The BC Ale Trail, in partnership with Destination British Columbia and the BC Craft Brewers Guild, has launched two new Ale Trails this week: Northeast BC and Northwest BC.

Previously known as the Northern BC Ale Trail, the new trails now split the large northern half of BC into two, making it easier for visitors to explore each region. The launch of the two ale trails mark the 24th and 25th ale trails to be added to the network, bringing the total craft breweries participating to more than 180.

“The Northern BC Ale Trail was the original trail,” said Monica Frost, BC Ale Trail Project Lead. “Once Fort St. John and Dawson Creek joined, however, it was a real trek for beer lovers. By splitting them into the East and West corners of the province, we were able to create more engaging itineraries which allow visitors to truly take in the unique experiences that both regions have to offer.”

The Northeast BC Ale Trail includes Fort St. John’s Beard’s Brewing and Mighty Peace Brewing, Post & Row Taphouse in Tawson Creek, where they’re in the process of adding an on-site brewery. Barkerville Brewing in Quesnel, Fox Mountain Brewing in Williams Lake, and Three Ranges Brewing in Valemount. 

The Northwest BC Ale Trail starts with Wheelhouse Brewing in Prince Rupert, then heads over to Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in nearby Terrace, Bulkley Valley Brewery and Smithers Brewing in Smithers, Ursa Minor Brewing in Burns Lake, and finally, Crossroads Brewing & Distillery as well as Trench Brewing & Distillery, both in northern BC’s largest city, Prince George.