There’s no shortage of delicious craft beer in Canada. The beer culture here is bigger and better than ever, with microbreweries popping up in every corner of the country. Now that the patio season is in full bloom, here are some suggestions for family-friendly breweries on the Canadian Ale Trails you’ll want to visit this summer.
British Columbia
British Columbia leads the way – almost every little town or city has its own microbrewery. Penticton, for instance, a small city in the Okanagan valley that is mostly known for its wine, offers an impressive choice with five craft breweries.
Since the B.C. government announced their overhaul of the province’s liquor laws in 2014, more places are accepting children into their establishments, making it possible for families to have a great time eating out while parents indulge in a glass.
Kids are allowed in the taproom at Granville Island Brewing, but not permitted on tours due to licensing. Photo Courtesy Granville Island Brewing
In Vancouver, making a choice can be hard — there are just so many places to choose from. But if you find yourself on Granville Island, you won’t be disappointed by the variety on offer with a stop at Granville Island Brewing.
Yellow Dog Brewing Co., a family-owned brewery in Port Moody’s ‘Brewery Row’ is another West Coast favourite amongst beer-lovers with children in tow. In addition to their beer, they offer a selection of local baked goods and delicacies from other local businesses.
For more inspiration on where to go in British Columbia, visit the BC Ale Trail.
Alberta
What better place than Alberta to sip a beer while being surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. For the ultimate mountain brew experience, head north to Jasper where you will find the child-friendly Jasper Brewing Company BrewPub & Eatery.
Ontario/Quebec
Their story might have begun in France, but Les 3 Brasseurs – also called 3 Brewers – has made a name for itself in both Quebec and Ontario with their extensive beer and food menu. For something different, try one of their signature beer cocktails such as the Rasp-Beery lemonade, which is made with white beer.
Quebec
The microbrewery scene in the French province is definitely alive. From one side to the other you’ll find amazing brews to sample. The Archibald Microbrasserie in Lac-Beauport, just north of Quebec City, is a great place to enjoy a meal and a well-deserved refreshing beer after a hike up one of the nearby mountains.
One of my all time favourites for families is the MicroBrasserie Charlevoix in Baie-St-Paul, a touristy village 45 minutes from the old capital. They always serve a top selection of local beer, but it’s their poutine with sauce à la bière that’s to die for!
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia might be better known for its Celtic vibe, but beer-lovers will tell you that the Eastern province has enough on offer to rival its Western counterparts with over 42 craft breweries. It might not count as craft anymore, but a theatrical tour of the legendary Alexander Keith’s original Brewery might just be the perfect activity to please everybody in the family.
by Caroline Faucher
Caroline is a Canadian-Australian writer and the mother of a lively boy. Based in the seaside city of Newcastle in Australia, she enjoys exploring the world and going on adventures with her family.
