Did you know that Friday, August 7th is International Beer Day? And this year, it couldn’t land on a better weekend. We are halfway through summer, the days are at their longest; and the weather, its hottest. So why not take in the occasion with any of these 8 local breweries.
Electric Bicycle Brewing
20 E 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC
(604) 709-9939 or electricbicyclebrewing.com
Located in the heart of Mount Pleasant’s brewing district, it is Vancouver’s most colourful microbrewery. At Electric Bicycle you can enjoy a lively atmosphere that measures up to their beers. Take in their techno-coloured dream space, while sipping on ales and lagers made with cold brew coffee; pairing them with Belgian Sugar Waffles. Or match up a melty grilled cheese with one of their Pink Lemonade Sours with cherry puree.
Not Another Beer Company
30 Capilano Way #11, New Westminster, BC
(604) 515-9093 or anotherbeerco.com
Tucked away in an industrial area by Braid Skytrain station, this local drinking hole is for those who know. Now equipped with a new patio you can stop by for a beer, or grab some of their cans to go. Despite their name, they do some pretty interesting stuff with their various labels and brews.
Storm Brewing LTD
310 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3V6
(604) 255-9119 or stormbrewing.org
Located in East Vancouver, this garage turned brew hall is Vancouver’s longest-running craft brewery, An iconic spot for beer and a point of interest for those who enjoy something off the beaten path. They offer a healthy selection of drinks. And don’t take themselves too seriously with rotating flavours like a Cream Soda Pilsner and Iced Mocha Stout, or fun names like Vitamin C IPA and the Black Plague Stout.
The Parkside Brewery
2731 Murray St, Port Moody, BC
(604) 492-2731 or theparksidebrewery.com
Located in Port Moody and named after the community surrounded by nature that in sits in. This brewery is a great stop after a day of hiking, boating, or taking in the scenery. Similarly, the names of their beers speak to the idea of a park as a place for friends to assemble, nature to thrive, and the community gather. I suggest ordering one of their flights, served on a playful park bench prop.
East Van Brewing Company
1675 Venables St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 558-3822 or eastvanbrewing.com
Located in East Van (as their name suggests), this spacious brewery and tap house makes for a great spot to wet your whistle at. Their flights are most memorable, with 6 x 4oz tastes arranged on a cross. A cross that likens itself to the popular “East Van” neon sign, that marks the sky.
Backcountry Brewing
405-1201 Commercial Way, Squamish, BC
(604) 567-2739 or backcountrybrewing.com
When in Squamish, I suggest stopping by this local brewery for a pint and a pie, as the locals enjoy. Here, their production brewery offers a unique tasting room experience; one that focuses just as much on food as it does drink. The decor spoofs a backcountry ski cabin circa 1975, competed with shingles, vintage props, and lanterns. Most notable are their tabletops lined with local trail maps. Enjoy them as you drink deep their award-winning ales, IPAs, and pilsners.
Andina Brewing Company
1507 Powell St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 253-2400 or andinabrewing.ca/
With its Andean inspired tones, accents, and artwork, this chic brewery on Powell Street, brings on live music with their full food and drink menu. Enjoy their South American inspired beers with other popular Andean drinks like Cuba Libre. And together pair it all with their fresh seafood ceviches, plantain and cassava chips, cornmeal empanadas, or flatbread arepas.
Strathcona Beer Company
895 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
(778) 379-9050 or strathconabeer.com
Located in the heart of Strathcona, Vancouver’s oldest and most diverse commercial and residential neighbourhood; This local brewery is the brainchild of a group of friends who have dreamt up a beer that reflects their deep appreciation for local and international brews. They pride themselves on a list of unique offerings pulling from their collective interests in art, music, and skateboarding. And with neon colour-strobed cans dawning names like Get Down IPA and Big Sexy Funk India Pale Ale; their beers are easy to spot and enticing to pick up.
Featured Photo by Helena Lopes
