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.

Those were the words spoken to Michael Friesen, head brewer at The Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge, by a fellow brewer shortly before their grand opening in August 2024. One year later, as the brewery celebrates its first anniversary, that brewer’s words seem prophetic. I sat down with Michael and co-owner Rebecca Laity to chat about The Patch’s first year and plans for the future.

A Slow Burn: Opening a Farm-Based Family Brewery

Rumours of The Patch were circulating years before their opening day. As other farm brewery owners will understand only too well, the bureaucratic hurdles required to open The Patch were substantial. 

The Laity family has lived and run businesses in the area for generations. However, it wasn’t until around 2017 that brothers Doug and Jeff Laity, along with their wives Kaitlyn and Rebecca, considered the possibility of a farm brewery.  The hard work that Persephone Brewing in Gibsons did to change the laws around agricultural land use inspired them. “We have this land, we could start a brewery!” Rebecca remembers the family thinking.  

It didn’t happen right away. They planted barley and hops and hired an architect to design the brewery buildings, but had to contract-brew out of Taylight and Locality while they slowly hacked away at bureaucratic red tape. At last, in summer 2024, they received final approval for opening their brewery. 

This delay wasn’t all negative, though. Rebecca recalls how those years of planning revealed the welcoming and collegial nature of the craft beer community. She and Jeff visited almost every brewery in the lower mainland – and others overseas – and at each one, Jeff would try to talk to the owner. “Everyone was so open and collaborative,” Rebecca says. “They were all willing to help us out.”

A Year of Challenges and Celebrations

Once The Patch opened its doors, that prediction about a tsunami of people came true. The huge outdoor patio space that welcomes children and dogs, combined with a solid taplist and delicious pizzas, immediately drew in the crowds. On busy weekends, parking attendants were on duty to facilitate the flow of traffic. Speaking as a regular brewery patron myself, I’ve rarely seen this kind of popularity. The Patch must be doing something right.

A large customer base is great, but every benefit has its drawbacks. “There were non-stop adjustments, and staffing was one of our biggest challenges,” Rebecca says. “We had to hire 50 additional staff within the first week of opening.” And the hiring has continued – along with the additional work required for staff training. The hundreds of customer seats available mean that they need more staff if they want to optimize their space. 

Providing efficient customer service as they welcome people in is another priority. The brewery’s popularity required a waitlist system almost immediately. Rebecca remembers that they began with a handwritten waitlist, then moved to a texting system, and now they use an online program. Customers can now add themselves to the waitlist while they’re still at home and check their spot before they head out. It’s been a game-changer.

Once patrons were inside the brewery, there were other difficulties to sort out. The flow of customers from counter to table – and the different options, like table service or counter service – has gone through several iterations. Rebecca acknowledges that this can be frustrating for repeat customers, who may have experienced different “rules” during different visits. It’s also difficult for staff. However, they’ve now found a good balance, and they plan to stick with it.

A final hurdle of their first exciting year was the beer supply. They were selling almost all of their beer directly to customers at the counter. This is great news for any brewery, but it meant that they didn’t have enough beer to fill the cans in their off-sales fridge. Increasing production within their existing brewhouse space required a skilled game of fermentation tank Tetris.  

What Makes The Patch Unique?

A craft brewery won’t find success just by brewing fantastic beer or having a trendy taproom. It needs to hit that perfect balance of high-quality beer (and food, if offered), a welcoming, community-oriented space, and staff who care about the customers. The Patch seems to have found that balance in their first year.

Head brewer Michael Friesen is passionate about this brewery and what it can offer to Maple Ridge. He’s designed the brewhouse for top efficiency, using large serving tanks rather than kegs for the front of house taps (trust me when I say this saves a great deal of time and hassle) and piping the lines underground to feed the taps in the little “Beer Barn” outside. He’s also crafted a taplist that embodies local flavours and histories within a range of beer styles that will appeal to the brewery’s broad demographic. 

It starts with a good lager. “Gotta have a good house lager,” he told me. A lager is a good litmus test for a brewery; you can’t hide any flaws. The Laity Lager is excellent. It’s crisp, clean, and approachable – not too “crafty” for the folks who are used to macro lagers, but a quality beer that craft beer nerds will appreciate. Another popular lager on tap is the 1879 Patch Pilsner, Michael’s twist on a Czech pilsner. It’s named after the year in which the Laity family settled in the region. To Michael, understanding both local history and beer history are crucial if you’re a brewer. “Brewers should have a core knowledge of traditional beer styles,” he says. “They have their foot planted in the past – they know the history. But they should also be aware of innovations happening in beer. Once you know what the rules are, then you can break them.” 

And he’s done a bit of breaking with the 1879 Patch Pilsner. Using imported European floor-malted barley, he puts the wort through an extra-long boil, ages it for three weeks in a foeder (a big wooden barrel), then krausens it to allow natural carbonation, then does a final dry hop. It’s served with a traditional Czech side-pull tap. The subtle vanilla and toffee notes drawn from the wood aging stop it from being a conventional Czech pilsner, but that’s part of its charm; this pilsner is the Laity version of the traditional Czech beer. 

Other core beers, like the Fat Tractor Hazy IPA and the Three Peaks West Coast IPA, evoke local landmarks and sights. Early in our conversation, Michael and Rebecca described the haze that settled over the fields in early August, when the barley was being harvested. I thought of that when I picked up a can of Fat Tractor and looked out the window to see the farm’s tractor sitting in the freshly shorn fields. The rotating taps, including the Sour Patch series and the hefeweizen, reflect seasonal aspects of the local landscape – berries, wheat fields, mountains. 

There are plenty of non-alcoholic options as well, including Phillips Brewing’s non-alcoholic beers, Ole mocktails, and lemonade, iced tea, and Italian sodas. However, one unique inclusion is their coffee bar – a big draw for tired parents who stop by when the brewery opens at 10 am. After discovering an amazing coffee shop on Vancouver Island, Drumroasters, the Laitys went into partnership with the owners. Drumroasters supplies their espresso machine and makes a special roast for The Patch based on Maple Ridge’s water chemistry. You can get anything from a drip coffee to flavoured lattes to matcha to cold brew to hot chocolate.

And finally – food! If you’re in the mood for more than something to sip on, The Patch has you covered with their new menu. While they started with pizza as their mainstay, they’ve expanded to include muffins and pastries, fried chicken, burgers (there are vegan options for these latter two), and salads. A large food truck out back expands their kitchen facilities and helps feed the hundreds of hungry patrons who enter their doors each day.

Looking to the Future

After one year of beautiful chaos and smashing success, The Patch has found its place in the Maple Ridge community. It’s giving the locals something that they’ll come back for repeatedly. Open air, good beer and food, play space for kids and dogs…it’s all here. After a year of consistent pivoting and adjustments to make things work, what does the future look like?

Rebecca feels like they’re just getting started. “We’ve done a lot, but there’s so much more we’d like to do,” she says. “We’d like to expand our food menu and host more events.” An Oktoberfest celebration is currently in the works, although fairly laid-back; business as usual, but with some fun additions. “It’s not a ticketed event,” Rebecca emphasizes, although ticketed events are likely a future possibility. They will also continue to build up their staff in order to ensure quality customer service and good management.

On the brewing side, one thing that isn’t in the immediate future is wider distribution. They’ll continue to focus on selling beer to the customers who come to them for that farm brewery experience. From Michael’s perspective, this is the dream for a brewer. They don’t feel like they’re brewing for a sales team; they’re brewing for their customers, and they’re brewing styles they love. “We can brew the beer the best we can and get instant feedback from people coming in,” says Michael. “We use our passion and creativity.” 

At the same time, as both Michael and Rebecca emphasize, the brewer’s passion must align with the customer base for the brewery. “We had to learn about our audience, and I think we’ve done a great job of making very approachable beers,” says Rebecca. Combining creativity with approachability is something Michael’s done well. He anticipates introducing a barrel-aging program in future, so keep an eye out for that!

A Beer to Celebrate One Year: the Anniversary Brew

Today, The Patch is releasing its much-anticipated first anniversary beer – their “One Year Beer”, a cold-lagered IPA that’s similar to a West Coast IPA but crisper and cleaner. Using a superpowered lager yeast strain (for the brewing science nerds, the superpowers involve biotransformation caused by the release of thiols), Michael brewed the beer with BC-grown Saaz and Cascade hops, fermented it, dry-hopped it with tropical New Zealand hops, aged it in a foeder, krausened it in a stainless steel tank, then double dry-hopped it. 

If that sounds a bit confusing and complicated to make – it is. But it’s definitely worth drinking! This beer has a lager’s beautiful golden clarity, but its fruity aroma and first sip suggest a hazy IPA with melon, grapefruit, guava, and peach notes. Mid-palate, that sip takes a turn to West Coast IPA territory with citrus pith and pine. The finish is satisfying; clean and fairly quick, with just a bit of lingering piney bitterness. As Michael puts it, this beer takes you on a journey. It will sell out quickly, so make sure you get down to the taproom ASAP. 

Congratulations to the owners and staff of The Patch on a brilliantly successful first year. We’re all looking forward to seeing what you do next!

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post The Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge Celebrates Their First Year in Beer appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Tucked between the Golden Ears Mountains and the Fraser River, Maple Ridge is a scenic, forested community with a remarkable natural beauty — and a bounty of craft breweries.

Explore local historic and heritage sites and discover a flourishing bistro and taphouse culture nourished by local farms and growers.

Fill Your Passport to Win!

How do you participate?

1. Visit any of the participating businesses listed below from September 16 – October 16 and ask for a stamp with purchase.
2. Once you have collected unique stamps from six different locations, hand in the passport at one of the participating businesses to be entered in the draw for a chance 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.

Multiple entries encouraged!

Great Prizes to be Won!

The Grand Prize is a Deluxe Weekend Ale-Venture in Maple Ridge including:

The Grand Prize package also includes:

• $100 to spend at a BC Ale Trail brewery
• BC Ale Trail swag pack valued at $200

Several other prize packages featuring merchandise or gift cards from the participating businesses will also be awarded.

Check out the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

Scenic Maple Ridge and nearby Pitt Meadows have plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to hike or bike along nearly 200 kilometres of accessible trails offering views of majestic mountains, rolling farmland, refreshing streams, rivers and lakes, and wildlife such as eagles, hawks, herons and cranes. Afterwards, quench your thirst at any of the four local breweries.

Explore local historic and heritage sites and uncover a deep-rooted past: Maple Ridge has been the home of the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nation for over 10,000 years. Traditionally, Maple Ridge was known by its Halkomelem name Q’wa?acstan’ which translates into “place where the golden eagles are.” Indeed, a downtown art mural created by Kwantlen First Nation artist Brandon Gabriel celebrates the rich culture and history by depicting two golden eagles superimposed over the Golden Ears Mountains.

Food lovers will quickly discover that Maple Ridge has a flourishing bistro culture, along with gastropubs, food trucks, taphouses and quaint cafes. Many offer dishes made with local ingredients grown on neighbouring farms.

Check out the Maple Ridge Ale Trail for more information. Another great resource is this Road Trip Tasting Note.

Just west of Maple Ridge is the community of Pitt Meadows, home to one the most adventurous breweries on the BC Ale Trail, Foamers’ Folly Brewing. Its tasting room boasts 20 taps, and the brewers work hard to ensure that new beers are being poured all the time. The brewery also has a big outdoor patio, and offers food, including hot dogs, nachos, and pizza. It’s a family friendly space with board games available to play and occasional events including music nights, special beer releases, and pretty much any good reason to throw a party. Many of the beers are packaged in cans or bottles, as well — a good thing since it would be folly to try to sample every tap in a single visit.

The first microbrewery to open in Maple Ridge in 2015, Maple Meadows Brewing was founded by a local entrepreneur who has operated the tiny brewery as a true labour of love ever since. The comfortable tasting room might be small, but it always boasts a great variety with 10 beers on tap, including two nitro taps for specialty pours, and occasional cask-conditioned beers, as well as red and white wine. Drop by for a tasting flight and a chat with the friendly staff.

Ridge Brewing opened across the street from Maple Meadows Brewing back in 2015 with the intention of creating an authentic local community of craft beer drinkers. Its family-friendly, open-concept tasting room allows patrons to sit right inside the working brewery where all the magic happens — seeing, hearing, and smelling the brewing process in action while tasting the results. Ridge Brewing is open seven days a week for tastings, growler fills, and sales of cans of bottles.

Co-owner Kevin Fulton got interested in craft beer when he was designing tap handles for local breweries. That led him to begin homebrewing with some friends in a carport on Silver Valley Road. Eventually, he talked with his wife Brandi about opening a brewery, and together they have built a craft brewery focused on their local community. Silver Valley’s stylish tasting room features a range of tasty beers along with a food menu featuring hot sandwiches, nachos and charcuterie.

Where can you pick up a Passport?

The Maple Ridge Tasting Passport is available for free at any of the participating businesses:

Billy Miner Alehouse & Cafe
22355 River Road, Maple Ridge

Foamers’ Folly Brewing
19221 122a Ave, Pitt Meadows

Kingfishers Waterfront Bar & Grill
23840 River Rd, Maple Ridge

Maple Meadows Brewing
22775 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge Visitor Centre
11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge

Ridge Brewing Company
#2 22826 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge

Silver Valley Brewing
104-11952 224th Street, Maple Ridge

Taco Fan
#103 11955 224th Street, Maple Ridge

WildPlay Elements Park
23485 Fern Crescent, Maple Ridge

Witchcraft Beer Market & Bistro
22648 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge

The post The Maple Ridge Tasting Passport appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

But, for those who knew the hidden gem that is Maple Ridge, it was worth it for a weekend trip to check out Bruce’s Country Market on the other side of the Albion ferry or the Haney Farmer’s Market downtown, to go for a hike in Golden Ears Park or a paddle on Pitt Lake, to grab some cheesecake and a samosa at GM Restaurant, or to watch the mighty Beast Horse Clock rear itself on the strike of the hour.

Thankfully, all these amazing Maple Ridge institutions still exist (sadly the Beast Horse rears no more) and since the construction of the Golden Ears Bridge and Pitt River Bridge in 2009 there’s been a new wave of innovative businesses bringing the culinary scene to a whole other level:

• Humble Roots, tucked away in the farmland of Maple Ridge, designing seasonal menus to optimize harvest times and utilizing ethically sourced, high quality suppliers. Just thinking about the Farmer’s Skillet breakfast has my mouth watering.
• Gratia Bakery bakes delectable desserts and pastries while serving up cups of fresh roasted mornin’ joe. Try the lavender latte. It may surprise even the most incredulous flavoured-coffee skeptics.
• Big Feast, which focuses on a menu consisting of locally grown, organic ingredients and also has a number gluten free-options.

• Kingfishers, situated right on the mighty Fraser River, has arguably one of the best views you’re going to find at a restaurant. You can sit and reminisce about riding the Albion ferry.
• Hopcott Farms, where you can buy local, naturally raised meat and produce, and sit on their patio enjoying a delicious meal from their on-site bistro. A couple slices of their house-made fudge somehow always end up in my shopping basket.
• The Black Sheep Pub, a great spot to catch a game on the tube or sip away some of your joint-and-muscle pain from feeling like a kid again at the Wild Play adventure course just down the street.
• The Reach, with new local owners who have revitalized the menu and atmosphere of this long-time Maple Ridge establishment.
• Lupita Mexican Foods, where you can chow down on authentic Mexican style street tacos and then grab some tortillas and salsa from their grocery offering to bring home.
• Golden Ears Cheescrafters creating farm-made artisan cheese utilizing Jersey cows from the neighbouring family farm. They also have a country kitchen with a charming eating area, cooking classes and, my favourite, their annual beer fest which brings in some of the best in BC craft beer.

Actually, while we’re on the topic of BC craft beer, we mustn’t forget about the burgeoning brewery scene that Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows has to offer. This is especially important to mention considering the big news. What big news you ask? Well, Maple Ridge now has its own official Ale Trail courtesy of the BC Ale Trail.

What is a BC Ale Trail? The Ale Trail puts a focus on the local craft beer scene, but also helps locals and visitors experience some of the best outdoor adventures, culinary treats and urban activities that the city has to offer.

Unofficially, this trail has been going for a few years but now the secret is out. Maple Meadows, Ridge Brewing and Foamers Folly have all been open since 2015 with the newcomer, Silver Valley Brewing, opening its doors in 2017. Each brewery brings its own unique vibe and beer offering to the local craft beer scene.

MAPLE MEADOWS BREWING

Maple Meadows is a tiny 10-person capacity tasting room. It could be considered more of a nano-brewery than a microbrewery. But size doesn’t matter, right? They have 10 taps going at any time and they focus on experimenting with new flavours and styles while still keeping some standard beer on tap at all times. They don’t can or bottle their beer, and finding them on taps outside of their tasting room is rare. That means you need to go straight to the source to indulge in the Maple Meadows experience.

RIDGE BREWING

Ridge Brewing, which is just a hop, skip and a stumble from Maple Meadows, has an open-concept tasting room that puts you right in the middle of the brewing action. This family-friendly spot brings in craft beer enthusiasts from the local community and abroad. If you’re there on the first Tuesday of each month you can also watch, or participate in, an Open Mic night. When mixed with delicious craft beer this can be entertaining in a number of different ways, as I’m sure you can imagine.

SILVER VALLEY BREWING

Opened two years ago by avid home brewer Kevin Fulton and his wife Brandi, Silver Valley is producing deliciously well-thought-out beer and also dishing up delectable ‘sammiches’ and shared plates. Even if you’re not a fan of beer they also serve wine, cider, coffee, tea and soda. Something for everyone. Silver Valley Brewing is located on the bustling 224^th street in Maple Ridge and surrounded by some great local amenities such as: Memorial Peace Park, Haney Place Mall and the ACT Art’s Centre, to name a few. It’s a great area to cruise, check out local shops and have a pint of ale.

FOAMERS’ FOLLY

Located in the neighbouring city of Pitt Meadows, Foamers’ Folly is the hot spot smack dab in the middle of town. Only a few short steps from the train tracks, Foamers’ name is a shout-out to the train obsessed history of Pitt Meadows (check out the train museum across the street). With 20 taps behind the bar there’s always something new and exciting to try in their tasting room, but don’t worry, they always keep the classics flowing. They’re a family-friendly spot with a great patio and tasty food options (try the pizza from Artista, trust me). Foamers’ Folly is a must visit if you’re in Pitt Meadows. Just try not to get stuck at the train crossing.

The ferry is now decommissioned and the swing bridge swings no longer but the new bridges have exposed British Columbia’s sixth oldest community to the rest of the Lower Mainland. Now everybody has painless passage to the community-centric businesses, farming and culinary history, and craft beer boom that is Maple Ridge.

See y’all at the official Launch of the Maple Ridge Ale Trail on Sept 21^st at the Haney Farmers’ Market. I’ll be sippin’ on the special collaborative Alouette Berry Saison brewed by all four breweries to commemorate the occasion. Hopefully you will be too. Cheers!

The post Welcome to the Maple Ridge Ale Trail appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

I have recently fallen in love with the beauty and diverse hike options available in and around Golden Ears Provincial Park. Named for the prominent twin peaks of Mount Blanshard, the park covers over 550 square kilometres and lies to the north of the mighty Fraser River in the municipality of Maple Ridge. I’m going to highlight three trails of varying difficulty for you and then once you’ve “earned your beer”, take you to explore four breweries nearby.

The trail system in the park is extensive with varying degrees of length and difficulty. From the relatively flat 5.5km Lower Gold Creek Falls Trail, to the 12km Canyon Loop Trail and the 24km Golden Ears Trail that takes you all the way up to the 1717 metre high peak. I have personally done the first two but have yet to tackle the big one.

Lower Gold Creek Falls Trail – 5.5km – Easy

Following along the east side of the Gold Creek, this trail is relatively flat and is perfect for early season warm up, novice hikers and small children. The trail begins near the parking lot, close to the water and heads into the moss covered woods for a short way on a nice wide pathway. Eventually, it emerges alongside Gold Creek again. Along the way, you will be treated to beautiful views of Blanschard, Edge and Alouette mountains. The sound of the falls will be heard well before it comes into sight. Depending on the time of year visit, the power of the falls can really vary but it is always a stunning sight. Once you have taken in the view, make your way back the way you came.

Golden Ears Canyon Loop Trail – 12km – Intermediate

The Canyon Loop trail can be started from two points. If you prefer to the get the hard work out of the way first, I suggest taking the West Side to begin. To access this trailhead, park in the same lot but make your way back across the small bridge and look for signs to Menzies Trail located not far up on the right then follows signs for the West Canyon Trail. If you want to kick it off with a more gradual terrain The entrance to the East side of the Canyon is in the back right corner of the parking lot. This trail is more of an intermediate difficulty with some challenging rolling hills, abundant root systems and loose gravel to contend with. Watch for signage to access to the Upper Falls for a nice break and then continue on to the halfway point where you will cross over Golf Creek on a long wooden bridge. Either way you attack it, it’s a great trail with lots of natural wonders to see.

Golden Ears Summit Trail – 24km – Difficult

If you really want a work out that will pay off with some of the most stunning views the park has to offer, then consider challenging yourself on this gruelling 24km round trip. Doing it in a day is a tall order with most people planning to camp overnight at Panorama Ridge and tackling the summit the next day. There are many great articles loaded with tips on doing this one so be sure to do your homework before you go!

With the hiking in the books and the beers more than earned, its time to venture back to town and discover the great breweries Maple Ridge has to offer.  A big bonus is that all three of them are located within one kilometre of each other!!

MAPLE MEADOWS BREWING COMPANY

Opened in 2015, owner Carlo Baroccio operates a true microbrewery working hard to offer a solid variety while working in a fairly small space. The tasting room is very intimate but boasts 10 beers on tap and fun experimental casks on occasion. The Pineapple Mandarin SMaSH IPA Cask they had recently was delicious!

RIDGE BREWING COMPANY

Nearby, across Dewdney Trunk Road, you will find Ridge Brewing Company tucked away just off the street. It also opened in 2015 and has an open space feel with the tasting room basically feeling like you’re sitting in the brewery where all the magic happens. I recently tried their Ladies And Gentlemen of the GED Class of 1999Brut/Champagne IPA and was pleasantly impressed. If you’re ever in the neighbourhood on a Tuesday, pop in for their open mic nights!

Silver Valley Brewing

Also nearby is Silver Valley Brewing owned by husband and wife duo Kevin and Brandi Fulton. They opened up in 2017 which makes them the new kids on the block. Kevin’s focus is English style ales but he has produced a number of styles since opening. I was a big a fan of their Black IPA and also picked up a 4-pack to go of The Lion ESB. The tasting room is quaint with a nice selection of locally sourced snacks to pair with your flight.

FOAMERS’ FOLLY BREWING CO.

Heading east out of Maple Ridge along the Lougheed Highway, hang a left at Harris road. There you will find one more brewery east of the Pitt River Bridge, less than 10kms away from the other aforementioned breweries. Foamers’ Folly in Pitt Meadows opened late in 2015 by owner + brewer Rob Davis. It features a big outdoor patio as well as plenty of space inside. I recently stopped in for the double launch party of their most recent releases, Tiger of the Eye Fruited Berliner Sour Ale with Currants and Saskatoon Berries and In a Guava Da Vida, a Guava Fruit Smoothie IPA. Both were full of flavour and went down easy after a day on the trail.

This is all just a small sample of the hike and brewery pairings that you can discover in small communities all over BC. With our picturesque landscapes, endless trails and a booming craft beer scene, there is surely a hike and brewery to suit everyone’s taste. Destination BC’s website is a great resource for discovering new hikes all over beautiful BC.

The post Earn Your Beer – Exploring the trails and breweries around Maple Ridge appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.