Vancouver, BC, Canada is home to a thriving microbrewery scene. Big Rock Brewery combines three brewing systems under one roof, plus a family-friendly restaurant serving tasty food and, naturally, excellent beer. This visit became one of our favorite Vancouver breweries.
The craft beer scene in Vancouver is booming. With more than 100 breweries across the region, many offer tours, tastings and full-service restaurants. During our road trip through British Columbia, the first stop after arriving in Vancouver was Big Rock Urban Brewery.
Big Rock brewery tour
We began with a tour of the facilities before dinner.
Big Rock Brewery has been producing beer and cider in Alberta since 1985 and opened the Big Rock Urban Brewery in Vancouver in 1996. As Canada’s largest independent craft brewer, Big Rock’s Vancouver site actually houses three separate breweries: the main production brewery, the smaller Kaspar Schulz brewery for experimental and innovative brews, and a Nano Brewery built for barrel-aged projects and customer-brew opportunities.
Because we live in Portland, a city well known for its microbreweries, our kids have experienced many brewery tours across the U.S. We appreciate how tours teach visitors about local ingredients and the collaboration behind regional food and drink. During this visit our daughter even had the chance to help close the cold storage keg room door using a pulley system — a highlight for her.
Tours run Friday through Sunday at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Each guided tour lasts roughly 45 minutes and includes sampling. Booking online in advance is recommended, though you can also register in person.
Tour pricing: $10 per person for tours that include three 4-ounce samples; $8 per person for tours without samples.
Big Rock beer
Big Rock’s mission is to deliver craft beer that is authentic and bold. They prioritize ingredients sourced from the Lower Mainland when possible and offer a broad range of beers: year-round favorites from their Signature Series, seasonal releases, barrel-aged porter, ciders, a nostalgic pull-tab series, and small-batch Brewer’s Edition beers produced at the Urban Brewery.
During our tasting, my favorite was the Citradelic Single Hop IPA — bright citrus notes make it an excellent match for pizza on a warm day. I also enjoyed Midnight Rhapsody, a beer with roasted malt character and subtle raspberry jam hints; it paired nicely with the steak frites I ordered for dinner.
Big Rock Eatery
After the tour we ate in the attached restaurant. The space feels like a classic brewpub: exposed brick, worn wood tables, a dark wooden bar and soft lighting. The open layout makes the dining area welcoming rather than cramped. It’s an easygoing spot ideal for meeting friends after work or for a relaxed weekend meal.
I chose the Steak Frites ($17): Newport strip steak seasoned with hop salt, served with shoestring fries and a choice of anchovy compound butter or gorgonzola crème. The steak was well-seasoned and the fries were perfectly crisp.
My husband and son shared a Pizza Margherita ($11) topped with fresh basil, Pecorino Romano, Fior di Latte and extra virgin olive oil. The crust was slightly uneven, but the balance of cheese and sauce and the fresh basil were spot on.
Our daughter had a simple grilled cheese and fries presented in a playful fry basket. The presentation added a fun touch for the kids.
On a return visit I’d like to try the Lamb Carnita Tacos ($12), Ancho Pork Tacos ($13), or a larger helping of the Lamb & Goat Cheese Poutine ($9). If you visit and try other menu items, I’d love to hear your recommendations.
We had a fun first night in Vancouver at Big Rock Urban Brewery. The service was excellent and the combination of quality craft beer and classic brewpub food made it a memorable stop.
Big Rock Shop
Don’t miss the Big Rock shop during your visit. You can buy branded apparel and merchandise, refill growlers, or pick up a new Big Rock growler to take home.
Visit
310 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1G9
604.708.8311
Have you tried craft beer from Vancouver? What was your favorite? Or have you taken brewery tours elsewhere—what did you enjoy most about them?
More British Columbia travel ideas
- Things to Do in Granville Island (Vancouver BC)
- Where to Stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Coal Harbor Hotel
- Things to Do in Victoria BC: 5 Family-Friendly Activities
- Whale Watching in Victoria BC
- 4 Places to Eat in Victoria
- Paragliding in Fraser Valley BC Canada
Thanks to Big Rock Urban Brewery for the complimentary tour, tasting and dinner. We enjoyed our time here and hope you will too. As always, opinions and photos are our own.