It’s finally over (almost). After two long months of drinking in our underwear at 10am in our bathtub, we can now get a haircut and drink at our favourite craft brewery or cidery tasting room again instead.
As of May 19, the provincial government has eased social distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing restaurants, pubs and tasting rooms to open for the first time in a long time.
But we’re not out of this yet, and if people can’t abide by some simple rules, COVID-19 is going to come roaring back and we’ll be right back where we started. So if you’re exhibiting any symptoms (i.e., dry cough, headache, fever, tiredness, loss of smell and/or taste), stay the hell at home. Definitely don’t go meet up with 20 of your closest friends and drink straight from the same growler. If you got a mask, wear it. Don’t forget the sanitizer, either. Basically, don’t be a dumbass, and wash your damn hands.
Here’s our guide to which breweries and cideries are reopening and when, and what you can expect when you get there.
Drink safe!
Andina Brewing Co. (Vancouver) |
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| Website | andinabrewing.ca |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Mon-Thurs 2-10pm / Fri-Sat 12-11pm / Sun 11-10pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | We are planning on using the back production area as an extension of the lounge to comply with social distancing. |
Angry Hen Brewing Company (Kaslo) |
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| Website | angryhenbrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Friday, June 5 |
| New hours | Daily 11am-10pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables, physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | New release: Broken Wing IPA (to mark Brewer Shirley Warne’s broken elbow brew) |
Backcountry Brewing (Squamish) |
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| Website | www.backcountrybrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Monday, June 15 |
| New hours | Daily 12-10 pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables, physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | Working on a 30 seat patio! |
Backroads Brewing Co. (Nelson) |
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| Website | Backroadsbrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Monday, May 25 |
| New hours | Daily 12-10pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables, physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | Working on increased patio size for the summer! |
Barkerville Brewing Co. (Quesnel) |
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| Website | https://barkervillebeer.com/ |
| Reopening date | Monday, June 1 |
| New hours | Sun-Thurs 12-9pm / Fri-Sat 12-11pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity and increased spacing between groups |
| Anything else? | We can’t wait to see everyone! |
Barley Station Brew Pub (Salmon Arm) |
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| Website | https://barleystation.com/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm / Fri-Sat 11am-11pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity |
| Anything else? | Introducing this year’s 65 Roses Honey Red Ale which is our fundraising beer with partial proceeds to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. |
Barn Owl Brewing (Kelowna) |
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| Website | https://www.barnowlbrewing.ca/ |
| Reopening date | Wednesday, May 20 |
| New hours | Monday-Thursday 3-10 pm, Friday and Saturday noon-11pm, Sunday noon-7 pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | Thanks for all of the support. |
Black Hops Brewing (Langford) |
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| Website | https://v2vblackhopsbrewing.ca |
| Reopening date | May 20 2020 |
| New hours | Sun to Weds noon to 10:00 pm; Thursday noon to 11:00 pm. Friday and Saturdays noon to midnight. |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | Come and see us for a selection of our own-brewed beers plus some original Axe & Barrel favourites. We have a food menu as well! |
Burton City Cider (Burton) |
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| Website | Www.burtoncitycider.ca |
| Reopening date | 23-May |
| New hours | Daily 11am-4pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Increased spacing between tables, Outdoor seating |
| Anything else? | Nachos and Cider $15 |
Callister Brewing Co. (Vancouver) |
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| Website | www.callisterbrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Thursday May 21 |
| New hours | Mon to Fri: 2-9, Sat: 1-9, Sun: 1-8 |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, Increased spacing between tables, Maximum seating per table, Clearly marked lineup spaces |
| Anything else? | Not at this time |
Cannery Brewing Co. (Penticton) |
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| Website | https://cannerybrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | By the end of May |
| New hours | Not confirmed yet. |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, extra sanitization, increased spacing between tables, maximum 6 guests per table |
| Anything else? | We can’t wait to welcome guests back to our taproom and patio. |
Container Brewing (Vancouver) |
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| Website | https://www.drinkcontainer.beer/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Mon-Tues 2-6pm / Wed. 2pm-10pm / Thurs. & Fri.: 2pm-12am / Saturday 11am-12am / Sunday 11am-10pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | We hope that everybody can be understanding of the new guidelines and be flexible with requests from lounge staff. |
Copper Brewing Co. (Kelowna) |
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| Website | https://copperbrewingco.com/ |
| Reopening date | Wednesday, May 20 |
| New hours | 2-8pm until further notice |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity |
| Anything else? | Please check our website for updates www.copperbrewingco.com |
Creek & Gully Cider (Naramata) |
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| Website | creekandgully.com |
| Reopening date | Monday, June 1 |
| New hours | Daily 11am-5pm (5-9pm by appointment only) |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc), increased sanitizing measures |
| Anything else? | Creek and Gully Cider will be open for both tastings and contactless pickups. Please be mindful of your own comfort level as well as those around you. |
Dogwood Brewing (Vancouver) |
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| Website | https://dogwoodbrew.com/ |
| Reopening date | May 21st |
| New hours | Sun & Mon 11-7 / Tue-Thu 11-8 / Fri & Sat 11-10 |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | In house made hand sanitizer available for purchase |
East Vancouver Brewing Company (Vancouver) |
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| Website | www.eastvanbrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Sun-Thu 12-11pm / Fri-Sat 12pm-12am |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity and increased spacing |
| Anything else? | Nope… just that we are open |
Empty Keg Brew House (Merritt) |
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| Website | https://www.emptykegbrewhouse.ca/ |
| Reopening date | Wednesday, May 20 |
| New hours | Wed-Fri 3-8pm / Sat 1-8pm / Sun 1 pm-6pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity |
| Anything else? | Hoppy hour 3pm-4pm Wed-Fri |
Erie Creek Brewing Company (Salmo) |
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| Website | https://www.eriecreekbrewingco.com/ |
| Reopening date | Tuesday, May 19 |
| New hours | We will adjust our hours once full staff is hired and trained |
| COVID-19 measures | Increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | After opening for growler fills only on April 4th our lounge is now open for the first time. |
Faculty Brewing Co. (Vancouver) |
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| Website | www.facultybrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Wednesday, May 27 |
| New hours | Daily 2-9pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables, physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc), different door for entry and exit |
| Anything else? | We still do growler fills, we sterilize your growler first |
Farm Country Brewing (Langley) |
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| Website | https://farmcountrybrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Mon-Thursday 2:00-8:00, Friday 2:00-11:00, Saturday 12:00-11:00, Sunday 12:00-8:00 |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | We are excited to welcome everyone back and ask that everyone please remain patient as there are many new rules and regulations for us to abide by. This will undoubtedly create longer wait times for off sales, growler fills and in house drink service. The health and safety of our staff and our patrons is our priority. If you provide the patience and understanding we’ll provide the tasty beer! |
Farmstrong Cider (Armstrong) |
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| Website | www.farmstrongcider.com |
| Reopening date | Friday May 29th |
| New hours | 12-7 Wed thru Sunday |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, Increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | We look forward to seeing you again! |
Fernie Brewing Co. (Fernie) |
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| Website | www.ferniebrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Thursday May 21 |
| New hours | Daily 12-7pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, Increased spacing between tables, Physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc), No flights, just glasses. |
| Anything else? | Still operating FBC Flyby (order online for pickup outside the Brewery). |
Five Roads Brewing (Langley) |
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| Website | https://www.fiveroadsbrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Tuesday, May 19 |
| New hours | Sunday – Wednesday 12-9 Thursday – Saturday 12-11 |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | We make and sell hand sanitizer! As well as some other sanitation products. Growler fills available as usual. Online store is active for pre-orders and curbside pickup for off-sales. |
Foamers’ Folly Brewing (Pitt Meadows) |
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| Website | https://www.foamersfolly.ca/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Daily 10am-11pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | We missed you! |
Fraser Valley Cider Company (Langley) |
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| Website | www. fraservalleycider.ca |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 29 |
| New hours | Thu-Mon 12-6pm |
| COVID-19 measures | We are moving all our tables outside to the patio—dress for the weather |
| Anything else? | New Gin Botanical cider release |
Jackknife Brewing (Kelowna) |
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| Website | https://www.jackknife.beer/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Daily 12-8pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | Take out pizza and crowlers available. No growler fills. |
Kelowna Brewing Company (Kelowna) |
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| Website | http://www.kelownabrewingcompany.com/ |
| Reopening date | May 19th |
| New hours | Sun 11am-10pm / Monday to Wednesday 11am-12pm / Thurs-Sat 11am-1am |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | $14 growler fills |
Kettle River Brewing Co. (Kelowna) |
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| Website | https://www.kettleriverbrewing.ca/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Daily 12-8pm, but subject to change. |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | We have a decent selection of takeaway cans for the first time. |
Merridale Cidery & Distillery (Cobble Hill) |
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| Website | merridale.ca |
| Reopening date | Wednesday, May 27 |
| New hours | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, Increased spacing between tables, Physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | Not sure yet. |
Mighty Peace Brewing Co. (Fort St. John) |
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| Website | https://mightypeacebrewing.ca/ |
| Reopening date | Tuesday, June 2 |
| New hours | Tues-Sat 3-7 pm |
| COVID-19 measures | We are reducing capacity, removing all bar seating and 50% of all table seating |
| Anything else? | Customers can look forward to our small experimental pilot batches, like the Haskap Sour Saison and the Norwegian Farmhouse Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale. Also, Tacos are going to be the newest addition to our food menu!! |
MOON UNDER WATER (Victoria) |
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| Website | https://www.moonunderwater.ca/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm / Fri-Sat 11am-10pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | Opening a large beer garden in the parking lot to encourage eating/drinking outside, socially distanced! |
Mount Arrowsmith Brewing (Parksville) |
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| Website | https://arrowsmithbrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Friday May 22 |
| New hours | Mon 10am-6pm / Tues-Sat 11am-8pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | We’re back! Come try out our new pilsner, it won’ be around for long! |
Old Abbey Ales (Abbotsford) |
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| Website | https://www.oldabbeyales.com/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Daily 12-8pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Increased spacing between tables, reduced capacity |
| Anything else? | Planning |
Old Yale Brewing (Abbotsford) |
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| Website | https://www.oldyalebrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Wednesday, May 27 |
| New hours | Wed-Thur 12-6pm / Fri-Sun 12-8pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc), along with floor decals/signage, PPE for staff, set cleaning procedures, hand sanitizer available to customers, no cash and more! We’ll be posting our full COVID-19 Safety Plan for our customers to reach next week. |
| Anything else? | We’re just very excited to be able to welcome our customers into our clean, safe, fun and inviting environment with tasty beers and delicious food! AND because we know that not everyone is comfortable venturing our quite yet, we will still be offering our home deliveries in Chilliwack, Harrison, Agassiz, Abbotsford, Mission, Aldergrove, Langley, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Surrey and White Rock through our Online Store! |
Parallel 49 Brewing (Vancouver) |
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| Website | http://parallel49brewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Open! |
| New hours | Daily 11am-11pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | Street Kitchen is open, deliveries stillavailable |
Patina Brewing Co. (Port Coquitlam) |
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| Website | https://patinabrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Saturday, May 23 |
| New hours | Mon-Fri 11am-10pm / Sat-Sun 11am-11pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | New customer operations to keep our staff and customers safe. Employee checks before shift. Increased cleaning and sanitizing. Plexiglass, gloves and masks. |
Persephone Brewing Company (Gibsons) |
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| Website | https://www.persephonebrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Ruesday, May 19 |
| New hours | Daily 11am-7pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Both reduced capacity and increased space. We have a massive picnic area so plenty of space to enjoy a beer while social distancing. |
| Anything else? | Check out our new Apricot Wild Ale, wax dipped for optimal aging conditions. |
Red Bird Brewing (Kelowna) |
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| Website | redbirdbrewing.com |
| Reopening date | OPEN! |
| New hours | Varies by day, check google! |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables, physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc), additional outdoor space |
| Anything else? | We’re looking at having licensed drinking space in our large parking lot next door with live music every Saturday along with barber services. Check our instagram and facebook pages for updates! |
Ridge Brewing Co. (Maple Ridge) |
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| Website | ridgebrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Thursday, May 21 |
| New hours | Mon-Wed 2-7pm / Thu 12-7pm / Fri-Sat 12-10pm / Sun 10am-6pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables, physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc), flow control and separate entry and exit |
| Anything else? | Not at this time. |
Rossland Beer Company (Rossland) |
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| Website | http://rosslandbeer.com/ |
| Reopening date | Sometime this week or next week |
| New hours | Daily 3-7pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | We have a new Lager out called Lager than life. Tastes like the weekend. Crisp. Light flavour. Corn in there for some body and a little sweetness. |
SMALL BLOCK BREWING CO. (Duncan) |
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| Website | https://smallblockbrewery.com/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 29 |
| New hours | Daily 2-8pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Increased space between table and physical barriers, greeter to assist guests in adjusting to the new practices |
| Anything else? | Our new TnT IPA with Sabro hops is available now! |
Soma Craft Cidery (Kelowna) |
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| Website | http://somacidery.com |
| Reopening date | 29-May |
| New hours | Fri-Sun 11-4pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, Increased spacing between tables, Physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | Featuring in growlers only, rotating selection of small batch ciders |
Streetcar Brewing (North Vancouver) |
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| Website | http://www.streetcarbrewing.ca |
| Reopening date | Open! |
| New hours | 12pm-8pm Sunday-Thursday, 12pm-9pm Friday-Saturday |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, Increased spacing between tables, Physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | 4pk and Crowlers still for sale and our patio is open! |
Tinhouse Brewing (Port Coquitlam) |
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| Website | http://www.tinhousebrewing.ca/ |
| Reopening date | Tuesday, May 19 |
| New hours | Daily 12-7pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Increased sanitization schedule |
| Anything else? | New growlers only. No flights. |
The Beer Farmers (Pemberton) |
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| Website | https://www.thebeerfarmers.com/ |
| Reopening date | Tuesday, May 19 |
| New hours | Mon-Fri 2-8pm / Sat-Sun 12-8pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | Excited to share our brand new patio renovation with guests this summer |
Trading Post Brewing (Langley) |
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| Website | https://tradingpostbrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Thursday, May 21 |
| New hours | Sun-Thurs 1-9pm / Fri-Sat 1-10pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | No |
Upside Cider (Kelowna) |
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| Website | upsidecider.com |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Daily 11am-7pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables, increased cleaning of high contact areas, doors kept open to avoid contact with door handles, no table service |
| Anything else? | Just released our new Plum Rose Cider |
Vancouver Island Brewing (Victoria) |
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| Website | https://vibrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Wednesday, May 27 |
| New hours | Daily 12 – 7pm |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced Capacity and Increased Spacing. Hopefully a patio soon?! |
| Anything else? | Thank you for supporting us! |
Wheelhouse Brewing Company (Prince Rupert) |
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| Website | wheelhousebrewing.com |
| Reopening date | Wednesday May 27 |
| New hours | 1pm to 11pm Wed – Sat, 1pm to 9pm Sunday |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, Increased spacing between tables |
| Anything else? | We’ve been spruce tip picking. Popular Seasonal Scurvy Dog Spruce tip ale will return soon! Middle of June. |
Whistle Buoy Brewing Company (Victoria) |
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| Website | https://www.whistlebuoybrewing.com/ |
| Reopening date | Friday, May 22 |
| New hours | Daily 12pm-12am |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc), health checks, staff PPE, guest sanitation stations, and increased sanitation cleaning schedule, contactless payment, self-bussing stations |
| Anything else? | We have lots of exciting beers ready for draught including the release of our collab with Land and Sea – Wreckage Imperial Stout |
Wildeye Brewing (North Vancouver) |
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| Website | https://www.wildeyebrewing.ca/ |
| Reopening date | Tuesday, May 19 |
| New hours | Sun 12-9pm / Mon-Thurs 2-10pm / Fri 2-12pm / Sat 12pm-12am |
| COVID-19 measures | Reduced capacity, increased spacing between tables and physical barriers (plexiglass, partitions, etc) |
| Anything else? | We have brewed three new specialty beers for our reopening! Check out our new Limoncello Sour, Strawberry Cardamom Gose and Coconut Lime IPA |
- The Spring 2020 issue of The Growler is out now! You can find B.C.’s favourite craft beer and cider guide at your local brewery, cidery, select private liquor stores, and on newsstands across the province.
