Are you a zythophile?

For those who don’t know (or haven’t yet googled it), that’s a person who loves beer. From Lions Bay to Pemberton, there are some pretty incredible breweries popping up and serving some refreshing and delicious brews. A great way to spend a day rain or shine; support local and check out these amazing spots!

Make sure you have a safe ride, and if you drink don’t drive!

Squamish

A-Frame Brewing Co.

What’s more Squamish than cabin vibes and cold brews?

Focused on offering an inclusive, fun, and welcoming space and serving good beer with the purest ingredients they can possibly source, A-Frame needs to be a stop on any Sea to Sky beer tour. With three permanent menu beers and a constantly rotating list of seasonal specials, you’re sure to find something to satisfy every palette.

Light snacks are available (think crisps and chips) in the taproom. As there is no kitchen, A-Frame encourages a BYOF (bring your own food) policy. Luz Tacos food truck often parks outside the patio to offer patrons delicious Mexican fusion offerings.

Be sure to bring a Growler, you’ll want to bring some beer home with you!

Backcountry Brewing

With almost a cult-like following Backcountry Brewing is a must-visit for any lover of craft beer. The large taproom located in Squamish’s Industrial Park area offers sensational award-winning beer. Backcountry exemplifies everything cool and cutting edge that new wave breweries can be. With a constantly evolving and rotating beer list, you’ll definitely want to come often!

The fun and relaxed atmosphere is the perfect spot to come with friends and spend some time at. The taproom kitchen offers perfectly crafted pub favorites, like pizza and wings, that might be some of the best eats in town.

Crunched for time? Backcountry offers a huge selection of their brews in takeaway packs.

Pro tip: make sure you take a bottle of their signature beer-infused hot sauce home with you as well!

Howe Sound Inn & Brewing

A Squamish staple since 1996, Howe Sound Inn & Brewing offers a great selection of tried and true brews, as well as great seasonal selections.

With the help of John Mitchell, the “grandfather of micro-brewing” Howe Sound Brewing has set its place as one of BC’s favorite craft breweries, winning awards at the Canadian Brewing Awards, North American Brewer’s Awards & BC Beer Awards.

Located in the heart of downtown, Howe Sound, you’ll love the awesome views of the Chief and delicious food. Make sure to add this local landmark to your brewery bucket list.

Not Beer in Squamish

Cliffside Cidery

Not a fan of beer? Not a problem! Cliffside Cidery is a groovy little cidery located in downtown Squamish. This local spot is getting a reputation for funky, fresh, fruity flavors and their huge takeaway king cans. Be sure to try the passion fruit cider!

The patio offers lovely views and light coverage, so this spot is best enjoyed on a nice (read, dry) day. Be sure to come hungry as the to-die-for Flipside Burger food truck is conveniently located right next door.

Geo Cider Co.

Another spot for those who prefer sweet over bitter, Geo Cider Co. has a very cool and trendy setup in Squamish’s industrial park. Enjoy light bites and delicious refreshing blends by cider maker Geoff Menu. Constantly looking to push boundaries and experiment, this spot has earned a reputation for damn good ciders. My personal favorite is the seasonal pineapple cider!

Fun fact: The tap room walls are cork, so you will be able to drink your cider, and have a conversation without disturbance!

Whistler

Coast Mountain Brewing

The newest addition to the Whistler beer scene, Coast Mountain has already earned its stripes. This award-winning brewery was designed and built by Whistler locals, the Winter family, and their friends. Coast Mountain brews a wide range of complex, flavourful & sessionable beers. With a reputation for some of the best hop-forward ales, that put a modern twist on traditional European recipes, as well as incredible sours, there’s something for everyone.

The cozy, intimate tasting room is always bustling with locals who will welcome you with open arms. This little tasting room offers simple snacks of cured meat sticks, chips, and nuts. Coast Mountain is a beer geek’s dream,  you might even meet the owners, who are more than happy to talk shop with you!

Whistler Brewing Company

The OG Brewery in the Sea to Sky, Whistler Brewing Company has been brewing and bottling since 1989. Pioneers of the industry and one of the first microbreweries in BC, Whistler Brewing has perfected its craft.

After going through several ownership and location changes, Whistler Brewing came back to its roots in 2010 and opened a taproom in the industrial neighborhood of Function Junction. The perfect spot to escape the bustle of tourists, you’ll love the tasty food and laid-back atmosphere.

Often featuring live music, the large and open space is a must-visit year-round. Make sure you come by this local staple and enjoy a tour and tasting for just $20!

High Mountain Brewing Co. (Brewhouse)

The only brewery located in the main village of Whistler, the recently rebranded and renovated High Mountain Brewing Co., formerly Brewhouse, is a must-visit microbrewery in the thick of the action.

Tourists and locals alike enjoy the made in-house selection of craft taps.  High Mountain offers a great selection, featuring some seasonal blends as well as four set menu beers.

The crowd-pleasing food menu is a blend of BBQ and rottisary classics, as well as made-from-scratch pizzas. The lovely and spacious chalet-inspired taproom is great for family dinners, or a game of pool with friends. The beer is really good, stop by and try it for yourself!

Pro tip: This spot gets busy on weekends and in the high season. Save yourself a wait and make a reservation in advance!

Pemberton

The Beer Farmers

One of the most beautiful breweries in the corridor, The Beer Farmers is not to be missed. Located in Rural Pemberton, in the Upper Valley, the Beer Farmers provides an escape from the everyday. Delicious, refreshing beers, made with ingredients grown on-site is not the only reason you’ll want to visit.

The Miller Farm food truck, located by the patio serves up mouth-watering comfort food classics. The fully functioning farm has a lush grass area and breathtaking views of the mountains. If you time your visit for early-mid spring or mid-late summer, you will get a feast for your eyes as well as your mouth. The famous tulip and sunflower fields are in full bloom at these times and are truly a sight to behold.

With something for everyone, The Beer Farmer’s is totally worth the trip.

Pemberton Brewing

Last, and certainly not least is Pemberton Brewing Co. Located in Pemberton’s thriving industrial park, this fresh and innovative brewery is a local favorite. Emobiding the spirit and soul of Pemberton this little brewery is laid back, effortless, fresh, and just plain good.

The constantly evolving menu features seasonal flavors made from local ingredients. From sours to IPAs you’ll be sure to find something to love.

The sunny taproom patio has great views. Small snacks of chips and nuts are available, and the brewery frequently plays host to a number of awesome food trucks.