Explore central Vancouver Island to experience craft beer culture interwoven with natural beauty, agricultural splendour and some of BC’s most spectacular beaches.
Kelowna’s craft beer scene dates back more than 20 years, and a recent surge of new breweries and its own annual beer festival has given it fresh energy.
Travel Method
Driving, walking, cycling
Towns & Communities
Kelowna
Duration
3 Days
Breweries
Boundary Brewing Company, BNA Brewing Co., Kettle River Brewing Co., Tree Brewing Beer Institute, Red Bird Brewing, Freddy’s Brewpub
Spectacular parks, hot springs and hiking trails, as well as several alpine resorts, make this Utopia for wilderness explorers—especially if they’re beer lovers, too.
Forests, mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, hot springs and waterfalls: this is the West Kootenays. Its towns and small cities are ready and waiting with history, culture and, of course, beer.
Travel Method
Driving
Towns & Communities
Trail, Nelson, Kaslo
Duration
4 Days
Breweries
Trail Beer Refinery, Savoy Brewery, Torchlight Brewing Co, Nelson Brewing Company, Angry Hen Brewing, Backroads Brewing Company
The first time you visit the Central Island region you’ll wonder why you’ve never been there before—and you’ll start planning your next visit. Craft beer is the thread that draws it all together.
Travel Method
Driving
Towns & Communities
Nanaimo, Cumberland, Courtenay
Duration
2 Days
Breweries
Wolf Brewing Company, White Sails Brewing, Longwood Brewery, Cumberland Brewing Co., Forbidden Brewing Co., Gladstone Brewing Co.
The four municipalities of Delta, New Westminster, Richmond and Surrey all border the mighty Fraser River, which has played a major role in British Columbia’s…
Travel Method
Driving, cycling
Towns & Communities
New Westminster, Delta, Surrey, Richmond
Duration
4 Days
Breweries
Steel & Oak Brewing Co, Four Winds Brewing, Central City Brewers & Distillers, Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks, Monkey 9 Brewing
The name Penticton translates to “a place to stay forever.” After just one visit, you’ll know why. Between the beaches, vineyards, vistas, and craft breweries, this small city is definitely one of BC’s best kept secrets.
Travel Method
Driving, walking, cycling
Towns & Communities
Penticton
Duration
3 Days
Breweries
Tin Whistle Brewing, Cannery Brewing, Bad Tattoo Brewing, Highway 97 Brewery, Barley Mill Brew Pub & Bistro
Nestled between Vancouver and Whistler on one of North America’s most scenic stretches of highway, Squamish is a destination all by itself. A mecca for windsurfing, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking that attracts both adventure seekers and sightseers, it was named by the New York Times as one of the Top 52 Places to Go. And what goes better with outdoor activity than great local craft beer?
One of the most cosmopolitan cities on the continent, bordered by sea, forest and mountain peaks: Vancouver really has it all. That includes a beer scene that’s finding fame across the world, with veteran and start-up breweries alike making superb examples of classic styles while pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.
Travel Method
Walk, bike, bus, drive
Towns & Communities
Vancouver
Duration
4 Days
Breweries
Yaletown Brewing Co, R&B Brewing, 33 Acres Brewing Co., Brassneck Brewery, Main Street Brewing, Red Truck Beer Company, Postmark Brewing, Strange Fellows Brewing, Bomber Brewing, Off The Rail Brewing, Callister Brewing Co., Steamworks Brewpub, Powell Brewery, Andina Brewing Company, Parallel 49 Brewing
Whistler might be best known as a premier ski destination and Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, but its world-class restaurants, hiking/biking trails and numerous activities, events and festivals make it worthy of attention year-round.
Travel Method
Driving, cycling
Towns & Communities
Whistler
Duration
3 Days
Breweries
Coast Mountain Brewing, Whistler Brewing Co., BrewHouse at Whistler
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What’s the BC Ale Trail?
The BC Ale Trail is the definitive online resource for those interested in experiencing the extraordinary world of BC craft beer. It offers a series of self-guided tours highlighting local craft brewery destinations and the super, natural landscapes that surround them. Within each Ale Trail you will find recommended itineraries to explore select regions of BC—this includes an array of craft breweries, pubs, restaurants, cafes, outdoor activities, sightseeing, accommodations and more.
Follow our suggested route or use the Ale Trail information to build your own trip! The itineraries are simply recommendations, so we encourage you to veer off course and #ExploreBC! If you want to plan your own journey, use our database to find the most comprehensive list of craft breweries in British Columbia.
Members of the BC Ale Trail are committed to ensuring their beers are promoted and enjoyed responsibly by those adults who choose to consume them for the continued prosperity of the craft beer industry in British Columbia.
No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk.