Backcountry Brewing

Backcountry Brewing was formed by a group of friends who all wanted to make beer, but in different locations across B.C. On April 1, 2017, they opened for business in Brewmaster John Folinsbee’s chosen locale of Squamish, with a 6,000-square-foot brewery, tasting room and kitchen.

Following the “backcountry” theme, the taphouse is built like a 1970s-era ski hut with wooden beams, lanterns, and trail maps on the tabletops. Food is a big part of the experience here, so be sure to try Head Chef Artie McGee’s hand-tossed thin-crust pizzas, pastas, seasonal salads and snacks, which are all crafted from scratch in-house. And ask your server for the best beer pairing.

Backcountry’s Ridgerunner Pilsner, Widowmaker IPA and Trailbreaker Pale Ale are always available, but there’s a lengthy list of rotating beers on tap, too. This year, Backcountry Brewing created a collaboration beer for Vancouver Craft Beer Week. Teaming up with Coast Mountain Brewing and North Vancouver’s Beere Brewing, the trio crafted a double pilsner.

“Brewed to be exceptionally clean and soft, this beer should be the ideal platform to showcase some really cool hop varietals. Vic Secret, Enigma, Citra and Mosaic are being used to create a powerful melange of fruit and dankness,” says co-founder Ben Reeder.

Backcountry Brewing’s beer is available at select B.C. Liquor stores, private liquor stores, restaurants and pubs in Squamish, Whistler and the Lower Mainland.