Stuck in town for the BC Day long weekend? Even if you only have one day free, you can still feel like you’ve had a vacation by hitting Port Moody. Just a half-hour away by car (or one hour by bike or transit), there is more than enough going on at your destination to keep you busy for a full day. But don’t just take our word for it: in addition to being the Co-Founder for two of our favourite Port Moody breweries (The Parkside Brewery and Rewind Beer Co), Sam Payne is also an all-around good guy and excellent resource for what to do (and drink) whenever you’re in PoMo. Simply follow his directions below, and the good times – and full bellies – are basically guaranteed!

Good morning! Let’s take a walk/hike in nature before it gets too hot. Where should we go?

Port Moody has endless trails and hikes in the woods. You are likely headed to Buntzen Lake and doing the loop, but if you want to avoid traffic and stay in cell range, then walking the Shoreline Trail around the Burrard Inlet [from Rocky Point Park to Old Orchard Park] is truly lovely. You can extend it along the water on the North Side by walking Alderside Road, and take in some super mansions on the water all the way to April Road. If you are driving and want to be deeper in nature, head up to Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam. 90% chance of bears; 100% frogs, turtles and pure wild beauty.

Is there somewhere along the way we can stop for coffee?

The best spots for Coffee in Port Moody would be Caffe Divano on Klahanie, and The Canteen by Rocky Point Ice Cream. There’s a JJ Bean and bigger spots in Suter Brook, too.

Now we’re starving! Where should we eat?

On the weekend, head straight to Hightop Pizza at Rewind Beer Co for Detroit Style Pizza! Try the Lite Brite Pizza (Caprese inspired – so fresh and eats so light!); or if you are very hungry, go with The Polka King (pro tip: add Hot Honey; extra napkins needed).

We’ve got some free time for an afternoon adventure. What do you suggest we do?

A full tour of Brewers’ Row of course! Six rad breweries all within about a city block – it’s the most densely populated brewery district in Canada! I suggest that you time your visit to Brewers’ Row on the weekend to arrive at Rewind Beer Co as it opens at Noon on the dot (the crowds get pretty wild and lineups start shortly after). Next, hit up Twin Sails and Yellow Dog next door, and then make sure you get some time on the new side patio area at Parkside. Once those are done, Brave and Moody will complete your tour. This timing should keep you out of lineups for the day and get you to the River (as mentioned below) for some relaxation…

That was fun! Now we need a pick-me-up plunge in some cool water. Can you let us in on your favourite nearby place to cool off in?

Have your Designated Driver take you to a real jewel by sneaking a few blocks through Port Moody to go sit in the Coquitlam River. It’s beautiful and quiet. The higher up you drive on Pipeline Road, the quieter and more private (from humans) it gets…less humans means more bears, though, so be aware and leave your headphones elsewhere. Sasamat and Buntzen are great too, but the crowds and resos make it a tough thing to visit on the fly.

What’s the plan for dinner? Anywhere new that we should check out?

Mama Said Pizza opened their brick-and-mortar restaurant last year, and it’s rad. It’s by the folks that brought you Twin Sails Brewery, Published and Bar Susu. If you are already pizza-ed out from lunch, I recommend grabbing some meatballs and a Ceasar Salad (and a Laser Lite Lager) – so, so good!

Any tips for a good spot to take in the view and watch the sun go down?

Float30 is basically right on the Burrard Inlet. A Dreamboat Hazy IPA on their patio is a “win”, for sure.

It’s time to catch some shuteye, if we don’t want to head back to the city, is there anywhere you would suggest we stay?

You’d have to look at an Airbnb, likely, or stay in Burquitlam off the skytrain line… Some of you are welcome to stay at my place anytime, if you don’t mind an 80-pound dog cuddling up to you for the evening, and kids that are up early.

Looking for other ‘Beer-cations’? The BC Ale Trail is a great resource for planning interesting adventures that factor in a nice cold beer (or more) along the way.