From waterfront decks and mountain-view taprooms to urban patios tucked into vibrant neighbourhoods, brewery patios offer some of the best places to gather, unwind, and enjoy the flavours of BC. Whether you’re meeting friends after work, sharing a meal with family, or spending an afternoon with your dog by your side, these outdoor spaces help make the most of the season.

With so many exceptional brewery patios across the province, narrowing down a list is no easy task and this list was created by polling you — our BC Ale Trail fans. This collection highlights some of BC’s most memorable brewery patios, each offering its own unique atmosphere and scenery. These are brewery patios worth adding to your summer plans. 

Barnside Brewing

Situated amongst the fields of hops, cranberries, and grazing sheep, Barnside Brewing’s four-season patio is one of the best places in BC to experience craft beer, conversation and community, according to craft beer fans. The dog-friendly space welcomes everyone in for award-winning craft beer, tasty eats and great company.

Originally built as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the patio was a way for the brewery to welcome customers while taking advantage of relaxed rules around outdoor service.  Since then, the space has evolved to include a covered, heated patio that’s cozy in all seasons, plus a grassy area perfect for soaking in the sun in a lounge chair with a cold craft beer in hand. Barnside won the BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience award in 2023, and the feature blog is well worth a read to learn more about the brewery’s origins and the team’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and community.

But perhaps Barnside’s fans say it best:

“It is a place where hops have swagger, meals have personality, and time seems to lean back in its chair!” – @tamarastanderwick via Instagram

Find Barnside Brewing in Delta, BC, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Locality Brewing

Locality Brewing has a truly unique outdoor space. Located on McInnis Farms, the brewery itself is housed in a converted barn, and is surrounded by spaces for visitors to enjoy – including a skate park! Sit overlooking the pond – complete with a floating stage in a natural amphitheatre – or nestled amongst the hop vines. Walk the trails to get a look at the ripening barley, and watch the progress of the hops growing next to the brewery. On rainy days, take advantage of one of the mini a-frame structures, or maybe a converted grain silo, each with its own heater or fire pit. Or, enjoy the sun at one of the many tables or benches around the farm. The new lounge area is the perfect shady spot to kick back and relax on hot summer days – comfy, covered, and made for sipping something cold. There’s a food truck on site serving up juicy bison burgers, and Locality is now producing its own cider as well! Locality is kid and pet friendly, and a great destination for that weekend ride or Sunday hike.

Find Locality Brewing in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

Lillooet Brewing Company

The patio at Lillooet Brewing Company offers some of the best mountain views around, with the mighty Fraser River flowing right past — it’s truly a one-of-a-kind setting. Keep an eye out for the Rocky Mountaineer to go past as well! They’ve got a huge, pet-friendly space with sun protection and misters to keep cool on hot summer days, games, and a cozy fire pit for the colder months. The patio is open year-round and perfect for a pint in any season. When voting, many fans also made sure to note the tasty snacks available at the brewery, plus the Sowilo Food Truck that’s on site and open on weekends from May to October.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company in Lillooet, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

The Patch Brewery

One of the newest additions to the BC craft beer community, The Patch Brewery has quickly become a fan favourite! Joining the small number of farm-based breweries in the province, they use their own barley in the brews, along with farm-grown ingredients in the kitchen that currently serves up artisan pizzas.

From the Beer Barn (the outdoor bar) to the picnic benches, the Patch’s spacious picnic-style patio features plenty of room for groups of all sizes to relax and enjoy the season. With exciting new menu additions on the way, it’s the perfect spot for friends, families, and beer lovers to gather, unwind, and soak up the community atmosphere over great food and fresh craft beer.

Find The Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge, BC, on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

Driftwood Brewing

The Driftwood Brewery patio has organically become a bustling community hub in Esquimalt. Featuring 16+ taps of fresh beer, including one-off releases and pilot experimental beers, local cider and wine, and Driftwood Spirits crafted cocktails, plus a full menu from Dumpling Drop. The folks at Dumpling Drop work out of the Driftwood kitchen, serving a Thai-inspired menu featuring their famous hand-rolled dumplings and bao buns. Open year-round, the patio is always buzzing with regulars, visitors, and, of course, patio pups.

Find Driftwood Brewery in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Camp Beer Co.

Camp Beer Co’s patio is the basecamp for good times in Langley – a laid-back space surrounded by greenery, picnic tables, string lights, and a fire pit that makes it feel like camping without leaving the city. With live music on the Camphitheatre stage, a retractable awning, glass walls for colder nights, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, the patio pairs perfectly with friendly table service to deliver craft beer adventures year-round.

Camp also won the BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience award in 2022 – it’s safe to say that their relaxing vibes and welcoming atmosphere make for the perfect urban escape.

Find Camp Beer Co in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

Farmhouse Brewing Co.

Farmhouse Brewing Co. is another of BC’s unique farm-based breweries, with an expansive outdoor space perfect in any weather. Choose from the covered and heated patio – the firebowl is the perfect place to cozy up in the winter or during a summer rainstorm – or enjoy the tented picnic area in summer, or drinks-only tables by the chicken coop. The regular picnic area includes umbrella-covered tables and a wood fire pit, ideal for cozying up in the evening. Whether you want full shade, to soak in the sun, or something in between, there’s a table that’s perfect for you – and best of all, they’re all pet-friendly.

Bring the whole family – kids and dogs: there is a family-friendly picnic area conveniently located near the professional putting green, full-sized playground, and greenspace. Farmhouse is a perfect place to unwind, in sunshine or rain.

Find Farmhouse Brewing Co. in Chilliwack, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Fern + Cedar Brewing

Built from the ground up in downtown Qualicum Beach, Fern + Cedar Brewing isn’t just a spot for great beer; it’s a full-on community hangout. A little sanctuary where dogs are welcome, friendships are fuel, and craft runs deep. And the patio is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. Heated when it’s chilly, wide open and bright when it’s sunny. Good tunes, yard games, fire pits with lounge chairs, and a vibe that says “you’re exactly where you need to be” are what you’ll find every time you stop by. Bring your whole family (including your dog), your friends, or just your thirst for something local and delicious. Every pint and plate at Fern + Cedar is a testament to the brewery’s commitment to quality and community. “Come for the beer, stay for the comfort.”

Find Fern + Cedar Brewing in Qualicum Beach, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

Abandoned Rail Brewing Co

Abandoned Rail’s expansive field- and trail-side patios offer a variety of options for you to relax in. There is a grassy area set right beside the brewery’s barley field with classic beer fest-style tables and lounge chairs. You could also opt to sit in the shade under the plum trees or the rows of cherry trees. You’ll also find a mini climbing wall and slide for the kiddos in this space. Lastly, there is the patio attached to the tasting room, equipped with its own bar and misters to beat the Okanagan summer heat.

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail

Field House Brewing – ABBY

The Field House ABBY Patio is a slice of backyard bliss where cold beer, fresh food, and laid-back vibes meet under the open sky. Every Thursday, the lawn comes alive with Field Sessions: live music from local artists that turns an evening into a community gathering. Kick back in lawn chairs, stretch out on picnic blankets, or grab a spot at one of the rustic tables. With a covered, heated patio for those “summer-ish” days, and a family- and dog-friendly setup, it’s the perfect space for slow hangs, sunset beers, and all the fresh air goodness.

Find Field House Brewing ABBY in Abbotsford, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

The Beer Farmers

The patio at The Beer Farmers brewery is a serene gathering spot tucked into the heart of the Pemberton Meadows farming community, with a view that just can’t be beat. Another of BC’s unique farm-based breweries, it’s located on a fourth-generation family farm. Guests will be surrounded by fields full of potatoes, barley, highland cows, hops, veggies, flowers and other amazing locally grown crops. Enjoy a glimpse of the country life as locals and tourists alike arrive by horse, bike, and tractor. Pemberton is well known for its hiking trails and extensive cycling opportunities – from challenging mountain biking to easy off-road trails. And cold beer on a patio with spectacular views after your hike or ride – what could be better?

Find The Beer Farmers in Pemberton, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2025 and was based on a compilation of audience submissions and recommendations. It has since been updated to reflect current information and provide a more comprehensive guide to some of BC’s best brewery patios.

The post Patio Perfection: The Best Brewery Patios in BC as voted by you! appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

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

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

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

Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley

Vancouver

FIFA Fan Festival

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

Granville Island

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

R&B Brewing

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

Parallel 49 Brewing

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

Luppolo Brewing Company

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

Steamworks Brewing Co.

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

Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse

Showing matches in the taphouse throughout the tournament

Strathcona Beer Co.

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

Container Brewing

Enjoy patio parties for every game, all tournament long.

East Vancouver Brewing Company

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

Strange Fellows Brewing

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

Main Street Brewing

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

Howe Sound Brewing

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

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North Vancouver

Uber Eats Canada Soccer House

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

Strathcona North

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

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Surrey

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

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

Way Back Brew Co.

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

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New Westminster

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

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

Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen

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

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Delta

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

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

Four Winds Brewing Co.

Showing every match in the taproom.

Four Winds Beach House & Brewery

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

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Coquitlam

Public Watch Parties

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

Mariner Brewing

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

Side Quest Brewing Co.

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

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Port Moody

Train Wreck Brewing

Join fellow fans for match screenings throughout the tournament.

Yellow Dog Brewing

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

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Port Coquitlam

Taylight Brewing

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

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Langley

Camp Beer Co.

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

Dead Frog Brewery

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

Five Roads Brewing

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

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Chilliwack

Sidekick Brewing

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

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Pitt Meadows

Foamers’ Folly Brewing

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

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Squamish

Howe Sound Brewing

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

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Pemberton

Bridge Brewing

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

Sunshine Coast

Gibsons & Sechelt

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

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

Persephone Brewing Company

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

The Spare Room at The Alley

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

Vancouver Island

Victoria

Public Watch Parties and Community Events 

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

Driftwood Brewing

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

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Langford

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

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

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Comox Valley

Public Watch Party

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

Interior BC

Kamloops

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

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

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Kelowna

Kelowna Beer Institute

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

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Penticton

Yellow Dog Brewing

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

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Salmon Arm

Public Watch Parties

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

Ricochet Brewing & Taphouse

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

———

Cranbrook

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

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

Northern BC

Prince George

Public Watch Party

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

Join the Celebration

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

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

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

For further resources, visit Super, Natural BC.

The post Match Day Pints: Where to Celebrate the Beautiful Game in BC appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Whether you’re a die-hard hop head or just love a good excuse to experience a new corner of the province, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. From intimate community celebrations to sprawling multi-brewery showcases, BC’s craft beer festivals bring together the best local breweries, cideries, and distilleries under one roof — paired with great food, inventive non-alc options, live music, and the kind of good vibes that only come from a crowd of fellow beer lovers.

Why not make a proper getaway out of it? BC’s festival circuit spans the entire province, giving you the perfect reason to explore a new town, support local businesses, and discover what makes each region’s beer scene one-of-a-kind.

Here are the spring and summer beer festivals worth marking on your calendar right now — because the best fests have a way of selling out fast.

Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival • Fort Langley

June 13

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Parksville Beer Festival • Parksville

July 4

Indulge in your love for craft beer, connect with like-minded individuals, and support local businesses, all within a festival atmosphere curated for enjoyment and discovery. At the Parksville Beer Festival, it’s not just about exceptional beers – it’s also a haven for foodies! Get ready to complement your craft beer experience with a fantastic selection from the specially curated food trucks.

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Phillips Backyard Music Festival • Victoria

July 10 – 12

Phillips’ multi-day music festival is back again, blending craft beer culture with live music in a fun, inclusive, community-centred atmosphere. This year’s lineup includes big names like Chance the Rapper and Father John Misty, among many others. Weekend passes are sold out, but single-day tickets are still available — get yours before they sell out!

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Battle of the Brews • Surrey

August 15

The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and 93.7 JR Country are hosting the 8th 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.

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Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival • Chemainus

August 15

The Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival is a community-rooted, non-profit event bringing together 30+ BC breweries pouring 100+ craft beverages alongside ciders, non-alcoholic options, and 15+ food trucks and local eats — all set to live music. With shuttle service available for a safe ride home, it’s a great reason to explore the Cowichan Valley and support local.

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Squamish Beer Festival • Squamish

August 29

Located at the Loggers Sports Ground, the Squamish festival brings together more than 55 breweries and cideries for craft beer lovers to celebrate great beer and mountain culture with food, games, axe throwing, DJs, an artisan marketplace, live music, and more.

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Barnside Harvest Festival • Ladner

September 11-13

More than just a beer festival, Barnside Harvest Festival is a celebration of local food, craft beverages, music, and community. Held at Paterson Park in Ladner, this three-day event features an impressive lineup of live music alongside a curated selection of BC craft breweries, cideries, wineries, and food vendors. It’s the perfect way to savour the final days of summer.

Shuswap Brewers Fest • Salmon Arm

September 13

Hosted at Northyards Cider Co., the Shuswap Brewers Fest brings together craft breweries, cideries, distilleries, food vendors, and live entertainment for a relaxed afternoon celebrating the region’s thriving beverage scene. As an added bonus, the event supports the Salmon Arm Rescue Society, making every sip a chance to give back to the local community.

Whistler Village Beer Festival • Whistler

September 16-20

Set against the stunning backdrop of Whistler’s mountains, the Whistler Village Beer Festival combines craft beer, cider, seltzers, live music, and mountain-town energy into one unforgettable weekend. The festival features a series of events throughout the village, culminating in the Main Event at Whistler Olympic Plaza, where dozens of beverage makers come together for an afternoon of sampling, food trucks, games, and good times.

The post Cheers! 2026 Summer Beer Festivals appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

The Langley Ale Trail offers a mix of urban and rural charm with craft breweries, a cidery, and a distillery, featuring menus inspired by local ingredients and history. Just a short drive from Vancouver, it covers Langley City, Langley Township, and communities like Brookswood, Walnut Grove, and Fort Langley. Sip and savour from May 1 – 31, 2026, for a chance to win great prizes!

Fill Your Passport to Win!

How do you participate?

1. Visit any of the participating businesses listed below from May 1 – 31, 2026 and ask for a stamp with purchase, or scan the QR code to collect a digital stamp in the BC Ale Trail mobile app.
2. After collecting six unique stamps hand in the completed passport at any participating location to be entered to win the Grand Prize package.

The random prize draw will take place following the contest period once all of the completed passports have been collected.

Going digital has perks! 

Collect check-in points along with your virtual stamps, PLUS with each completed passport, you’ll be awarded:

• 250 bonus points and the Bronze Badge for completed passport #1
• 250 bonus points, the Silver Badge and BC Ale Trail swag for completed passport #2
• 500 bonus points, the Gold Badge for completed passport #3

Multiple entries are encouraged!

More than three digital passports can be completed, but no further bonus points are awarded.

Perfect food and beverage pairings

New this year – the Langley Loop craft beverage scene is taking you on a unique flavour journey with limited-time-only beverage and food pairings! Tasty handhelds pair perfectly with local craft beer and cider, and some will only be available during the Tasting Passport contest period. Options include:

Great Prizes to be Won!

The Grand Prize is a One-Night Getaway (or staycation!) which includes:

• A one-night stay for two people at the Sandman Signature Langley Hotel
• 1 round of 18-hole mini golf for two people at Vibez Mini Golf
• 1 growler (64 oz size) and swag from KPU Brew Lab
• $50 gift cards for:
  • The Barley Merchant
  • Camp Beer Co
  • Farm Country Brewing
  • Five Roads Brewing
  • Fraser Valley Cider
  • Locality Brewing
  • Roots and Wings Distillery
  • Trading Post Brewing
• Brewery Swag from Camp Beer Co. and Brookswood Brewing

Congratulations to E Hernandez, our Grand Prize Winner! 

Where can you pick up a Passport and collect stamps?

The Langley Ale Trail Tasting Passport is available for free at any of the participating businesses. Prefer paperless? Download the free BC Ale Trail mobile app to collect stamps by scanning a QR code. PLUS earn reward points when you check in.

The Barley Merchant
101 – 20090 91A Ave

Brookswood Brewing 
102 – 4061 200 St

Camp Beer Co.
110 – 19664 64 Ave

Dead Frog Brewery
105 – 8860 201st St

Farm Country Brewing
5 – 20555 56th Ave

Five Roads Brewing
1 – 6263 202 St

Fraser Valley Cider Company
22128 16 Ave

KPU Brew Lab
20901 Langley Bypass

• Thursdays, 12 pm – 1 pm
• Fridays, 1 pm – 6 pm

Locality Brewing
7111 252 St

Roots and Wings Distillery
7897 240 St

Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks
140 – 9339 200A St

Trading Post Brewing – Brewery and Taproom
107 – 20120 64 Ave

Trading Post Fort Langley Eatery
9143 Glover Rd 

Trails End Cafe, Taproom and Bistro
100 – 23285 Billy Brown Rd

The post The Langley Ale Trail Tasting Passport appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Alex Jopson from Another Beer Co. At the end of our discussion, Alex recommended that I speak with Melanie MacInnes from Locality Brewing for my next Hops Among Friends interview. Melanie is the owner and general manager at Locality Brewing, which was established in 2021 in Langley on the Langley Ale Trail.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Melanie. She is very passionate about craft beer, relationships within the brewery industry and community, her family, and her role as an Indigenous female farm brewery owner. I hope you enjoy learning more about Melanie, Locality Brewing and her love of the Langley area.

Kim: The MacInnes family has owned and operated a farm for many generations. How did you get started in craft beer?

Melanie: That’s a big question. I grew up on this farm. It was a dairy farm and feedlot. Today, the barn is where our tasting room is located. We sold the cows in 1992 when free trade came into effect, and then we got into horse boarding. Over many years, we kept searching for the best way to operate the property.

One such way was through a government agricultural program to plant cottonwood trees for renewable plant fibre, so we planted 36 acres of the trees. We continued with this until the Scott Paper Mill shut down about 20 years ago, and there was no one to sell the trees to. So, we went back to the drawing board and asked ourselves… what can we do to keep the family farm?

One day, some movie location scouts flew in an airplane over the farm, and they thought it looked like Pennsylvania. They asked if they could film a movie called Scary Movie 4 on the farm. It was intended to mock the thriller movie, The Village. They managed to film over a month of the muddiest, rainiest weather, but it was successfully completed. When they finished filming, like many film sets, they were going to dispose of the buildings in the landfill. We thought these buildings could be reused and perhaps they could be used for some student films and lower-budget productions. Other films did come, one of which was a movie named Beyond Sherwood Forest, directed by Peter Delius. One of the horse wranglers on the production suggested moving the buildings and building a Western Town. We did that and we called it Jamestown. Producers and directors would come and look at it as a possible filming location.

My brother Kevin reached out to Brian Bird, a producer, who was looking for a location to pilot the Hallmark series When Calls the Heart (WCTH). He and Michael Landon Jr. came out and looked at our property, and then decided to film the series here at the farm. Every season, the viewership has increased and although each year has faced challenges, the show has gone on. It’s been 12 years, and it’s still being filmed on the farm. Canadians can watch WCTH on Super Channel via Prime or Cable.

My husband Andrew is from Australia. So, along the way, we ended up living in Australia for three years. While we travelled and worked around Australia, we loved going to breweries and wineries that incorporated open spaces, and the farm-to-table concept. We enjoyed the idea of being surrounded by the ingredients that we were eating. Some of the breweries there had green spaces where families could hang out.

We came back from Australia in 2012 and were surprised that there were not many farm breweries here in BC other than Persephone and Crannóg. We loved the experience of going to wineries and seeing the grapes, but we didn’t see breweries on farm properties with barley and malts showcasing the key ingredients in beer. We thought about opening a brewery at the time, but the idea of opening a farm brewery seemed like such a huge undertaking.

Instead, we kind of decided to trick ourselves by starting small, and we planted some hops and an acre of barley to test it. We hadn’t seen others grow barley in the Lower Mainland, so we wondered if it would work here. We also planted blight-resistant hazelnut trees. Plus, we grafted cider apple trees in 2016.  We also decided to take a beekeeping course and we added honeybees to the farm plan.

The barley grew and turned golden and was ready for harvest, but we didn’t have the equipment to harvest it. So, we went to the BC Farm Museum in Fort Langley and met a fellow named Wally. He grabbed two 1890 scythes from the wall for us. We borrowed them, returned to the farm and hand-harvested the barley. We sent the barley in for testing, and it hit the malting specs perfectly.

So, we planted five more acres of barley. We kept going on the hops. Plus, we had six acres of cider apple trees and six acres of hazelnut trees.

Our friends Richard and Kira introduced us to Iain and Christina from Strange Fellows. (Note from Kim: Iain’s Hops Among Friends article can be read here). Iain was with us when we first planted the barley, and he was very realistic with us. He came out to some harvests as well, and it was very helpful to get his input. Our relationship with Iain started here, and we contributed our malt in a collab with Strange Fellows for a “100-mile beer”.

Andrew, being an engineer, built a half-ton malt house. We were able to hit malting specs. Then we got involved with the Craft Maltsters Guild and we continued to learn. We are one of very few certified craft malt breweries in BC.

By this time, we had the ingredients, and we had the malt house, so now it was time to complete the “Field-to-Glass” journey, and we decided to start the farm brewery. COVID-19 delayed the plans, but we eventually managed to open mid-COVID. We first worked on some pilot trial batches with brewer Nick Hendrickson, currently the brewer at Four Winds, and Erik Jensen. Then we hired Karen Cheshire, a brewer who graduated from Olds University and had a biochemist degree from UBC, who previously worked at Steamworks Brewing. With her help, we finished building out the brewhouse. Then we added some great marketing and front-of-house support. I would like to give a shout-out to Lori Fields and Ivan Eytzen for their help here. We opened our doors at the end of July 2021.

As an aside, as we were working on our own brewery, The Beer Farmers and Barnside Brewing also opened, and they were also growing their own ingredients. We’ve learned it’s really full circle in this industry. We do a collab beer with them every year. It’s called Grainstorm, and 100% of the ingredients come from our three farms.

Around this time, we also met Tim LaHay from The Barley Merchant. We started hanging out with Tim, having long chats in the barley fields as we talked about the struggles and delays we were all facing as we were trying to open our businesses during COVID. We ended up opening within a week of each other, and we’ve had a great relationship with Tim for many years.

Kim: What makes Locality so unique?

Melanie: We are like an onion. Every time you come here, you peel back another layer and learn something new. It’s such a wild place. (As an aside, our location can be difficult to find, so it’s best to use Google Maps GPS and type in Locality Brewing, rather than the address.)

We are fortunate though, as people love our space. We have a pond, and we added a stage on the pond this year for live music events.

Even as a farm, it is a very unique space. We have a trail around the pond where you can take your dog for a walk. We had an otter swimming in the pond this year. There are beavers and hawks and lots of different birds and wildlife. We have Stampede Burger onsite. It is Metis-owned, and you can have a bison burger there. We also host events with the Waceya Metis Society.

Additionally, you can tour the malt house, and you can see the hops growing up the hop bines beside the picnic area.

Tucked behind the hop bines is our indoor “Secret, not-so-secret, Skate Bowl”.  Every year, we host a skate comp with HMI Skate Park Society with Hippie Mike, and we do a beer collab with a skate apparel company. We have worked with Time Bomb, Etnies, Well Kept Sustainables and Devil’s Toys.

We also hosted an awesome evening with GrlSwirl, a worldwide skate club where people can meet up to skate together. I love to surfskate myself. Andrew and I met through our mutual love of snowboarding and surfing, and we love to travel to surf locations. Farming restricts the amount we can travel, so we decided to bring our passion for board sports to the farm. We will be working with Hot Girl Skate, Shred Catz and Surfskate Vancouver to host meet-ups and create a fun, loving, and safe space for people to find community through skating and surfskating.

We are very different and provide very unique experiences; very different than the experiences at most other breweries.

Kim: Tell me about your first collab beer at Locality.

Melanie: My first love of craft beer was because of Trading Post‘s West Coast IPA. People kept suggesting I try lagers, but I didn’t really get into them. Then I tried Trading Post’s Saison, and I really enjoyed it. But then I tried their West Coast IPA, and I realized that this was my beer. That was my moment. The moment when I discovered my love for craft beer.

So, I was very stoked when we did our first collab beer with Tony at Trading Post for a Women’s Day event held at Farm Country Brewing. At the time we brewed the beer for the event, it had to be brewed on a one-hectolitre pilot brew system, so we brought our system to Trading Post. This was right before we opened. We made a table Saison. It was very sweet of Tony to do this with us. He took a chance with us, and it really meant a lot.

It was two years before the Locality/Trading Post collab when I first met Nancy More and other women in the industry. At that time, Lance and Tony hosted women from Kwantlen Polytechnic Univeristy (KPU) and the brewing industry for a Women’s Day collab, only weeks before COVID shut the World down. It was amazing to be so warmly welcomed and to be supported by such legends.

Kim: What do you have coming up at Locality?

Melanie Every year we do a couple of collabs with Barn Owl Brewing from Kelowna. We think they are very cool people. When they come for a visit, we like to brew a collab beer with them.

On their last visit, we brewed a seasonal IPA called Uncle Eddie’s Festive IPA with cranberry and orange peel. It was released in late November, exclusively on tap at the two breweries.

We also have another exciting beer release coming up. This one is a collab with Another Beer Co., (Note: one of ABC’s owners is Nadine, an Indigenous business owner who also owns Heartberry Soda). This collab is a Fresh Hop beer named Askî Oci, which means “From the Land” in Plains Cree. It’s a Brett Saison that is hop forward. It will be coming out in mid-December in 500ml bottles.

Also in December, we are launching a new collab beer called Beer Goggles with Dragon Alliance Canada and Time Bomb Apparel. It’s a hazy, New England IPA (NEIPA) with Cryo Sabro and Elani hops. It’s unfiltered and double dry-hopped, with light bitterness and a juicy finish. We brewed it to enjoy after spending time outdoors this winter. It’s a great choice following a perfect run on the mountain.

Kim: What else are you working on at Locality? 

Melanie: We just launched a Mexican Hot Chocolate Porter. This was a collab with A Rocha Farm Store and we used their hot peppers in this beer.

I should also mention that both our brewers are female. Karen is our head brewer and Emily Comeau is our assistant brewer. Emily went to KPU, so we had a few of the other KPU students out and they brewed a Toasted Coconut Porter.

The other beer that will be back again is our Cranberry Enchantment Sparkling Ale. It’s in Champagne bottles and it’s always a big hit. These beers will be available on-site at Locality Brewing from Thursday to Sunday and at our After Dark In The Lodge from 6-9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and at the Thunderbird Equestrian Centre Christmas in the Country and Fort Langley Christmas Market. We just released this for the season. It’s a really limited-release beer, although we did brew a double batch this year.

Kim: What do you love most about the craft beer industry?

Melanie: For me, it’s definitely all about the relationships. The relationships with the other breweries, and our customers, and my family, and neighbours.

Our breweries create community.

I grew up on this farm. It’s beautiful, but it’s also very isolating. Having our brewery here is a way of building community on rural land. I think a farm brewery is like a modern-day community hall. It’s similar to where our parents used to hold farm dances.

Kim: How is it for you as an Indigenous woman working in BC’s craft beer industry?

Melanie: I see being an Indigenous woman business owner as a great responsibility. We were nominated for and won the Indigenous Led Business of the Year at the 2022 BC Food and Beverage Awards. When we were first nominated for this award, we had to really think about accepting the nomination. Winning this award escalated things for me as I wanted to consider the impact of what we are doing going forward. With this award, we now have a platform where we can stand for all Indigenous businesses. I think part of this platform is highlighting Indigenous people.

With regards to Truth & Reconciliation, I believe we have a responsibility to teach and a responsibility to learn. We have an opportunity and a platform to work with each other and boost each other up.

I am fortunate to be connected with other Indigenous-led businesses and businesspeople. For example, Stampede Burgers is Metis-owned. There is also Nadine from Heartberry Soda. I find that working with other amazing Indigenous women is wonderful.

When I think of other amazing connections, I think of Inez Cook from Salmon n’ Bannock. Inez has been such an amazing mentor for me. There are two Salmon n’ Bannock restaurants in Vancouver. One of them is in the International Departures area at the Vancouver Airport. Our beer is there. And that was all created by relationships.

We did a collab beer with Salmon n’ Bannock and Spirit Bear Coffee – a Hazelnut Coffee Cream Ale.

Every time an Indigenous person is connected with another Indigenous person or business, it makes each business stronger. I think of Darnell Stager from Indigenous Tourism BC. He was amazing at connecting us with other tourism-related Indigenous businesses.

I also think back to two of our original connectors: Darian from Jelly Marketing and Bernard from Farm Credit Canada.

I recently went to a fundraiser for Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week which was held in November. It’s open to everyone, and I highly recommend it. I have huge dreams of hosting a future Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week event here at the farm where we have a floating catwalk set amongst the barley. I’m meeting more and more people who are helping me see this as a possibility in the future.

Being an Indigenous female owner of a farm brewery presents me with opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise. What this means to me is that with my role comes great responsibility.

Hearing the different stories from these Indigenous people is really amazing. Today, through learning and connecting, everyone is finding their own way.

Kim: We’ve seen some changes in BC’s craft beer industry lately including some brewery closures. What are your thoughts on this?

Melanie: It is incredibly hard. The cost of everything is up. Consumer buying is down. It seems like we all have to work ten times harder to make the same amount. It’s tragic. With each brewery that closes, it is a community lost. Every brewery is a place where people go, so when a brewery closes, that signifies a loss for that community.

It’s a difficult time for craft breweries. Knowing how much passion each brewery brings; I know it’s never easy to make the decision to close. BC’s craft beer industry will make it through this, but it’s definitely a tough time right now.

Kim: What keeps you up at night?  

Melanie: My kids. Honestly, I’m so busy being a brewery owner and trying to be with my teenage boys, and we’re still working second jobs. Life and family balance is hard. I hope we get there at some point.

It’s becoming evident how quickly time flies now that they are teenagers, and we want to focus on spending more time together with our kids in the year ahead.

My kids are involved in the brewery. One of my sons, Sebastian, helps with the design of the labels. Our other son Lachlan knows how to fix equipment, drive the tractor, fix roofs and more. He’s very much a farm kid. But having said that, they are teenagers, and they have their own interests, and they want to do their own things besides work with us at the brewery!

Kim: You have a huge property. If budget wasn’t an issue, if you could have any musician or band perform on the new stage by your pond at the brewery, who would it be? 

Melanie: I would have said Tragically Hip. But for now, with Andrew being Australian, he has a vision of having Xavier Rudd play here. He’s a very popular Australian one-man band. We saw him in Whistler and he’s amazing. I’ll put that out there because we would love to have him play here.

Kim: What are some of your favourite beers in winter?

Melanie: Going into this season, I am excited about our Beer Goggles collab as we get ready for the snow season up on the mountain. I am a lover of both West Coast IPAs and NEIPAs.

You know how some days you brew the perfect pot of coffee, and you try to replicate that each day? I feel like this about our West Coast IPA. When I drink it, sometimes I just think it’s so incredible, like that was the perfect batch.

Kim: I saw that the 8 Langley Loop breweries and The Barley Merchant are collaborating to feature Langley beers at the Langley Events Centre. Tell me more about this.

Melanie: Yes, it’s really exciting. It’s been in the works for quite a while. Some of the individual breweries have had their beers in the building in the past. A while back, Rachelle Cashato introduced me to Dale Saip, the Senior Vice President of the Vancouver Giants. He mentioned the idea of having a variety of different local beers available at the games. So, for the last year, we alternated between the breweries and would switch beers from each brewery at one of the smaller concession stands.

Since Tim from The Barley Merchant does such an amazing job advocating for Langley breweries, it made sense for him to be the umbrella for this and be the connector that strengthens all of our relationships. It was important that it was Tim from The Barley Merchant, so it’s not a single brewery leading it. Tim really cares about all of the breweries.

Every six games or so, we rotate to a different style of beer. The idea is that with eight breweries, we are each promoting people to go to the home games at the events centre. It’s a cool way to create community there. You can go to the local hockey game and drink amazing local beer. I think it’s the most amazing thing ever.

It was a pipe dream to have more local craft beer presence there, so this is all so very exciting. I could not ever imagine seeing people drink our craft beer in the building. Tim did such a great job working with Dale and Erin to get this across the line. It was a real joint effort. Everyone played a part in getting it to this point.  If you want to come to a Giants home game this season, you can get tickets here and use the discount code: langleyloop.

And speaking of the Langley Loop, we also have Langley Craft Beverage Week in May. This was our second year of running this. We draw a name to see who hosts the collab beer. So, stay tuned for more from the Langley Loop and Langley Craft Beverage Week.

Kim: What are some hidden gems in the Langley area? 

Melanie: I think Fort Langley is just the coolest place. There are awesome coffee shops and great restaurants. It is very walkable. They have night markets on Friday nights in the summer, and it feels like a Hallmark movie. They have a beer garden and artisans selling their arts and crafts items. Also at Fort Langley, there is a restaurant called Tradish the Ancestor Café. They have delicious traditional Indigenous cuisine there like Bannock Tacos.

Plus, there is the historic fort you can go into and see what fort life was like back in the day.

I definitely recommend that people stop for dinner or lunch at The Barley Merchant. It’s also a great way to try all the Langley beers.

There’s also the Historic Otter 248th Trail. There are a variety of cool farms and businesses along the trail. JD Farms Specialty Turkeys has the best turkey sandwich ever. There’s also the Thunderbird Show Park, which is an equestrian centre. Most people don’t realize that you can go and watch incredible show jumping. Plus, Kensington Prairie Farm has alpacas.

There’s also the Circle Farm Tour with so many cool farm businesses to visit. Langley is also a great place to visit in the fall for pumpkins, plus we have lots of cool Christmas tree farms around here.

Kim: What else do you want to share with me? 

Melanie: This really is a family business. My parents Wendy and Rod are a huge part of all of this. I am very lucky that my parents are both alive, healthy and very hard-working. Without their support, none of this would happen. My dad is a powerhouse. The saving grace with my kids is that they have their grandparents around to support them.

My brother Kevin runs the filming side of our business. Both of his daughters, Ivy and Isy have worked at the brewery. It’s a real family affair – we are all working together to make this happen. We couldn’t have done this without all of our family.

Andrew, the Maltster, idea generator, and engineer of the operation keeps things exciting and is very supportive of me running and leading the brewery. Of course, my boys, Sebastian and Lachlan working with us and putting up with the time demands of a family business, they are my world and I love them so much. I also can’t forget Atlas, our family dog and greeter of all. I think more people know Atlas than us and he is also our emotional support dog on those super tough days. I also have a great appreciation for all those who have passed and supported us in life and through spirit after.

We have so many people besides just our family to thank for getting us here today. Our first beer was our Thank You Honey Lager. On our first can, we thanked all of the people who were integral in helping us open the brewery.

Kim: Who in the craft beer community would you like me to interview next?

Melanie: I would like you to speak with Gary Brucker from Barn Owl Brewing in Kelowna next. We’ve been doing collabs together for some time. They are very cool. I pick them because they are so community-oriented, and really good people. I trust them so much. They care about the community, their family, and the beer industry. They came to Langley when we started talking about the Langley Loop to help us and to learn.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of the Hops Among Friends blog series, where I speak with Gary from Barn Own Brewing in Kelowna on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Since 2017, this series has showcased more than 20 amazing members of BC’s craft beer community. You can read through all of my previous Hops Among Friends interviews here.

The post Hops Among Friends with Melanie MacInnes of Locality Brewing appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

What is it about craft beer and dog lovers? Maybe it’s just that good people have great taste both in what they consume and who they hang out with. I’m not sure exactly what brings the two together, but it definitely seems like a lot of craft beer people are also dog people. And a lot of breweries in BC have dog-friendly patios and spaces!

Consider this list: Yellow Dog Brewing, Unleashed Brewing, Bad Dog Brewing, 3 Dogs Brewing, Twa Dogs Brewery, Red Collar Brewing, and Dog Mountain Brewing. OK, sure, that last one is an actual mountain and not a giant pile of puppies, but I’m counting it since they have a dog-friendly rooftop patio. There are a bevy of dog-themed breweries to explore in BC.

Aside from the dog-themed breweries themselves, many others have taken steps to welcome our furry friends. Take the weekly Dogs of Camp Club Night at Camp Beer Co, for example, encouraging owners to bring their pets down for a visit. And then there’s Barkside, sorry, Parkside Brewery, who have made their love for dogs a public affair. At various breweries around the province, there are spent-grain dog treats; branded dog bandanas, collars, and leashes; and often community water dishes available to borrow.

And there’s just no way to talk about dogs at breweries without acknowledging Unleashed Brewing in Kelowna. Unleashed was BC’s first brewery to get permission to have dogs in the tasting room, and they’ve had to fight hard to keep that designation. It works for them, and their patrons. Perhaps one reason is the canine code of conduct that they have crafted.

Bringing your pooch along to happy hour can be a great outing on a rainy day, a way to socialize, and just an overall fun way to spend an afternoon with your favourite companion. But keeping in mind some basic etiquette rules and manners is crucial to making it an enjoyable time for everyone.

Exposing a dog, especially a big one, to unfamiliar territory carries with it certain inherent risks. There are people bustling about with trays of drinks and food — often food that is not dog friendly (an errant bone from a chicken wing could be disastrous) — and dogs can be a tripping hazard. Never mind a surprise visit from a small child who snuck away from their parents, an encounter with another reactive dog, and of course the broken glass caused by an overly enthusiastic tail wag.

Does that mean we shouldn’t bring our four-legged friends with us to the patio? I think it’s crucial to know your dog, know their limits, and decide from there.

Here are some tips for making your next brewery visit with Fido as enjoyable as possible.

Know your dog and come prepared.

Knowing what your dog needs to be comfortable on a public patio can vary widely from dog to dog. If you have a high energy dog, making sure they get a good walk in before your visit is a great idea. Bringing a toy or chew to keep them engaged and happy at your table works well for some, but maybe less so for those with guarding tendencies. A blanket or small bed might be a big plus for dogs without the benefit of a thick coat in these early spring days.

And don’t forget the essentials: a water bowl, waste bags, and leash.

Be prepared to leave if necessary.

Dogs are social animals and enjoy spending time with their people. It’s natural for us to feel the same way, and to want to spend time with our dogs. However, not all dogs are suited to public outings. If you know your dog can be reactive towards others, or if they bark non-stop when overstimulated, pull continually on the leash to go say “Hi” to others, they may be more comfortable at home.

Leaving the patio earlier than intended, or even leaving your pooch at home, isn’t admitting defeat. It’s more about knowing your dog’s limitations and not putting them in a stressful situation needlessly. Grab a four- or six-pack to go, and head home to unwind with your pooch in a more calm environment.

Keep your dog on a leash and at your table.

Breweries are busy places, and a dog, no matter how friendly, that’s blocking the way for servers and other patrons can be problematic.

Keeping your dog close by ensures that they stay safe (no one wants to accidentally step on a paw or tail!) and that they aren’t able to help themselves to unattended snacks at the next table over. And of course, there are some people who simply don’t like dogs or may have allergies. Having our dogs with us on patios is a privilege — keeping your dog with you and not allowing them to wander ensures that other patrons are comfortable, and therefore less likely to object.

Go for potty breaks and clean up any accidents.

If you’re planning to stay for a while, be sure to take your dog for a potty break. If you’ve had to use the facilities during your stay, your dog very well might as well. Keep an eye out for cues that they may need a break. And this might seem obvious, but if an accident does happen, clean it up. You should be prepared with bags for any, shall we say, solid deposits, but ask staff for the best way to deal with a liquid oopsies.

We’d be remiss not to include some reminders for humans as well. As much as we might want to pet all the dogs, it’s not always welcomed or appropriate.

Always ask before approaching.

This applies to kids, adults, and everyone in between. Just because the adorable little fluff ball at the table next to you looks to be eyeing you up for a snuggle, doesn’t mean that they welcome attention. Consider this scenario: as much as we all want to love on adorable, wiggly, puppies, they may be working on training at the time. Teaching a young dog to lie calmly at your side without jumping up every time someone approaches is a valuable and necessary behaviour. Approaching a dog and allowing them to do that very behaviour can set back training in a frustrating way for the owners.

There are many reasons why someone may trust their dog to come to the brewery, but not to be approached by strangers — always ask, and always respect the answer given by the dog’s handler.

Never, ever feed a dog anything without permission.

Maybe you’ve always snuck your furry friend the odd tidbit from your plate, especially on special occasions. Maybe that choice is OK for you and your dog. But feeding others might result in anything from an upset tummy to a full-on allergy attack or gastro episode requiring veterinary intervention. It might seem like a harmless little treat, but it can do damage. Check with the handler, and again: respect their answer.

Now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s talk about dog-inclusive offerings and events

There are packs of breweries around the province going above and beyond to welcome canine guests. Since humans visit breweries for a ‘treat’, why not offer something for their four-legged companions as well? Moody Ales, Smugglers Trail, and Steel & Oak all offer doggy flights. Steel and Oak have taken it one step further and are donating proceeds from their flights to New Westminster Animal Services.

Some breweries have year-round fundraisers on, like Farmhouse Brewing in Chilliwack. They have stickers available for purchase featuring their unofficial, but should be official, mascot Mr. Monty who is the owner’s pup, and a frequent presence around the brewery. Proceeds from sticker sales support the BC SPCA. Another way to help animals in need is to get them out of the shelter. What better way to do that than adoption events? Five Roads Brewing, Rustic Reel, Patina Brewing, North Point Brewing, Steamworks, Parallel 49, East Van Brewing, and so many more have all hosted adoption events. Parkside Brewery is especially committed to finding homes for pups in need. In partnership with Barks ‘n Brews, they host adoption events on the third Saturday of every month throughout the summer and into September. While you can’t take a dog home directly, it’s a chance for meet and greets, to raise funds for the featured rescue, and an opportunity for the dogs to socialize and hopefully meet their future fur-ever humans.

And some breweries, like Camp Beer Co, take it to the next level with their weekly Dogs of Camp Club Night. Featuring a dog-friendly drink special, food specials for the humans, and entry into a monthly prize draw, it’s the perfect excuse to take your dog out for an evening of socializing.

Many, if not most, breweries are family-friendly. And what are dogs, if not members of the family? It’s getting increasingly common to see dog-friendly patios filled with happy wagging tails and smiling humans.

And the more we can do to be responsible dog owners and keep this momentum going in a positive way, the better.

The post Patio Etiquette for Dogs at Breweries appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Too often my husband, Tom, and I miss these delights as we travel through the Lower Mainland on our way to the coast or back to the Okanagan. So on this rainy weekend, we made it our mission to take the time to sample some of the breweries on offer in Langley.

As much as I try to deny it, there’s no getting around the fact that the Canadian winter is looming over the horizon. In fact, this adventure coincided with the equinox, heralding the official start of fall. Although I’m a sun-seeking, patio-sipping summer lover to the core, there is something undeniably comforting about the prospect of cozying up by the fire with a tasty ale. Come to think of it, my favourite style of beer is a Marzen, which is traditionally drunk in the fall, and the Oktoberfest brewers are definitely on to something, holding their traditional beer fest in early October. So really, all the signs were there to indicate that there would be no better way to spend this chilly, wet, first day of fall than to embrace the change of the seasons and warm myself up by sampling a brewery or two.

Our first stop was Camp Beer Co, a brewery that had been on our must-do list for quite some time. This relatively new brewery already has an impressive list of accolades, winning the coveted BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience in 2022, while also claiming the title of Best Tasting Room in BC in the Growlies in the same year, and most recently being crowned Best Brewery in BC in the 2023 Growlies. These prestigious awards have inevitably created quite a buzz around the brewery and we were keen to see if Camp lives up to the hype.

First impressions were certainly promising as we were immediately greeted by Taproom Manager Sam Jennings who couldn’t have been more welcoming, giving us a tour around the taproom before settling us down with a couple of inviting beer flights. The taproom is really a series of rooms, and Camp has certainly hit the mark in creating distinctive “camping” spaces within a brewery building. The area around the bar is light, airy and sociable, with a canoe hanging from the ceiling above a communal table, while the ceiling height is lowered in the “snug” and armchairs nestle up to a roaring fire, conjuring a cozier, more private, cabin-in-the-woods atmosphere.

The patio, where we opted to sit, would obviously be fantastic in the summer, with its music stage and plentiful seating, but on this dreary day, it had been enclosed and was warmed by several campfires, allowing customers and their dogs to get an outdoor experience while remaining warm and dry. In fact, I got the impression that the patio winterizing was done as much for the benefit of the dogs as for their owners — dogs here are not only welcome but encouraged, and the numerous wagging tails told a story.

It was lunchtime when we arrived, and Camp does a fun selection of camping-style snacks and meals, such as smokies and s’mores (how good do the Black Forest S’mores with double chocolate cookies, cherry pie filling, whipped cream, chocolate fudge and chocolate crumb sound?!). We opted to share the Tin Can Nachos, which were loaded with different cheeses, sour cream and pico de gallo, and brilliantly topped with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Appetites sated, we got down to the real business of beer tasting and, wow, we were spoilt for choice with a delicious range of top-notch beer. Every beer we tried was sensational, but the highlight for me was the Summer Camp Belgian Single, with its delicately balanced saison-style flavours, while for Tom it was the juicy Cloud Cover Hazy IPA. Neither of us are huge sour fans, but we were won over by the Forager Peach Apricot Sour which was sublime — refreshing with gentle, distinctive, stone fruit flavours.

Camp certainly pays attention to the details, and their tasting notes were by far the best we’ve ever come across. Not only do you get detailed playing-card-style tasting notes for each beer in your flight (and, yes, you’re encouraged to keep them for future reference), but each card has a QR code which takes you to a short video of the Camp brewers giving a bit of background about the beer. It’s great to see “behind the scenes” in this way and really added to our tasting experience.

It’s clear to see why Camp Beer Co. is such a hit — the atmosphere was warm and friendly, with Sam welcoming customers by name and taking the time to sit with his guests (young and old, human and canine) despite it being a busy Saturday afternoon. The food was delicious, the decor stylish and comfortable, and the beer outstanding. Even the merchandise was irresistible; we came away with a hoodie and toque, and bandanas for our pups. It was a wrench to leave, but as the signpost by the door clearly showed, there were a lot of other breweries in Langley that required our attention. 

Next on our tour was a visit to Locality Brewing. Admittedly, this farm-based brewery with its expansive outdoor picnic areas is probably best visited on a sunny day, but having fallen in love with their beer and “field to glass” ethos at a couple of beer festivals, we couldn’t visit Langley without calling in. In any case, we’re hardy Brits and it takes more than a bit of rain to put us off our beer!

Locality is very much a working farm, growing the barley and hops that are then brewed on site, so after a welcome greeting from the farm dog, we crossed the farmyard to the brewery building. The tasting room inside is small and functional, selling produce such as the farm’s honey as well as beer, but the real beauty of this place is in its location, with outdoor tables dotted amongst the hops and overlooking a serene lake. The rain was fairly heavy by this point in the day, but sections of the outdoor seating are under cover, so having selected our flights, we were able to sip our beer in this tranquil haven, protected from the inclement weather.

The beers themselves are varied in style, from the core beers such as the Lost Hazy Pale Ale and the exquisite Black Tea Lager (our favourite) to the more experimental rotational brews such as the newly released Cranberry Enchantment and the Ginger Saison. Even on a grey day, the beauty of the setting was undeniable and it was hard to believe that this rural idyll was so close to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dead Frog Brewery, in the north of Langley, was our next port of call and was very much at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of its vibe. Where Locality was rural tranquillity, Dead Frog screamed urban fun. This weekend happened to be Dead Frog’s 5th birthday (in their current location; the brewery actually dates back to 2006), and the party was in full swing when we arrived, adding to the playful atmosphere imbued in the brewery. The tasting room was festooned with balloons and streamers, an awesome live musician entertained the guests with songs by the likes of the Foo Fighters, and both the tasting room and patio were thronging with beer-enthusiast party-goers.

Dead Frog celebrates the wild and wonderful in its beers, with unusual brews such as its flagship Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout, its range of Imperial Warhead Sours, and the newly released Jellies Jelly Donut Ale. The beers are more than just novelties though, and we happily tucked into a range of beers that included some serious IPAs and a classic farmhouse saison. We were tempted to stay and enjoy the festivities for longer, but with so many breweries on offer in Langley we made the decision to head to the next brewery on the list, just a few minutes away.

Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks is known for its traditional British-style cask-conditioned ales, and having grown up drinking pints of brown ale in pubs around the north of England, this was another brewery we couldn’t pass by. There was a lineup when we arrived, indicating the popularity of this award-winning brewery, but as there were only two of us, we were able to squeeze in at the bar. This is a grown-up brewery, with a sleek and stylish taproom interior, and an air of sophistication. The curved bar with the giant wheel rising above it echoes the industrial heritage of England, while the mountains that are reflected in the panelling around the taproom and mirrored in the merchandise pay homage to the brewery’s home in Western BC. The beers are sophisticated too. We ordered two flights and were impressed with the range of beers on offer — not just the famous cask-conditioned ales, but everything from the complex Captain Stone Lager to the assertive Canoe Chase IPA, which was recently awarded gold at the Canadian Brewing Awards. The bartender did an excellent job of hand-pulling the cask ales (having spent some of my younger years “pulling pints” in traditional pubs in England, I know this is much harder than it looks) and the Flaskers British Ale was a nostalgic, malty delight.

Having sampled an impressive 29 different beers by this point (don’t worry — we didn’t finish them all!) we were ready for a bite to eat and perhaps something a little lighter to drink at our final stop of the day. The Barley Merchant Taproom, with its extensive menu of 50 BC beers and ciders on tap, eight different BC wines, plus a dizzying array of BC craft spirits, whiskies and cocktails, was the obvious choice. This taphouse had come highly recommended to us by various friends and obviously has a great reputation as it was packed with a lively Saturday evening crowd by the time we got there. Luckily there were a couple of empty stools at the bar, and we were more than happy to take the opportunity to chat to the bartender, who also happened to be the beverage director. Josh brimmed with enthusiasm and was clearly passionate about all things related to BC brewing. His knowledge of the different breweries, cideries and craft distilleries throughout the province, was remarkable, and we chatted about many of the drinks on offer at the Barley Merchant, some of which we knew (the gluten-free Grey Fox from Kelowna for example) and many which we were keen to learn about.

With so much choice on offer here I decided to go rogue and order a cider flight, while Tom continued with the beer theme. Mind you, it wasn’t easy to select just eight beers and ciders out of the vast array on the menu. Knowing that we wouldn’t have time to visit all the Langley breweries on this trip we selected a fabulously malty (and seasonally appropriate) Marzen from Five Roads Brewing, a crisp Pilsner from Farm Country Brewing, and an outstanding Passionfruit, Orange and Guava cider from the Fraser Valley Cider Company that blew us both away. When the lady sitting next to us at the bar ordered an exquisite-looking Old Fashioned, I came very close to finishing off the evening with the delicious-sounding Black Moon Rising (a smoked rosemary gin Old Fashioned with vanilla, honey, and bitters). But, with the knowledge that we had a long drive in the morning, sense prevailed and we reluctantly left the cozy taphouse to head back to our hotel. 

The sun rose on Sunday morning, ushering in a beautiful autumnal day. Coincidentally, the diner that I’d picked out for breakfast happened to be right next door to Farm Country Brewing and as we peered through the windows it was clear that we would need to return to Langley soon to try out the other breweries (Farm Country Brewing, Trading Post Brewing, Five Roads Brewing, and Brookswood Brewing, as well as the Fraser Valley Cider Company)…..And I am definitely returning for that Black Moon Rising one day soon.

The post Exploring Along the Langley Ale Trail appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

That beer and that backyard patio, both crafted with an emphasis on the outdoors and buoyed by friendly staff and next-level campfire food, have earned Langley’s Camp Beer Co. the BC Ale Trail’s 5th Annual Best Brewery Experience Award.

Inspired by the BC outdoors and the mantra that “beer tastes better outdoors,” Camp Beer Co. opened in 2019—one of a growing number of new breweries in Langley, B.C. The City of Langley and politically-distinct Township of Langley, home to about 140,000 people, are about 50 kilometres southeast of Vancouver and are on the traditional territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui, and Semiahmoo First Nations.

Camp’s highlight space is its patio. You can’t see it easily from the corner of 64 Avenue and 197 Street, but peek behind the two-storey commercial center at that intersection and you’ll find a walkway, lined with cedar trees, wood barrels, and latticed fencing that leads guests to communal tables, tents, fire pits, and great beer. The core lineup of Camp Lager, Upstream Pale Ale, and Anorak IPA is complemented by a rotating series of seasonal and experimental brews.

This patio will transport you from downtown to out-of-town in seconds, and how a space built on a parking lot makes you forget about the monotony of parking lots is part of its charm. It’s led Camp to winning gold (2022) and silver (2021) in the Growler Awards for Best Brewery Tasting Room, and Justin McElroy’s legendary BC brewery rankings lauded Camp for having “a clear sense of purpose with everything Camp Beer that makes the place feel fun and family friendly.”

Looking into the brewery from the patio and you’ll see rows of brite tanks and bright fermenters on the left. To the right, staff in the cozy lodge-like tasting room and retail store could equally welcome upscale tourists as they could Bob and Doug McKenzie. The décor is equal parts camp-y and campy. Canoes hang from the ceiling, skies and snowshoes hang on the walls, and the playful graphics on the bathroom doors are even worth a look. 

The taproom is separated into different zones, including:

• The Woods: a semi-private and semi-formal event space for the glampers among you. 
• The Cabin: a quiet space to kick back on a couch by the fireplace and play boardgames with friends. (Patrons aren’t encouraged to try on the life vests by the fireplace, but they aren’t discouraged, either.)
• Camp Outfitters: browse the double-green merchandise or pick up your favourite canned beer for the weekend.

The story of many successful commercial craft breweries starts with successful homebrewers, and Camp Beer Co. is no exception. Meet co-owner Kevin Larsen, who revels in the act of storytelling, admits to dressing up as Santa Claus, and follows up the occasional braggadocio with a wink and a laugh.

With him is head brewer Dave Henry, an avid fisherman who loves camping in the Shuswap region. Henry is the quieter of the two but is liable to get energized as soon as any conversation turns to brewing.

In the mid-2010s, Henry was interested in starting a homebrewing club in Langley so he didn’t have to drive long distances to meet with established Lower Mainland homebrew clubs like VanBrewers and Fraser Valley Fermentalists. It finally happened in 2016.

“I met a fellow homebrewer at a local beer bar, B’s Craft Beer Lounge,” Henry said, “and we decided to start our own homebrew club in Langley. We named it the Full Barrel Homebrew Club. We started brewing, sharing tips, and it took off really fast.” (That fellow homebrewer was Tristan Stewart, who would go on to create the highly-regarded Temporal Artisan Ales in 2017.)

In that same year, Trading Post Brewing opened in Langley, and this became the main hangout for local homebrewers.

“Because of our Full Barrel Homebrew connections, we got to know Lance [Verhoeff, owner] and Tony [Dewald, brewmaster],” Larsen said. “We got to see what it took to build a brewery. Once they were going, we got our own cask night every three months and we’d fill the place. Trading Post was a great host and a big inspiration.”

Buoyed by the success of those cask nights as well as wins at cask and homebrewing festivals and competitions, the idea of opening their own brewery began to form.

“We always had to go to Vancouver or Washington or Bellingham to go to the cool places,” said Larsen. “We’re all Langley guys and we wanted something here that beer tourists, friends, and beer club members could all come to—something that we thought was cool. Our original concept was that Dave would brew on a 2-hectolitre system and I would sell the beer out front.”

“We started crunching the numbers,” Henry added before laughing. “Oh no. This is a bad idea.”

In the meantime, they and their partners became beer tourists, exploring new regions and visiting new breweries to try different beers and research how professional breweries operated.

“Our typical thing: walk in, check out the tap list, chat up anyone who’s there, then try to see the stainless steel,” Larsen said. “How big is the system? What’s their brewing setup?”

By chance, travelling to these breweries allowed them to meet Jamie Schreder, a fellow beer fan with a background in commercial leasing. It didn’t take too long for Schreder to become the missing piece of their brewery puzzle. 

“We’re at 3 Dogs Brewing in White Rock,” Larsen recalled. “We didn’t know at the time, but down at the end of the bar, Jamie and his wife were observing us wackos mixing beers and staring at the tanks.”

“A couple of weekends after, we’re checking out Silver Valley Brewing in Maple Ridge and suddenly Jamie is right beside me. ‘Are you guys in the beer business?’ he asks. ‘Oh no,’ I said.”

Who shows up at their next brewery stop? Jamie again. 

“Seriously, you aren’t in the beer business?” Schreder asked.

“No,” Larsen said, “but we do have a plan to maybe open our own place.”

“Tell me more,” Schreder says. 

At the end of their conversation, Schreder hands over his business card. “If you’re serious, give me a call, and I’ll help you find a space.”

Larsen and Henry barely had time to discuss it as they were interrupted by a phone call 15 minutes later. It was Schreder again, wanting to meet the next day.

“Me and Dave are like, ‘Oh shi—this is supposed to be fun, imaginary, stuff!’ But about three months from that, we’re having investor meetings, signing papers, and submitting manufacturing details to Victoria.”

While this would be a big career shift for Henry—who had previously worked as an autobody refinisher for 20 years—Larsen had a broad background in beverage manufacturing. Their original idea for Henry to brew and Larsen to sell was coming to fruition—but on a 15-hectolitre system instead of a tiny two-hectolitre system.

Schreder helped them secure a spot in downtown Langley with the height needed for brewing tanks and, crucially, a back area for a patio. 

“At the time, it was an old bingo hall building, and this [patio] was a just a back alley,” Larsen said. “There was a lot of dirty stuff happening out here, but number one on our list, we needed a patio.”

Visiting plenty of breweries in B.C. and Washington State helped sharpen their vision for their fledgling brewery.

“We’ve always loved the feel and the vibe and the way the beer was all different at Brassneck,” Henry said. “Another was Wander Brewing in Bellingham. When we’re thinking of everything that’s good, we melded things from those two with our own ideas.”

“Field House was another one,” Larsen added. “They had one of the biggest patios at the time we had ever been to. The grassy knoll out front, the cozy fireplace inside… it was cozy, casual, clean, and you could bring your dog.”

As any brewery team will tell you, though, opening a brewery doesn’t come without roadblocks. The first big issue came when Larsen went to register the brewery’s name online. At that point, they were planning to open as Cabin Brewing. 

“The night before we were going to buy all of the Internet domains, we found out that ‘coming to Calgary in Fall 2018 was Cabin Brewing.’ To see the same name for the same time frame, the same region of the world… it was a gut blow.”

After some emergency meetings, the team agreed on Camp Brewing Company, which was one of their original options.

“Everybody has an emotional attachment to camping,” Larsen said, “whether in the back of a pickup or a $200,000 airstream, in Palm Springs or Maple Ridge, as a kid with family or with your college friends. It’s warm and cozy.”

However, they had to adjust things again after the marketing team for Base Camp Brewing in Oregon didn’t give the Canadian Campers a blessing to use the name. With a slight twist and some readjusted branding, they were about to move ahead with Camp Beer Co.

(Base Camp Brewing closed in 2021 but Colorado’s Monumental Beer Works rebranded to Base Camp Beer Works in 2022, for anyone playing Camp Beer branding bingo at home.)

With a location secured, a patio built, the name finalized, merchandise printed, front of house staff hired, and beer in the tanks, Camp Beer Co. opened in December 2019. Unfortunately, three months of momentum was brought to a halt in March, 2020 due to COVID-19.

Despite the good fortune of having a patio, which allowed for distanced outdoor service, restrictions limited the amount of customers they could serve. Beer wasn’t turning over fast enough and it was a nearing a point where staff couldn’t be paid.

“There was one day we closed and I thought, ‘That’s it,’” Henry said. 

“We told the staff to not bother coming in,” Larsen added. 

With draught sales dried up and five fermenters full of beer, the five remaining managers decided to pull a 180-degree turn on their original business plan and start canning the beer. Without the proper equipment, this meant canning by hand, one can at a time, all day long. After failing to keep up, canners were called in to help with packaging.

Thankfully, Langley residents stepped up to support them.

“The public was really good at that time,” Larsen said. “The push to buy local and support your small businesses allowed us to bring back some staff and do some curbside and local delivery.”

Because the brewery was so new and because they expected to face challenges as a new business, they were able to take these challenges in stride.

“We were only three months in, so we didn’t know what we were doing anyways,” Larsen said. “Long hours, figuring out what people are needing to do, then fully closing down, then canning, which was supposed to be a small part of the business but was now a large part of the business… every two months, everything changed whether we wanted it to or not. To this day, we don’t know what ‘normal’ is.”

While canning helped Camp Beer Co. navigate the early months of the pandemic, relaxed restrictions has allowed the tasting room to regain its status as the primary focus of the operation. Fun was back as the name of the game.

Since then, Camp expanded their patio and taproom space and revamped their food menu. What was originally planned to be pretzels and hot dogs has morphed into camping-inspired cuisine from the Camp Cookhouse: creative twists on smokies, spuds, and s’mores. Other highlights include BBQ Brisket Tater Tots, the towering Tin Can Nachos, and brunch waffles with Bourbon maple syrup. 

On the patio, the Camphitheatre (see what they did there?) features live music every Thursday and Sunday from acoustic solo and duo performers. And while dogs are welcome on the Camp patio every day, Tuesday is Dogs of Camp Day, featuring discounted hot dogs, Camp-accinos, and the bliss of being around friendly canines. Water bowls and leash tie-ups are everywhere, and yes, there is a handy poop station for pups. There’s even a regular on-leash cat who visits, and the patio has also welcomed birds and bunnies.

It was also important that kids and families were welcome on the Camp patio.

“Our original business plan was for a social gathering place for friends and family,” Larsen said. “If you can bring your kid and bring your dog, you are more likely to come out. You don’t feel guilty about getting a babysitter or leaving the dog cooped up for four hours. Just bring them!”

Larsen and Henry are proud that they haven’t lost any of their taproom staff, outside of a few who have moved out of the city. How the staff treats customers is a huge part of the Camp Beer experience, and Larsen describes them as “amazing.”

“We always say that you don’t know if a customer has just had the worst day of their life or if they’re celebrating a big accomplishment,” Larsen said. “Everyone here gets treated well.”

To Larsen and Henry’s delight, Camp is now becoming a headquarters for local and area homebrewers, similar to how Trading Post supported them in their early years of brewing. 

“At first, it was guys from the [Full Barrel] club, but I’m starting to meet guys from all over the place who want to say hi and ask questions,” Henry said. 

As for next steps, the Camp crew is looking to host more events. A Hoptoberfest IPA festival in early October was their first ticketed event, and a birthday celebration is in the works for the winter, featuring a full-batch brew of Henry’s Birthday Cake IPA. (The pilot brew actually included an entire birthday cake that Henry baked himself.) 

While the absurdly-warm October of 2022 has kept the patio popular well into the fall, Larsen points out that heaters and rain covers will ensure that the patio will be the spot of choice for craft beer fans, families and dogs year round. The support for their outdoor oasis doesn’t seem real sometimes, he said, but the Camp team is fully appreciative.

“Me, Dave, and Jamie quite often sit here on a beautiful Thursday night, and there’s a guy playing a guitar and singing, and the place is booming and the vibe is electric, and we ask ourselves: ‘How did this even happen?’ We’re proud that we did something we wanted, and it turns out a lot of other people like that too.”

Four Camp Beers to Keep Your Eye On

• S’Mores Stout: Enjoy your just desserts with this milk stout served with a toasted marshmallow on the lip of the glass.
• Camp Lager: Clean, crisp, and it’s Dave Henry’s favourite: “All brewers love making and drinking lagers.”
• Upstream Pale Ale: Voted Best Beer in the World* (*by Kevin Larsen)
• Flannel Pyjamas: a Scottish wee heavy winter seasonal. Some is served fresh while some is aged in bourbon barrels, and all is served at an annual Flannel PJ party for those aspiring to the fashion sense of Bob and Doug McKenzie at their most casual.

Four Things to do in Langley, as Recommended by the Camp Team

• Dive into the variety of breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries
• Play on some of the best disc golf courses in the world after arguing whether “disc golf” or “frisbee golf” is the correct title [Editor’s Note: it’s disc golf for sure! – JW]
• Pet a sheep, pick a pumpkin, and check out agritourism opportunities
• Get outdoors: walking trails, golf courses, beaches, mountains—Langley has it all!

Camp Beer Co. is part of the Langley Ale Trail, which features more than 10 craft breweries and taprooms in Langley City and the Township of Langley. Camp is only a few blocks off of the Fraser Highway and BC Highway 10 and a ten-minute drive off of the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1). Drop by at 19664 64 Ave, Langley.

Driving Distances

Vancouver: 45 kms

Bellingham, WA: 50 kms / 30 miles

Seattle, WA: 195 kms / 120 miles

Kelowna: 355 kms

The BC Ale Trail reminds you to drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.

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