Penticton’s vibrant craft beer scene has banded together to launch the Ale Trail, to showcase the area as more than just wine country.
“Penticton has been a leader of the Okanagan craft beer scene for more than 20 years and we are very proud of our breweries, which include some of B.C.’s oldest and newest craft breweries,” said Thom Tischik, executive director of Travel Penticton. “In addition to many active pursuits, many of our visitors love to soak up the sunshine on one of our fabulous beaches, while walking along the boardwalks, or during a leisurely afternoon float down the river channel. Regardless of the activity you choose, a delicious and refreshing craft beer from Penticton enhances the experience. We’re excited to be on the B.C. Ale Trail.”
With five craft breweries and one of B.C.’s longest running craft beer festivals, the annual Okanagan Fest of Ale, Penticton offers those who love beer to experience the breweries that are close enough in proximity you can visit them all in one day.
“There is a funny saying amongst winemakers that a gallon of beer is needed to produce a bottle of wine. So having an ale trail right in the heart of wine country makes a lot of sense,” said Paul Kamon, executive director, Sunshine Coast Tourism. “Seeing the B.C. Ale Trail growing and connecting our communities is very exciting to see. It offers a novel and authentic way to experience our region’s world-class breweries while exploring one of the planet’s most diverse and inspiring landscapes.”
Along the Penticton Ale Trail, you can hop on a bike and tour from brewery to brewery on your own schedule, or book a local tour operator and get a guided tour of the breweries by bike or by shuttle. Tin Whistle Brewing and the Barley Mill Brewpub ignited the craft beer scene two decades ago, while a fresh breath of innovation and new energy were provided by Cannery Brewing, Bad Tattoo Brewing and the latest addition, Highway 97 Brewing.
Highway 97 video
Known for its diverse beer list, delicious rock oven pizza and a lovely patio, Bad Tattoo is located within walking distance of the iconic Peach at Okanagan Lake; the beer lineup features several different IPAs and some Mexican-inspired styles. A local favourite for more than 20 years, the two-floor Barley Mill has a Tudor-style brewpub with a sports theme; ask for a tour of the tiny brewhouse. One visit to Cannery Brewing’s popular taproom in downtown Penticton will reveal that this brewery is all about great beer and community; with its location near the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Cannery Brewing is the perfect destination at the end of a hike or bike ride.
Highway 97 Brewery, Penticton’s newest brewery named for the scenic highway that runs along the Okanagan’s spine, is an open-concept brewery with a tasting room at the front and an ultra-local focus (down to the hops they use for brewing); it’s the ideal place to fill the cooler before heading out on a camping trip. The Okanagan’s original brewery, Tin Whistle Brewery is still going strong more than 20 years later; it focuses on using local ingredients such as fruits and berries in many of its beers, including the award-winning Stag Apple Scotch Ale and two different beers made with local peaches.
Penticton Tourism is also using the Ale Trail to invite visitors and residents alike to take in experiences in and around the city from adventurous activities like mountain biking and hiking to the more easy-going activities like a family bike ride, canoeing or golfing. All which fall within a 20 minute drive of the five breweries, 70 wineries, three distilleries.
