Looking for a place to wet your whistle after the final whistle? These tasty spots are all near Canada Soccer’s World Cup fan festival in North Van’s Shipyards
So you’ve come to the North Vancouver Shipyards to experience the thrill of watching a FIFA World Cup game with thousands of other footie fans, but now the game is over and you want to keep the party going.
If you’re a fan of craft breweries and distilleries, you’re in luck. North Vancouver’s waterfront area is home to a thriving Brewery District, and you can craft a fabulous little circuit all within strolling distance of the Shipyards. To help you on your way, we’ll even give you a suggested circuit that will hit all of the hotspots.
There are lots of places to try, but a good first stop might be a two-for-one special at 226/228 Esplanade East. There you’ll find La Cervecería Astilleros, a Mexican-inspired craft brewery, in the same building as Le cafe Brocante, a boutique winery and wine bar. Head upstairs to Le cafe Brocante to sample some wines and nibble on charcuterie, or head downstairs to the brewery’s taproom to grab a taco and a beer. The Salted Lime Lager is a local favourite that tastes great on a hot day. While you’re there. Be sure to check out the neat tile work on the walls – all of those tiles were made in Mexico using traditional techniques.
Half a block east on Esplanade you’ll find Copperpenny Distilling Co., a North Shore gem. You’ll know why locals love it as soon as you walk in. The bar is owned by a couple who both worked many years in the movie business, and they built a space that is so cool you’ll think you’re on set yourself. Note that the cocktail prices are on the high side for the North Shore – a Sea to Sky Martini will cost you $23 – but you’ll know what you’re paying for when you taste it. Can’t decide what to get from the extensive menu? No worries – you can order a flight of cocktails to give lots of things a little try.
Ready to move on? You’re literally next door to your next stop. Head into Shaketown Brewing Co. for the best brewery setup for making new friends. Long shared tables line Shaketown’s welcoming space, providing a perfect place to talk about the latest game while sampling the beers on tap. Shaketown specializes in a few low-alcohol beers, including the 3.0 per cent Friendly Lager, winner of the Best International Light Lager award at the 2026 World Beer Cup. The Pre-Prohibition Pilsner is also a local favourite.
You won’t have to go far for your next stop either, as Beere Brewing Co. is just across the street. Their patio is a great place to sip a brew while watching the excitement of ships, trains and planes coming in and out of the harbour. The Go Easy pale ale is always a crowd pleaser, while the more adventurous might want to sample Pinky Tuscadero, a raspberry lemonade sour that uses berries picked just down the road in the Fraser Valley.
If you’re still standing, you can head one block north to continue your tour with a trip to North Point Brewing Co., a local favourite for hanging out with friendly staff in a chill atmosphere. Their big patio is a great place to sit in the sun and grab a pizza and a beer.
You’ll need to do a little hunting to find the next stop, as Streetcar Brewing is located in an alley just off of Lonsdale Avenue. Bonus tip – if you make it to Streetcar, be sure to check next door to see if Cream Pony is still open. There you can grab delicious fried chicken and doughnuts – that’s basically all they do, and they do it really well – and bring it over to Streetcar to enjoy with a tasty beverage.
The last stop on this walking tour – or it could be your one and only stop if you’re not keen on the big stroll – is Strathcona North, located in Lonsdale Quay Market. The patio is the perfect place for people watching, as the SeaBus onloads a fresh batch of faces every few minutes. The Big Sexy Funk IPA is a favourite, and not just because it’s fun to tell your server “I’ll have a Big Sexy.”
Looking to go further afield for a change of scenery? The Woods Spirit Co. and Sons of Vancouver are two well-respected distilleries down the road near the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. Bridge Brewing and Wildeye Brewing are in the same neighbourhood as well. The options are nearly endless. Enjoy!
—This story originally appeared on North Shore News
