The Squamish BC Ale Trail is woven into daily life here in a way that feels effortless. It shows up after a hike, at the end of a beach afternoon, or when you just want to meet friends somewhere easy. Set between the mountains and the ocean, this stretch of the BC Ale Trail feels welcoming and relaxed, with breweries that genuinely make space for families alongside craft beer lovers.
What makes this part of the trail so appealing is how naturally it fits into a day with kids. There is no pressure to turn it into a full evening event. You can drop in after an afternoon of exploring, share a meal, and still keep the night feeling calm. When you are planning a Squamish vacation, that kind of flexibility matters more than you think.
Howe Sound Brewing has been part of the community since 1996, and it carries that history comfortably. It feels familiar and grounded, like a place that has grown alongside the town. Located at the end of Cleveland Avenue, the brew pub is easy to find and easy to settle into. In the summer months, the patio opens up with wide views of the Chief and plenty of room for families to spread out.
The Howe Sound Brew Pub menu focuses on traditional pub favourites that work well for mixed ages. Deep fried pickles are always a hit, and the kids’ menu keeps ordering simple when little ones are involved. It is a relaxed place where lingering feels normal, which makes a big difference when dining with kids.
On the beer side, there is something for every taste. King Heffy and the Imperial Hefeweizen are award winners, while the Howe Sound Lager is light, crisp, and easy drinking. With Stan Clarke Park just a block away, it also pairs nicely with some outdoor play before or after your meal.
Backcountry Brewing has earned a reputation well beyond Squamish, and once you visit, it is easy to understand why. The beer list is playful and confident, with names that feel like inside jokes shared over a pint. Ordering here feels fun, whether you are reading the chalkboard or chatting with staff.
Beers like Everything Is Coming Up Milhouse or Do You Bite Your Thumb at Us, Sir feel less like labels and more like a glimpse into the brewery’s personality. The Backcountry Brewing Widowmaker IPA is a standout, though it is one to enjoy thoughtfully at 6.7 percent. It is smooth, flavourful, and stronger than it tastes.
The Backcountry Brewing menu holds its own alongside the beer. Wood fired pizzas anchor the offerings, with favourites like the Forager pizza disappearing quickly. The Gochujang Korean BBQ wings are also worth ordering if you like bold flavours. There is a small patio in the summer, though most seating is indoors, and it can feel lively during peak times. For many families, it works best earlier in the day.
A-Frame Brewery brings a quieter, understated energy to the Squamish BC Ale Trail. The space is smaller, with a rustic and minimalist feel that blends concrete, wood, and warm lighting. It feels thoughtful without being fussy.
Their beers are inspired by BC lakes, with names you may recognize. The Sprout Lake Pale Ale is especially popular, and they also rotate IPAs, Czech Pilsners, and seasonal releases. The A Frame Brewing menu is intentionally simple, and food is handled by a food truck on site. Right now, that is Flip Side Burgers, which, in my opinion, serves some of the best burgers in Squamish. There are vegetarian options, curly fries, and seasonal sides, making it a solid choice for families.
The patio is the highlight here. With hanging lights and a fire pit, it has a relaxed backyard feel that works beautifully for a late afternoon or early evening stop.
House of Lager Squamish offers a different pace along the trail. Located on Howe Sound beside Sp’akw’us Feather Park, the setting alone sets it apart. The patio looks directly over the water, where kite surfers and paddlers provide a constantly changing view.
The House of Lager menu leans more upscale, with dishes like braised beef Angus short ribs, tomahawk steak, albacore tuna tataki, antipasto plates, olives, and halloumi. The food feels intentional but approachable. Patio seating does come with time limits, so it works best as a shorter stop rather than a long afternoon hang. Pairing it with time at the park makes it especially family friendly.
One of our favourite ways to enjoy the Squamish BC Ale Trail is by keeping the rest of the day simple. After time outdoors, small comforts matter. If you are travelling with a baby or toddler, a mini crib rental can make evenings calmer and more predictable, especially after busy days out.
It is also worth browsing other baby equipment rentals through. Having the right gear waiting for you means less packing, less stress, and more energy to enjoy your time here. When travel feels easier, everything else tends to fall into place.
The Squamish BC Ale Trail features seven craft beverage producers, all within a short drive of one another: House of Logger, Howe Sound Brewing, Cliffside Cider, Geo Cider, Backcountry Brewing, A-Frame Brewing Co., and Rain City Distillery. If you stop by the Squamish Adventure Centre, you can pick up your Craft Tasting Trail passport. Collect stamps at all participating locations to enter to win prizes.
Yes. A Squamish BC Ale Trail map can be viewed here below, and you can also pick up a physical map and Craft Tasting Trail passport for the Squamish portion of the BC Ale Trail at the Squamish Adventure Centre. A digital version is linked here as well, and you can find broader connections and the full regional map on the official BC Ale Trail website.
Howe Sound Brewing is often the easiest option for families thanks to its kids’ menu, large patio, and relaxed atmosphere. House of Lager also works well due to its kids’ menu and proximity to the park.
Yes. Howe Sound Brewing offers a dedicated kids’ menu with familiar options, making it a comfortable stop for families with younger children.
No, Backcountry Brewing does not have a formal kids’ menu. However, the Backcountry Brewing menu includes pizzas and shareable items that many kids enjoy.
No, A-Frame Brewery does not offer a kids’ menu. The current food truck, Flip Side Burgers, serves burgers, vegetarian options, curly fries, and seasonal sides that are popular with families.
Yes. House of Lager offers a kids’ menu with options like chicken fingers and fries, spaghetti with sauce, and gelato, making it a practical stop for families.
