11 Best Craft Breweries in Kelowna | 2023 Guide

Did you know Kelowna has a killer microbrew scene?

This guide shows you the best local microbreweries and craft beerhalls in Kelowna, BC.

Most of the Kelowna brewing companies featured in this article aree concentrated in the Downtown North End near Prospera Place.

Best Kelowna Brewery

Lakesider Brewing Co.

Lakesider is a new West Kelowna brewery that’s becoming well-known for excellent beer and pizza (our favorite are the shrimp, brie & apple, and funghi pizzas).Dave Kozak, the owner and brewer at Lakesider, has decades of experience brewing beer in the Okanagan.Lakeview Heights shopping centre on Anders Rd.

Favorite Brews: Endless Summer Patio Hefeweizen, Shorecaster Kolsch, Midnight Swim Nitro Stout, Magic Hour NEIPA (New England IPA).

Address: 835 Anders Rd, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 1J9

Phone: (236) 766-1144

Web: https://lakesiderbrewing.com/

Kelowna Beer Institute

Tree Brewing is a longstanding Kelowna brewery with a spacious flagship microbrewery near the waterfront boardwalk along Water Street that launched in 2014. Tree’s Beer Institute serves hot pizza, tacos, pretzels, excellent brews, and wine and cider for those who are barley and hop-averse. With board games, large communal tables, and outdoor seating, Tree Brewing stays busy with happy beer drinkers all year round.

Favorite Brews: Pilsner (4.8%, 24 IBU), Golden Honey Ale (5.3%, 22 IBU), Summer Stout (5.9%, 30 IBU)

Address: 1346 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P4

Phone: (778) 484-0306

Web: treebrewingbeerinstitute.com

BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery

Since opening its doors to the public in 2014, ‘the BNA’ has become one of Kelowna’s go-to nightlife venues. This massive, 2-story building has 10-pin bowling upstairs, shuffleboard, arcade games, and plenty of seating options, including comfortable leather couches. The BNA attracts a diverse and fun-loving audience, serves great food, and stays open later than every other venue in this guide, so you might want to end, or also start your night there. 

Smash a Dinosaur IPA, Wild Blonde, or for something actually unique to Kelowna, the Earl Grey Pale Ale. If hipster beer just isn’t your thing, there’s also an extensive wine and cocktail list.

Favorite Brews: Otis Stout (5.4%, 28 IBU), Dinosaur IPA (6.2%, 70 IBU), Animal IPA (6.2%, 45 IBU)

1250 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z4

(236) 420-0025

bnabrewing.com

Kettle River Brewing Co.

To give you a sense of what Kettle River Brewing’s tasting room is about, know that they are dog friendly, play foosball, darts, and host an open mic night every Thursday.  In other words: rad.  Their lineup of masterful and experimental craft brews is served in a not-uncommon industrial-cabin-thing building with curious art pieces to yammer over and a bright outdoor patio to hang out with your pup, human, or mobile device.

Some of our 2023 favorites are their hoppy IPAs, chicken wings, calamari, and a mouthwatering board with perfectly cooked rib-eye steaks and fries. Besides the food, their staff goes above and beyond to make patrols feel at home.

Favorite Brews: Business in the Front Blonde Ale (5.5%), Cougar’s Hand Red Ale (6.0% IBU), Loose Canoe Double IPA (7.0% IBU)

731 Baillie Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7E9

(250) 862-5115

kettleriverbrewing.ca

Red Bird Brewing Co.

Red Bird Brewing opened its doors to Kelowna’s new north end beer scene in 2017 and has since expanded into Kelowna's largest brewery with a big indoor dining area and a massive outdoor courtyard where they regularly host musical events.

We sampled their German Kolsch, dry hopped lemon, and pale ales — all of which left lasting impressions. There's also a tasty selection of wines and ciders if you're after something a bit less estrogenic. While you have to cut it yourself (with scissors?) their pizza gets rave reviews, and they have a dog-friendly patio in case your dog likes beer too.

Their wood-framed roadside venue features communal bench tables, games, and often has a Surf Side California Taco Truck parked outside, which means you might make some new friends or at least go home with a delicious taco. 

Favorite Brews: Lady of the Lake Lager (5%, 20 IBU), The Captain Kolsch (4.5%, 36 IBU), The Tomb Stout (4.5%, 44 IBU)

1086 Richter St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K5

(250) 317-5468

redbirdbrewing.com

Vice & Virtue Brewing Co.

Vice & Virtue opened its ozzie-owned doors to rave fanfare in 2018 and has since won multiple awards for their fresh beers and fantastic restaurant open for brunch through dinner. Vice has a clean cut, industrial, and slightly upscale feeling going on inside and gets high praise for their virtuous charcuterie platters, cured meats, pilsner beer, and smoked brisket sandwiches.

Favorite Brews: Fact Czecher - Czech Pilsner (5.3%, 41 IBU), First Crush Cherry Sour (5.9%, 10 IBU), Giver Pale Ale (5.1%, 30 IBU)

Address: 1033 Richter St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K4

Phone: +1 800-325-3686

Web: viceandvirtuebrewing.ca

Rustic Reel Brewing Company ("Rusty Reel")

This modern, spacious, Bavarian-themed brewery is quickly becoming one of Kelowna’s most well-known microbreweries. Located next to Sandhill Wines on Vaughan Ave, Rustic Reel is the largest North End beer venue with high ceilings, catching decor, and a large outdoor patio. Whether it’s the great food or their delicious beers, they must be doing something right as they’re getting rave reviews online after one season of business. It's the only place we know of in Kelowna that serves German favorites like Schnitzel and Dunkelweizen.

Favorite Brews: Blonde Ale (4.3%, 15 IBU), West Coast IPA (6.5%, 70 IBU), Amber Ale (5%, 20 IBU)

Address: 760 Vaughan Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7E4

Phone: (250) 862-3737

Web: rusticreel.com

Copper Brewing Co.

Copper Brewing is the first craft brewery to come to Kelowna’s Landmark district on Kirschner Road. Copper Brewing features 6 house brews (blonde ale, copper lager, english pale, IPA, red ale, and nut brown), 5 rotating local taps, tasty pub fare, and a dog-friendly patio with dozens of seats. And they have Nintendo.

Favorite Brews: Black Currant Sour (5.4%, 15 IBU), Nut Brown Ale (5.0%, 28 IBU), Double IPA (7.5%, 75 IBU)

Address: 1851 Kirschner Rd #102, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7

Phone: (250) 762-8850

Web: copperbrewingco.com

Railside Brewing

Railside is the most recent addition to Kelowna's brewery scene that's conveniently situated along the Rail Trail. Their brewery boasts a spacious and inviting patio where you can relax and enjoy their tasty beers. From ales, IPAs, porters, to cider - their flavors, and unique charm make this a welcome addition to the brewery scene. If you're hungry, the on-site food truck serves up fresh Wasabi ramen noodles. They even have bike locks and skateboard locks if you're travelling on wheels.

Our Favorites: Kolsch, Paul's Pale Ale, Night Hawk Porter

Address: 1186 High Rd, Kelowna

Web: railsidebrewing.ca

Jackknife Brewery

Jackknife Brewery is opened its doors to the world on Halloween night 2019, but there’s nothing scary about fun beers and fresh pizza. Jackknife is run by Brad from Kettle River Brewing, who has created an out-of-the-box 80’s atmosphere featuring "weird" brews, and beers to satisfy more traditional tastes. If his past tenure at Kettle River is anything to judge him by, we expect great things from Jackknife, but no pressure Brad.

Favorite Brews: Spruce Tip Pale Ale, Nordic IPA, Canadian Imperial Stout

Address: 727 Baillie Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7E9

Web: facebook.com/jackknifebrewing

Unleashed Brewing Company

Unleashed Brewing Co is a dog-friendly brewery in Kelowna with a great selection of unique beers and a friendly atmosphere.

The dog theme is evident throughout, with inspired names for their craft beers and a dog wall showcasing photos of furry friends.

If you're a dog lover, this is a must visit. They have mats, water bowls, and homemade treats for dogs to feel at home.

Location: 880 Clement Ave #207

Web: unleashedbrewing.ca

You’ve read this far, now go forth and enjoy your thirsty self. 🍻 Also, check our guide to Kelowna's best organic wineries, fruit stands, coffee shops, free things to do and things to do during winter.

Some photos are courtesy of the respective websites / official instagram accounts of each brewery.