There’s no denying that BC communities have warmly embraced the craft beer movement. From cities and towns as far as Port Renfrew or Fernie, there are a wealth of craft beer options all over the province. While Vancouver continues to be the leader in the sheer number of breweries, the communities around Vancouver have started their own mini craft beer explosions.
Port Moody might be the first area that comes to mind, but there’s plenty to find in Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and now Langley. In fact, Langley might be the new hot spot for craft beer, with a number of new spots opened in the last few years. The growth has been so exponential, we’ve seen the added benefit of some trendy new places to eat and drink, and some alternatives to craft beer like ciders and spirits.
If any of that appeals to you, then Langley might be the next BC spot you need to check out.
A craft beer lovers playground
Camp Beer Co
Camp is exactly what you might expect from a brewery with a name that evokes the wilderness. There’s a cozy cabin vibe to the place, with canoes, a fireplace, wood panels and an over-sized outdoor patio and glass roll-up doors to the tasting room. All of the founders have a local connection to Langley. Take for example head brewer, Dave Henry who started Langley’s first homebrew club with Tristan Stewart (who you may know from Temporal Ales).
Dead Frog Brewing
One of the longest standing breweries in Langley, Dead Frog has been around since 2007 when they opened their doors in Aldergrove. They have moved several times since, with their latest home being conveniently located just off the highway and right next door to the Signature Sandman Hotel. They have a lot of classics like their original nut brown, but also get a little crazy with beers like their mojito sour and tropical porter.
Farm Country Brewing
Located in Highland Centre just steps away from the Cascades Casino, Farm Country has an ideal location for drinkers to kick back and enjoy a pint or two. Both owners grew up in Langley, so have deep roots to the community. They focus on clean, core beers like their IPA, Pilsner and Everyday Ale while finding ways to experiment with seasonals like their Apricot Peach Kettle Sour.
Five Roads Brewing
Five Roads’ name is inspired by the Five Corners intersection in the Township of Langley, and reflects crossroads intersecting and bringing people together. They have an excellent line up of core beers, but have also made the keen observation that Langley has some excellent fresh fruits, and have applied that to beers like their Sangria Sour, which not only uses local fruit but also adds in local wine.
Locality Brewing
Locality is the newest brewery to join the Langley scene, and just opened their doors. They are based on a working farm and plan on producing all their own ingredients. As the newest brewery on the block, they are very excited to see people come down or you can find some of their canned goods like their West Coast IPA and Honey Lager.
Smuggler’s Trail Caskworks
This brewery is named for the infamous outlaws who traveled the Smugglers Trail during BC’s 19th Century Gold Rush. After years of contract brewing, Smugglers’ Trail opened last fall and with that opening has come a number of awards. The brewery recently won for both Brewery Rebrand and Coolest Taproom at the Craft Beer Marketing Awards. It definitely makes for an excellent addition to the Langley beer scene.
Trading Post Brewing
Trading Post is a bit of a Langley success story. They’ve had some recent expansions like their kitchen and brewpub in Fort Langley, their taphouse in Abbotsford and most recently their new location out at the District Wine Village in Oliver. Brewing everything from traditional English-style ales, American IPA’s and stouts, to contemporary sour and barrel-aged beer, you’ll be sure to find a favourite at Trading Post.
For those looking for a little variety
Barley Merchant
The hotly anticipated Barley Merchant just opened their doors, and if the opening weekend was any indication this is going to be a Langley hot spot. They are incredibly focused on using BC based ingredients, sourcing all of their taps and liquor from BC producers only. This is one of those places that you can guarantee will be worth going to, the owner Tim LaHay has been working in the local hospitality industry for decades and has a passion for BC beer as the founder of Instagram channels BC Craft Breweries and Craft Beer Tourist.
Fraser Valley Cider Co
If cider is more of your thing, then you absolutely have to check out Fraser Valley Cider. A little ways outside of the main city, the cidery sits on a wonderful hilltop farm with views of the mountains. They make some excellent ciders, and serve up a selection of pre-made food options designed pair with the different cider flavours. It’s a wonderful place to spend sunny afternoon.
Haven
If you’re looking for cocktail options, then Haven is sure not to disappoint. The excellent decor sets the stage for the wonderfully curated cocktail menu and creative food menu. Since opening their doors Haven has clearly become a hot spot in Langley, with plenty of people willing to dress up and spend an evening in the dining room or patio.
Roots and Wings Distillery
Lastly, if you’re more into making cocktails yourself, then you might want to pick up a bottle of local spirits from Roots and Wings. Langley’s first Craft Distillery, Roots and Wings produces a line of artisan spirits that includes vodka, whiskey, and gin, from quality ingredients grown on their own third-generation farm. Using their land’s natural spring water for distillation, and their own farm-grown potatoes and corn, results in a true farm-to-table, sustainable product.
Ale/Sessions 