Must-See Whistler Breweries When Visiting Canada
Whistler, British Columbia, has always been known for epic mountains, outdoor activities and big booming nightlife. However, now its known for something else. Fresh, cold, delicious craft beer! For the scoop on the top Whistler breweries, we worked with a local expert. Read on for more.
Top Whistler Breweries to Visit in Canada
It may seem like Canada is a few years behind the craft-beer boom of the U.S., but over the last couple years they have picked up pace…and a fast pace indeed.
Vancouver’s craft beer industry is at a peak, and speaking of peaks, Whistler, BC is always on trend. Fresh beer can now be found in bars and pubs scattered throughout the village. The exciting part to us beer nerds is there are now several breweries and even a Whistler beer festival set in the beauty of the West Coast Mountains.
As you take the windy trip up the 99 Sea to Sky highway from Vancouver, don’t overlook the town of Squamish BC on your way, as they are home to Howe Sound Brewing and some stunning views as well.
Now let’s continue north.
The Brewhouse is a well-known brew pub nestled in the heart of the Whistler Village. With a cozy two-sided fireplace and lots of TVs, it’s a perfect place to relax, grab a beer, some food, and watch the game after a day of adventure or shopping.
First established in 1989, Whistler Brewing Company may have been before the big craft movement, but they have been steady and stayed open, quenching the thirst of ski bums and tourists for over two decades. They have Lager, Honey Lager, IPA and their award-winning Brown Ale, Black Tusk Ale. You could pick up a mixer pack at the Cold Beer & Wine while in town.
Coast Mountain Joins Top Whistler Breweries
Additionally, Whistler has been graced with another brewery, Coast Mountain Brewing. Local beer nerd, Kevin Winter, has relocated back to this rad mountain town after a short absence where, you guessed it, he was learning to master the art of beer.
Kevin’s Sea to Sky homecoming came with the reality of opening his own microbrewery in Function Junction along side his wife, Angie.
As you approach the outskirts of this resort town, make your first stop Function at Coast Mountain Brewing, where you will get a warm welcome and a cold pint. This small community brewery has a tasting room and brewing on a smaller scale than most, allowing them the freedom to bring in new recipes all the time, keeping their line-up fresh and interesting.
I had the enjoyable opportunity to ask Kevin a few questions. The answers really made me smile. Craft beer builds community, which is one of the reasons for my love of the craft beer industry.
Q and A With Coast Mountain Brewery in Whistler
Q: Hey Kevin…Why beer?
A: I completed the first few levels of the Sommelier Program and love my wine, but even more, I love my beer. When I began schooling in Chicago at the Siebel Institute, it became clear to me I was never going back. There is so much to learn and love about beer. I’ll be a student the rest of my career!
Q: Share with us a memory of either an amazing beer you’ve had or the best scenery you’ve had a beer in to date.
A: Rodenbach Grand Cru – A Flanders Red Ale. Game changer early on for me – allowed me to see the vast flavours available in beer.
Q: What style of beer are you currently enjoying the most?
A: Like most, my palette changes with the season, so a lighter ale like a Kolsch or a nice crisp German Pilsner are favourites right now. I’m always partial to a beautiful Saison.
Q: What’s else do you want to share with readers about your journey?
I remember Kevin by his ear-to-ear smile as he answers this last question.
A: We love what we do and can’t wait to share our passion with family and friends. We love the West Coast and surrounding area. We get outside as much as we can — kayaking, hiking and biking around showing our son, Oscar. The beauty of the great outdoors! We are very excited to open our neighbourhood brewery in a place we feel lucky to call home.
I wish both Kevin and Angie the best of luck on this journey. I thank them for their genuine love for both beer and community as they bring something special to this mountain town they are proud to call home.
This Canadian Province sums it up with the saying on their license plates: Beautiful British Columbia. From mountain peaks to the ocean floor and all the breweries in between, both Vancouver and Whistler should be bumped to the top of your list, as they both quench your thirst, appetite and sense of adventure.
Yours in Beer Travel,
Tiffany
Guest Post by: Tiffany, The Travelling Pint
Read more about Whistler breweries and top nightlife spots in Whistler.