Carolina Horna, Author at The BC Ale Trail https://bcaletrail.ca/author/carolinahorna/ Arrive thirsty, leave inspired. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:54:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com/app/uploads/2016/09/cropped-bc-ale-trail_favicon-a.png?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 Carolina Horna, Author at The BC Ale Trail https://bcaletrail.ca/author/carolinahorna/ 32 32 Port Coquitlam’s Best Bites, Brews & Outdoor Adventures https://bcaletrail.ca/port-coquitlam-best-bites-brews-outdoor-adventures/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:36:40 +0000 https://bcaletrail.ca/?p=64136 Port Coquitlam is one of Metro Vancouver’s most underrated weekend destinations. With a growing craft beer scene, scenic trails, family-friendly attractions, and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe, PoCo makes for the perfect low-key staycation. Whether you’re planning a brewery crawl with friends or a casual weekend escape, here’s how to spend a weekend exploring Port Coquitlam … Continued

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Port Coquitlam is one of Metro Vancouver’s most underrated weekend destinations. With a growing craft beer scene, scenic trails, family-friendly attractions, and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe, PoCo makes for the perfect low-key staycation. Whether you’re planning a brewery crawl with friends or a casual weekend escape, here’s how to spend a weekend exploring Port Coquitlam — including five breweries on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Day 1

Arrive & Explore Downtown PoCo

Start your weekend in the heart of Port Coquitlam at Leigh Square. Featuring public art and fountains, the square is also a hub for community events during the summer months.

Port Coquitlam Farmers Market

Shop for farm-fresh produce, homemade treats, and artisan-made goods every Thursday from 3 to 7 pm.

Downtown PoCo Friday Nights

Enjoy live music, a beverage garden, family activities, local vendors, and a fountain light show on Friday, June 19 and July 3 from 4–9 pm.

Music in the Square

Live afternoon concerts featuring professional musicians and a variety of genres on July 5, July 19, August 9, and August 23 from 2 to 5 pm.

Fountain Light Shows

Visiting on a Friday or Saturday evening? Stick around for the Leigh Square fountain light shows at 7 and 9:30 pm.

 

Vendors at Port Coquitlam Farmers Market (photo: City of Port Coquitlam) Coquitlam Farmers Market (photo: City of Port Coquitlam) Music in the Port Coquitlam Square (photo: City of Port Coquitlam) Music in the Port Coquitlam Square (photo: City of Port Coquitlam)

Dinner & Drinks at Patina Brewing Co. Brewhouse & BBQ

A fitting next stop, Patina Brewing Co. pairs craft beer with slow-smoked barbecue. The rotating tap list keeps both casual beer drinkers and craft enthusiasts happy, featuring approachable lagers, award-winning core favourites, and the occasional experimental brew. The food menu leans heavily into comfort classics, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken wings, and several barbecue-inspired poutines. 

If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday, stay for late-night happy hour from 8:30 pm until close. Between the busy patio, friendly staff, and laid-back atmosphere, Patina is the kind of place where one quick pint easily turns into an entire evening.

 

Food and beer flight at Patina Brewing in Port Coquitlam (photo provided)

Day 2

Breakfast & the Traboulay PoCo Trail

Kick off Saturday with brunch at Crave Bistro & Bar, a local favourite that elevates breakfast classics with global twists. The menu ranges from waffle bennies and rolled omelettes to flavour-packed specialities like Mexican chilaquiles and Turkish menemen. Whatever you order, Crave is the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of exploring.

Cycling the Traboulay PoCo Trail in Port Coquitlam, BC
Cycling the Traboulay PoCo Trail in Port Coquitlam, BC

 

Walk or Bike the Traboulay PoCo Trail 

One of the best ways to experience Port Coquitlam is by getting outside. The Traboulay PoCo Trail is a scenic 25-kilometre multi-use loop connecting parks, pathways, forests, wetlands, and urban neighbourhoods. The trail is mostly flat, with a mix of paved paths and packed gravel, making it accessible for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all ages and activity levels.

Do the full loop, or just pick a section and go at your own pace. Either way, the trail offers a peaceful contrast to a weekend of brewery hopping and makes that first afternoon pint feel especially well earned.

 

Cycling the Traboulay Trail in Port Coquitlam (photo: City of Port Coquitlam) Cycling the Traboulay Trail in Port Coquitlam (photo: City of Port Coquitlam) Overhead view of Traboulay Trail in Port Coquitlam (photo: City of Port Coquitlam) Traboulay Trail in Port Coquitlam (photo: City of Port Coquitlam)

Explore the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

PoCo’s brewery scene is small but well-connected, offering a laid-back way to spend an afternoon. Several tasting rooms are located in close proximity to one another, making for an ideal self-guided tasting tour. Be sure to download the free BC Ale Trail app before you start, and it’ll help you navigate between stops. Plus, check in at each brewery and earn rewards along the way.

Tinhouse Brewing

 A 12-tap neighbourhood brewery with a welcoming, community-focused space, Tinhouse Brewing is known for balanced, approachable beers with a noticeable lean toward British-inspired malt-forward styles. Alongside hazy IPAs and crisp lagers, expect rotating brown ales, porters, seasonal releases, and occasional barrel-aged offerings.

Side Quest Brewing Co.

Just a block from Tinhouse, Side Quest Brewing Co. brings a playful, pop-culture twist to the craft beer experience. Inspired by fantasy, gaming, sci-fi, and all things nerd culture, the beer lineup stays grounded in thoughtful, approachable beers, but with plenty of character.

Taylight Brewing

Bright, open, and inviting, Taylight Brewing focuses on easy-drinking IPAs and refreshing lagers across its rotating tap list. Its location near the riverfront section of the Traboulay PoCo Trail also makes it a convenient stop for walkers and cyclists looking to rest and replenish.

Patina Brewing Co

Circle back to Patina Brewing Co. for another flight and a round of shareable barbecue favourites.

Poco Brothers Brewing Co

End the brewery loop at Poco Brothers Brewing Co., located inside the historic Cat & Fiddle Pub. Established in 2021 as the pub’s in-house brewery, Poco Brothers offers fresh small-batch beers alongside the Cat & Fiddle’s full menu.

 

On the patio at Tinhouse Brewing in Port Coquitlam (photo provided) Inside Patina Brewing in Port Coquitlam (photo provided) Inside Taylight Brewing in Port Coquitlam (photo provided) Side Quest Brewing

Fremont Village & Casual Local Dining

After an afternoon of tasting rooms, spend some time exploring the Fremont Village area. The north-side district combines shopping, dining and outdoor spaces, making it a convenient place to continue the evening.

When dinner rolls around, Cat & Fiddle Pub is a natural choice. A longtime neighbourhood favourite, it has been a cornerstone of the Port Coquitlam community since 1979 — known for hearty comfort food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a longstanding commitment to local charities and sports teams. 

And when you’re ready for one last pint, Poco Brothers Brewing Co. is right there for an effortless nightcap.

 

Outside the Cat & Fiddle (photo provided)

Day 3

Family-Friendly Activities & One Last Pint

Start your final morning at The Big Flat Pancake Co., a popular local brunch spot known for its Dutch-style pancakes. Unlike traditional North American pancakes, these are thin, soft, yet still fluffy, with plenty of sweet and savoury flavours to choose from. Alongside the signature pancakes, they also serve waffles, eggs, sandwiches, coffee, mimosas, and Caesars for a leisurely brunch experience.

Before heading home, Port Coquitlam has a few great options for a relaxed Sunday morning:

Hyde Creek Recreation Centre

A popular local complex with pools, racquet courts, and fitness amenities. 

Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC)

Featuring a leisure pool and seasonal spray park that’s perfect for kids on a warm summer morning.

Leigh Square & Donald Pathway

A relaxed urban walking area connecting downtown pathways, art installations, and green space.

If you missed any breweries on Saturday, Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to squeeze in one last tasting room stop. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up a growler or four-pack and bring a little bit of PoCo home with you.

Why Port Coquitlam Makes a Great Weekend Getaway

Port Coquitlam strikes the balance between outdoor adventure, local flavour, and a strong sense of community. The city feels relaxed without lacking energy, and its growing craft beer scene adds to its appeal as a weekend destination. 

Whether you’re visiting for the breweries, restaurants, trails, or a quieter escape within Metro Vancouver, Port Coquitlam is well worth a weekend getaway.

 

Continue your travels along the North of the Fraser Ale Trail


Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

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Match Day Pints: Where to Celebrate the Beautiful Game in BC https://bcaletrail.ca/match-day-pints-where-to-celebrate-match-day-events-in-bc/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:19:24 +0000 https://bcaletrail.ca/?p=64061 The world’s biggest sporting event has arrived, and BC is ready to celebrate. While Vancouver takes centre stage as a host city, communities across the province are joining the excitement with fan zones, watch parties, beer gardens, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to cheer alongside fellow fans. So, whether you’re looking for a lively … Continued

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The world’s biggest sporting event has arrived, and BC is ready to celebrate.

While Vancouver takes centre stage as a host city, communities across the province are joining the excitement with fan zones, watch parties, beer gardens, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to cheer alongside fellow fans.

So, whether you’re looking for a lively place to catch a match, gather with friends, or soak up the atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of ways to join the celebration this summer in our Match Day Pints Guide. We’ve created this list of the best fan zones, watch parties, and community events happening around British Columbia. Click on any participating brewery below for event details, or find all of these events in the BC Ale Trail app. Don’t have it yet? Download it today and take BC’s craft beer scene with you.

Cheers to a summer of great matches, great beer, and memorable moments!


Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley

Vancouver

FIFA Fan Festival

The official FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park will be BC’s largest tournament celebration, featuring giant screens, live entertainment, food vendors, cultural programming, and interactive fan experiences throughout the tournament.

Granville Island

One of Vancouver’s most iconic destinations is getting into the soccer spirit with free public match screenings throughout the tournament. Between games, explore the Public Market, waterfront patios, and vibrant craft beverage scene.

Parallel 49 Brewery spacious indoors

🍺 R&B Brewing

Watch matches on a massive 140-inch screen while enjoying special Team Canada food and beer pairings.

🍺 Parallel 49 Brewing

One of Vancouver’s largest breweries has transformed its 250-seat patio and event space into an outdoor viewing area for all of the games this June and July, featuring a giant outdoor screen, DJs, food, and more.

🍺 Luppolo Brewing Company

Showing select matches in the tasting room. Table reservations are highly encouraged.

🍺 Steamworks Brewing Co.

Serving as Vancouver’s unofficial Swiss headquarters, welcoming fans of all nations throughout the tournament.

🍺 Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse

Showing matches in the taphouse throughout the tournament

🍺 Strathcona Beer Co.

Offering watch parties, snacks, and match-day drink specials.

🍺 Container Brewing

Enjoy patio parties for every game, all tournament long.

🍺 East Vancouver Brewing Company

Enjoy a pint and good food while they show matches all tournament long. Table reservations encouraged.

🍺 Strange Fellows Brewing

Watch the world’s best teams compete all tournament long while enjoying Strange Fellows’ award-winning beers.

🍺 Main Street Brewing

Enjoy all the Team Canada matches along with select tournament games. Open early for select games.

🍺 Howe Sound Brewing

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering $12 double Caesars and $20 jugs of Howe Sound Lager during the games. Enjoy a $20 burger and beer special from Monday to Friday. Open 30 minutes before early games.

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North Vancouver

Uber Eats Canada Soccer House

The Shipyards will become home to Uber Eats Canada Soccer House, a waterfront gathering place featuring match screenings, special events, entertainment, food, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate Canada’s biggest soccer summer yet.

🍺 Strathcona North

Showing every match with early openings for select morning games, true 20oz pours, and daily happy hour specials.

Illustration of people sitting on a log watching a soccer game outdoors

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Surrey

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Three free Soccer Fan Zones at Surrey Civic Plaza, Cloverdale Agriplex, and South Surrey Athletic Park will feature giant screens, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and licensed beer gardens.

🍺 Way Back Brew Co.

Showing matches all month long, making it easy to settle in with a locally crafted pint and soak up the match-day excitement.

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New Westminster

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

New Westminster is Fired Up for soccer with public watch parties, cultural programming, community events, and activities taking place throughout the tournament.

🍺 Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering a special $8.50 breakfast menu and $12 double Caesars, as well as a $20 burger and beer special every day. Open 30 minutes before early games.

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Delta

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Watch matches from Ladner’s Chisholm Street Wharf or the North Delta Recreation Centre while enjoying community programming and activities.

🍺 Four Winds Brewing Co.

Showing every match in the taproom.

🍺 Four Winds Beach House & Brewery

Catch every match on large projectors and TVs overlooking Boundary Bay.

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Coquitlam

Public Watch Parties

Public match viewings will rotate between several outdoor locations, creating neighbourhood gathering spaces for fans throughout the tournament.

🍺 Mariner Brewing

Showing every tournament match on the big screen with full sound, plus daily soccer-themed T-shirt giveaways and Team Canada jersey raffles on select match days.

🍺 Side Quest Brewing Co.

Showing all matches (that start between 12-7 pm) with the sound on. No cost to come, happy hour from 12-6 pm with $5 pints.

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Port Moody

🍺 Train Wreck Brewing

Join fellow fans for match screenings throughout the tournament.

🍺 Yellow Dog Brewing

Showing all matches throughout the tournament and hosting special giveaways during every Canada match. Grab a pint and join fellow supporters as Canada takes on the world’s best.

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Port Coquitlam

🍺 Taylight Brewing

Extended hours, international match celebrations, and tournament-themed food and beer specials throughout the tournament.

Camp Beer Co's spacious indoor space

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Langley

🍺 Camp Beer Co.

A massive outdoor watch party experience featuring every match, special soccer mug club perks, custom cask beers, food features, and a final match celebration.

🍺 Dead Frog Brewery

Catch all the action throughout the tournament while enjoying a lineup of locally crafted beers.

🍺 Five Roads Brewing

Watch Vancouver-hosted matches while enjoying specials on their soccer-themed Mexican lager. Team Canada goals unlock $5 beers.

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Chilliwack

🍺 Sidekick Brewing

Showing every match in the taproom, with $15 60oz pitchers during Team Canada games.

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Pitt Meadows

🍺 Foamers’ Folly Brewing

Showing every single match LIVE. Grab a $5 pint and enjoy the festivities!

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Squamish

🍺 Howe Sound Brewing

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering a special breakfast menu and $12 double Caesars, as well as a $20 burger and beer special from Monday to Friday. Open 30 minutes before early games.

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Pemberton

🍺 Bridge Brewing

Catch every match on multiple screens, full sound, delicious handcrafted eats, and a pint of your favourite craft beer in hand.

 


Sunshine Coast

Gibsons & Sechelt

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Both Gibsons and Sechelt have received provincial funding to support free celebrations. Keep an eye on local event listings for details on community viewing parties and special programming throughout the tournament

🍺 Persephone Brewing Company

Join fellow fans for watch parties and receive 10% off on match days when you mention “Match Days.”

🍺 The Spare Room at The Alley

Pair all the action with Persephone pints and a full pub menu featuring burgers, wings, and more.

 


Vancouver Island

Victoria

Public Watch Parties and Community Events 

Downtown Victoria is embracing the tournament with outdoor watch parties, street activations, and community events hosted in partnership with local businesses throughout the city.

🍺 Driftwood Brewing

Enjoy all the games on their new 75″ TV, starting at 12:00pm daily. Select matches shown with sound.

Illustration of orca whales playing soccer while people kayak and float on the water

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Langford

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Langford’s cultural district will come alive with public match screenings, local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and a licensed beverage garden. It’s an ideal stop for soccer fans travelling through southern Vancouver Island.

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Comox Valley

Public Watch Party

Celebrate Canada’s opening match with a community gathering featuring live music, cultural performances, and a shared viewing experience in one of Vancouver Island’s most scenic regions.

 


Interior BC

Kamloops

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Riverside Park will serve as Kamloops’ soccer headquarters, with matches broadcast on a large outdoor screen at the Rotary Bandshell. Team Canada games and the tournament final will feature enhanced programming, including food trucks, family activities, live entertainment, and a beer garden.

Kelowna Beer Institute's spacious indoor space

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Kelowna

🍺 Kelowna Beer Institute

Transforming into “England House” for every England match, complete with a dedicated viewing room, prizes, food specials, and a pint included with admission.

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Penticton

🍺 Yellow Dog Brewing

Catch Canada’s matches with fellow fans while enjoying locally crafted beer and the vibrant atmosphere of Penticton’s brewery district.

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Salmon Arm

Public Watch Parties

Salmon Arm is planning a series of free community watch parties, giving visitors another reason to spend time in the Shuswap region during the tournament.

🍺 Ricochet Brewing & Taphouse

Join the After the Pitch celebrations with an expanded street-side patio, food specials, outdoor games, and 36 BC craft beverage taps.

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Cranbrook

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

The East Kootenays will join the celebration with public viewing opportunities and soccer-themed community events throughout the tournament.

 


Northern BC

Prince George

Public Watch Party

Prince George will host a community watch party for the soccer final, bringing fans together to celebrate the culmination of the world’s biggest sporting event.

 


Join the CelebrationIllustration of people celebrating

One of the best things about the beautiful game is how it brings people together. This summer, communities across BC are creating spaces where fans can gather, cheer on their favourite teams, and be part of the excitement.

Whether you’re watching from a waterfront fan zone, a community watch party, or your local brewery patio, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the soccer spirit. And while the tournament may be a global event, it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate local. BC’s craft breweries are producing world-class beer in communities across the province, and many are opening their doors for match-day festivities.

So pull on your lucky jersey, gather your crew, and raise a locally crafted pint to a summer of great beer, unforgettable moments, and world-class soccer.

For further resources, visit Super, Natural BC.

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