Craft beers have recently overtaken the world, and Vancouver is no exception. The city has a thriving craft beer scene, with many breweries and taprooms offering diverse flavors and styles. Exploring Vancouver’s breweries is a must-do activity whether you’re a local or a visitor.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 breweries in Vancouver. We scoured the city, researching and sampling beers from dozens of breweries to bring you the best. Our team has extensive expertise in good beer, with a passion for discovering new and exciting brews.
One interesting finding we uncovered during our research is the focus on sustainability and environmentalism among Vancouver’s breweries. Several of the breweries on our list use renewable energy sources, recycle their spent grain, and have implemented water conservation measures.
So, whether you’re a hop-head or a sour fan, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes on our list of the best breweries in Vancouver. Let’s dive in!
Certainly! Here is a list of the top 10 breweries in Vancouver:
- Steamworks Brewing Company
- Andina Brewing Co.
- Granville Island Brewing
- Strange Fellows Brewing
- 33 Acres Brewing Company
- Parallel 49 Brewing
- Brass Neck Brewery
- Brewhall Beer Co.
- Faculty Brewing Co.
- Electric Bicycle Brewing
The Top 10 Breweries In Vancouver
1. Steamworks Brewing Company
This brewery was founded in 1995 and is Canada’s only steam-generated brewery. It has two locations: a brewpub in Gastown and a taproom in Burnaby. The brewpub is located in a historic building with a steam pipe running through it, which is used to power the brewing process. The taproom is where all the beers are brewed and packaged, and it has a spacious patio and food truck-like gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Steamworks brews various beers, from pale ales and IPAs to stouts and porters.
Also read: Exploring the Differences Between Bock and Stout Beers
Their unique beers include Flagship IPA, jalopy Pale Ale, Kölsch, Pilsner, Black Angel IPA, and Heroica Red Ale. Steamworks has won several awards for its beers, including the “Best in Show” category at the B.C. Beer Awards in 2016 for its Flagship IPA. Steamworks is one of the best breweries in Vancouver because it combines innovation, quality, and tradition in its beers. It also offers a great atmosphere and service at both of its locations.
Image credit: beermebc.com
2. Andina Brewing Co.
This brewery was founded in 2017 by two brothers who grew up in Colombia and moved to Canada over 20 years ago. They decided to open Andina Brewing Co. to celebrate their South American heritage and culture, using exotic ingredients and flavors from Colombia. The brewery in East Vancouver has a bright yellow exterior that stands out in the neighborhood.
Also read: Indian Pale Lager vs Indian Pale Ale : What’s the Difference?
The brewery also has a tasting room and a kitchen that serves Colombian-inspired dishes. Andina Brewing Co. brews a range of beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases. Some notable beers are Jalea Guava Saison, Brumosa Hazy Pale Ale, Palida Hazy Pale Ale, and Monita Blonde IPA. Andina Brewing Co. has won several awards for its beers, including a silver medal at the British Columbia Beer Awards in 2019 for its Palida Hazy Pale Ale.
Andina Brewing Co. is one of the best breweries in Vancouver because it offers a unique and authentic fusion of South American and British Columbian craft beer. It also provides a lively and colorful atmosphere and service at its location.
3. Granville Island Brewing
This brewery was founded in 1984 by Mitch Taylor and claims to be Canada’s first modern microbrewery. It is located on Granville Island, a popular tourist destination and cultural hub in Vancouver.
The brewery also has a taproom and a retail store where visitors can sample and buy their beers. The brewery also offers tours and tastings of its facilities and products. Granville Island Brewing brews various beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases.
Some notable beers are Kitsilano Maple Cream Ale, English Bay Pale Ale, False Creek Raspberry Ale, and Lions Winter Ale. Granville Island Brewing has won several awards for its beers, including gold medals at the Canadian Brewing Awards and the World Beer Championships.
4. Strange Fellows Brewing
This brewery was founded in 2014 by Iain Hill and Aaron Jonckheere, two beer enthusiasts who wanted to celebrate the strange and extraordinary. Hill is a veteran brewer who has been making award-winning beers for over 20 years, while Jonckheere is a creative director who handles the branding and marketing of the brewery.
Also read: How to Avoid Getting a Headache from Non-Alcoholic Beer
The brewery in East Van Brewing has a spacious tasting room and a gallery showcasing local artists. The brewery hosts events like art shows, live music, and trivia nights. Strange Fellows Brewing brews a range of beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases.
Some notable beers are Jongleur Belgian Wit, Talisman West Coast Pale Ale, Reynard Oud Bruin, and Popinjay Dry Hopped Sour. Strange Fellows Rail Brewing has won several awards for its beers, including gold medals at the Canadian Brewing Awards and the B.C. Beer Awards.
5. 33 Acres Brewing Company
This brewery, founded by Josh Michnik and his family in 2013, was formed from a passion for quality and simplicity. The goal was to create a place that embodies these values. Mount Pleasant, an energetic and fashionable neighborhood in Vancouver, is the location of this property.
Also read: Sour Beer Nutrition Facts: Everything You Need to Know
The brewery features a tasting room and restaurant and hosts gatherings such as markets and music. Their restaurant provides coffee, food, and cider for those who wish to partake. Furthermore, art shows and live music create an even more inviting atmosphere at the brewery for their patrons.
33 Acres Brewing Company brews a range of beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases.
Some notable beers are 33 Acres of Ocean West Coast Pale Ale, 33 Acres of Sunshine French Blanche, 33 Acres of Nirvana India Pale Ale, and 33 Acres of Euphoria Belgian Tripel. 33 Acres Brewing Company has won several awards for its beers, including silver medals at the World Beer Cup for its Belgian Tripel in 2016 and 2018.
33 Acres Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in Vancouver because it combines quality and simplicity in its beers. It also offers a modern and minimalist atmosphere and service at its location.
6. Parallel 49 Brewing
This brewery was founded in 2012 by three friends who shared a passion for fresh beer and a vision for experimentation. They hired Graham With, an award-winning homebrewer, as their head brewer, allowing him to create bold and innovative beers.
The brewery in East Vancouver has a large tasting room and street kitchen with a food truck parked inside. The brewery hosts pop-up markets, art shows, and live music events.
Parallel 49 Brewing brews a range of beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases. Some notable beers are Ruby Tears Northwest Red Ale, Jerkface 9000 Wheat Ale, Trash Panda Hazy IPA, and Filthy Dirty IPA. Parallel 49 Brewing has won several awards for its beers, including gold medals at the World Beer Cup and the Canadian Brewing Awards.
7. Brass Neck Brewery
This brewery was founded in 2013 by Nigel Springthorpe and Conrad Gmoser, two Vancouver craft beer scene veterans. Springthorpe is the co-owner of the Alibi Room, a popular beer bar in Gastown, while Gmoser is a former brewmaster of Steamworks Brewing.
They decided to open Brass Neck Brewery to pursue their passion for brewing small-batch and experimental beers. The brewery in Mount Pleasant has a cozy and friendly tasting room with a chalkboard menu and a fireplace.
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The brewery also sells growlers and bottles of their beers to go. Brass Neck Brewery brews a range of beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases. Some notable beers are Passive Aggressive Dry Hopped Pale Ale, No Brainer Pre-Prohibition Lager, Stockholm Syndrome Farmhouse Saison, and One Trick Pony Mosaic IPA.
Brass Neck Brewery has won several awards for its beers, including gold medals at the BC Beer Awards and the Canadian Brewing Awards. Brass Neck Brewery is one of the best breweries in Vancouver because it combines experience and experimentation in its beers. It also offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and service at its location.
Image credit:bc.thegrowler.ca.com
8. Brewhall Beer Co.
This brewery was founded in 2018 by Daniel Frankel and his team, who wanted to create a brewery that focuses on collaborations and small-batch product development. They hired Kerry Dyson, a former brewer of Parallel 49 Brewing, as their head brewer and allowed him to experiment with different styles and ingredients.
The brewery in Olympic Village has a large beer hall with a food truck, a games area, and a stage for live music. The brewery also sells cans and growlers of their beers to go. Brewhall Beer Co. brews a range of beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases.
Some notable beers are Neon Lights Pale Ale, Dragonfruit Sour Ale, Hazy Pale Ale, and Mighty Morphin Sour Rangers. Brewhall Beer Co. has won several awards for its beers, including the People’s Choice Award at the BC Beer Awards in 2018 for its Mighty Morphin Sour Rangers.
Brewhall Beer Co. is a popular favorite among Vancouver residents due to its commitment to innovation and collaboration when crafting its beer offerings, lively social atmosphere, and friendly service.
9. Faculty Brewing Co.
This brewery was founded in 2016 by Mauricio Lozano and Alicia Medina, two former academics who wanted to create a brewery that educates and inspires beer lovers. They decided to name their beers with numbers instead of names, indicating each beer’s style and flavor profile.
They also have a chalkboard in their tasting room that explains each beer’s brewing process and ingredients. The brewery in Mount Pleasant has a modern and industrial tasting room with a food truck, a patio, and a mini library.
Also read: How to Avoid Getting a Headache from Non-Alcoholic Beer
The brewery also sells cans and growlers of their beers to go. Faculty Brewing Co. brews a range of beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases. Their unique beers include 7109 Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, 241 Minzeweizen, 778 IPA, and 107 Blonde Ale.
Faculty Brewing Co. has won several awards for its beers, including gold medals at the BC Beer Awards and the Canadian Brewing Awards. Faculty Brewing Co. is one of the best breweries in Vancouver because it combines education and innovation in its beers. It also offers a modern and industrial atmosphere and service at its location.
10. Electric Bicycle Brewing
This brewery was founded in 2018 by Elliot McKerr and Matt Ryan, two friends who shared a passion for craft beer and a vision for fun and creativity. They named their beers with quirky names and labels, such as Pizza Pilsner, Hazy Dazy IPA, and Frooty Loop Sour.
Their tasting room also has a colorful mural wall and arcade games. The brewery in Mount Pleasant has a bright pink and turquoise exterior that stands out in the neighborhood. The brewery also sells cans and growlers of their beers to go.
Electric Bicycle Brewing brews a range of beers, some of which are core and some seasonal or limited releases. Some notable beers are It’s No Hazy Game IPA and Super Duper! Sour Ale, I’m So Excited Coffee Stout, and The Floor is Guava Sour Ale.
Electric Bicycle Brewing has won several awards for its beers, including gold medals at the BC Beer Awards and the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Electric Bicycle Brewing is one of the best breweries in Vancouver because it combines fun and quality in its beers. It also offers a unique and colorful atmosphere and service at its location.
Brewery Tours And Tastings In Vancouver
Vancouver Brewery Tours
This is the longest-running and most popular brewery tour company in Vancouver, offering fun and informative tours of the local craft beer scene. They have different tours available, but their signature tour is the Vancouver Brewery Tour, which takes you to three breweries in three hours, each located in a unique brewery district and neighborhood of Vancouver.
You’ll get behind-the-scenes tours, VIP access, beer tastings, and a beer-tasting journal. The tour costs $95 per person and includes 14-24 seater van transportation. You can book online or by phone.
Canadian Craft Tours
This is another brewery tour company that offers a variety of tours and experiences for beer lovers. They have a Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour, which takes you to four breweries in four hours, where you’ll sample 16 beers and learn about the brewing process.
The tour costs $89 per person and includes 14-24 seater bus transportation. You can book online or by phone.
Storm Brewing Ltd.
This is one of Vancouver’s oldest and most innovative craft breweries, known for its experimental and creative beers. They offer free tours and tastings every Saturday from 1 pm to 6 pm, where you can try some of their signature beers like the Brainstorm IPA, the Highland Scottish Ale, and the Hurricane IPA.
You can also try some of their seasonal and limited releases, such as the Flanders Red Sour Ale, the Pineapple Paradise Pilsner, and the Vanilla Whiskey Stout. You don’t need to book early; show up and enjoy.
Image credit: stormbrewing.org.com
Strange Fellows Brewing
This is another craft brewery that embraces the strange and extraordinary in its beers and their atmosphere. They offer tours and tastings every Thursday at 7 pm, where you can learn about their brewing philosophy and process and sample some of their beers, like the Jongleur Belgian Wit, the Talisman West Coast Pale Ale, and the Reynard Oud Bruin. The tour costs $10 per person and includes a souvenir glass. You can book online or by phone.
Conclusion
After exploring Vancouver’s bustling brewery scene, it’s clear that the city has no shortage of exceptional craft beer destinations. From classic breweries serving local brews for decades to trendy newcomers shaking up the scene, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.
Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or refreshing lagers, Vancouver’s top 10 breweries offer a wide range of styles and flavors to satisfy any beer lover’s palate. And with many of these breweries offering tours, tastings, and unique events, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the brewing process and connect with like-minded beer enthusiasts.
It’s hard to pick just one standout brewery in Vancouver – each has unique charm and appeal. But if you’re looking to dive into the city’s craft beer scene, these top 10 breweries are a great place to start. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply looking to try something new, Vancouver’s breweries will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art and science of craft brewing.
