Get ready to explore even more of BC’s beer, breweries and beautiful regions and cities: The BC Ale Trail is expanding.
Eight new ale trails will launch this summer — bringing the total to 15 — in areas ranging from lakeside towns to the metropolitan big city.
The new trails are:
- BC’s multicultural craft beer capital, Vancouver, where a diverse range of breweries lie within short walking distance;
- The lush farmland of the Fraser Valley, which is rediscovering its hops industry as it discovers craft beer;
- The Okanagan lakeside cities of Kelowna and Penticton, which get a trail each;
- The rapidly expanding Metro Vancouver suburbs of New West, Delta and Surrey, home to some of BC’s most highly regarded breweries;
- The North Shore, nestled between sea and mountains, where you can ski, kayak and drink fresh beer in the same day;
- The outdoor adventure hub of Squamish, where craft beer slakes the apres thirst of climbers and mountain bikers;
- and the seaside charms and brewery tasting rooms of Cowichan, Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
They will join the trails launched in fall 2016: Victoria; Nanaimo/Comox Valley; the Sunshine Coast; Port Moody; Whistler; Kootenay Rockies East; and Kootenay Rockies West.
Breweries old and new
The new trails will feature long-standing BC craft beer institutions such as Howe Sound Brewing (Squamish) and Cannery Brewing (Penticton); and newcomers in smaller communities like Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company (Parksville), Riot Brewing (Chemainus) and Highway 97 Brewing (Penticton).
True to the BC Ale Trail’s original goal, the new routes will help guide visitors and tourists on adventures through craft breweries, delicious local cuisine and some of the province’s most scenic attractions.
More than 130 breweries are now in operation across BC, spurred by an ever-growing thirst for quality beer and a desire to support local businesses.
“We’re excited to be able to offer more options for visitors to experience some of the best breweries in Canada,” says Paul Kamon, executive director of Sunshine Coast Tourism.
“With the explosive popularity of tasting rooms, breweries have become important social hubs and are able to connect visitors to the heart of BC’s communities.”
Plan your trip now at bcaletrail.ca.
