Mary in Vancity

On a recent trip to Kamloops, we kicked off our BC Ale Trail adventure at Red Collar Brewery. This family-run, dog-friendly brewery, established in 2014, has a welcoming vibe and a story that’s sure to warm your heart. Lara helps run the brewery with her sister Tessa and their parents. She shared the inspiration behind the name: “My parents, David and Annamarie, always had a red collar on Goosey, our black Labrador.” The tribute lives on through the red dog collars for sale at the bar, and there’s even a dog-shaped donation box supporting Canadian Dogs for the Blind.

What sets Red Collar apart isn’t just their beer—it’s the family’s deep connection to the craft. Lara mentioned that her dad, David, studied brewing in Germany and holds a master’s in brewing. “There are some very talented brewers in British Columbia, but not many have that formal training,” she explained. This brewery isn’t just a business for them—it’s a family legacy.

Lara and her sister Tessa have recently taken on more active roles in running the brewery. They have plans to fully take over in the coming years. Their goal is to continue fostering the love of craft beer their parents passed down, while also engaging with the community. They’ve already started partnering with local organizations to host events and bring more craft beer knowledge to locals. The sisters are especially excited to keep the family tradition alive and share Kamloops’ craft beer scene with the world.

As the craft beer scene grows—thanks to festivals like Brewloops—both Lara and Tessa are eager to show everyone what Kamloops and the surrounding the BC Ale Trail region have to offer. Their passion extends beyond beer; they’re motivated by the idea of cultivating the lifestyle that pairs so well with craft brewing.

Now, onto the beer! One of the standouts we tried was Room to Roam, a White IPA brewed in partnership with Tourism Kamloops. “It’s a nice, light, approachable IPA with wheat to soften it up and a lot of citrus,” Lara explained. It was crisp, refreshing, and perfect for a sunny day.

We also couldn’t resist trying the Triple, a bold brew with higher alcohol content and layers of flavour. It’s definitely one for those who like their beer with a bit of a kick!

Red Collar Brewery has become much more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a community hub with deep roots and a bright future. If you’re following the BC Ale Trail or just passing through Kamloops, you’ll want to stop in and experience this local gem for yourself. You’ll get a taste of both exceptional craft beer and the family legacy behind it.

Find Red Collar Brewing on the BC Ale Trail.