Kia ora, fellow travellers and craft beer lovers!
There’s something uniquely exciting about hitting the open road, the journey ahead full of promise and unknown adventures. This summer, I embarked on a trip to remember, partly catching up with old friends and partly on a solo road trip through British Columbia. I merged my love for exploring new places with my passion for discovering local craft beers. So grab a pint and settle in as I take you along for the ride.
Whistler: Peaks, Pints, and Old Friends
My first destination was the wonderful Whistler; after hiring a car from Vancouver airport and driving straight out of the city, I started my journey with a picturesque drive, passing lakes and mountains I’d only dreamt of seeing. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with an old mate from back home who took on the role of tour guide well. Whistler, with its towering peaks and lively village, is a place that feels homely and welcoming. It was a given that I would start my trip with the iconic Peak to Peak Gondola ride, a breathtaking journey between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. And, in true Free Range Kiwi fashion, some local beer was purchased to help enjoy the view at the top. There’s nothing quite like sipping a tart sour (Dino Sour from Phillips Brewing) while soaking in panoramic mountain views from 436 metres above the valley floor.
After catching up and enjoying Whistler’s nightlife and part of what Whistler had to offer, it was time to set off on my solo road trip. The excitement of the open road and the promise of new experiences had me eager to explore the rest of British Columbia. I got in the car, ready to hit the road with the reminder constantly on my mind to keep right when driving!
From Whistler to Kelowna: Scenic Drives, Brews, and a Taste of Wine Country
Leaving Whistler behind, I set off on the scenic drive to Kelowna. The Sea-to-Sky Highway delivered as promised, with breathtaking coastline views and the towering mountains that define this region. Kelowna is right in the heart of the Okanagan Valley and is better known for its wineries, but I managed to squeeze in a visit to a local brewery as well. After a leisurely afternoon of exploring the area and tasting delicious local wine, I made my way to a brewery, the Rustic Reel Brewing Company, to have my first Canadian flight. It was made up of an intriguing mix of four beers, which enticed me to go for the sampling option, all served in a cute little box with a snack on the side. The beer was made very well, and I enjoyed them all to the last drop; if I had to pinpoint my favourites, it would be between the Hazy IPA and the Lemon Lime Gose. Kelowna’s laid-back atmosphere was a great way to ease into my solo road trip, offering a delightful mix of the region’s famous wines and emerging craft beers.
Banff: Two Nights in Mountain Paradise
Next, I had a long drive to Banff, one of Canada’s most iconic mountain towns. The drive itself was an experience, with the Canadian Rockies providing a stunning backdrop. I think I spent the whole time gasping at each new incredible view after every twist around a corner. I spent two nights in Banff, giving me ample time to explore the town and its surroundings. I managed to get a lot into my time; I went on an early morning tour of Lake Moraine and Lake Louise – they were stunning! One of the highlights was a walk up Tunnel Mountain, a relatively short trail that offers fantastic views over Banff; I even made time to soak in Banff’s Hot Springs – which set in the mountain made for a beautiful spot to watch the sun start to set. After a long day exploring, there’s nothing quite like settling into a local brewery for a cold beer. Banff’s vibrant craft beer scene made finding a great spot to unwind easy, with plenty of options to suit my lighter summer preferences. The standout place from Banff was Three Bears Brewing Co., where the beer was crisp and refreshing, and the food was just as enjoyable as I got to try Bison Ribs.
Bow Summit: A Hike to Remember
Before heading to my next stop, I made a quick detour to Bow Summit. This area is renowned for its stunning views of Peyto Lake, and it certainly lived up to the hype. I chose the longer hike to Bow Summit, which rewarded me with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the lake’s famous turquoise waters. It was the perfect blend of solitude and natural beauty, and I was in awe. It was a recommendation for me to visit, friends joking, ‘It’s just another lake’, but wow, these lakes are made of such beauty. I don’t think I could ever get sick of seeing them.
Revelstoke: A Quiet Stop in the Mountains
From Bow Summit, I continued on to Revelstoke. This mountain town is known for its outdoor activities, and I took the opportunity to do some hiking there. The trails around Revelstoke are beautiful, offering everything from lush forests to meadows filled with wildflowers at this time of year. After a day spent exploring, I headed to Mt Begbie Brewing Co. for a well-deserved pint. The brewery offers lovely views of Mt Begbie, but I found the beer to be just as impressive as the views. The selection was solid, with various styles to choose from, which encouraged me to do another flight tasting, but the serene setting made the visit memorable.
Kamloops to Abbotsford: A Blend of Solitude and Socialising
After Revelstoke, I went to Kamloops, another charming town with a good craft beer scene. My visit was brief, but I managed to sample some local brews before continuing to Abbotsford, where my journey took a delightful turn from solitude to socialising. In Abbotsford, I reconnected with old friends and had the chance to experience some truly unique local activities.
My time there was filled with fun and excitement—from watching a lively demolition derby to cheering on pig races whilst having an ice-cold local IPA. I enjoyed a relaxing day by a beautiful lake, where I took a refreshing swim and then had the pleasure of joining my friends for their Sunday family meal, where, of course, I got to sample some more local beers; the family offered a warm and welcoming experience that reminded me of the importance of gathering as I felt a twang of homesickness for my own family’s antics. To top it all off, my friends took me on a tour of some of Abbotsford’s fabulous breweries, showcasing the local beer scene and talking me through the chicken burger rivalries; by now, I had become a flight expert! Loving and taking every opportunity to sample as many of the wonderful beers the breweries offer, I made the most of these fresh, crisp, hoppy beers that danced along my taste buds with each mouthful.
Vancouver: Craft Beer and City Lights
My trip wouldn’t have been complete without a stop in Vancouver; I spent one day exploring the city alone. After receiving many recommendations, I created my own brewery crawl and visited four different breweries across the city. One of the highlights was Red Truck Beer Company, which stood out for its excellent beers and vibrant and iconic atmosphere. It was designed like a truck stop, making it more of an experience and being a good brewery. The staff were also very friendly and laughed with me or possibly at me when I requested ‘Chilly Willys IPA’ to be added to the flight whilst changing to a lovely pink shade.
However, the other four breweries were just as welcoming, and as a solo female traveller, I always felt comfortable being alone. I felt at ease at home, especially when talking about beer flavours with knowledgeable staff and sampling a wide variety of beers.
The following day, I hired a bike to explore Stanley Park, a perfect way to start the day after an evening of beer tasting. Cycling around the park offered a refreshing change of pace, with stunning views of the city and ocean.
Back to Whistler and Home Again
My road trip came full circle as I returned to Whistler for a few days before returning to London. The familiar surroundings and the chance to catch up with friends again made for a fitting end to the journey. On my last day, I made a special stop at Coast Mountain Brewing. This was one of my favourite breweries. The beers were top-notch, and so was the staff; I had a super friendly but very knowledgeable bartender who could answer any question about the beer whilst chatting about travelling and exploring the world and sharing mutual experiences. This local gem provided the perfect setting to reflect on my adventure and the personal growth solo travel brings. The IPAs and sours were particularly refreshing after a hot morning, offering a taste of the local craft that Whistler is known for.
As I boarded my flight back to London, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences I’d had and the memories I’d made, even while sporting a slight hangover from goodbye drinks the night before. Solo travel, especially with good beer and breathtaking scenery, is extraordinary. With its rugged mountains and exciting craft beer culture, British Columbia is a place I’ll return to again and again.
So, here’s to the open road, friends old and new, and the joy of discovering the world one brewery at a time. Until next time, cheers!
Bex, The Free Range Kiwi
The Free Range Kiwi - Exploring Craft Beer & Solo Adventures 