Here’s your guide to exploring the BC Ale Trail
We love trying beers when we travel, but we also like to balance it out with being active outdoors. We put on some serious pounds when we were trying new beers a few times a week and had a more sedentary life in Atlanta. A couple weeks ago, BC Ale Trail and Sunshine Coast invited us up to try their beer and explore their great outdoors. It was the perfect way to blend our two loves.
The BC Ale Trail is made up of 15 individual regions. Each one has its own flavor and lets you explore a different part of British Columbia. The best part is that no matter where you are in BC, you’ll have easy access to its beautiful scenery. Today, we’re sharing more about the Sunshine Coast region of the BC Ale Trail.
Thank you BC Ale Trail and Sunshine Coast BC for sponsoring this trip and post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.
Last Updated: January 19, 2023
About the BC Ale Trail
There are 20+ Ale Trails throughout British Columbia covering over 220 local craft breweries. Each ale trail includes a self-guided itinerary highlighting the beer communities and the stunning landscapes around them. They also recommend restaurants, activities, accommodations, and more. They even have a mobile app to help you along the way.
The Sunshine Coast Breweries on the BC Ale Trail
Gibsons Tapworks →
537 Cruice Ln, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V9, Canada, map
Besides brewing delicious beers, Gibsons Tapworks aims to be a community hub for locals and visitors. Their tasting room features local artists on the walls, and they also host live music.
Our Favorite Beers: Lower G Brown Ale & Stormrider IPA
On-Site: Beer on Tap, Growler Fills, 4OZ Samples
Beer Types: Brown Ale, IPA, Stout, Blonde Ale
Other: Tours are Offered (call to check times), Kids area Allowed, Light Snacks Available
See More: The Ultimate Sunshine Coast BC Road Trip
Persephone Brewing Company →
1053 Stewart Rd., Gibsons, BC V0N 1V7, Canada, map
Persephone is a unique brewery because it runs a farm, where they grow some of their very own hops. Besides sourcing ingredients locally, they also partner with a local Community Living organization to employ disabled adults. Be sure to try the food they make on-site in their outdoor wood-fired oven.
Our Favorite Beers: Lower G Brown Ale & Stormrider IPA
On-Site: Beer on Tap, Growler Fills, 4OZ Samples
Beer Types: Brown Ale, IPA, Stout, Blonde Ale
Other: Tours are Offered (call to check times), Kids area Allowed, Light Snacks Available
See More: The Ultimate Sunshine Coast BC Road Trip
Townsite Brewing →
5824 Ash Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 4R4, Canada, map
Located in the old Federal Building, Townsite is a popular spot amongst locals and the only brewery on the north side of the Sunshine Coast. We loved that everyone that walked in knew each other. On top of that, they have the only Belgian-born brewmaster west of Montreal. They name their beers after local sites, so see if you learn a thing or two as you enjoy their beers.
Our Favorite Beers: Thaddeus Oud Bruin, Tin Hat IPA
On-Site: Beer on Tap, Growler Fills, Cans, Bottles, 4OZ Samples
Beer Types: Stout, Porter, Pale Ale, IPA, Golden Blonde Ale, Witbier, Seasonals (Saison, Wheat, Sour)
Other: Tours are Offered (call to check times), Kids area Allowed, Light Snacks Available
Other Breweries
We didn’t get a chance to check out this brewery on our last visit but can’t wait to go next time we’re there.
101 Brewhouse + Distillery: 1009 Gibsons Way, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V7, Canada (map)
Batch 44 Brewery & Kitchen: 5559 Wharf Ave, Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0, Canada (map)
The BC Ale Trails
Fraser Valley
Recommended Time: 3 Days
Member Breweries: 10
What: The cities of Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope offer a mix of relaxing countryside, urban culture, and rugged backcountry beauty. Their hop growing history is reflected in diverse craft breweries.
Kelowna and West Kelowna
Recommended Time: 4 Days
Member Breweries: 17
What: This region’s craft beer scene dates back 25 years, and a recent surge of new breweries and its own annual beer festival has given it fresh energy.
Kootenay Rockies East
Recommended Time: 8 Days
Member Breweries: 9
What: Spectacular parks, hot springs and hiking trails, as well as several alpine resorts make the towns of Creston, Fernie, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Radium Hot Springs, Golden and Revelstoke a Utopia for wilderness explorers and craft beer lovers.
Kootenay Rockies West
Recommended Time: 4 Days
Member Breweries: 8
What: Discover forests, mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, hot springs and waterfalls as you explore craft breweries in Rossland, Trail, Salmo, Castlegar, Robson, Nelson and Kaslo.
Langley
Recommended Time: 5 Days
Member Breweries: 9
What: Langley is rich in history, urban experiences and fresh craft beer.
Maple Ridge
Recommended Time: 3 Days
Member Breweries: 4
What: Tucked between the Golden Ears Mountains and the Fraser River, Maple Ridge is a scenic, forested community with a remarkable natural beauty — and a bounty of craft breweries.
North of Fraser
Recommended Time: 5 Days
Member Breweries: 10
What: The four municipalities of New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam are aligned in many ways — not just by geography, but also through their bustling craft breweries.
Northeast BC
Recommended Time: 6 Days
Member Breweries: 5
What: Prepare to be awed by the vast geography of rugged mountains, pristine lakes and rolling prairies found alongside the craft breweries of Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Quesnel, Williams Lake and Valemount.
Northwest BC
Recommended Time: 5 Days
Member Breweries: 8
What: Majestic scenery and abundant natural beauty makes exploring Prince Rupert, Terrace, Smithers, Burns Lake and Prince George the perfect epic road trip, where you end a long day of driving with delicious craft beer.
Penticton
Recommended Time: 4 Days
Member Breweries: 7
What: 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.
Port Moody
Recommended Time: 2 Days
Member Breweries: 6
What: With six unique breweries on Brewers Row, beer lovers agree that Port Moody is anything but sleepy—it’s a craft beer destination.
Sea to Sky
Recommended Time: 5 Days
Member Breweries: 8
What: The Sea to Sky Ale Trail is where mountains meet the ocean, and craft beer brings adventurers together in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.
South of the Fraser
Recommended Time: 5 Days
Member Breweries: 8
What: Richmond, Delta, Surrey, and White Rock are distinct communities linked by their locations south of the Fraser River. These good neighbours have much in common, yet they also have their own unique stories to share.
Southern Interior
Recommended Time: 6 Days
Member Breweries: 8
What: From Merritt up to Kamloops, across to Salmon Arm, and then down to Vernon, the craft breweries on this ale trail reflect the geographic diversity of the region with their own individual approaches.
Southern Interior Winter Ale Trail
Recommended Time: 4 Days
Member Breweries: 8
What: Winter doesn’t slow anyone down in this wonderland of outdoor and urban activities. Explore the InBEERior communities of Merritt, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, and Vernon in the snowy season.
Sunshine Coast
Recommended Time: 3 Days
Member Breweries: 5
What: This is the West Coast beyond compare. On BC’s southwest coast lies a hidden paradise of coastal geography awaiting discovery — along with some of the province’s most distinctive breweries in Gibsons, Sechelt, Powell River and Lund.
Vancouver – Brewery Creek
Recommended Time: 3 Days
Member Breweries: 12
What: From the Downtown brewpubs to Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant’s diverse range of breweries, restaurants and taphouses, there is a beer and brewery for every taste on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail.
Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver
Recommended Time: 3 Days
Member Breweries: 14
What: One of the most cosmopolitan cities on the continent, bordered by sea, forest and mountain peaks: Vancouver really has it all.
Vancouver Island Part I
Recommended Time: 4 Days
Member Breweries: 10
What: Community craft breweries abound from the Cowichan Valley’s warm climate and agricultural heritage, leading through Duncan and Chemainus to Nanaimo’s urban, maritime vibe.
Vancouver Island Part II
Recommended Time: 5 Days
Member Breweries: 13
What: Experience craft beer culture interwoven with natural beauty, agricultural splendour and some of BC’s most spectacular beaches in Parksville Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, the Comox Valley and Campbell River
Vancouver’s North Shore
Recommended Time: 4 Days
Member Breweries: 11
What: There’s an après beer for everyone in the big city’s outdoor playground. This is where the metropolis meets BC’s mighty outdoors.
Victoria
Recommended Time: 7 Days
Member Breweries: 18
What: This is the cradle of the “craft beer revolution,” home to Canada’s first brewpub and some of British Columbia’s most popular breweries.
Map of the Sunshine Coast BC Ale Trail
Where to Stay on the Sunshine Coast BC Ale Trail
Essential Tips for First Timers
- When to Go: The coast is mostly mild, although it can reach 32F (OC) in the winter and 90F (30C) in the summer. Summers are the busiest but that also means everything is open, whereas Spring and Fall may have limited hours.
- Be flexible: the Sunshine Coast has an island vibe, that includes how they run their businesses. Sometimes businesses will be closed or have limited hours. Be prepared with back ups.
- Pack Layers. No matter what time of year you go, pack layers so that you can stay warm in the morning and evenings but shed your layers when it gets hotter in the day.
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Find a great deal on Sunshine Coast hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a British Columbia travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
Have you been on any brewery tours? What types of beers are your favorite?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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