The air is cooler, leaves are changing colour, and the sun is setting a bit earlier each evening. Sweater weather features a distinct range of seasonal beers, including Oktoberfest-themed lagers, pumpkin-infused ales and fresh hop IPAs.

Here is a selection of fall-themed beers from B.C. craft breweries. Look for them from your favourite breweries or on local liquor store shelves.

Every Pint Tells a Story — Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

Fresh is Best!

September is fresh hop season, when many BC breweries create special beers using hops fresh from the harvest at local farms. Best known is likely the OG from Driftwood Brewery, Sartori Harvest IPA, but many other breweries also make fresh hop beers.

Storm Brewing embraces its location in the industrial heart of East Vancouver by utilizing hops grown in its own neighbourhood.

The resulting Fresh Hop IPA is only available for a short period of time — until it runs out.

Storm Brewing can be found on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail. 

See below for other fresh hop beers, along with other fall seasonals from BC craft breweries.

Two fall releases from Cannery Brewery:

• Vees Edition Lakeboat Lager (5% ABV | 20 IBU) This is a special edition German-Style Lager to celebrate the Penticton Vees and their inaugural 2025-2026 season in the WHL.
• Cannery Zombie Swarm Double IPA (8.5% ABV | 80 IBU) This Double IPA is packed with a hoard of Cascade, Centennial, Columbus, Simcoe and Amarillo Hops.

Cannery Brewing can be found on the Penticton Ale Trail.

Fresh Coast Fresh Hop IPA – Container Brewing (6% ABV)

A citrusy grapefruit-like bitterness sets off a satisfying base of earthy pine and wood aromatics provided by the fresh Centennial hops. Lightly malty with a hint of honey like sweetness for balance.

Container Brewing can be found on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Three fresh hop beers from Yellow Dog Brewing:

• Alpha Dog Fresh Hop Pale Ale (5.2% ABV | 60 IBU)
• New Tricks Fresh Hop Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV | 50 IBU)
• Little Dog Syndrome Fresh Hop Double IPA (8.2% ABV | 80 IBU)

Yellow Dog Brewing can be found on Brewers Row in the Port Moody Ale Trail and on the Penticton Ale Trail.

Three harvest-themed beers from Locality Brewing:

• Provenance Melon Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV | 50 IBU) Fresh cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon from A Rocha Farms paired with Vista and Huell Melon hops.
• Cranberry Cherry Haywire Cherry Sour(5% ABV | 10 IBU) Tart cranberry juice from the BOG riverside farm paired with cherries and a touch of lemon.
• “Not Sorry” Nanaimo Bar Brown Ale (5.7% ABV | 15 IBU) Smooth layers of milk chocolate and toasted coconut make each sip taste like a liquid Nanaimo bar.

Locality Brewing can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Three harvest beers from The Patch Brewery:

• New Traditions Fresh Hopped Pale Ale (5.5% ABV) A 100% Laity Farms beer using the farm’s own Laity Pilsner Malt and farm-grown Cascade Hops.
• Oktoberfest Lager (5.7% ABV | 28 IBU) A medium bodied malty amber lager with flavours of toasty biscuit malt.
• Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin Ale (5.8% ABV | 25 IBU)

The Patch Brewery can be found on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail.

Three fall beers from Howe Sound Brewing:

• Pothole Filler Imperial Stout (9% ABV) Bold and decadent, this Imperial Stout pours deep with flavours of roasted coffee and dark chocolate.
• Pumpkineater Pumpkin Ale (8% ABV) An imperial ale brewed with pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.
• Seasonal Confusion Strata IPA (6.8% ABV) Brewed with Strata hops, this IPA bursts with strawberry, passion fruit, grapefruit and melon.

Howe Sound Brewing can be found on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail.

Three autumn beers from Mariner Brewing:

• German Export Lager (5%| 20 IBU ABV) A fest bier that captures the essence of Oktoberfest with its crisp and malty flavor profile, balanced by a hearty amount of noble hops.
• Lights at Lafarge Dark Lager (5.6% ABV) With notes of dark caramel and hints of rich chocolate, balanced by spicy noble hops and a flinty, dry finish. 
• Belgian Tripel (8% ABV) A beautiful Belgian-style tripel brewed with pear and honey.

Mariner Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Layer Up Apple Pie Brown Ale from Beacon Brewing (5.5% ABV)

A spiced brown ale with notes of cinnamon along with big apple flavour. Served on Nitro for an extra special treat/

Beacon Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Ghostrider Pumpkin Brown Ale by Fernie Brewing Co. (5% ABV | 13 IBU)

Named after a local Fernie legend, Ghostrider is brewed with pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and allspice.

Fernie Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Two fall releases from Dead Frog Brewery:

• Pumpkin Spice Creamsicle (4.2% ABV) A smooth, creamy, and cozy seasonal brew packed with pumpkin and perfectly balanced with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Nutty Family Pack (6.1% ABV) This 4-pack includes 2 cans each of Nutty Uncle Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout and Nutty Auntie Chocolate Hazelnut Porter.

Dead Frog Brewery can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Two beers from Backcountry Brewing:

• Maple Bay IPA⁠ (6.5% ABV | 30 IBU) Brewed with fresh Cascade and Centennial hops from the Maple Bay Hop Farm. The gorgeous label was created by local Métis artist Jean Paul Langlois.
• It Was the Style at the Time⁠ (5% ABV | 20 IBU) Celebrate Oktoberfest with this delicious Bavarian-style Festbier.

Backcountry Brewing can be found on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail.

Nitro Blackheart Oatmeal Stout – Nelson Brewing (5.7% ABV)

A classic full-bodied stout with notes of chocolate and coffee, elevated by a creamy-smooth Nitro finish.

Nelson Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail.

Buckwild Stout from Grey Fox Brewing (5% ABV | 23 IBU)

The gluten-free Buckwild Stout is a classic available year round but perfect for the fall season. 

Grey Fox Brewing can be found on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Celtic Ember Scottish Red Ale from Silverstar Brewing (5.5% ABV)

This Scottish Red Ale embraces rich malt character with a warming blend of butterscotch, caramel, and toffee, evoking the essence of a traditional Scottish brew.

Silverstar Brewing can be found on the Southern Interior Ale Trail.

Lederhoser Festbier from Encore Brewing (5.5% ABV)

Ditch your ball caps and grab your toques, ya hosers! The Lederhoser is a German-style festbier brewed exclusively with Canadian ingredients. Prost!

Encore Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Crooked Tooth Nitro Pumpkin Ale from Phillips Brewing (7% ABV | 24 IBU)

This seasonal classic is a full-bodied ale brewed with fresh pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Phillips Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Also, look for the Hop Selection Mixed Pack  currently available in the Phillips retail store and coming soon to private liquor stores across BC. It includes four hazy IPAs designed to showcase the unique character of three standout hop varieties:

• Luminosa Single Hop Hazy IPA (7% ABV | 30 IBU)
• Galaxy Single Hop Hazy IPA (7% ABV | 30 IBU)
• Strata Single Hop IPA (7% | 30 IBU)
• Luminosa, Galaxy, Strata Hazy IPA (7% | 30 IBU)

Twilight Bliss Dark Cream Ale from Off the Rail Brewing (5% ABV | 26 IBU)

This is a smooth and comforting Dark Cream Ale that boasts gentle notes of roasted malt, caramel and a touch of chocolate — rounded out by a velvety mouthfeel.

Off the Rail Brewing can be found on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Cali Common by Field House Brewing (5.5% ABV)

Originating in San Francisco, and traditionally brewed for “the common man,” this lager is fermented at ale temperatures. Crisp and malty with a golden amber colour. 

Field House Brewing can be found in Abbotsford on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.

Fresh Hop IPA from Category 12 Brewing (6% ABV)

Capturing the peak of the hop harvest, Centennial hops grown at Topp’s Hops in the Chilliwack Valley were picked at their prime and rushed to the brewery the very same day!

Category 12 Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Nebenstrasse Festbier – Backroads Brewing (5.7% ABV)

A clean, smooth and complex malty lager featuring bready notes and a slightly spicy hop profile from German noble hops.

Backroads Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail.

Three fall-themed beers from Patina Brewing:

• Marzen (6.5% ABV) Brewed and lagered in the traditional Munich style.
• Blueberry Wheat (5.6% ABV) Fermented with 500 lbs of local blueberries and finished with the oil of 838 cold-pressed lemons. 
• Horchata Cream Ale (5.5% ABV) Notes of vanilla and cinnamon will light up your tastebuds and then let them down easily with its smooth finish.

Patina Brewing can be found on Brewers Row in the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Pumpkin Pie Ale – Storm Brewing (5% ABV)

Pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, clover, black pepper, and vanilla in an ale that packs all the flavour you can expect from Storm. 

Storm Brewing can be found on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Three fall beers from PoCo Brothers Brewing:

• Dark Lager (4.5% ABV) An award-winning Schwarzbier with notes of toasted caramel, a hint of bitter chocolate, and a beautiful dark copper colour.
• Thiolized Wheat Ale (4.5% ABV) Brewed with 40% German malted wheat, this ale boasts a smooth texture and a crisp finish. Infused with coriander for a subtle spice and dried orange zest for a zesty kick.
• Easy Pale Ale (4.5% ABV) A crisp, refreshing pale ale that highlights Canadian malt and classic West Coast hops in perfect harmony.

PoCo Brothers Brewing can be found on Brewers Row in the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

The post Autumnal Ales, Fresh Hop IPAs & Oktoberfest Lagers appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Fall is the perfect time to celebrate seasonal releases—think everything from limited edition fresh hop brews to rich pumpkin ales, and the return of stout season. Watch for brews that showcase the best of autumn flavours alongside your favourite year-round sips. Whether you’re looking to sample brews from a new-to-you brewery or simply enjoy good times with fellow beer enthusiasts, BC’s fall festival lineup promises unforgettable experiences that prove great vibes aren’t just for summer.

Silver Star Beer & Cider Fest • Silver Star Mountain, Vernon

September 6

What’s better than beer in the mountains? Celebrate Oktoberfest early this year with Silver Star’s signature craft beer and cider event—the perfect après to an epic summer season. They’re bringing the celebration back to this lively mountain village and invite you to come sip some of BC’s finest brews, enjoy food, a Polson Market pop-up, live music, games, and plenty of fun.

Barnside Harvest Festival • Ladner

September 12 – 14

The third annual, three-day festival in Ladner will feature live music from some of Canada’s most iconic bands, including the Walk off the Earth, Arkells and The Dead South. Along with tasty craft brews, the festival will include a multitude of food trucks; an artisan market;  the Delta Heritage Pavilion, and so much more.

Bring your pup on Sunday, Sept 14, from 12-5 pm. Explore exciting treat stations, play Musical Mats, and walk the red carpet as a part of our Best Dressed Dog Contest! Ticket holders can bring their dogs on Sunday afternoon to enjoy a day in the park with music and fun.

New this year: BC Craft Beer Corner
Come out on SUNDAY to enjoy a special celebration of local breweries from across the province, served alongside great food and live music.

Participating Breweries include: Camp Beer Co. | Container Brewing | Curious Creatures Beer | Barn Owl Brewing Co. | Driftwood Brewery | Farm Country Brewing | Field House Brewing | Giant’s Head Brewing | KPU Brew Lab | Luppolo Brewing | Moody Ales | Nelson Brewing Company | Old Abby Ales | The Parkside Brewery | Rewind Beer | Slackwater Brewing | The Patch Brewery | Tin Whistle Brewing | Trading Post Brewing | Wayback Brew Co.

SUPPORTED BY THE BC CRAFT BREWERS GUILD & THE BC ALE TRAIL

Whistler Village Beer Festival • Whistler

September 14

The 11th annual Whistler Village Beer Festival, presented by Gibbons Whistler & Brewhalla,  is returning in September 2024. The main event will feature 40+ craft beverage manufacturers and over 80 varieties of craft beverages, including beer, cider, and seltzers to sample at the iconic Olympic Plaza, with the mountains as your backdrop. Complete with food trucks, live music, interactive activities and thousands of fellow festival lovers, this event is always an incredible time.

vALEfest • Valemount

September 13

Tourism Valemount Society invites you to experience vALEfest 2025! This outdoor craft beer festival is set to take place at the Canoe Mountain Rodeo Grounds in Valemount, BC. A vibrant celebration of mountain culture, craft beer, and community spirit. Enjoy thirst-quenching craft brews, foodie delights, and the dynamic live musical performance from headlining act Five Alarm Funk.

Shuttles will be available to and from the event.

Shuswap Brewers Fest • Salmon Arm

September 13

The Shuswap Brewers Fest is a celebration of locally made craft beer, cider, and spirits. This event will bring together community, supporting local businesses and highlighting what the Shuswap region has to offer in the beverage industry. There will be live music, food trucks, entertainment, and beverage vendors. This event is a fundraiser for the Salmon Arm Rescue Society as they upgrade equipment to match the heightened demand on the area’s highways with first responder calls.

Oliver’s Cask & Keg Festival is back bigger and better than ever! Take part in the exciting Beer Olympics sponsored by Firehall Brewery. Taste the passion behind local Okanagan craft brews, ciders, and spirits. Indulge in delicious ‘food truck’ food and dance to live music. Cask & Keg is a day-time family-friendly event focused on celebrating the creations of local and regional breweries, cideries, and distilleries.

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Steveston Beer Festival • Steveston

September 20

The annual Steveston Beer Fest will be held at the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston. Partial proceeds from this event will support the Richmond Christmas Fund and other local non-profit groups. The Beer Fest will host approximately forty booths and will showcase craft beer from around BC, the United States and other countries from around the world. This event is intended to entice those who are new to craft beer as well as the experienced palate.

 

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White Rock Craft Beer Festival • White Rock

September 20

White Rock’s favourite fall event is back! Join the breweries and food vendors at the beautiful White Rock waterfront for this fun and festive event.

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Penticton Beer Week • Penticton

September 26 – October 4

Get ready for a full week jam-packed with events for beer lovers everywhere. Penticton’s craft breweries, known collectively as the Penticton Beer Blocks, include some of BC’s oldest craft breweries and some of BC’s newest craft breweries.

There will be events at each of the breweries as well as at restaurants and other venues around town. This is the perfect time to explore Penticton’s exciting craft beer scene.

 

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BrewLoops • Kamloops

October 3 – 4

BrewLoops 2025 is Kamloops’ premier beer, music, and culture festival—an unforgettable multi-day celebration of craft beer, live entertainment, and community spirit. Since 2014, this non-profit event has brought together breweries and cideries from across BC, along with music, theatre, food, bike tours, and block parties that light up the city. More than just a good time, BrewLoops supports local arts and culture through partnerships with Western Canada Theatre and Rotary West, contributing over $75,000 to community causes to date.

Don’t forget to stop by the BC Ale Trail Booth and say ‘hi!’ – and be sure to check in on our mobile app to collect bonus points!

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BC Craft Brewers Conference • New Westminster

October 16 – 17

Bringing together BC’s craft brewing community for a weekend of seminars, building community connections, and celebration. Tickets on sale now!

BC Beer Awards & Festival • Vancouver

October 17

Sample a variety of BC craft beers while you cheer on your favourite breweries at the annual awards ceremony. Awards will be presented for 30+ beer categories plus top awards including Best in Show, the CBC Judge’s Choice, Rookie of the Year, Brewery of the Year, Innovator of the Year and The Legend Award, as well as the Creative Industry Awards, recognizing breweries for crafting unique items and experiences that enhance the craft beer lovers’ brand awareness.

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Grab your tickets, your fellow craft beer lovers and start planning your festival outfits!

No matter where your ale-ventures take you this year, be sure to share your experiences by tagging @BCAleTrail – and always enjoy responsibly.

The post 2025 Autumn Ale-ventures: The Ultimate BC Fall Beer Festival Guide appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Hit the lakes and the links, or find your new favourite trail to hike or bike. Sip your way through four local breweries and discover mouthwatering restaurants.  The trails are quiet, the greens are prime, and the lakes are calm. Recently, Mary Sheridan (@MaryInVanCity) hit the road to spend a weekend exploring, sipping and savouring her way around the vast landscapes, and unique blend of urban and outdoor adventures of Kamloops. Here are her top five reasons that Kamloops should be your next fall road trip destination.

Learn about the history of the land and its people

Kamloops is located on the ancestral lands of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. The Tk’emlúpsemc, or “the people of the confluence”  have lived there since time immemorial. Visit Tk’emlupsemcúl̓ecw with respect and take part in authentic Indigenous experiences. From tours to cuisine, there are many ways to honour and embrace their culture—and broaden your understanding of their values, traditions, and lived experiences.

If you time your trip just right, you can immerse yourself in a captivating lineup of films from Indigenous creators from Canada and abroad at the annual Stseptékwles re Sk’elép (Coyote Stories) Indigenous Film Festival, held in late September.

Crisp Trails & Fall Colors

From laid-back paths to rugged terrain, there’s an option for every level of hiker to explore. Mary and her travel partner chose the McArthur Island Loop, a visit to BC’s largest municipal park, Kenna Cartwright Park, and Peterson Creek Nature Park⁠. The McArthur Island loop is a 2-3km paved walking loop around the bustling sports-oriented Island where you’re likely to see local wildlife including marmots, deer, and plenty of ducks, geese and swans. If you want to get more off the beaten track, Kenna Cartwright Park boasts over 40km of multi-use trails for hikers and mountain bikers of all ages and abilities, featuring breathtaking views of the Thompson Valley. Peterson Creek Nature Park combines the best of both worlds. It is situated in the heart of the city along a natural creek corridor, featuring over 10 km of varied trails for every skill level.

Find your perfect hike. 

Local Breweries

Kamloops is home to four breweries, each with their own personality and style.

• Sample innovative, small-batch brews straight from the tanks at Bright Eye Brewing. Pair them with something from the large, curated menu of fresh bites.
• In addition to its award-winning beer, Iron Road Brewing is known for its authentic Mexican food.
• The Noble Pig Brewhouse, simply put, features incredible house-made craft brews paired with meticulously created food using only the best ingredients.
• Downtown, you’ll find Red Collar Brewing, a gathering place for beer lovers and brewers of the Room to Roam collab beer.

This fall, Red Collar Brewing has partnered with Tourism Kamloops to create the Room to Roam IPA. Inspired by the endless trails of Kamloops this light, crisp and refreshing Belgian White IPA is the perfect companion to sit back and enjoy the beauty around you.⁣ Be on the lookout for 4-packs at the brewery and at Everything Wine BC locations around the province.

Beyond the Brews

Kamloops is home to a thriving culinary scene. While each of the four local breweries offers its own options for great eats, you’ll find so much more to explore. From the authentic Indigenous cuisine at Kekuli Café, to delectable and indulgent breakfasts at The Chook Eatery, waking up on holidays is easy for once!

For non beer drinkers, or those who simply like some variety, you can, of course, find plenty of other tasting opportunities at an abundance of local cideries and wineries like Privato Vineyard and Winery or Woodward Cider.

Explore the Arts and Culture Scene

Kamloops is more than outdoor adventures – there is also a thriving arts scene and a unique culture that has to be experienced to be understood. There are three art galleries each with their own unique exhibits featuring contemporary and traditional works from local and national artists. For a dazzling experience, check out the Illuminate Kamloops project: a city-wide showcase of art and light bringing to life the urban landscape.

Support local makers, artisans and vendors at the Kamloops Farmers’ Markets or a local shop like Haus of Misfit that hosts night markets with dozens of artists, a retail space showcasing independent brands, and ‘haus-made’ goods.

Level up your trip with a Sip + Stay package

Pair your stay with a craft beer experience by booking a Sip + Stay package. From now until December 15, the Thompson Hotel is offering a great deal on your stay, plus some local brews and treats to enjoy. Located less than 10 minutes’ walk from a beach, this restored historic hotel is located in the Kamloops city centre making it the perfect home-away-from-home for your ale-venture.

The post MaryInVanCity’s Top Five Reasons to Explore Kamloops This Fall appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Fresh hop beers are made with hops that come fresh off the bine, making it into the brew kettle or fermenter less than 24 hours after being picked. In BC, hops are typically harvested as early as late August through to early October, and then the race is on to get them to the brewery as soon as possible for maximum freshness.

Typically, hops are kiln-dried and pelletized to improve their shelf life. But fresh hop (or wet-hopped) beers retain more of the hops’ essential oils and volatile aromatics, resulting in a beer that is bursting with character that dried hops simply can’t provide.

Fresh hop beers are often brighter, earthier, more floral and can even feature an almost tingly sensation due to the prevalence of essential oils and acids. Naturally, beer styles that are built around hop character, like IPAs and pale ales, are generally preferred for fresh hop beers.

One thing is for sure, though, these unique beers are definitely different, and they only come around once a year, so get them while you can.

Unsurprisingly, it is best to drink fresh hop beers when they are fresh, as the volatile flavour compounds will degrade with considerable speed. Once a fresh hop beer is more than a month old, it’s lost most if not all of its magic.

Here’s a selection of fresh hop beers from across B.C. that you can find at your local craft beer store this fall:

Farm. Fresh. Hop. IPA by Barnside Brewing (Delta)

Fresh Cascade and Triple Pearl hops – with a couple of buckets of Tahoma thrown in for good measure – set the tone for the 2024 version of Barnside’s 100% farm-hopped beer. With their ’20 minutes from field to kettle’ promise, this beer is as fresh as it gets. It pours with a dark golden haze, presenting prominent stone fruit in the direction of nectarine and white peach, with citrus, grapefruit rind, and champagne-like carbonation, backed by a classic mild bitterness.

Hop Attack Fresh Hop IPA by Steamworks Brewing (Burnaby and Vancouver)

This classic West Coast IPA features assertive hop bitterness and plenty of that characteristic fresh hop tingle. Bright and lively with a sturdy malt backbone to not only support the hops, but leave the beer balanced and approachable as well. 

Green Reaper Fresh Hop IPA by Phillips Brewing and Malting Co. (Victoria)

This IPA features a massively fruity and floral nose, with massive gobs of citrus, pine and tropical fruit. Well-balanced with restrained hop bitterness resulting in a dangerously crushable beer.

Fresh Hop Extra Pale Ale by Cannery Brewing (Penticton)

Cannery’s annual fresh hop beer is based on their Muse Extra Pale Ale and this year features fresh Mosaic hops from Loftus Ranches in the Yakima Valley. The result is vibrantly fruity and floral with big hop aroma and flavours and a clean dry finish enticing you back to take another sip.

Maple Bay IPA Fresh Hop IPA by Backcountry Brewing (Squamish)

This lively hazy IPA bursts with stonefruit, citrus and melon aromas. Hazy gold in colour with a meringue-like head, notes of grapefruit, apricot and tropical fruit dominate with a lovely fresh hop tingle that will bring brightness to even the most dismal autumn days.

Sartori Harvest IPA by Driftwood Brewery (Victoria)

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Driftwood’s annual celebration of fresh hops. Centennial hops from the Sartori Cedar Ranch in Chilliwack’s Columbia Valley take centre stage here with luscious floral and earthy notes of pine, grapefruit and grass. An ample malt backbone helps support the moderate hop bitterness.

New Tricks Fresh Hop Hazy IPA by Yellow Dog Brewing (Port Moody)

This hazy little number features intensely fruity hop aromas and flavours, with juicy fruit flavours of citrus, stonefruit and melon. Low hop bitterness and a smooth finish mean you’re gonna go crazy for this fresh hop hazy. 

Wolf Vine Wet Hopped Pale Ale by Hoyne Brewing (Victoria)

Earthy notes of citrus, pine, and grass feature heavily in Hoyne’s annual foray into fresh hop beers. Malt notes of cracker and grain help round out this fresh hop pale ale.

The post Hop to It: Your Guide to B.C.’s Fleeting Fresh Hop Beer Season appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

I’ll try not to bore you with too many details and, if you’re impatient, you can just skip to the end and find out about the best Oktoberfest celebrations in BC. But I must warn you, if you do that, you may be robbing yourself of some important Oktoberfest knowledge that could come in handy over the next couple of weeks. You wouldn’t want to get caught with your lederhosen down when your friends at the Wiesn yell “Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!”*

While we in North America often think of Oktoberfest as a two-week-long bender in the streets of Germany filled with people in silly costumes, the reality is a bit more nuanced. 

It all started way back in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen had a Bavarian royal wedding. It was the first royal wedding held in Munich in almost a century, making it a particularly special occasion. But it was also a chance for the newly formed Kingdom of Bavaria (est. 1806) to demonstrate its National pride.

As with any good wedding, when the ceremony is over you need to celebrate with… a horse race? Okay, remember, this is 1810. They did things a little differently. They also celebrated with music, a free opera, a play, and, of course, beer. This folk festival was held in the meadow outside the city gates in an area that was renamed Theresienwiese (Theresa’s Fields) to honour the princess. That name still stands today but has been abbreviated by locals to Wiesn, which is what they also use to refer to modern-day Oktoberfest.

I told you you’d learn some great facts!

Of course, when a great party is thrown there needs to be a sequel, so, in subsequent years the horse races and folk festival continued, commemorating the Royal wedding, but they also added other activities like tree climbing, bowling and carnival booths through the early 1800’s. 

While beer has always been a central part of Oktoberfest, the iconic beer tents didn’t appear until the late 19th century. The oldest and longest-running beer tent, Schottenhamel Festhalle, opened its festival doors in 1867 with a modest 50-seat venue but in 1886, they expanded by adding a canvas tent on the Theresienwiese.

Schottenhamel also holds a special significance beyond its longevity. Since 1950, it has been the official starting point for Oktoberfest. Each year, at noon on opening day, a 12-gun salute echoes through the air as the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg and proclaims “Ozapft is” (“it is tapped“) to the cheering crowd. The mayor then presents the first maßkrug (1-litre stein) of beer to the Minister-President of the State of Bavaria and Oktoberfest is officially underway.

But why is Oktoberfest partially in September and why do the dates change every year? 

For a country known for its precision and accuracy, they’re pretty laissez-faire when it comes to setting dates for the world’s biggest beer celebration. Well, it’s actually pretty simple, Oktoberfest always ends on the first Sunday in October and begins on the preceding Saturday, two weeks prior. The only exception occurs when Tag der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Day), which is on October 3, falls on the Monday following Oktoberfest’s conclusion. In this case, they extend the festival one day to coincide with the National holiday.

This still doesn’t answer why Oktoberfest is primarily celebrated in September though! 

That’s an easy answer as well….weather. Bavaria is cold in October. The original festival ran from October 12 to 17, but as it grew and the dates were extended, organizers decided to move it to the current dating system to allow for longer, warmer nights that are experienced in September.

But What About The Beer?

Traditionally, and for about a century, the official beer of the festivities had been a Märzen, an amber-coloured malt-rich pale lager with an aroma and flavour resembling toasted bread or biscuits. However, this designation has become a little more ambiguous in recent years. Some people argue that it’s now a festbier, a lighter and less toasty version of a Märzen. Others maintain that the Märzen remains the standard, while still others contend that there is no official style at all. Regardless of the specific style, one thing remains constant: all Oktoberfest beers must adhere to Reinheitsgebot, the German Beer Purity Law. 

Reinheitsgebot, say it with me…”rine-hites-kuh-bowt”, mandates that brewers use only water, malted barley, hops, and yeast in their beer. Sorry, marshmallow fruited sours, you’re a no-go in Deutschland. In fact, if you’re a brewery in Germany and you don’t follow Reinheitsgebot you legally cannot call your product “bier”.

To add another layer of complexity, the beer served at Oktoberfest in Munich must not only adhere to Reinheitsgebot but also be brewed within the city limits. Only six breweries currently meet these stringent requirements: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschor, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.

Although I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Munich and sampling brews at some of the famous beer halls, I’ve unfortunately yet to experience the full spectacle of an authentic Oktoberfest. It’s definitely on my beer-ket list though, as I’m sure it is for most ale aficionados. Fortunately for us beer nerds in BC, we have a plethora of great Oktoberfest events to partake in. With that beautiful segue, here’s a list of all the remaining Oktoberfest celebrations over the next couple of weeks. See you there! PROST!

*”one, two, three, drink!”

Oktoberfest Events Around BC

Oktoberfest Features at Black Kettle Brewing (North Vancouver) • September 12 – October 6

Featuring authentic Munich beer: an Oktoberfest Marzen from Hacker Pschorr, as well as house-brewed German beers and a German-inspired food menu.

Oktoberfest Feature Menu at BREWHALL (Vancouver) • September 12 – October 2

The Feature menu includes returning favourites, a new Bratwurst board, and limited release beer.

Oktoberfest at Parallel 49 Brewing Company (Vancouver) • September 20 – October 5

Featuring: A tented biergarten; live music Thursdays – Saturdays; German-style food, beer and music; prizes for best dressed.

Oktoberfest Feature Menu at Howe Sound Brewing (Squamish, New Westminster and East Vancouver) • September 21 – October 6

Feature menu includes:  fresh baked pretzels with mustard and bratwurst, and two beer specials.

Oktoberfest Feature Menu at Main St Brewing (Vancouver) • September 21 – October 6

Feature menu by Rosie’s BBQ and Smokehouse includes their take on Bavarian classics like pretzels and beer cheese sauce, bratwurst, schnitzel and currywurst with a special ham hock dinner available only on the weekends. On the beer side, look for special Oktoberfest brew releases.

Oktoberfest at Two Peaks Brewing (Kitimat) • September 25 – 28

Featuring: A full Oktoberfest-inspired menu – Oktoberfest attire highly encouraged!

Oktoberfest at Trading Post Brewing (Langley) September 27 and October 4

Featuring: German beer fest flights, German food, a live oom-pah-pah band, costume contest and more. Food and reserved seating are limited – walk-ins are welcome, but to ensure a table for your group book tickets at the link above to reserve a table and German Platter(s).

Oktoberfest at BNA Brewing (Kelowna) • September 27 & 28

Featuring: Traditional Bavarian music, a special Oktoberfest menu from BNA Burger, an exclusive Festbier and more

Oktoberfest at Beva Brewing & Blending (North Vancouver) • September 28

Featuring: Oktoberfest-themed food specials, pretzels, a new Festbier and two more beer releases. The brewhouse will be open for extra seating.

Oktoberfest at Five Roads Brewing (Langley) • September 28

Featuring: A German-inspired food menu, music, beers and good times. Call to make a reservation: 604-539-6754

Oktoberfest at Kelowna Beer Institute (Kelowna) • September 28

Featuring: A German-inspired menu, beer, steins, and, yes, giant pretzels. Oh, and Felix will be back for another year.

Oktoberfest at Lakesider Brewing (Kelowna) • September 28 and 29

Featuring: New beer release, German food, games and prizes, live music on Saturday. Wear your lederhosen and bring your stein!

Oktobeer Feast at Mayne Island Brewing • September 28 and 29

Feature menu for the weekend includes artisan Bavarian eats from Das Nest Restaurant, paired with six German-inspired beers.

Oktoberfest at Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford • September 28

Featuring: Live music, best dress competition, stien holding competition, an exclusive Festbier and Oktoberfest-inspired food features

Oktoberfest at Railside Brewing (Kelowna) • September 28

Featuring: Special release Fest Das Bier, BBQ Bratwurst and music

Steel & Oaktoberfest at Steel & Oak Brewing (New Westminster) • September 28

Featuring: 8 German beers, both flagship favourites and limited releases, with great deals on German beer flights and glasses; German-insipired food from Between 2 Buns; a pretzel bar; extra banquet hall seating; Bavarian decorations; a costume contest, and beer stein holding competition.

Oktoberfest at The Beer Farmers (Pemberton) • September 28

Featuring: New beer release: Country Gold Märzen; bratwurst, sauerkraut, gingerbread soft serve, and a live 3-piece Oktoberfest band from 4-6 PM

Oktoberfest at Sidekick Brewing (Chilliwack) • September 29

Featuring: limited edition steins available for purchase, live music, games, challenges and prizes, a special beer release and feature Oktoberfest menu. Costumes highly encouraged!

Note: this is a ticketed event – get yours at the link above. 

‘r’Oktobeerfest at Shore Line Brewing (Kelowna) • October 4 – 6

Featuring: A non-traditional Oktoberfest with live music all weekend, new beer release, Bavarian food specials, and more.

Oktoberfest at Salt Spring Brewery (Salt Spring Island) • October 5

Featuring: A special menu from South End Sausage, a specially brewed cask, music, and more. Dressing up is encouraged, but not mandatory.

Oktoberfest at Sooke Brewing Company (Sooke) • October 5

Featuring: Randy’s Rod Dogs will be on site serving up Bratwurst alongside tasty brews and and pretzels.

Oktoberfest at Another Beer Co (New Westminster) • October 6

Details to come!

Oktoberfest at Abandoned Rail Brewing Co (Penticton) • October 12

Featuring: Live music, food trucks, traditional beer hall tables and a dance floor – all under an Oktoberfest festzelt (tent) in the barley fields. Tickets include your beer, shuttles to and from the Lakeside Resort, and an exclusive stein.
NOTE: this is a ticketed event, with two seatings available. Tickets available at the link above.

The post From Tradition to Celebration: The History of Oktoberfest and Local Events to Toast the Season appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Surrounded by mountains and rushing rivers, Cranbrook offers endless discovery. As temperatures cool, it transforms into a fall paradise, perfect for those seeking an authentic autumn escape. With a longer summer season than many neighbouring destinations, Cranbrook remains warm and open for mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor adventures well into the fall. Read on for eight reasons to make Cranbrook, BC your next travel destination.

Quick Hop Across the Border

Cranbrook is just a three-and-a-half-hour drive on Route 95 from Spokane, making it ideal for an impromptu weekend escape. Plus, thanks to the favourable exchange rate, American travellers can enjoy a 25% to 35% discount on their trip!

Book a Sip + Stay

Pair your stay with a craft beer experience by booking a Sip + Stay package. Cranbrook has somewhere special for you to rest your head, from upscale resorts to historic hotels to family-run bed and breakfasts and everything in between.

Go on a Tasting Ale-venture

Cranbrook is home to two local craft breweries, each with its unique offerings. The Heid Out Restaurant is home to Fisher Peak Brewing, while Encore Brewing features a craft brewery, bowling alley, arcade, and tasting room with a full kitchen.

Participate in the Cranbrook + Kimberley Tasting Passport from September 13 to October 31. Collect six stamps from a selection of 10+ businesses and be entered to win a grand prize draw. 

Golden Views 

Cranbrook’s autumn is a dramatic spectacle as golden larches transform the Kootenay landscapes from green to honey-toned gold. From late September through November, locals embrace the season, paddling calm waters, hiking trails wrapped in amber warmth, and taking scenic drives through the caramel-kissed countryside.

READ MORE: Chasing the Colours – Larch and Craft Brews

Paddle Mountain Lakes

Whether it’s a refreshing plunge, a scenic view, or a picturesque paddle, Cranbrook offers it all with four lakes within an hour’s drive. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, these uncrowded waters are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater paddling.

READ MORE: Paddle Mountain Lakes – 10 Lakes in 2 Days

Biking

Cranbrook boasts world-class riding options, from road and gravel routes to singletrack and groomed winter trails. Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Trench, it’s a prime destination for mountain biking, offering everything from quiet singletrack to challenging black-diamond descents, all just minutes from the city.

Trekking Adventures for All Levels

With the Rocky Mountains and Purcell Ranges at Cranbrook’s doorstep, it’s the perfect spot to stretch your hiking muscles. Explore trails along lakes, waterfalls, and epic views, offering diverse treks through breathtaking landscapes.

READ MORE: Fall Hikes with Great Views

Shop Your Heart Out

Baker Street in downtown Cranbrook features bike shops, outdoor gear, clothing, books, ladies’ wear, jewellery, a chocolate shop, gifts and many independent stores. Take advantage of the artisanal crafts and local specialties, grabbing a one-of-a-kind souvenir to bring a piece of Cranbrook home with you.

Get set for an epic road trip! Cross the border to Cranbrook, B.C., where craft beer and rugged scenery await alongside an autumn getaway that’s as invigorating as it is exciting.

The post Fall Road Tripping the East Kootenays: 8 Reasons to Make Cranbrook, BC Your Next Travel Destination appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

We kicked off this spring with a calendar full of road-trip-worthy beer festivals, and the list for the summer and fall just keeps on growing! With breweries from BC and across Canada, cideries, even a distillery or two and of course some tasty non-alcoholic options, there is plenty to look forward to.

Cheesecrafters Beer Fest • Maple Ridge

July 21

Join the folks at Golden Ears Cheesecrafters for an afternoon filled with cheese, snacks, craft brews and other drinks, pairing seminars, live music, games and more!

CrossRoads Summer Street Fest • Prince George

July 27; September 7

Summer street parties are back with live music, craft beer, delicious food, and fun! Featuring a diverse lineup of bands from across Canada, these events are held on the cross roads between historic 5th Ave and George St in downtown Prince George.

Chilling in the Park Beer Festival • Vancouver

July 27

Join the Mount Pleasant BIA for this free event in Dude Chilling Park, featuring local indie bands, some of the city’s best craft breweries, and local restaurant pop-ups (including BBQ from The Pleasant).

Phillips Backyard Music Festival • Victoria

August 9 – 11

An electrifying outdoor music festival held in the heart of one of Victoria’s best-known breweries. Beer, non-alc beer, mocktails as well as vodka and gin canned cocktails will be available alongside a lineup of entertainment sure to keep you moving.

Brewhalla New West • New Westminster

August 10

Brewhalla’s well-known festival series is coming to New West this summer with a “Life on the River” theme. There will be a best-dressed contest, a new paddleboard available to win, ride-on surf challenge, games, live music, and more. Alongside an extensive beer and cider lineup, you’ll also find an enticing non-alc bar, and rides back to the skytrain will be available for a safe way home.

Farmhouse Fest • UBC

August 10

A celebration of Saison, Sour, Lambic, Wild Ale, & Cider held at UBC Farm. From classic Saisons and Fruited Sours, to 3-year-old spontaneously fermented Lambic and Cider, there is something for everyone from breweries from BC, and around the world. To mix it up there will be some fun selections of Natural Wine, Kombucha, and plenty of ‘off-style’ beers to take a break from the wild and funky.

Vancouver Mural Festival • Vancouver

August 10 – 11

This year, the BC Ale Trail is proud to present the Craft & Canvas Corner at the Vancouver Mural Festival. Part beer garden, part beer festival, enjoy sips from your favourite local breweries and breweries from around BC. Enjoy the live graffiti art around you, with walls being transformed as part of the 7th Annual Holden Courage Graffiti Jam, or watch as a local artist creates a new beer label live!

BCNE Trade Route Ale Festival • Prince George

August 16 – 17

The BC Northern Exhibition is a 3-day fair featuring events, including Super Dogs and 4H demonstrations, a mid-way, pro rodeo, and now a beer festival! The second annual beer fest offers three different tasting sessions, featuring local breweries and cideries. Tickets on sale now.

Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival • Chemainus

August 17

Enjoy craft beer and cider, and tasty non-alcohol options, artisan food, and live music. There will be free shuttles running from nearby neighbourhoods, to ensure a safe ride home for everyone. And don’t forget to come by the BC Ale Trail booth to say hi!

Battle of the Brews • Surrey

August 17

The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and 93.7 JR Country are hosting the 6th Annual Battle of the Brews.  This fun charity event will offer attendees a great afternoon of craft beer tasting and food trucks.  Attendees will get the chance to help choose their favourite beers and all proceeds from the event will help fund Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society youth initiatives.

Great Canadian Beer Festival • Victoria

September 6 – 7

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of one of BC’s most iconic festivals at a brand new location this year! This legendary beer festival not only showcases the incredible roster of craft breweries in BC but stretches coast to coast, flying in beers from across Canada that you can’t try anywhere else. GCBF is a tasting festival that focusses on having a diverse line up for you to choose from, this year will bring in over 200+ craft beers and cider for you to sip. In addition to exploring the best craft beer Canada has to offer, GCBF provides fun entertainment and yummy food from local vendors.

Silver Star Beer & Cider Fest • Silver Star Mountain

September 7

Celebrate Oktoberfest early this year with Silver Star’s signature craft beer and cider event— a great après to a summer of adventure. Sip some of BC’s finest brews, and enjoy food, a Polson Market pop-up, live music, games, and plenty of fun.

Barnside Harvest Festival • Ladner

September 13 – 15

The second annual, three-day festival in Ladner will feature live music from some of Canada’s most iconic bands, including the Glorious Sons, Sam Roberts Band and Loverboy. Along with tasty craft brews, the festival will include a charity BBQ to benefit the Delta Firefighters Charitable Society, plus a multitude of food trucks; an artisan market;  the Delta Heritage Pavilion; the dog-friendly Paw Pals pavilion on Sunday afternoon; and so much more.

Whistler Village Beer Festival • Whistler

September 14

The 11th annual Whistler Village Beer Festival, presented by Gibbons Whistler & Brewhalla,  is returning September 2024. The main event will feature 40+ craft beverage manufacturers and over 80 varieties of craft beverages, including beer, cider, and seltzers to sample at the iconic Olympic Plaza, with the mountains as your backdrop. Complete with food trucks, live music, interactive activities and thousands of fellow festival lovers, this event is always an incredible time.

vALEfest • Valemount

September 14

Stay tuned for details!

Shuswap Brewers Fest • Salmon Arm

September 14

The Shuswap Brewers Fest is a celebration of locally made craft beer, cider, and spirits. This event will bring together community supporting local businesses and highlighting what our region has to offer in the beverage industry. There will be live music, food trucks, entertainment, and beverage vendors. This event is a fundraiser for the Salmon Arm Rescue Society as they upgrade equipment to match the heightened demand on the area’s highways with first responder calls.

Fraser Valley Distillery & Beer Festival • Chilliwack

September 21

The Fraser Valley Distillery & Beer Festival is a unique event that combines lively entertainment and delicious food with the finest artisan spirits, liquors and seasonal brews. The 7th annual event appeals to a wide audience and is designed to bring the community together for one night to raise money for the Chilliwack Academy of Music, a community music school.

Oliver’s Cask & Keg Festival is back bigger and better than ever! Take part in the exciting Beer Olympics sponsored by Firehall Brewery. Taste the passion behind local Okanagan craft brews, ciders, and spirits. Indulge in delicious ‘food truck’ food and dance to live music. Cask & Kegis a day-time family-friendly event focused on celebrating the creations of local and regional breweries, cideries, and distilleries.

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Steveston Beer Festival • Steveston

September 21

The annual Steveston Beer Fest will be held at the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston. Partial proceeds from this event will support the Richmond Christmas Fund and other local non-profit groups. The Beer Fest will host approximately forty booths and will showcase craft beer from around BC, the United States and other countries from around the world. This event is intended to entice those who are new to craft beer as well as the experienced palate.

 

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Cranbrook Beer Festival • Cranbrook

September (TBC)

Bringing the spirit of GCBF, Cranbrook Beer Festival will give you the experience of tasting Canadian craft beer from coast to coast in the basecamp of the Kootenay Rockies. Stay tuned for more details for the 2024 event.

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Penticton Beer Week • Penticton

October 4 – 14

Get ready for a full week jam-packed with events for beer lovers everywhere. This year marks the 6th Annual Penticton Beer Week, also known as the Penticton Block Party. Penticton has a dynamic beer scene with eight craft breweries, known as the Penticton Beer Blocks, including some of BC’s oldest craft breweries and some of BC’s newest craft breweries.

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Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival • Chilliwack

October 5

The ever-popular Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival is back in the Fraser Valley this fall. Sure to be a day of music, craft beer, games and good times.

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BC Craft Brewers Conference • New Westminster

October 17 – 18

Bringing together BC’s craft brewing community for a weekend of seminars, building community connections, and celebration. Tickets going on sale soon!

BC Beer Awards & Festival • Vancouver

October 19

Sample a variety of BC craft beers while you cheer on your favourite breweries at the annual awards ceremony. Awards will be presented for 30+ beer categories plus top awards including Best in Show, the CBC Judge’s Choice, Rookie of the Year, Brewery of the Year, Innovator of the Year and The Legend Award, as well as the Creative Industry Awards, recognizing breweries for crafting unique items and experiences that enhance the craft beer lovers’ brand awareness.

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Grab your tickets, your fellow craft beer lovers and start planning your festival outfits!

No matter where your ale-ventures take you this year, be sure to share your experiences by tagging @BCAleTrail or #BCAleTrail – and always enjoy responsibly.

The post 2024 Summer & Fall Beer Festivals in BC appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

In other words, it’s the perfect time for beer explorations! 

We put out a call to our accommodation partners throughout British Columbia asking them to provide some discounted beer-and-accommodation packages through the BC Ale Trail, and, wow, did we ever have an amazing response. More than 60 hotels, motels, lodges and even yurts have set up special Sip & Stay packages that include accommodation plus local beer — a growler fill, packaged products or gift card to a local brewery, to name a few. The offers are all unique.

Check out the options sorted by region below — and then plan your next autumn adventure. Cheers!

Visit our Sip & Stay page to find a package that is perfect for you.

Kootenay Rockies

A go-to destination for beer lovers and wilderness explorers — enjoy spectacular parks, hot springs, hiking trails and, of course, craft beer in the Kootenay Rockies.

Cranbrook:

• The Baker Hotel

Fernie:

• Fernie RV Resort
• Park Place Lodge
• Snow Valley Lodging

Kaslo:

• Kaslo Hotel

Golden:

• Prestige Inn

Radium Hot Springs:

• Alpen Motel
• Apple Tree Inn
• Bighorn Meadows Resort
• Cedar Motel
• Celadon Lodge
• Cobblestone Creek & Lodging Co.
• Destination INN
• The Gateway
• High Country Properties
• Misty River Lodge
• Motel Tyrol
• Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort
• Radium Chalet
• Radium Elk Park Bed & Breakfast
• Radius Retreat
• Ridgeview Resort
• Rocky Mountain Springs Lodge

Revelstoke:

• Alpha Mountain Lodging
• Boulder Mountain Resort

Rossland:

• Prestige Mountain Resort

Northern BC

Explore the craft beer community situated among Northern BC’s sweeping glaciated valleys, volcanic rock formations, towering mountain ranges, and mist-shrouded coastlines.

Prince George:

• Courtyard by Marriott
• Prestige Treasure Cove Resort
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham

Smithers:

• Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge
• Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge & Smithers Golf and Country Club

Thompson Okanagan

Enjoy a wide range of craft breweries in this diverse region featuring views of the Rocky Mountains and vast desert landscapes, dotted with lakes, grasslands, and rolling hills.

Kamloops:

• Delta Hotels by Marriott
• Prestige Kamloops Hotel
• The Thompson Hotel

Kelowna:

• Prestige Beach House

Naramata:

• Naramata Courtyard Suites

Penticton:

• Fairfield Inn & Suites
• Penticton Lakeside Resort
• Ramada Penticton Hotel
• Spanish Villa Resort

Vancouver Island

Experience craft beer culture interwoven with natural beauty, agricultural splendour and some of BC’s most spectacular beaches.

Cobble Hill:

• The Yurts at Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Courtenay:

• Old House Hotel

Cowichan Bay:

• Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay

Parksville Qualicum Beach:

• The Bayside Oceanfront Resort, Parksville
• Oceanside Village Resort, Parksville
• The Shorewater Resort, Qualicum
• Qualicum Beach Inn

Sooke:

• Otterpoint Beach House Rainbow Suite

Victoria:

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
• Inn at Laurel Point
• Spinnakers Gastro-Brewpub

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

Explore a craft beer scene that’s finding fame across the world in this region bordered by sea, forest and mountain peaks.

North Vancouver:

• Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
• North Vancouver Hotel
• Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier
• Seaside Hotel

Port Moody:

• At the Beach Retreat

Richmond:

• Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel

Squamish:

• Sandman Hotel & Suites

Vancouver:

• 2400 Motel

Whistler:

• Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
• Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre

The post Fall For BC Again with 60+ Sip & Stay Deals appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Check out these suggestions for an ideal fall adventure in beautiful Kamloops, BC.  We’ve matched a fun local activity with a delicious seasonal beer and food pairing from a local craft brewery.

Bright Eye’s Haskap Berry Beer and a Hike With a Sunset View

Bright Eye Brewing has brewed a very special beer called All Kaps — it’s a Belgian-style Wit that was made with a huge amount of haskap berries from a farm in Vernon. Not only does it pair perfectly with Bright Eye’s own crème brulée dessert, but the gorgeous colour will inspire you to take a photo or two. You’ll also want to whip out your camera after hiking to a viewpoint to witness an amazing Kamloops sunset — perhaps Battle Bluff or the Panorama Loop trail. Talk about a beer with a view!

Back Alley Art Gallery and Red Collar’s Pumpkin Ale

Kamloops’ back alleys offer a surprising canvas for some unique visual art. Tour over 30 eclectic art murals in downtown Kamloops and stop for a delicious glass of Squash Gourdon at Red Collar Brewing. This brown ale is brewed using locally grown sugar pumpkins from Thistle Farms that bring together the flavours of allspice, nutmeg and ginger in seasonal harmony. Red Collar partners with Tongdak Korean Fried Chicken around the corner — they suggest pairing Squash Gourdon with the Yang-Nyeum fried chicken with sweet & spicy sauce. Yummy!

Iron Road’s Italian Pilsner and a Bike Ride along the River

The latest trendy beer style is the Italian Pilsner, a dry-hopped version of the classic German Pilsner style that has taken the beer world by storm. Iron Road Brewing’s Jabroni Italian Pilsner was brewed in the traditional Italian way and dry-hopped with Saphir and Huell Melon hops to create a crushable lager that is clean, crisp and refreshing. It pairs perfectly with Iron Road’s Mexican Street Corn Nachos as a great fall combo — the ideal reward after a bike ride along the Rivers Trail or at The Ranch, a local mountain bike park that has something for every type of rider. Bellissima!

The Noble Pig’s Pumpkin Spice and Fish(ing) 

The Noble Pig Brewhouse recommends pairing its Pumpkin Spiced ESB, also known as This Butternut Be Another Pumpkin Ale, with its very own fish & chips. And why not take that pairing a step further and match it up with a morning of fishing? There are plenty of local lakes to choose from.

Falling for Fall in Kamloops

Tourism Kamloops has lots of other great suggestions for fun fall activities, including the Loops Explore Pass, a free digital savings pass that provides instant discounts at attractions, restaurants, and shops.

For more information about Kamloops’ craft beer scene check out the Southern Interior Ale Trail.

The post Fall for Kamloops: Autumnal Activities Paired with Delicious Beers appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Here is a sampling of some autumnal beer styles to look for from your local brewery or to seek out on a fall getaway.

How Fresh Can You Get?

Each autumn, beer lovers await the arrival of a very special style of beer. Fresh hop (or wet hop) beers are highly anticipated because they can only be produced once a year during the hop harvest. Brewers work with nearby farms or hop distributors to get hops fresh from the harvest and into their brew kettles within 24 hours of picking them. The resulting fresh hop beers showcase bright, grassy flavours and a distinctly fresh quality that isn’t present in dried hops. However, the volatile flavour compounds in these beers break down quickly, so fresh hop beers should be refrigerated and consumed immediately.

The first fresh hop beer produced commercially in British Columbia was Driftwood Brewery’s Sartori Harvest IPA, which dates back to 2009. In fact, Driftwood brewed its first batch of Sartori before it ever brewed Fat Tug IPA, the beer it is now best known for. Driftwood always uses Centennial hops from the Sartori Cedar Ranch in Chilliwack.

While the Sartori Harvest IPA is undeniably the most sought-after fresh hop beer in BC each fall, many other breweries make fresh hop beers, too.

Here are some more fresh hop beers to look for in the coming weeks:

• Bright Eye Brewing (Kamloops) Fresh Prince Cold IPA brewed with BC Comet hops and fermented with clean lager yeast.
• Cannery Brewing (Penticton) Fresh Hop Extra Pale Ale brewed with Cascade hops from Northwest Hop Farms in Chilliwack, as well as frozen fresh cryo hops from Yakima Chief Hops, and Golden Promise malts.
• Dageraad Brewing (Burnaby) Wet-hopped Blonde Blonde Ale brewed with locally harvested Centennial hops from Sartori Hop Farms.
• Hoyne Brewing (Victoria) Wolf Vine Fresh Hop Pale Ale brewed with copious quantities of local, fresh, hand-picked Centennial and Cascade hops straight out of the field.
• Jackknife Brewing (Kelowna) Death Wish IPA showcasing a blend of kveik cultures selected to enhance the tropical notes of frozen fresh hops from Yakima Chief.
• Locality Brewing (Langley) Local Kicks Fresh Hop West Coast Hazy Pale Ale collaboration with Sidekick Brewing that is packed with local hop aroma.
• Longwood Brewery (Nanaimo) Wet Hop Smash IPA brewed with Island-grown hops from Maple Bay Hop Farm and Island craft-malted barley.
• Nelson Brewing (Nelson) Dank Trip North West IPA using fresh Cascade and Tahoma hops from a small new hop farm in Argenta, BC, dry hopped with some Rakau hops.
• Phillips Brewing (Victoria) Green Reaper Fresh Hop IPA.
• Spinnakers Brewpub (Victoria) Fresh Hop ESB features a blend of fresh hops grown at Spinnakers’ own hop farm in Sooke.

Many other breweries will also be releasing fresh hop beers at this time of year so ask for one at your local.

Oktoberfest!

The annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich is famously the world’s biggest beer event with more than six million people attending the event every year. Typically, it runs for nearly three weeks, beginning in mid-September until early October. It was first held in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, and has been an annual event ever since. For more than 200 years, it has only been cancelled because of wars, economic disruption in the 1920s, and now, sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic.

For now, we can only fantasize about being part of a crowd of happy people in one of the giant tents, hefting enormous one-litre steins of beer and singing along to the oompah band. However, many BC craft breweries produce German-style beers, including their own versions of the traditional Festbiers or Märzens served at Oktoberfest each autumn. These are delicious lagers that are brewed to be slightly stronger and darker (more amber than yellow) than the typical Helles (light) lagers that German breweries make year-round. 

Several BC breweries have produced Festbiers that you can sample as part of your very own Oktoberfest celebration at home.

Pros’t!

Vancouver’s Parallel 49 Brewing is throwing a massive Oktoberfest party from September 16 to October 8.

It features a 120-seat Biergarten with tasty German food, live entertainment, and, of course, some special beers brewed for the occasion. If you can’t make it to Vancouver you can also look for P49’s special Bierfest Mixer pack, which includes two cans each of these four special beers:

• German Pilsner – Refreshing and citrusy with a rich yet light malty finish.
• Hefeweizen – A hazy wheat ale that’s slightly bready and leaves you with a creamy mouthfeel.
• Schwarzbier – A dry, dark lager with dark chocolate notes and a delicate roasty flavour.
• Festbier – A slightly malt-forward pale lager with floral and spicy hop notes/

Moody Ales & Co in Port Moody has released a special Oktoberfest Pack that features four beers designed to celebrate the season:

• Oktoberfest (5.9% ABV) Brewed with German Pilsner and Dark Munich malts, along with Hallertau hops. Pairs perfectly with bratwursts and soft pretzels.
• German IPA (6.5% ABV) Showcasing a suite of German hop varieties, this bold IPA features complex notes of bitter pine, fresh raspberries, and crisp white grape.
• Schwarzbier (4.8% ABV) A dark lager with a light side, this brew features warm notes of roasted malt, coffee, and bittersweet dark chocolate.
• Helles Lager (4.7% ABV) This German-style lager is smooth with a crisp, clean finish.

For Glory Festbier – Container Brewing (5.8% ABV | 22 IBU)

An Oktoberfest lager brewed with a blend of Magnum and Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops, imparting a balanced bitterness and a delightful floral aroma. This beer and others from the Container line-up will be featured at Oktainerfest, two days of Oktoberfest beers and German food taking place at the Vancouver brewery on October 6th and 7th.

Look for more Oktoberfest-style beers at BC breweries.

Enjoy A Taste of the Harvest

Craft breweries also love to celebrate the arrival of autumn with special beers featuring the agricultural bounty of the harvest season, including fruits, grains, and even squash.

Spruce Tip Saison – 33 Acres Brewing in Vancouver (4.9% ABV)

Foraged Sitka Spruce tips contribute fragrant red fruit and bubblegum aromas nestled among a bed of fresh pine needles. Brewed with Field Five Farm barley and straw, then bottle-conditioned with Brettanomyces, this Saison is an expression of the Cascadian bioregion.

Schrute Farms Beet Farmhouse Ale – Bridge Brewing in North Vancouver (5.8% ABV | 22 IBU)
Beets. Beer. Battlestar Galactica. This Farmhouse Ale was brewed with 100lbs of beets, resulting in a beer with a vibrant pink colour, an earthy aroma, and a dry finish.

Look for more harvest-themed beers from BC breweries this fall.

Pumpkin Time?

Last but not least, many breweries make pumpkin beers, incorporating the popular fall flavours of pumpkin pie spice in a wide variety of beer styles. Here are a few to try:

Squash Gourdon – Red Collar Brewing (6.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
Squash Gourdon is a pumpkin beer made exclusively with sugar pumpkins grown at Thistle Farm in Kamloops and lightly spiced with allspice, nutmeg, and ginger.

Full Patch Pumpkin Saison – Longwood Brewery (9% ABV | 30 IBU)
A Belgian-style saison brewed with pumpkins and spices.

PumpkinEater Imperial Pumpkin Ale – Howe Sound Brewing (8.0% ABV)
Howe Sound has been brewing this deliciously dark and rich pumpkin beer for a long time, and this year it will be packaged in cans as well as the usual 1-litre bottles.

Can’t get enough Pumpkin??

Here are a few more BC pumpkin beers to look for:

• Fernie Brewing (Fernie) Ghostrider Pumpkin Brown Ale
• Parallel 49 Brewing (Vancouver) Lost Souls Chocolate Pumpkin Porter and Schadenfreude Pumpkin Oktoberfest Lager
• Phillips Brewing & Malting (Victoria) Crookeder Tooth Barrel-Aged Pumpkin Ale

What’s your favourite BC beer of the autumn? Post it on social media and tag #BCAleTrail to let us know!

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