhibit can open doors to commissions, collaborations, and friendships that reach far beyond the brewery walls.

For breweries, art deepens their story. A thoughtfully curated mural or print can embody their brand—the rugged coastline, the West Coast light, the sense of community that fills every pour. It invites guests to stay a little longer, to look closer, and to feel part of something living, evolving, and local.

For the community, it’s an expression of shared pride. A pint and a painting together turn a casual drink into a cultural experience, one that reflects who we are and the city we continue to build together.

Mental Health in the Mix

Winter can be beautiful, but it can also be heavy. With darker mornings and longer nights, many of us instinctively seek warmth, comfort, and connection.

Art uplifts. Whether it’s a playful digital piece, a moody coastal landscape, or an abstract splash of colour, visual art can calm a racing mind, offer a spark of joy, or simply give us something beautiful to rest our eyes on.

Tasting rooms, in turn, become refuges, cozy living rooms humming with laughter, glowing wood, and the soft buzz of community. There’s something deeply restorative about sipping a seasonal ale beside a wall of local creativity, especially when the rain drums gently outside.

Social connection matters more than ever this time of year. Every shared laugh, every conversation sparked by a painting or a pint, chips away at the chill and loneliness that can creep in.

And for visitors exploring Victoria, art-filled breweries tell a richer story than any map could. They offer a peek behind the curtain of local life and creativity, a chance to meet the artists, photograph the murals, and maybe even bring home a little piece of the city’s soul.

Why Winter Is the Perfect Season for This

Winter invites us inward. We slow down, seek warmth, and gravitate toward spaces that feel calm, intimate, and intentional. Breweries that pair visual art with winter-inspired brews mirror that instinct beautifully, offering a refuge from the cold and a reason to linger.

 Seasonal art rotations set the tone, snowy landscapes, minimalist winter palettes, moody night scenes, or playful nods to the holidays without overwhelming the senses.
 Soft, cozy atmospheres make taprooms ideal for long conversations, solo reflection, or settling in with a notebook while the world quiets outside.
 Emotional grounding matters most in winter; art and ambiance work together to create a sense of comfort, presence, and gentle connection during the darkest months.

Breweries Leading the Way

At Driftwood Brewery, creativity pours from every corner. Their tasting room walls echo the same bold, imaginative spirit found on their iconic labels. Rotating exhibitions bring new voices to the forefront, and each display feels like an extension of the brewery’s adventurous soul.

But they’re not alone. Across the city, from cozy microbreweries tucked into industrial alleys to waterfront taprooms with sweeping views, art is finding a home among the hops. These spaces are becoming cultural landmarks, places where the line between gallery and gathering place blurs, and everyone’s invited to be part of the experience.

How You Can Support

• Admire the art and ask questions about the artists.
• Share what you discover online to spread the word.
• Buy a print or original piece if one catches your eye.
• Suggest your favourite local artist to your go-to brewery.
• Encourage breweries to keep the rotation going and highlight new voices.

At Victoria Taste Buds, we’ve always believed that food and drink are just the beginning. What makes this city shine are the people who pour their hearts into what they create, whether it’s in a glass, on a wall, or behind a camera.

So this season, when you raise a pint of stout or hazy IPA, take a moment to look around. You might just find a piece of art that speaks to your soul and a space that feels like home.

Cheers to cozy corners, creative hearts, and community-first breweries.

Looking for more artistic stops along the BC Ale Trail?

These breweries around the province also feature rotating art galleries on their walls, or have artworks permanently on display:

• Backroads Brewing Co in Nelson and Osoyoos:

Backroads hosts local artists in both their Nelson and Osoyoos locations. Artists are featured for six to eight weeks, with a focus on a variety of artistic styles as well as photography. The Nelson taproom generally showcases artists from the Kootenays, while the Osoyoos taproom will showcase south Okanagan and Similkameen-based folks.

• Cannery Brewing in Penticton:

Each year, Cannery Brewing hosts the Mini Mural project in partnership with the Penticton Art Gallery and the Ignite the Arts Festival. 10 artists are selected to create square murals, which hang at the brewery from March when the Festival kicks off, until October, when they are auctioned off. 

• Container Brewing in Vancouver:

Container features the work of Vancouver fine-art photographer Bryce Barry, with several large wood-mounted prints on display.

• Luppolo Brewing Company in Vancouver:

Luppolo is currently hosting Mending: Belonging, an art exhibition curated by the Co-Share Collective, a coalition of non-profits working in the Chinatown and Hogan’s Alley neighbourhoods. The exhibition features work from three artists seeking to discuss the question: “What is your connection to the neighbourhood, and why is it important to you as an artist?” Get more info here.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Beyond the Pint: Breweries as Creative Hubs appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.