Vancouver is one of Canada's premier craft beer destinations, set against a backdrop of ocean, mountains, and the country's most vibrant urban neighbourhoods.

Vancouver’s craft beer scene is as layered and distinct as the city itself. The story of brewing here begins at Brewery Creek, where Vancouver’s earliest breweries set up along a creek that once ran beside Main Street — and though the creek is long gone, that legacy lives on in the progressive taprooms and neighbourhood breweries that have taken root in its place.

Today, the Vancouver Ale Trail spans the full breadth of this scene with a five-day craft beer itinerary that takes you from the renowned “Yeast Van” corridor stretching along Clark Drive, Powell Street, and Venables, to the tasting rooms of Mount Pleasant and Brewery Creek, the brewpubs of historic Gastown, and the welcoming neighbourhood spots of Strathcona and Hastings-Sunrise. Each pocket of the city has its own character — and so do its breweries. Most serve great food alongside their beer, and with so many within walking or cycling distance of one another, the trail pairs naturally with a day spent taking in everything Vancouver has to offer.

Travel Info

“Yeast Van” isn’t just a clever play on words — it’s a legitimate craft beer destination. Day 1 puts you squarely in the corridor stretching along Clark Drive, Powell Street, and Venables that has quietly become one of the most concentrated and celebrated brewing neighbourhoods in Western Canada. The taprooms here reflect the creative, community-minded spirit of East Vancouver at its best, and the whole area is easily navigated on foot, by bike, or by transit. Lace up your walking shoes.
restaurant
Yolks
1598 E Hastings St, Vancouver

Yolks is a Vancouver breakfast and brunch favourite where classic morning dishes get a serious upgrade — think Perfectly Poached™ eggs, house-made hollandaise, truffle lemon potatoes, and a signature spicy ketchup, all made from scratch daily.

activity
New Brighton Park, Pool and Beach
3201 New Brighton Rd, Vancouver

This waterfront park offers a heated outdoor pool in summer, dock access, picnicing areas, a dog off-leash area, and playgrounds alongside mountain and beach views. From May to September visit the New Brighton concession stand for their popular fish and chips.

brewery
1950 Triumph St, Vancouver

P49’s Street Kitchen is one of BC’s largest craft brewery restaurants, with 40+ beers on tap and a fully stocked indoor food truck featuring salads, handhelds, snacks and more!

Parallel 49 Brewing

Parallel 49 Brewing in Vancouver, BC (photo: Parallel 49 Brewing)

brewery
1357 Powell St, Vancouver

East Vancouver’s award-winning craft brewery known for bold flavours and quality brews, from smooth dark ales to crisp lagers and sours.

Powell Brewery

Powell Brewery in Vancouver, BC (photo: Powell Brewery)

activity
Hastings Park
2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver

Hastings Park is one of Vancouver’s largest and most diverse urban parks, with something for visitors of every pace and interest. The Sanctuary offers a lush, forested refuge with meandering pathways and a daylighted stream, while Il Giardino Italiano and the Momiji Gardens each bring their own distinct atmosphere and…

brewery
310 Commercial Dr, Vancouver

Vancouver’s original rule-breaker. Storm Brewing has been brewing boldly and defiantly since 1994 — no frills, no apologies, no equal. Just go.

Storm Brewing

Storm Brewing

brewery
1507 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V5L 5C3, CA

Slow Hand Beer is devoted to one thing: objectively better lagers. Classic Czech styles and European pilsners brewed with a west coast sensibility, poured through a Lukr side-pull faucet the way they’re meant to be. Now part of the collaborative Threefold on Powell Street offering sourdough pizza and good vibes.

Slow Hand Beer Company

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Dining

Vancouver’s culinary scene enjoys international recognition, with the MICHELIN Guide Vancouver listing 12 One Star restaurants, 15 Bib Gourmand restaurants, and 76 recognized eateries across all categories as of 2025.

Nightcap

Two local distilleries are worth a stop. Odd Society Spirits combines Old World distilling traditions with New World ingredients across a family of whiskey, vodka, and gin. Resurrection Spirits handcrafts rye whisky, gin, and vodka from 100% BC rye grain, with seasonal cocktails available in their tasting lounge.

Playland & the PNE

Just up East Hastings, Playland at the PNE is Vancouver’s amusement park, with over 30 rides ranging from family-friendly classics to high-thrill coasters. Playland runs seasonally from May through August, with the Pacific National Exhibition — one of Western Canada’s largest fairs — taking over the grounds in late August and early September. In October, the site transforms again for Fright Nights. Check pne.ca for current dates and tickets.

Travel Info

Here you go: *** Day 2 continues the Yeast Van journey, shifting focus along Venables Street and the Clark Drive corridor — some of the most character-filled blocks in East Vancouver. It’s worth noting that this stretch has deep Italian roots, shaped by generations of immigrant families who built their lives here. That heritage is still very much alive, not least at Luppolo Brewing — *luppolo* is Italian for hops — which wears its East Van identity proudly. Between breweries, Trout Lake and the Commercial Drive neighbourhood offer a welcome change of pace and a taste of the local community at its most relaxed.
restaurant
Red Wagon Cafe
2128 East Hastings, Vancouver

The Red Wagon Cafe, born in East Van in 2010, now located at 2128 East Hastings. A spot for great food, inclusive vibes, and local brews.

Wander Hastings-Sunrise

East Hastings Street through Hastings-Sunrise — sometimes called the East Village — rewards a slow wander. Generations of Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and South Asian families have shaped a stretch of independent shops, bakeries, delis, and restaurants that feels genuinely rooted rather than curated. The residential streets behind the corridor are lined with well-kept character homes, mature fruit trees, and front porches, while the north end of the neighbourhood opens up to New Brighton Park and the waterfront, with walking paths, harbour views, and a saltwater outdoor pool along the shores of Burrard Inlet.

brewery
1488 Adanac St, Vancouver

Bomber Brewing exemplifies the enduring spirit of craft beer culture, demonstrating how passion, community ties, and a return to fundamentals can revitalize a neighbourhood brewery.

Bomber Brewing

brewery
1351 Adanac St, Vancouver

Steve Forsyth doesn’t feel like making sour beer, so his brewery won’t make one. Same goes for Belgian styles and anything on trend. He’s perfectly happy with his lineup of British- and West Coast-influenced beer (with a couple of lagers thrown in), and it’s paying off.

Off The Rail Brewing Co

activity
Cruise “The Drive”
Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Commercial Drive — known locally as "The Drive" — is one of Vancouver’s most beloved and characterful neighbourhoods, rooted in its history as Vancouver’s own Little Italy and reflecting the rich multicultural tapestry of the immigrants who built it. Stretching 22 full blocks, visitors will find an eclectic mix of…

brewery
1675 Venables St, Vancouver

East Van has 12 taps featuring a solid core line-up along with rotating seasonals so you know you will always find something fresh and interesting. Its taproom kitchen features paninis, calzones, and other snacks from Bianca Maria.

East Vancouver Brewing Company

East Vancouver Brewing Co. in Vancouver

brewery
1345 Clark Dr, Vancouver

Known for sour and barrel-aged beers, they also brew a broad range of styles, from hoppy and sessionable ales and stouts of all strengths, to traditional Belgians, crisp and classic pilsners, and seasonal fruit beers plus a barrel programme that produces unique limited releases sour, blended and vintage beers.

Strange Fellows Brewing

Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver, BC (photo: Olga Zwart)

activity
Trout Lake in John Hendry Park
3300 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, V5N

At the south end of The Drive sits John Hendry Park, home of Trout Lake — the only place in Vancouver with a lifeguarded freshwater beach, and a lovely alternative to the city’s ocean shores. It’s a great spot for a lakeside stroll, a picnic, or a dog off-leash run,…

brewery
1123 Venables St, Vancouver

Luppolo mixes old world and contemporary craft styles, with a bit of an Italian twist, like the La Piazza Italian Pilsner. Luppolo’s kitchen is run by Local Pizzaiolo who offers a variety of mouth-watering pizzas, aperitivos, salads, and more. Luppolo also has a beautiful outdoor patio that is open during the summer months and is a little oasis for a cold beer and some Italian delicacies!

Luppolo Brewing Company

Luppolo Brewing Company in Vancouver (photo: Luppolo Brewing Company)

accommodation
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The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.

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Art & Culture Nearby

The Hastings and Clark area sits at the heart of East Vancouver’s creative community, with working studios and galleries within easy walking distance.

The Mergatroid Building
Home to 48 artists working across painting, glassblowing, leatherwork, woodworking, and more, the Mergatroid Building is one of East Vancouver’s most active studio complexes.
975 Vernon Drive

Parker Street Studios
A 100-year-old Vancouver landmark hosting four floors of artists working across a diverse range of styles and disciplines.
1000 Parker Street

Eastside Culture Crawl
Every November, hundreds of artists across East Vancouver open their studios to the public for four days. With over 500 participants across 75 venues — many within walking distance of here — it’s one of the city’s best-loved arts events. culturecrawl.ca

Monument for East Vancouver (The East Van Cross)
Ken Lum’s Monument for East Vancouver stands 17.5 metres tall at the corner of Clark Drive and East 6th Avenue — a glowing cross formed by the words EAST and VAN, sharing the letter A. It lights up at dusk and faces west toward downtown, a deliberate statement rooted in the neighbourhood’s working-class, immigrant history. Free, always accessible.
Clark Drive at East 6th Avenue

Travel Info

Day 3 moves into some of Vancouver’s most historically layered territory. The morning begins in Chinatown — one of the oldest and most significant Chinese communities in North America — before crossing into Strathcona, the city’s oldest residential neighbourhood, where heritage homes, public murals, and working breweries sit comfortably side by side. It’s a day that earns its pints.
restaurant
Jam Cafe
556 Beatty St, Vancouver

Jam Cafe is a beloved Vancouver breakfast and brunch institution known for its cozy vintage decor, Southern-inspired comfort food, and lively atmosphere. Crowd favourites include fluffy three-stack pancakes, Fried Chicken French Toast, and the hearty Charlie Bowl, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients — pair them with a signature…

activity
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
578 Carrall St, Vancouver

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a registered museum in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown and the first classical Chinese garden built outside of China. Named the World’s Top City Garden by National Geographic, it features a jade green pond, koi fish, 150-year-old miniature trees, and tai…

activity
A Wok Around Chinatown
578 Carrall St, Vancouver

A Wok Around Chinatown is a guided culinary and cultural walking tour through Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, taking in specialty shops, vendors, and landmarks before sitting down to a dim sum lunch. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the four-hour tour starts at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and is…

brewery
895 E Hastings St, Vancouver

A world-class brewery and pizza kitchen in the heart of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood.

Strathcona Beer Co.

Strathcona Beer Co. in Vancouver, BC

activity
Walk Strathcona

Step outside and take a wander through Vancouver’s oldest residential neighbourhood. The blocks surrounding Strathcona Beer Co. are lined with heritage homes dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s — from small worker’s cottages to ornate Queen Anne houses with decorative brackets and original detailing. Look for the blue upside-down triangles marking designated heritage buildings as you make your way along Keefer, Union, or East Georgia Street. The neighbourhood also holds the city’s second highest concentration of murals, with a strong cluster along Venables Street just a short walk away. It’s an easy, unhurried way to spend an hour between pints.

brewery
1216 Franklin St, Vancouver

Right in the heart of East Vancouver, near its thriving port, this brewery embraces its hard working and eclectic community.

Container Brewing

Container Brewing in Vancouver

brewery
505 Clark Dr, Vancouver

Superflux Beer Co’s stylish taproom offers a variety of seating, a covered patio, and a kitchen serving deluxe hot dogs and hyper-seasonal salads. The beer program is built almost entirely around IPAs, with a focus on experimentation and innovation — expect something delicious on tap, and probably something unexpected.

Superflux Beer Co.

Superflux Beer Co. in Vancouver, BC (photo: Superflux Beer Co)

tap-house
1489 E Hastings St,, Vancouver

We’re proud to celebrate the neighbourhood’s bold, creative spirit – supporting local artists, drag performers and the hard-working folks who keep this city moving. So pull up a chair, grab a pint and stay awhile. The beer’s cold, the kitchen’s hot, and everyone’s welcome.

Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen – East Van

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The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.

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Art, History & Street Culture in Strathcona

Strathcona is Vancouver’s oldest residential neighbourhood, and the streets here are as much to look at as anything inside a gallery.

Heritage Architecture
Strathcona has one of the largest concentrations of 19th and early 20th century buildings in Vancouver, with styles ranging from small cottages to large Queen Anne homes decorated with elaborate brackets and shingle work. Wander the residential blocks along Keefer, Union, and East Georgia to see them in context. Look for the blue upside-down triangles that mark designated heritage buildings — many have been restored to their original Victorian or Edwardian colours.

Murals
Strathcona holds the city’s second highest concentration of murals, many commissioned through the Vancouver Mural Festival, with work by Indigenous artists, local painters, and international contributors. Venables Street — particularly the stretch around 1001 and 1033 Venables — is a corridor worth walking for its colour alone.

Travel Info

Day 4 takes you to three of Vancouver’s most iconic destinations. Start at Granville Island, where the Public Market and the creative energy of the peninsula set the tone for the day. From there, the seawall along the Olympic Village waterfront offers one of the city’s most scenic walks, connecting you to the breweries and taprooms of Brewery Creek — the historic birthplace of Vancouver’s craft beer scene. It’s the most visually stunning day on the trail.
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Granville Island
Vancouver

Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most beloved destinations — a vibrant peninsula tucked under the Granville Street Bridge, transformed from an industrial area into a bustling hub of food, art, and culture. The famous Public Market is the beating heart of the island, packed with fresh local produce, seafood,…

activity
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is one of Canada’s leading museums of world arts and culture, sitting on the cliffs of Point Grey overlooking the ocean and North Shore Mountains. Visitors can explore an extraordinary collection of Northwest Coast First Nations art and artifacts, alongside ethnographic works from cultures…

brewery
1830 Ontario St, Vancouver

The Faculty name reflects the owner’s teaching background and a genuine commitment to making craft beer more accessible: the brewery shares its recipes openly, collaborates with other breweries and home brewers, and welcomes beer drinkers of any experience level.

Faculty Brewing Co.

Faculty Brewing Co. in Vancouver (photo: Faculty Brewing Co.)

brewery
54 E 4th Ave, Vancouver

A fixture in East Van’s historic Brewery Creek district since 1997. The taproom keeps things relaxed and unpretentious, pairing award-winning beer with wood-fired pizza in a space that genuinely welcomes everyone.

R&B Brewing

brewery
15 W 8th Ave, Vancouver

A community brewery in the heart of the city’s Mount Pleasant area. You can pop in for an espresso first thing, sit in for some lunch later on, then enjoy a post-shift pint and some snacks or pizza or weekend brunch waffles. The beer lineup follows and riffs on classic European and West Coast styles and is, without exception, excellent.

33 Acres Brewing Company

33 Acres Brewing Company in Vancouver, BC

brewery
25 W 8th Ave, Vancouver

The experimental offshoot brewery of 33 Acres Brewing is located next door, this is the place to go to try something ultra-fresh and extra special. As brewery founder Josh Michnik explained it to Montecristo magazine, “33 Acres is our core. It’s where we started. It’s the six-pack that you pick…

33 Brewing Experiment

33 Brewing Experiment in Vancouver, BC

activity
Take in the Murals in Mount Pleasant
Mt Pleasant , Vancouver

Mount Pleasant is the birthplace of the Vancouver Mural Festival and remains one of the most vibrant open-air art destinations in the city, with over 100 murals adorning its streets, laneways, and buildings. While the original festival has closed its doors, the neighbourhood’s incredible collection of murals is still very…

brewery
2148 Main St, Vancouver

A neighbourhood brewery in the heart of Mount Pleasant, with a growler shop and tasting room that has become one of the most beloved spots in the city. They keep things simple: beer brewed on site, and snacks from their sister restaurant The Magnet next door.

Brassneck Brewery

Brassneck Brewery in Vancouver

brewery
261 E 7th Ave, Vancouver

The beer list at Main St. Brewing runs deep — five core brands including a pilsner, pale ale, IPA, saison, and brown ale, rounded out by rotating seasonals and up to four cask ales served the old-fashioned way via hand pump. The food menu is equally worth your time, ranging from excellent tacos to a well-assembled charcuterie board.

Main St. Brewing

Main St. Brewing in Vancouver

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The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.

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Catch a Game

Vancouver is a proud sports city. The Vancouver Canadians play Minor League Baseball at the beloved Nat Bailey Stadium; the Vancouver Canucks bring NHL hockey; the BC Lions play CFL football; and the Vancouver Whitecaps represent the city in MLS soccer. Check each team’s website for schedules and tickets.

Dude Chilling Park

Officially Guelph Park, Dude Chilling Park earned its name from an official-looking sign installed as a prank by artist Viktor Briestensky in 2014. After it was removed, a public petition brought it back as permanent artwork — and it’s now joined by a bronze sculpture of the reclining figure that inspired the whole thing. R&B Brewing even named their Dude Chilling Pale Ale after it. The park is a great spot for a break or a picnic, and hosts the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market on Sundays, May through October.

Olympic Village Waterfront

The seawall along the Olympic Village waterfront is one of Vancouver’s most pleasant stretches of urban walking. Built for the 2010 Winter Games, the neighbourhood sits along the north shore of False Creek and connects to the broader seawall path that circles much of the city. The walk offers views across False Creek to downtown, public art installations along the way, and easy access to the cafes, restaurants, and patios of the village itself. It’s equally good on foot or by bike.

Travel Info

Day 5 bookends the trail with two of Vancouver’s most distinct neighbourhoods. Gastown — the city’s birthplace — sets the morning with cobblestone streets, Victorian brick buildings, and one of Vancouver’s original brewpubs steps from the waterfront. The afternoon pulls you south into Mount Pleasant, where over 100 murals line the streets and some of the city’s most beloved neighbourhood breweries have been quietly perfecting their craft for years. A fitting way to close out the trail.
restaurant
Twisted Fork
213 Carrall St, Vancouver

Twisted Fork is a cozy brunch spot in Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighbourhood with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a creative brunch menu. Guests can expect a laid-back morning experience in one of the city’s most character-rich and walkable districts.

poi
Gastown
Vancouver, BC

Start your day at Waterfront Station and head into Gastown, one of Vancouver’s most storied neighbourhoods. The cobblestone streets, Victorian-era brick buildings, and the iconic Steam Clock make it a natural first stop — and with Steamworks Brew Pub just steps away on Water Street, you won’t have to go far for your first pint.

brewery
375 Water St, Vancouver, V67 1B8

One of Vancouver’s original brewpubs, Steamworks’ historic location next to Waterfront station and overlooking the North Shore Mountains makes this a must-stop. Enjoy award-winning beers brewed onsite, using traditional steam-powered brewing methods. Make sure to grab a bite while you’re there as the restaurant boasts a kitchen that is sure to impress.

Steamworks Brew Pub

Steamworks Brew Pub in Vancouver (photo: Steamworks Brewing)

activity
Harbour Cruises
501 Denman St, Vancouver

Harbour Cruises offers a relaxing 60-minute sightseeing tour of Vancouver Harbour aboard an authentic paddlewheel boat, with stunning views of Stanley Park, the downtown skyline, historic Gastown, and the North Shore Mountains. A fully narrated tour (available in multiple languages via an app) brings the city’s landmarks to life, while…

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Vancouver Convention Centre, Canada Place and the Olympic Cauldron
BC, Canada

A walk around the Vancouver Convention Centre is highly recommended. Along with lots of public art, the surrounding section of the seawall includes many interpretive plaques giving visitors a sense of the harbour’s history. Within the distinctive white sails of Canada Place, you can take a virtual flight over a…

tap-house
2275 Main Street , Vancouver

With 20 Steamworks taps featuring their classic favourites and Mt Pleasant special brews, this taphouse also showcases the area’s lively craft beer scene with 10 ever-changing guest taps. Feed your soul and satisfy your hunger with a full kitchen bursting with modern pub favourites, new fusion creations, and plant-based delights.

Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse

Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse in Vancouver

activity
Science World
1455 Quebec St, Vancouver

Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in hands-on science at Science World, where interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, feature exhibitions, and live science demonstrations cover everything from the human body to physics to sustainability. It’s a fantastic stop for families and curious minds alike, and easily accessible via the False Creek…

tap-house
309 West Pender Street, Vancouver

The Magnet is the younger sibling of Brassneck, featuring 30 draft lines pouring BC craft beer and cider, a reinvigorated cocktail program, a growing natural wine list, house-made sangria, and a cold brew espresso martini on tap. The kitchen keeps things honest: comforting pub grub with its own twist, drawing influence from wherever feels interesting. Food that works with whatever you’re drinking. A friendly spot, full stop.

The Magnet

tap-house
2616 Main Street, Vancouver

The Cascade Room sets a high bar — BC craft beer, Old and New World wines, classic and signature cocktails, and a carefully curated whisk(e)y and spirits list, all served with the hospitality the room is known for. The kitchen leans into local and seasonal, working with a trusted network of BC farmers and suppliers to put fresh, ingredient-led dishes on the table daily.

The Cascade Room

liquor-store
3045 Main Street, Vancouver

The Brewery Creek Craft Beer & Wine Store offers a vast complement of premium and unique products beyond our extensive craft beer selection, including an impressive range of fine wine and a comprehensive array of ciders, meads, coolers, and craft spirits. Located at 14th and Main Street in the heart…

Brewery Creek Craft Beer & Wine Store

accommodation
Find a place to stay in Vancouver

The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller’s budget and tastes.

Browse accommodations.

Explore More

VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden makes a wonderful addition to — or alternative to — a visit to Bloedel Conservatory, and the two are just a short distance apart. This 55-acre oasis is home to over 7,500 plant species from around the world, with highlights including an Elizabethan hedge maze, tranquil ponds, and the stunning Laburnum Walk. Whether you’re wandering the paths or sitting on the lawn, it’s one of the most peaceful escapes the city has to offer.

Catch a Game

Vancouver is a proud sports city. The Vancouver Canadians play Minor League Baseball at the beloved Nat Bailey Stadium; the Vancouver Canucks bring NHL hockey; the BC Lions play CFL football; and the Vancouver Whitecaps represent the city in MLS soccer. Check each team’s website for schedules and tickets.

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