BC ALE TRAIL LAUNCHES 2026 WINTER TASTING PASSPORTS

Hatch Comms
Feb 5
3 min read

For Immediate Release

February 5, 2026

BC ALE TRAIL LAUNCHES 2026 WINTER TASTING PASSPORTS

Every Pint Tells a Story. Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

February 1 through March 8, 2026

North Vancouver, B.C. This February, the BC Ale Trail invites craft beer fans to explore local breweries across the province with the return of its Winter Tasting Passports, a coordinated, multi-region campaign running from February 1 through March 8. Designed to support independent breweries, taphouses, cafes and other local businesses during a traditionally slower time of year, the campaign encourages residents and visitors to get out, try something new, and strengthen connections with local businesses and communities while showcasing the diversity of BC’s craft beer scene.

How it Works

Participants can take part using either a free printed passport or a digital passport within the BC Ale Trail mobile app. Visitors can collect a stamp with purchase at participating businesses, or scan a QR code to collect a digital stamp in the app.

Once six unique stamps are collected, participants submit their completed paper passport to be entered into the Grand Prize draw. Get six digital scans and your passport will be automatically submitted. Multiple entries are encouraged, and a random draw will take place once the campaign period ends.

“Last year’s Winter Tasting Passports showed just how much people want to support local breweries during the winter months,” says Monica Frost, Project Director, BC Ale Trail. “The response from both participants and breweries exceeded expectations, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026 with more regions, more experiences, and even more ways for people to explore their local craft beer communities.”

Participating Winter Tasting Passport Regions

The 2026 Winter Tasting Passport campaign features multiple regional passports, each offering a distinct craft beer experience and the chance to win a Grand Prize Weekend Getaway. Each region features a great selection of independent breweries and taprooms, inviting participants to explore locally or plan a winter getaway while discovering the stories behind BC beer.

North of the Fraser Ale Trail

The North of the Fraser Tasting Passport invites participants to explore the easily accessible riverfront communities of Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Port Coquitlam. The region pairs a diverse craft beer scene with great dining, shopping, and outdoor experiences, all connected by SkyTrain and transit-friendly routes.

Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

From Cowichan through Nanaimo to Parksville Qualicum Beach, the Central Vancouver Island Tasting Passport highlights coastal communities known for exceptional food, outdoor adventure, and independent breweries. Participants can explore a wide range of brewery styles while enjoying beaches, trails, and island hospitality.

Pacific Rim Ale Trail

The Pacific Rim Tasting Passport connects Port Alberni, Ucluelet, and Tofino. This west coast experience blends craft beer, distilleries, cafés, and restaurants with rugged coastal landscapes, surf culture, and rainforest surroundings.

The Prize

Participants who complete a Winter Tasting Passport will be entered to win the Grand Prize, a deluxe long-weekend getaway featuring accommodations, food and drink experiences, and locally curated experience and gift cards from participating regions.

For the Pacific Rim Passport only, participants who visit more than one participating community will receive a bonus entry into the Grand Prize draw.

In addition, select prizes will be regionally swapped, offering participants the chance to experience a getaway outside their home area, for example Pacific Rim participants could win a long-weekend getaway in the North of the Fraser (Greater Vancouver).

Plan Your Route

For updates, participating locations, and to plan your tasting adventure, visit bcaletrail.ca.

Images & Interviews Available Upon Request

Brewery owners from each participating Winter Tasting Passport region, along with BC Ale Trail Project Director Monica Frost, are available for interviews to speak to the campaign’s purpose and its impact on local breweries and communities.

- 30 -

About the BC Ale Trail

The BC Ale Trail serves as a comprehensive guide to exploring British Columbia’s craft beer culture, linking over 220 craft breweries across 22 self-guided Ale Trails. Each trail combines BC’s distinctive craft breweries with the province’s breathtaking natural landscapes, providing a complete experience for beer enthusiasts and adventure seekers. In partnership with Destination British Columbia and the BC Craft Brewers Guild, the BC Ale Trail showcases the finest of BC’s brewing scene through thoughtfully curated itineraries. Whether a local resident or a visitor, the BC Ale Trail offers an ideal way to plan a brewery tour holiday and discover why BC’s craft beer scene is world-class.

To learn more visit bcaletrail.ca, and connect socially at @bcaletrail on Facebook and Instagram.