Here at BC Farmers’ Markets, we celebrate the best of what’s made, baked, and grown in the province, and that includes craft beer! We’re excited to introduce you to our friends at the BC Ale Trail, a fantastic resource for exploring BC’s award-winning breweries, scenic communities, and regional flavours.
On the BC Ale Trail, you’ll discover more than 220 craft breweries across British Columbia, each with its own distinctive brews, stories, and setting. Not sure where to begin? Download the free BC Ale Trail app to explore breweries near you and browse curated regional itineraries. Just like the BC Farmers’ Market Trail app, it’s a handy companion for uncovering regional things to sip, see, and do. You can earn points and then redeem them for rewards by checking in at breweries, all while discovering new beers and the communities that make them.
Plan the Perfect Day Out
Pairing your visit to a farmers’ market with a stop at a local brewery makes for a rich and delicious day of exploration. Start your morning strolling through a bustling farmers’ market picking up fresh produce, handmade treats, and one-of-a-kind artisan goods. You’ll get to see what’s in season in the region and chat with local growers and makers, getting a true taste of the community. Then, cap off your day with a tasting flight or a cold pint at a local brewery. Many of BC’s craft breweries use locally grown ingredients in their beers, so your farmers’ market finds and your pint might just share the same terroir.
Craft Beer Meets Community at the Farmers’ Market
Don’t want venture past the farmers’ market but still want to sip tasty beer? Many breweries make regular appearances at their local farmers’ markets and are also featured on the BC Ale Trail, making it even easier to enjoy both in one outing. Check the events tab in the mobile app or on the BC Ale Trail website to find farmers’ markets near you that regularly have breweries as vendors. While the lineup of breweries can vary throughout the season, here are a few that currently sell at BC farmers’ markets, listed by region, along with their BC Ale Trail listings so you can explore them on both trails and apps.
Kootenay Rockies:
Wild North Brewing at the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market and on both The Kootenay Rockies East Trail and the Kootenay Rockies West Trail
Nelson Brewing at the City of Nelson Farmers’ Market – Baker Street Market and the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail
Northern BC:
Barkerville Brewing at the Quesnel Farmers’ Market and the Northeast BC Ale Trail and the Northwest BC Ale Trail
Thompson Okanogan:
Ricochet Brewing at Celista Hall Farmers’ Market and the Southern Interior Ale Trail
Red Collar Brewing at the Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market and the Southern Interior Ale Trail
Tin Whistle Brewing at the Penticton Farmers’ Market and the Penticton Ale Trail
Crannog Ales at the Sorrento Village Farmers’ Market and the Southern Interior Ale Trail
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains:
Old Yale Brewing at the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market and the Fraser Valley Ale Trail
The Patch Brewery at the Haney Farmers’ Market and the Maple Ridge Ale Trail
Beva Brewing & Blending at the Market at the Quay Farmers’ Market and the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail
Steel & Oak Brewing at the New West Farmers’ Market and North of the Fraser Ale Trail
Five Roads Brewing at the Squamish Farmers’ Market and the Langley Ale Trail
Vancouver Island
Red Arrow Brewing at the Duncan Farmers’ Market and the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail
Driftwood Brewery at the Esquimalt Farmers’ Market and the Greater Victoria Ale Trail
Herald Street Brew Works at the James Bay Community Market and the Greater Victoria Ale Trail
Dog Mountain Brewing at the Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market and the Pacific Rim Ale Trail
Cheers to Local
Whether you’re chasing new flavours or planning a weekend getaway, combining the BC Farmers’ Market Trail App with the BC Ale Trail app opens up a whole new way to explore the province. Discover new communities, support small producers, and enjoy the best of what BC has to offer, from field to fermenter.