Looking to explore the best craft breweries near me in Vancouver? Whether you’re new to Vancouver or are just briefly visiting, you’ve no doubt heard that our local craft beer scene is nothing short of legendary.
It all starts with Vancouver’s three famous brewing districts: Mount Pleasant (aka Brewery Creek), East Van (aka Yeast Van), and North Shore (aka The Shipyards).
From Brewery Creek’s historical beginnings to the edgy, experimental vibe of Yeast Van, and the cozy atmosphere of the Shipyards, each neighbourhood offers its own form of brew-fueled charm.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Vancouver craft beer so unique.
Mount Pleasant – The Heart of Vancouver’s Beer Revolution
Welcome to Mount Pleasant, or as we locals like to call it, Brewery Creek. The heart of Vancouver’s craft beer history and where your craft beer journey should truly begin.
Its history dates back to the late 1800s when actual creeks supplied the water for brewing. The creek might not be visible anymore, but Mount Pleasant has still retained that quaint yet industrious sense of tradition while embracing innovation wholeheartedly.
This district is a near-perfect blend of old-world charm and modern craft beer brilliance.
For those eagerly searching for “beer tours near me,” Mount Pleasant is a great starting point. Take a stroll down Main Street and you’ll soon stumble upon Main Street Brewing, housed in a beautiful heritage building built in 1913 as part of the original Vancouver brewing scene.
Between 5th and 6th Avenue, you’ll find Brassneck Brewery, known best for a beer personality that flows as free as its taps, and over on 8th Avenue, there’s 33 Acres Brewing, which offers a rustic aesthetic that’s as Instagrammable as it is drinkable.
The laid-back vibe and unbreakable community makes the Mt Pleasant neighbourhood the best place to kick off your Vancouver beer journey.
Whether you’re a dedicated beer geek or just a casual indulger, Brewery Creek has a craft beer experience that caters to all tastes, offering everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and seasonable lagers. Best of all, most of these establishments are within walking distance, so you can easily take advantage of our small-group, VIP, behind-the-scenes Vancouver Craft Beer Tasting Tour. Escorted by a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, you’ll learn the history and secrets of Brewery Creek and sample the best craft beer Vancouver has to offer.
East Van – Where Creativity Meets Craft
Gritty, industrial, and rebellious, East Vancouver, or just “Yeast Van,” is a must-visit for any beer lover who enjoys craft blended with some creativity.
Why the reputation? Because this traditional manufacturing corner of the city is bubbling over not just with suds, but creativity and art. From the beer itself to the murals that adorn the walls of the rough-around-the-edges brewery halls, it’s an absolutely essential stop for anyone searching for a brewery tour near me.
In the early days, this part of town was known for its working-class roots, and it’s exactly that kind of charm married with local artistry that makes a craft beer experience here feel like a bold social experiment.
In East Van, you can experience a Filthy Dirty IPA at Parallel 49 while listening to the clattering of freight trains, then head over to Strange Fellows Brewing to enjoy a super dry SCARAB lager in the beer garden.
If you’re digging the wonderfully conflicting world of the East Van, end the night with an All The Things Amber lager in the Bomber Brewing taproom overlooking the park.East Van is a place where the cold, hard steel of industry meets the bright and diverse world of art. It’s a district where you can expect to find anything from a barrel-aged sour steeped in working-class soul to experimental brews that push the boundaries of what beer can be.
North Shore – Sipping by the Sea at The Shipyards
Cross over the harbour on the SeaBus, and you’ll find yourself at Vancouver’s North Shore, otherwise known as the Shipyards.
Once an industrial hub (starting to see a trend here?) where ships were once built and given safe harbour from the savage North Pacific ocean. The Shipyards is now a bustling scenic district with a rapidly growing craft beer scene.
In the Shipyards, you’ll find waterfront views, a stunning city skyline, and the start of another journey into Vancouver’s best microbreweries. It feels like a world away from the industrial chic of East Van, but what could be better than a schooner and a salty sea breeze in your hair?
Start your brewery tour here with a Pineapple Percussion sour or a ‘Would You Still Love Me If I Was a Worm’ IPA from the family-owned Beere Brewing Co. Head on over next to the aptly-named House of Funk Brewing for some micro-batch brews that promise to challenge the status quo with unique and experimental recipes.
Finally, cap off your night in the cozy cabin-themed North Point small-batch brewery. With gorgeous log-wood walls and a fireplace, it’s perfect for laying back and channelling your inner sailor.
Vancouver’s North Shore has a relaxed seaside vibe that makes it perfect for craft beer lovers who prefer a place to unwind and truly appreciate a fine brew. With the ocean to the West, the city to the South, and the mountains to the North, you won’t find a better setting for a pint than here.
Raise Your Glass to Vancouver’s Brewery Scene
There are few places on Earth where such a unique blend of industry, art, coastal charm, and innovation add up to create such a welcoming and diverse range of craft and microbrews.
In Vancouver, these three brewery districts promise an afternoon and evening of incredible beers and unforgettable experiences that cater to the taste of even the most discerning fermented beverage experts. So, if you’re searching for a brewery tour near me, look no further than Yeast Van, Brewery Creek, and the Shipyards – where history, industry, and art come together to make the perfect pint.