Breweries, Pubs & Taphouses in BC’s Northeast
In BC’s northeast, the beers are flowing. The region is home to a rapidly growing brewery scene, one that’s been stoked and cultivated by passionate locals with a true love of craft beer. Here, taprooms serve up consciously-crafted beers made with locally-sourced hops, grains, honey and berries from the surrounding Peace Region—making these beers a true taste of the North.
Here are the breweries, pubs, and taphouses not to be missed in Northeast BC
Trench Brewing & Distilling
The Trench story starts like many others—a group of friends who bonded over brewing beer at home. Since then, Prince George’s newest brewery, Trench Brewing & Distilling (named after the Rocky Mountain Trench that forms area’s landscape) has established itself as a community gathering place with a reputation for finely-crafted brews served in a casual environment. Located in the industrial east end of downtown, Trench’s tasting room, with its slabbed communal tables, local timber and antler-based décor has a hip, but unpretentious vibe—so undeniably Northeast. With live music, local wines and charcuterie, and West Coast-inspired beers like the citrus-forward Pine Pass Pale Ale — a visit to Trench is the perfect way to launch your northeast adventure.
Crossroads Brewing & Distilling
A staple in Prince George, CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery has helped revitalize Prince George’s downtown with its hip patio, wood-fired pizzas and stellar beer lineup. Located in a former service station that had been vacant for years, CrossRoads’ lively downtown patio is now a hive of social activity, and an easy walk to downtown hotels and restaurants. With stone-fired pizzas made with local ingredients available from the open-concept kitchen to wonderful soups, sandwiches and a variety of appetizers, the menu at Crossroads shares the spotlight equally with its brews. There’s a wide selection of year-round options and various seasonal favourites, all brewed within plain site of patrons in a well lit, open tasting room. Hey, flaunt it if ya got it.
Mighty Peace Brewing Co.
The small town of Fort. St. John overlooks the powerful Peace River and is the namesake for this town’s newest brewery. Mighty Peace Brewing Co was founded by four local friends who wanted to create a community space where craft beer was enjoyed by all. Pull up a stool and sip on local favourites like the Peace Gold Light Golden Ale, The Village Idiot ISA, or The Dam Pilsner. Come summer, the brewery’s signature What A Wonderful Kettle Sour is on tap and made from 700 pounds of local blueberries and blackberries for a hazy, purple-hued glass of tangy goodness. Make sure you order the Brewboard for a fresh spread (it changes weekly) of local cheese and meats from nearby Mackay Farms, house-made spreads, and seasonal fruits and nuts. Looking for more classic pub fare? They have that covered too with nachos, wings, a hot dip trilogy, flatbread, tacos, and more.
Beards Brewing
Taking claim as the first craft brewery in Northeast BC, Beards Brewing was founded by local Fort St. John firefighter and home-brew hobbyist Stephen Beard. Together with his wife, Amy, they turned this passion for beer into a beloved gathering place for their community. The brewery is also leading the way when it comes to working with Peace River producers and purveyors. Local honey, sourced down the road from Mackay Farms in Taylor, infuses their Bee Sting Lager while the Black Bear Stout is made with locally-roasted coffee beans from Hell’s Half Acre Coffee Company. Hops, grains, and berries, all foraged or found from the surrounding area, are combined to make the brewery’s signature (and easy-drinking) Peace Island Pilsner. Another way the brewery is committed to their community? Guests are encouraged to bring in their favourite take-out from local restaurants to pair with their beers.
Post & Row Taphouse
The region’s gentle rolling plains make for broad sweeping views of fall colours as far as the eye (or camera) can see, but don’t rule out its hilly terrain either. Hiking trails to scenic viewpoints offer ample vantage points for Dawson Creek is situated at the historic Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway and marks the beginning of this world-famous stretch of roadway. It’s also where you’ll find the newly-opened Post & Row Taphouse. The taproom features a 14-tap draught system that serves up a rotating selection of beers from across BC, including Northern BC favourites, such as the Crossroads Amber Ale from Prince George, Three Ranges Tail Slap from Valemount, and the Mighty Peace Kettle Sour from nearby Fort St. John. The taproom is also the go-to spot for Sunday brunch, serving up bennys, caesars and breakfast poutines, while the taproom’s happy hour menu offers wine and cocktail specials and grazing boards full of cured meats and cheese, pickled vegetables made in-house, and apple jam. With plans to open their own brewery and tasting lounge down the road, Post & Row is quickly establishing itself as a craft beer hub of the North.
Northeast BC Ale Trail
Planning a trip? Check out the Northeast BC Ale Trail; it’s worth a trip to sip and savour your way through this vast landscape, and hop-lovers have the Northeast BC Ale Trail to help guide the way. This ale-focused itinerary will introduce you to Northeast BC’s signature breweries and tap houses in between visiting historic cave sites, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and more.
Headed east? In Grand Prairie, Alberta, located 133 km (83 mi) from Dawson Creek, you’ll discover even more breweries to sling back a cold one. Pop into Grain Bin Brewing Company, GP Brewing Co., or The Canadian Brewhouse for more hop-filled fun.