Over the summer of 2018, four more regions will be added to the BC Ale Trail, including Kamloops-Shuswap-Vernon, Northern BC, Port Alberni, and Richmond. Less than two years since the BC Ale Trail launched in the fall of 2016, our comprehensive website now represents more than 150 craft breweries featured in 16 different regional Ale Trails, offering resources including itineraries, maps, photography and videos for craft beer tourists to plan excursions within British Columbia that involve craft beer as well as other regional activities.
The BC Ale Trail expands to Northern BC with the addition of eight craft breweries spanning the province from Prince Rupert to Valemount.
When the BC Ale Trail launched in 2016, one of its long-term goals was to cover the entire province. The biggest challenge was Northern BC because of the scarcity of breweries scattered over such a large region. Over the past two years, several more breweries have opened in the north, making this dream a reality. The Northern BC Ale Trail features these eight craft breweries: Barkerville Brewing (Quesnel), Bulkley Valley Brewery (Smithers), CrossRoads Brewing (Prince George), Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse (Terrace), Smithers Brewing (Smithers), Three Ranges Brewing (Valemount), Trench Brewing & Distilling (Prince George), and Wheelhouse Brewing (Prince Rupert).
Richmond’s three breweries to join Delta, New Westminster and Surrey in a newly expanded ale trail encompassing the South Fraser region.
The summer of 2017 saw the launch of the New West, Delta & Surrey Ale Trail, which featured three breweries: Central City Brewers & Distillers, Four Winds Brewing, and Steel & Oak Brewing. With the addition of Britannia Brewing, Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks and Monkey 9 Brewing, all located in Richmond, this new ale trail effectively doubles in size.
The new Kamloops, Shuswap and Vernon Ale Trail features a diverse group of six craft breweries.
Following the launch of the Kelowna and Penticton Ale Trails last summer, the new Kamloops, Shuswap and Vernon Ale Trail will give craft beer travellers plenty of fresh ideas for beer-soaked tours in the Thompson-Okanagan region. Kamloops’ craft beer scene features Iron Road Brewing, the Noble Pig Brewhouse and Red Collar Brewing. Nearby, the organic farm-based brewery, Crannóg Ales, offers visitors a unique perspective on the brewing model. Salmon Arm’s Barley Station Brewpub is much more than just a rest stop on the Trans-Canada Highway, offering delicious food alongside well made beer. And Vernon’s Marten Brewpub has revitalized that city’s craft beer scene.
With the addition of Port Alberni, the Vancouver Island Ale Trail features 13 craft breweries.
Twin City Brewing opened in Port Alberni last year, featuring excellent craft beer paired with creative pizzas and delicious share plates. This hidden gem joins 12 other craft breweries dotting the map of central Vancouver Island between Courtenay and Duncan, including the communities of Chemainus, Cumberland, Nanaimo and Parksville Qualicum Beach.
Look for these four new ale trails to launch over the summer of 2018.
Arrive thirsty, leave inspired!
