Get to Know Vancouver’s Vibrant and Independent Craft Beer Scene

You’ll quickly discover three truths when you visit Vancouver’s craft breweries. Vancouverites love to support their independent breweries. Brewmasters produce deliciously innovative beer. And the brewery scene is a welcoming community.

When Did Craft Beer Begin in Vancouver?

The city has a long history with breweries. Mount Pleasant (a neighbourhood bounded roughly by Cambie Street and Clark Drive, and False Creek and 16th Avenue) was a thriving brewery district called Brewery Creek in the 1890s. The first one in the area, the Vancouver Brewery, opened in 1888, and other breweries soon opened after. Today, the neighbourhood is a destination for local breweries.

Vancouver’s craft brewery scene as we now know it began in the 1980s and 1990s, with the opening of establishments like Granville Island Brewing (1984), R&B Brewing (1997), Yaletown Brewing (1994) and Steamworks Brewing Company (1995).

Microbreweries took off in the city, with many more opening in the 2000s, such as Red Truck Beer (2005) and Phillips Brewing (2001). Today, there are over 70 Vancouver craft breweries, each with unique offerings, tasting rooms, and community events.

What Can I Expect at Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW)?

One event where you’ll get to experience an array of Vancouver breweries is the annual VCBW (Vancouver Craft Beer Week), taking place July 12, 2025 (two sessions: noon to 4pm, 5pm-9pm) at the PNE Fairgrounds. This year, it involves the dream trio of craft beer, music and a wing fest.

This event is the ultimate craft beer gathering, with over 150 craft beers to try from the province’s top breweries, many of them located around Vancouver. They include Locality Brewing in Langley, 33 Acres Brewing Co. and Strathcona Beer Company.

VCBW features other drinks, like craft ciders at Cider Row from cideries like Fraser Valley Cider Company, local natural wines at their wine garden from wineries such as A Sunday in August, and zero proof drinks.

With all that happy imbibing, you’ll probably work up an appetite. And what goes better with beer than wings? Their wing fest will feature the best of the best, from places such as The Downlow Chicken Shack and Loula’s. There will also be chef pop-ups, such as a smash burger pop-up by Poppy’s and an Arc Iberico pop-up.

Finally, with beer (and wings) in hand, dance to the catchy tunes of artists like Oliver Hazard on the live stage, as well as root for competitors during the VCBW’s Michelada Showdown.

What Are Some Great Vancouver Craft Breweries to Visit?

You can find craft breweries across the city, with pods of them in Mount Pleasant, East Vancouver, North Vancouver, as well as other municipalities, like Port Moody.

Here are two from distinct neighbourhoods to get you started on your craft beer crawling:

Stanley Park Brewing

Iconic Stanley Park, an over-400 hectare forest situated downtown, means nature is right in the city. Amongst the trees, you’ll find Stanley Park Brewing, which began in 2009 and continues to craft beers inspired by the fresh, pristine nature of Stanley Park. Their restaurant/brewpub features beers on tap like the Park Sesh Lager and Greenskeeper’s Session IPA, and casual bites like beer-battered fish n chips. They have two outstanding patio areas for soaking up views of the park.

While drinking and noshing, you can listen to live music at Brews & Tunes on periodic Thursdays. Besides the many different outdoor activities to do in the park (trail walking, cycling and visiting the Vancouver Aquarium), you can catch a show at Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) after a visit to the brewpub. This Vancouver tradition runs from now until August 16, with alternating nights of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Legally Blonde.

Main Street Brewing

Main Street Brewing is an excellent starting point for your explorations of Mount Pleasant’s thriving craft beer scene. The brewery is housed in a sunny yellow heritage building that was part of the former historic Vancouver Brewery.

Founded in 2014, Main Street Brewing encompasses a tasting room and retail shop, with a fun patio for people watching in the neighbourhood. On tap, you’ll find thirst-quenching brews perfect for the summer, such as the Krush Crisp Lager, Poolside Hazy IPA and Hula Hula Pink Guava Passionfruit Sour.

Rosie’s BBQ & Smokehouse serves eats like smoked brisket sausage rolls on most days, with Ay! Mamacita taco Tuesdays. Happy Hour is all day Monday, and 2pm-6pm other days.

Main Street is taking part in the Mount Pleasant BIA’s Chillin’ in the Park Festival at Dude Chilling (Guelph Park) July 26 from 1pm to 7pm. This event will be a relaxing neighbourhood hang-out with bevvies from other breweries, Brassneck Brewing and Steamworks, and bites from eateries like AJ’s Brooklyn Pizza Joint. Local talent like Niña Mendoza will be performing.

With Vancouver craft breweries, the vibe is, above all, laid-back with the very best of drink, food and good company.