Brewery Tour Stops

Planning a Fraser Valley Brewery Route

A good brewery tour is less about how many stops you squeeze in and more about pacing. Aldergrove sits in the Township of Langley, close to the Abbotsford boundary, and the wider Fraser Valley has a growing number of craft breweries, cideries and farm wineries spread across rural roads. Distances between stops can be longer than in a city brewery district, so a little planning goes a long way.

Getting around safely

The most important decision comes before the first pour: how everyone gets home. Rural stretches of the valley have limited transit, so consider a designated driver, a pre-booked taxi or a private shuttle for groups. Some visitors base themselves near one or two stops and walk between them. British Columbia's impaired driving rules are strict, and a planned ride is the simplest way to enjoy the day without worry.

Pacing your tastings

Flights or smaller pours let you try more styles without overdoing it. A few habits help:

• Start with lighter beers such as lagers, pilsners and pale ales before moving to hoppy IPAs, stouts or barrel-aged releases.
• Drink water between stops and eat properly along the way. Our food-truck partners make it easy to pair a meal with your visit.
• Limit the route to three or four stops so each visit feels relaxed rather than rushed.

Check before you go

Taproom hours, tour availability and special releases change through the year, especially around holidays and harvest season. Look at the current beer list and the events calendar before setting out, and contact each stop directly if you are bringing a larger group, since some venues prefer advance notice.

Bringing something home

Many visitors finish a tour by picking up cans or growlers of favourites they tasted. Keep a cooler in the vehicle on warm days, as fresh, hop-forward beers hold their flavour best when kept cold. Taking a few notes on what you liked also makes it easier to find similar styles on your next trip through the valley.