After a day tackling the Stawamus Chief or shredding hiking trails, you’ve earned a cold one (or a craft cocktail). Squamish’s craft brewery scene has exploded over the past decade, transforming this mountain town into a destination for beer enthusiasts, cider fans, and cocktail lovers. What makes it special? These aren’t cookie-cutter tasting rooms. They’re spaces that reflect Squamish’s adventurous spirit, each with its own personality and style.
The best part? The Crash Hotel Squamish puts you right in the middle of it all. Our downtown Squamish location means you can walk to some stops, bike to others, and everything’s close enough for a quick Uber ride. We’ve got secure bike storage if you want to pedal between pints, and our rooftop patio is the perfect spot for enjoying those cans to go after your tour with breathtaking views of the mountains.
Ready to explore? Here are six stops that showcase the best of Squamish’s craft scene, all with easy access from our hotel.
Hop Creek Farms Brewery (Brackendale)
The Farm-to-Glass Experience
Location: 41060 Government Rd, Brackendale
What makes it unique: This is the only place in Squamish where you can enjoy craft beer on a working farm with Highland cows, goats, donkeys and sheep wandering around. It’s not just a brewery with a farm theme; it’s an actual working farm that also makes excellent beer.
The vibe: Picture this: you’re sitting at a picnic table with a cold pint, mountains rising up behind the barn, farm animals grazing nearby, and a food trailer serving up fresh bites. It’s quintessential BC rural charm meets craft beer culture. The outdoor seating area feels like you’ve escaped to the countryside, even though you’re only 10 minutes from downtown Squamish.
Signature beers: Highland Lager, Berkshire Ale, and West Coast IPA are their core lineup, but stay tuned for seasonal releases.
Pro tip from The Crash: Make this your Sunday afternoon destination. The relaxed farm atmosphere pairs perfectly with a lazy weekend vibe. Bring a blanket, hang out on the grass, and let the kids (or your inner kid) visit the animals. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, or a pleasant 15-minute bike ride if you take the scenic route through Brackendale.
Best for: Families, groups, anyone who wants the full “BC farm experience” with their beer.
Backcountry Brewing (Industrial Area)
The Award-Winner
Location: 1201 Commercial Way #405
What makes it unique: Backcountry Brewing won “Rookie of the Year” at the BC Beer Awards, which tells you something about their quality right out of the gate. But what really sets them apart is the vibe.
The vibe: Retro ski lodge meets modern brewery. It’s family-friendly until 8 pm, after which the music gets cranked and the energy shifts to a more adult evening hangout. The space strikes that perfect balance between approachable and cool, a welcoming community atmosphere that outdoor adventurers appreciate.
Food: Hand-tossed thin-crust pizza is the move here. The prosciutto fig pizza has achieved legendary status among locals. They also do seasonal salads that actually taste good (not just “good for salad”).
Signature beers: They rotate seasonal releases weekly on their 12-tap tower, so there’s always something new to try. This keeps regulars coming back and rewards adventurous drinkers.
Pro tip from The Crash: Plan to eat here. The pizza and beer pairing is too good to skip. Also, grab some cans to take back to the Crash Hotel Squamish rooftop for a nightcap with that mountain view. It’s about a 5-minute drive from The Crash.
Best for: Pizza lovers, beer geeks who like trying new releases, and groups looking for a lively atmosphere.
A-Frame Brewing (Downtown-ish)
The Cabin Vibes Champion
Location: 38927 Queens Way
What makes it unique: Inspired by the founders’ A-frame cabin on Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, this tasting room evokes lakeside summers with fire pits open year-round. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to settle in for hours.
Awards: A-Frame has serious credentials. They took home Gold for Arctic Lake Dark Lager and Silver for Cup Lake Lemon + Earl Grey Sour at the 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards. That lemon Earl Grey sour is as good as it sounds, maybe better.
The vibe: Cozy without being cramped, laid-back without being sloppy. The family-friendly and dog-friendly patio makes it accessible for everyone. Flipside Burgers food truck is usually on site, which solves the “what should we eat” question nicely.
Signature beers: All their beers are named after BC lakes (Okanagan Lake Cream Ale, Shuswap Lake IPA, Cheakamus Lake Czech Pilsner), which is a nice nod to the province’s outdoor culture. If you’re from BC, you’ll appreciate the geography lesson in every pint.
Pro tip from The Crash: You can bring your own food if you want, or just order from Flipside. This makes A-Frame perfect for groups with diverse food preferences, or outdoor enthusiasts looking to celebrate after a day on the trails. The fire pits create a great atmosphere on cooler evenings. About 5 minutes by car or 10 minutes by bike from the hotel.
Best for: Groups with diverse food preferences, dog owners and anyone who wants that cabin-in-the-woods feeling without leaving town.
Cliffside Cider (Downtown)
The Alley Oasis
Location: 103-37760 2nd Ave (accessible through alley)
What makes it unique: Squamish’s first cidery opened in June 2018. It’s literally tucked away just off 2nd Avenue in a hidden oasis that you might walk right past if you don’t know it’s there. The “accessible through alley” detail isn’t just directions, it’s part of the charm. Finding it feels like discovering a secret.
The vibe: Small, quirky, and proudly so. The patio overlooks the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, which means you get those iconic Squamish views while you sip. It’s dog-friendly, Mason jar themed, and has the energy of a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Food: Black Box Cuisine food truck serves Indian-inspired bowls and rolls. It’s an unexpected pairing with cider that somehow works perfectly.
Signature ciders: Cliffside Fresca (mango, lemon, lime) is refreshing and crushable. They also do ginger apple and blueberry passion lime varieties that lean into fruit-forward flavours without being too sweet.
Pro tip from The Crash: Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4-6 pm with $6 ciders. That’s an absolute steal. Also, this is the most walkable stop from The Crash Hotel, just 3 minutes on foot. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a casual afternoon hang after exploring local shops downtown.
Best for: Cider fans (obviously), people who want walkable options, anyone looking for a more intimate, low-key atmosphere.
Raincity Distillery (Industrial Area)
The Craft Cocktail Lab
Location: 8-38918 Progress Way
What makes it unique: Small-batch craft distillery using Squamish’s pristine, world-renowned glacial water from Howe Sound. This isn’t just marketing speak. The water quality here is legitimately exceptional, and it shows in the final product. They’ve won two awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which is a big deal in the spirits world.
The vibe: This is the most sophisticated stop on the trail. Think cocktail lounge rather than beer hall. Local art on the walls, Asian fusion influences in both the drinks and food, and an atmosphere that encourages sipping rather than chugging.
Spirits: All made from BC winter wheat. Their gin lineup includes a standout Loving Dusk Raspberry Gin, plus vodka and rye. Everything is small-batch, which means attention to detail and quality over quantity.
Food: The dumplings here are highly recommended. They also do seasonal small plates that complement the cocktail program.
Signature cocktails: Try the Tipsy Garden, Wasabi Margarita, or Yuzu Whiskey Sour. These aren’t your standard cocktails. They’re creative without being gimmicky.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 4-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 3-11:30 pm, Sunday 3-10 pm.
Pro tip from The Crash: This is a cocktail experience, not a quick drink stop. Plan to linger. The staff know their stuff and can guide you through the menu. It’s about 7 minutes by car from the hotel, so factor in a ride.
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts, date nights, and anyone looking to elevate their evening with something more refined.
Howe Sound Brewing (Downtown)
The OG Pioneer
Location: 37801 Cleveland Avenue
What makes it unique: Established in 1996, Howe Sound Brewing is Squamish’s original craft brewery and one of BC’s early craft beer pioneers. They were brewing quality craft beer before “craft beer” was even a trendy term, and they’ve built a reputation that extends throughout the province.
The vibe: Classic brewpub atmosphere with a full restaurant menu. The space is larger than most of the other stops on this trail, with a proper dining area alongside the bar. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a full meal and multiple pints without feeling rushed.
Food: Full restaurant menu with pub favourites and BC-inspired dishes. This is a solid option if you’re looking for a complete dinner experience with your beer.
Signature beers: Total Eclipse of the Hop and Bailout Bitter are their flagship beers that you’ll see in liquor stores across BC. Their seasonal releases keep things interesting for repeat visitors.
The brewing operation: The actual brewing setup here is impressive and worth checking out if you’re into the technical side of beer making. They distribute throughout British Columbia, so there’s a good chance you’ve had their beer even if you’ve never visited Squamish.
Pro tip from The Crash: This is a good option if your group wants a more traditional restaurant experience alongside craft beer. The portions are generous, and the beer selection is solid on tap. It’s about a 2-minute walk from The Crash Hotel.
Best for: Groups who want a full meal, beer fans who appreciate the history of BC’s craft scene and anyone looking for a more conventional pub experience.
How to Do the Trail
The Walking Tour (2-3 hours) Start at Cliffside Cider (closest to The Crash), walk 2 minutes to Howe Sound Brewing for dinner and drinks, then head back to The Crash Hotel Squamish rooftop with any cans to go. This is the easiest, most responsible option if you’re planning to drink more than a couple.
The Bike Tour (Half day) Rent bikes or use The Crash Hotel’s bike storage. Route: Crash to A-Frame to Backcountry Brewing to Hop Creek Farms, then return via Cliffside and Howe Sound for dinner. This gives you the full variety while keeping things active and fun, perfect for outdoor adventurers who want to stay active on their trip.
The Driving Tour (Full day with designated driver): Hit all six stops. Include lunch at Howe Sound Brewing, dinner at Backcountry Brewing, and end with evening cocktails at Raincity. This is a comprehensive experience but requires a designated driver or ride-sharing throughout.
The Multi-Day Experience: Spread it out over your visit. Day one: downtown Squamish walking tour (Cliffside, Howe Sound Brewing). Day two: industrial and outskirts driving tour (Backcountry Brewing, A-Frame, Raincity). Day three: Brackendale adventure (Hop Creek Farms, and if it’s winter, pair it with eagle viewing). This is the most relaxed approach and lets you really savour each stop while also exploring other attractions like Shannon Falls or the Sea to Sky Gondola.
A Quick Note on Responsibility
Plan your transportation ahead of time. Use ride-sharing, designated drivers, or stick to the walkable/bikeable options if you’re planning to drink. Most of these spots offer non-alcoholic options too if you’re the DD or just taking a break. And feel free to grab cans to enjoy responsibly back at the hotel rather than trying to hit everything in one go.
Why The Crash Hotel Is Your Perfect Base
When you’re planning your Squamish adventure and exploring breweries in Squamish, where you stay matters. Squamish hotels vary widely, but at The Crash Hotel, we offer the perfect combination of location, amenities, and style for craft beverage enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Our downtown Squamish location puts you within walking distance of two breweries and a short drive from the rest. After a day hiking the Stawamus Chief, visiting Shannon Falls Provincial Park, or riding the Sea to Sky Gondola, you can grab a beer and celebrate your adventures. Our guests love the welcoming community atmosphere, the rooftop patio with mountain views, and our passion for helping travellers experience the best of what this town has to offer.
Whether you’re here for a weekend trip or an extended stay in British Columbia’s outdoor adventure capital, we’ve got the accommodations to make your visit memorable.