BC has been hot on the craft beer trail since John Mitchell and Frank Appleton built Canada’s first microbrewery – Horseshoe Bay Brewery – back in 1982. Today, more than 180 breweries sweep across the natural landscape of British Columbia with new breweries continuing to line the province.

October has been known as BC Craft Beer Month since the provincial government made it official in 2011. Adding to this year’s special milestone is the BC Ale Trail celebrating its 5th anniversary. The BC Ale Trail is a series of self-guided tours highlighting local craft brewery destinations. Within each Ale Trail visitors will find recommended itineraries to explore the respective destination – this includes an array of craft breweries, pubs, restaurants, cafes, outdoor activities, sightseeing, accommodations and more.

BC Brewers win about one-third of all annual Canadian Brewing Awards despite the province having less than 20 percent of Canada’s breweries and less than 15 percent of the national population.

This year, to celebrate the BC Ale Trail’s anniversary, Destination BC teamed up with six regional breweries to collaborate on making a special beer for the occasion, the Explore BC IPA with Haskap Berry. The six breweries were chosen from across the province and exemplify representation of BC’s unique contributions:

Vancouver Island Brewing (Victoria) Vancouver Island Brewing is one of BC’s original trio of microbreweries that opened back in 1984 and helped kick off the craft beer revolution.

Wheelhouse Brewing (Prince Rupert)

Fernie Brewing (Fernie)

Field House Brewing (Abbotsford)

Red Collar Brewing (Kamloops)

Bomber Brewing (Vancouver)