Kelowna’s beer gardens are a reflection of a community with a deep-rooted love for the great outdoors. In this busy Canadian city, these establishments are often places to soak in nature's beauty while enjoying a pint that showcases the artistry of brewing. Each brewery in Kelowna tells a unique story, offering an inviting blend of flavourful brews, welcoming spaces, and the unmistakable charm of open-air drinking.
BNA Brewing Co.
BNA Brewing Co. displays the city’s creative spirit. This multi-level brewery is a local favourite where the joy of beer is celebrated in every corner. With a dog-friendly patio that welcomes both two and four-legged patrons, BNA offers an expansive food menu complementing their ten house-made beers. Imagine sipping on the Seaside Cerveza lager or the Purple Rain sour, each brew echoing the brewery's commitment to quality and innovation.
The space itself is an experience, combining the rustic charm of a restored brick building with a modern twist. Whether you're in their tasting room enjoying a flight or relaxing on the patio, BNA Brewing is where community, good times, and great beer intersect seamlessly.
Rustic Reel Brewing Company
Journeying into the essence of the Okanagan, Rustic Reel Brewing Company captures the spirit of beaches, patios, and campfires. Spearheaded by Susi Foerg, this one-woman-show has carved out a niche in Kelowna’s beer landscape. Here, the carefree spirit of cabin living infuses each brew, creating a lineup that's as diverse as it is flavourful. Picture yourself around a fire pit, a mug of their Amber Ale in hand, the taste as unique as the brewery’s story.
Kettle River Brewing
In Kelowna’s burgeoning North-end brewery district, Kettle River Brewing has etched its name as a microbrewery par excellence. Known for its small-batch craft beers and seasonal culinary offerings, this brewery exudes a charm that's both eclectic and intimate. Picture a cozy tasting room that opens up to a large, dog-friendly patio, an embodiment of Kelowna's welcoming spirit.
The ever-evolving beer selection, featuring the likes of the Party in the Back Hazy Blonde, is a testament to their commitment to innovation and quality. Here, each visit is a new adventure, with flavours that mirror the dynamic character of the city itself.
Kelowna Beer Institute
In the Cultural District of Kelowna, the Kelowna Beer Institute is an ode to the freshest beer in town. Their unique tank-to-tap method ensures that each brew, like the popular Easy Does It Pale Ale, is served in its purest, unfiltered form. This process not only guarantees quality but also allows for a diverse range of flavours to flourish.
Pairing their craft beers with a menu that incorporates grains from the brewing process, the Institute offers a holistic beer experience. Their rooftop patio is an urban oasis, perfect for soaking in the downtown vibes while savouring some of the finest beers Kelowna has to offer.
Vice & Virtue Brewing Co.
At the heart of Vice & Virtue Brewing Co. lies a fusion of creativity and community. Imagine tasting a Sweet Salvation Pastry Stout, a blend that defies traditional beer boundaries, or the Love Potion Raspberry Berliner Vice, a concoction that tantalizes the taste buds with its bold flavours. Their creative approach extends to their food menu as well, where smoked meats create the perfect pairing for their innovative beers. Vice & Virtue is a canvas where the art of brewing is painted with bold, unconventional strokes.
Copper Brewing Company
Since its inception in 2019, Copper Brewing Company, affectionately known as "Darla's Living Room," has quickly become a favourite in Kelowna's beer scene. The brewery exudes a laid-back atmosphere, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy their selection of craft beers. From the Blackcurrant Sour to the Copper Lager, each brew is a reflection of their dedication to quality and the community.
The brewery’s mascot, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Porter, adds to the homely feel, greeting patrons as they settle into the cozy ambiance. Copper Brewing is a space where friends gather, stories are shared, and memories are made, all within the comforting embrace of what feels like a second home.
Red Bird Brewing
Red Bird Brewing is a jewel in the crown of Downtown Kelowna's brewery scene, embodying the city's rich history and lively community spirit. The brewery's name, a tribute to a historic race boat in the Kelowna Regatta, sets the stage for an experience steeped in local lore. Their extensive backyard patio, great for live music lovers, offers the largest outdoor seating area in the area, where patrons can enjoy a pint of Lady of the Lake Lager under the open sky.
This brewery is a place of constant evolution, recently undergoing a significant expansion to enhance its offerings. With an atmosphere that seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors, Red Bird Brewing invites you to be part of Kelowna's living history, one sip at a time.
Barn Owl Brewing
Set in a restored 1921 heritage barn in the Lower Mission, Barn Owl Brewing is a rustic retreat that echoes the region's pastoral past. The brewery's charm lies in its ability to transport visitors back in time while serving modern, innovative brews like the Wise Owl Nitro Stout and the Don’t Give a Hoot Pale Ale. The ambiance is a mix of old-world nostalgia and contemporary flair, complete with antique furniture and lively board games.
The rotating food trucks and live bands that frequent the brewery add a dynamic layer to the Barn Owl experience. This place is a community hub where the love for craft beer is as rich as the history it celebrates.
Jackknife Brewing
For those in pursuit of the unconventional, Jackknife Brewing stands out for creativity in Kelowna's North-end brewery district. This craft brewery prides itself on its "weird beers," like the Hair Straight Back Spruce Tip Pale Ale and the Hammer of Doom Canadian Imperial Stout, each proof to the imaginative spirit of its brewers.
Jackknife's location, amidst other craft breweries, makes it an ideal starting point for a beer tasting adventure. The brewery's commitment to brewing exclusively in-house ensures that each visit offers something new and unexpected, a hallmark of the Jackknife experience.
Shoreline Brewing Co.
Shoreline Brewing Co. offers a stunning setting on the shores of Okanagan Lake, where the natural beauty of Kelowna comes to life. Their expansive patio is a prime spot for sunset views, complemented by a diverse selection of beers like the Smokeshow Hazy IPA and the Lochy Lager.
Taco Tuesday is a crowd favourite here, offering a chance to pair their unique beers with an assortment of tacos, from fish tacos to vegan tacos. Shoreline Brewing is a destination where the beauty of Kelowna’s lakeside lifestyle is savoured with every sip.
Unleashed Brewing
Unleashed Brewing is a one-of-a-kind brewery in Kelowna, where the love for dogs and beer converge. With a dog-themed decor and beer names to match, this brewery offers a playful yet relaxing environment. Their patio is a welcoming space for both humans and their four-legged friends, perfect for enjoying their signature London Dog Vanilla Earl Grey Special-Tea Ale.
This brewery's quirky charm is evident in details like serving flights in dog dishes, making it a must-visit for those looking to experience Kelowna's laid-back and inventive beer culture.
Conclusion
Kelowna's beer gardens provide a window into the soul of the city. Each brewery, with its unique character and offerings, invites visitors to explore the richness of Kelowna's craft beer scene. These beer gardens showcase the city's commitment to quality, community, and the great outdoors. So grab a pint, find a spot under the sun or stars, and immerse yourself in the beer culture that Kelowna proudly offers.
