From Merritt up to Kamloops, across to Salmon Arm, and then down to Vernon, the craft breweries here reflect the geographic diversity of the region with their own individual approaches.
“All roads lead to Merritt.” Indeed, this small city in the heart of the beautiful Nicola Valley is easily accessible off the Coquihalla Highway. A little farther north, the rolling hills and fragrant sagebrush of Kamloops invite a sense of improvised adventure for families and urban and outdoor adventurers.
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway east along the shores of sparkling Shuswap Lake to Salmon Arm and then continue on to Vernon, a small city that packs a big punch when it comes to things to see and do.
Thinking about visiting this region in the winter? Check out the Southern Interior Winter Ale Trail.
Crannog Ales in Sorrento, BC
The Noble Pig in Kamloops, BC
Barley Station Brewpub in Salmon Arm, BC
Hiking in Merritt, BC
Empty Keg Brewing in Merritt, BC
Bright Eye Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Red Collar Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Downtown Salmon Arm, BC
Empty Keg Brewing in Merritt, BC
Gorgeous views in Kamloops, BC
Bright Eye Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Hiking in Merritt, BC
Red Collar Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Red Collar Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Riverside Park in Kamloops, BC
Bright Eye Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Red Beard Cafe in Kamloops, BC
Red Beard Cafe in Kamloops, BC
Northyards Cider Co in Salmon Arm, BC
Northyards Cider Co in Salmon Arm.
Barley Station Brewpub in Salmon Arm, BC
Marten Brewpub in Vernon, BC
Angry Otter Liquor @ Monashees in Vernon, BC
Kamloops Bike Ranch in Kamloops, BC
Shuswap Cider Company, Salmon Arm, BC
Empty Keg Brewing in Merritt, BC
Downtown Salmon Arm, BC
Iron Road Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Barley Station Brewpub in Salmon Arm, BC
Iron Road Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Godey Creek Trails in Merritt, BC
Underbelly By The Pig, Kamloops, BC
Underbelly By the Pig, Kamloops, BC
Iron Road Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC (photo provided)
Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC (photo provided)
Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC (photo provided)
Mandolin’s is a great way to start your day with specialty coffees and smoothies, breakfast bagels, muffins, cinnamon buns, and more! Also a great stop for lunch with daily specials, soups, and salads as well as keto and gluten-free options
A relatively new addition to Merritt, you will find sushi and Korean fried chicken at Cocos. Try the sushi bakes!
Explore the latest exhibit in the Arts Gallery and browse local artisan creations in the gift shop. Exhibits change monthly showcasing a variety of visual art mediums that are sure to provoke thought and discussion.
Celebrate Canadian country music artists, songwriters, influencers, builders and broadcasters at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Empty Keg Brewing in Merritt, BC
Located in the beautiful Nicola Valley at the confluence of the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers, Merritt is a community that offers exceptional opportunities to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities: golfing, camping, hiking, mountain biking and fishing (locals say “There’s a lake a day as long as you stay.”), along with skiing and snowmobiling in the colder months. Unfortunately, because it is situated on the Coquihalla Highway halfway to Kamloops, many of us have only ever driven through Merritt or stopped there for lunch. Now, with the addition of its very own craft brewery, we all have incentive to plan for a longer stay!
The Empty Keg Brew House is the dream of the husband and wife team of Kelly and Kyle Hall. Kyle was an avid homebrewer who kept his friends and relations happy for years by sharing his delicious beer with them. About 10 years ago, one of them said, “Your beer is so good — if you ever open a brewery you’ll never be able to keep the kegs full.“ And that was where the brewery’s name came from.
Empty Keg offers a rotating range of beers with something suited to every taste. Hall says his recipe book is the thickness of an encyclopedia and he has only just scratched the surface since he opened in May 2019. He likes to work with local ingredients as much as possible, including hops from Sunshine Valley Hops, which is 10 minutes away, and honey from local apiaries. He also makes hard seltzers on site and mixes radlers on demand. You’ll often find something barrel aged on tap and you’re always welcome to fill a growler to go. Bring yours or get one of theirs!
The brand new 83 room Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel is Merritt’s largest and most modern facility. Offering complimentary full breakfast.
Head into downtown Merritt for an Indigenous fresh food experience. This quaint gathering place specializes in bannock and all things Saskatoon berry.
Drive to Kamloops, approximately 1 hour
Grab a bike and ride one of BC’s largest municipal bike parks. If you don’t have your own bike, rent from one of our local bike shops.
Iron Road Brewing in Kamloops, BC
Founded by two geologists who love craft beer, this brewery is named for the busy railroad that passes through this central BC city. The brewery’s location close to Thompson Rivers University gives it a strong connection to the student crowd, but it is a popular spot for people of all ages. The family-friendly, 60-seat taproom has several beers to sample. In addition to producing consistently award-winning beer, it’s also home to some of the best Mexican food in the Interior. The core beers generally have train-themed names, such as Locomotive Lager and Handcar ISA, while more experimental seasonal styles veer “off track” so to speak. And there is certainly lots of experimenting going on in the brewhouse here, including a barrel-aging program.
You can also listen to this Cascadian Beer Podcast episode featuring Iron Road Brewing.
Stroll or shop around and discover back alley art murals, or take a walking tour of historic buildings or public art.
The Noble Pig in Kamloops, BC
Simply put, this brewpub features incredible house-made craft brews paired with meticulously created food using only the best ingredients. The big dining room is always buzzing with local residents who know how good everything tastes along with visitors who are in the know. In warmer weather, the “Piggy Patio” is a justifiably popular spot, especially late in the summer when hops growing along the pergola form a shady canopy. The kitchen’s menu is extensive, including everything from poutine to pizza and a wide range of burgers, sandwiches and main entrées. On the beer side, the list is just as diverse. In other words, plan on staying a while — you won’t want to leave any time soon.
Be sure to browse Kamloops’ event calendar when you’re in town for live music, markets, walking tours and more!
Grab brunch from The Art We Are Café. They are home to a variety of gluten-free and vegan options.
Tee up and swing your clubs on this remarkable golf course, rated #1 Public Course in BC by Canadian Golf Magazine. Open spring and summer.
Bright Eye Brewing in Kamloops, BC
This small batch brewery has a visually stunning tasting room that boasts a live tree, a beautiful mural by a local artist, and a refurbished Austin Mini hanging on the wall (seriously). The two-story space is very welcoming with big windows bringing in lots of light. And the addition of a new patio is an added bonus.
Beer-wise, Bright Eye features a fresh, ever-changing variety of innovative beers served right from the tanks they were made in. Food is also a big focus here — the menu includes pizzas baked to order, burgers and sandwiches, and other unique dishes including a Cobb salad that features prosciutto, chorizo, and smoked gouda.
One of the co-owners also established the Red Beard Cafe just down Tranquille Road, and another was one of the co-founders of the Noble Pig Brewpub downtown, so you know that a lot of thought and careful planning went into making this place as good as it is.
You can also listen to this Cascadian Beer Podcast episode featuring Bright Eye Brewing.
Kamloops’ diverse arts and culture scene will surprise you—but in the best possible way. With three diverse art galleries, there is something for everyone.
Brewmaster David Beardsell has a long history of brewing in Kamloops dating back to the 1990s when he opened the city’s first microbrewery, Bear Brewing. After some time away spent travelling with his family in a converted bus, he got back into the brewing game by opening the Noble Pig Brewhouse, a food-focused brewpub, and consulting on some other brewery start-ups before deciding to open this place. Red Collar has a big 80-seat tasting room along with an outdoor patio space, and the beer list is diverse and interesting. Recently, he has started taking a step back from day-to-day operations, handing the reins to a new head brewer and his daughter Lara, who manages the business side of the company.
Underbelly By The Pig, Kamloops
We feature seasonally influenced cuisine that pair with our craft cocktails, local wines, and inspired brews. Focusing on quality ingredients and beverages that are sourced locally whenever possible, it is our goal to create a quality dining experience for the senses.
Red Beard Cafe in Kamloops. BC
Open since 2012.
Red Beard is part Pub, part Cafe, part Restaurant – a place for visiting. We pour from 18 rotating taps the best craft beers and ciders we can find – we cook Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner from scratch – serve up crafter cocktails and Third Wave coffee. Come by for a date, with friends, with the kids or dog(on the patio), and visit!
Drive to Sorrento, approximately 1 hour
Crannog Ales in Sorrento, BC
JUNE 2025: Crannóg announced that they have sold to BNA Brewing, and BNA Brewing is now making Crannóg’s beer at BNA facilities in Kelowna and Vernon. The classic Irish ales will continue to be brewed according to their long-established recipes, using their same organic ingredients and with hops from Left Fields Organic Farm. Growlers will be available for sale at the Salmon Arm Farmers Market and the brewery, and you can still come for tours until Labour Day. on Friday and Saturdays.
This brewery was founded in 2001 by two ardently political brewers, Rebecca Kneen and Brian McIsaac, who left busy urban lifestyles in Vancouver behind to create this unique brewery on a ten-acre piece of land located halfway between Kamloops and Salmon Arm. They brew only organic ales, focusing on local and seasonal specialty ingredients, most of which come from their farm. Their experiences growing their hops led Rebecca to publish a manual on hop growing, which in turn has helped spark a revival in hop growing throughout British Columbia.
Crannóg celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020.
Shuswap Marina rents high-performance triple pontoons and ski boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. You will also find a full-service department, parts for your boat, accessories, a summer store, water toys, used boat sales, gas dock and much more.
Enjoy made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch, mile-high pies and more.
Drive to Salmon Arm, approximately 20 min
Take a stroll on the longest curved inland wharf in North America in Salmon Arm.
Northyards Cider Co in Salmon Arm, BC
The idea for Northyards Cider started germinating many years ago at, of all places, the Bellingham “April Brews Days” Beer Festival. Alison Round, our cider maker, not a beer drinker, found herself alone while her partner Kathleen van der Ree and their friends happily went from tent to tent drinking all the IPAs they could get their hands on. Lonely and cold, (it always rains at that festival) Alison was about to give up when she came across a cider vendor and thought she’d give it a try. A spark went off. Since that first sip of Finn River’s black currant cider, Alison’s passion has been sourcing, and later making, the most delicious craft ciders.
After many years of studying, researching, and planning, Alison and Kathleen decided to go for it, put their talents together, and start their own craft cidery.
Founded by a husband and wife team, Ricochet Brewing was borne from a passion for homebrewing and is the ricochet of their change in trajectory after an injury altered the course of their previous venture. Brewed at their manufacturing facility on the shores of Shuswap Lake, Ricochet’s beer is locally sourced, locally brewed, and community-focused. The team is committed to crafting quality small-batch, handcrafted beers.
Located in the heart of downtown Salmon Arm, Ricochet is more than just a brewery taphouse — they’re on a mission to support independently owned craft beverage makers and local small businesses. Their 36 rotating taps and curated drink menu feature Ricochet Brewing beer, alongside a wide selection of BC craft beer and cider, wine, cocktails and mocktails. Pair it with delicious food for a true taste of community. Come for the flavours, stay for the vibe. Cheers to supporting local.
Ricochet Brewing and Taphouse was honoured with the 2024 Salmon Arm Business of the Year award!
Designed to resemble a heritage train station, and surrounded by an abundant and colourful flower garden, this brewpub is situated right next to the busy Trans-Canada Highway, making it a welcome sight for sore eyes (and rumbling stomachs) on the long drive to or from the BC coast. Anyone who stops in for a bite and a beer will be more than pleasantly surprised by what they find. The kitchen is top-notch and the beer is excellent — so good, in fact, that this small local brewery has won some significant awards, including a gold medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards. And if you’re lucky enough to be staying in the beautiful Shuswap Lake region, you can drop by more than once and perhaps fill a growler to take some beer with you.
Everything we serve is made with care and detailed attention, from our beautiful lattes to our amazing cookies and scones; from our healthy smoothies to our savoury paninis, you will find delicious flavour in every bite!
A dozen ways to get on the water—choose from canoes, kayaks, sea-doos, fishing boats, stand up paddle boards, or even a double decker pontoon boat! Shuswap Lake is not to be missed.
DeMille’s Farm Market is a third-generation family farm. Grab a featured lunch special and explore the farm. You will find everything from fresh fruit and produce, to a corn maze, ice cream, deli, bakery, gourmet specialties and seasonal garden centre. You might come across the resident animals, and can view their collection of antique farming equipment as well.
Shuswap Cider Company, Salmon Arm, BC
In 2020, the Shuswap Cider Company launched a new Golden Age of the apple in the form of cider. We ferment using a blend of traditional bittersweet and bittersharp varietals, along with complimentary culinary apples, to create a brilliant balance of characteristics in each small batch. We’ve been happily serving customers in our tasting room and patio since June 30, 2021
Drive to Vernon, approximately 50 min
Historic O’Keefe Ranch tells the story of early BC Ranching and endeavours to preserve the history and culture of the early ranching era for future generations. There is plenty to explore with cowboy dinner shows, trail rides, a corn maze, pony rides, blacksmith classes, ghost tours, and there’s even a dog park.
Grab an iced coffee or nitro-brew at Ratio Coffee and Pastry to refuel before your next stop.
Where friends love to meet for delicious food, refreshments and extraordinary entertainment from karaoke to line dancing and two-step lessons.
The hotel incorporates the nearby creek in its design, offering a constant flow of natural water streaming in from outside. The creek and garden atrium are a favourite of locals and out-of-towners.
Fuel up at EATology. Their fresh, homemade hearty breakfasts are cherished by locals.
Grab your bike rental from Sun Country Cycle, or just your hiking shoes, and hit the trails. We recommend Kalamalka Lake Provincial Parks.
Enjoy lunch on the lake side patio at Alexander Pub’s.
Beach yourself, or get in and swim in the colourful water. At different times of the year the colour of the lake will range from teal and cyan to indigo. Look for the Kalavida Surf Shop for SUP rentals and more.
The 28 murals of Vernon are known around the world for their depiction of the history, culture, scenery, and folklore that made Vernon what it is today. Take a guided tour, or walk at your own pace.
Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC
Located in the heart of downtown Vernon, Silverstar Brewing features 14 delicious craft beers on tap, all brewed in house.
The beautifully renovated space has lots of games, pool tables, foosball, and adult-sized Jenga to let the good times roll. There is always something fun going on at the brewery, including karaoke every Friday night, along with Open Mic nights, live bands and DJs.
The food menu is diverse and extensive, including specialties like house-smoked chicken and brisket to go along with the excellent beer brewed on site.
Angry Otter Liquor @ Monashees in Vernon, BC
With over 10,000 square feet of retail space, we guarantee you won’t find a better selection anywhere! Shop our Vintage Room for premium wine and Scotch, our walk-in humidor for fine cigars, and our doorless coolers for an unparalleled selection of craft beer and cider.
Although we have been carrying craft beer since the beginning, we have finally dedicated more space to the beautiful artisan beer that is being made right here in BC and across Canada. Our craft wall is in a constant state of change, as new products become available based on seasonality, popularity, and tastes.
Call and let us know if you’re looking for a certain brand in particular – we can most certainly help you out!
The hotel incorporates the nearby creek in its design, offering a constant flow of natural water streaming in from outside. The creek and garden atrium are a favourite of locals and out-of-towners.
