The craft beer craze now has an official map to guide thirsty hop-seekers throughout Greater Vancouver thanks to two Tri-City men.
Steve Chapman, a professional map maker, has turned co-conspirator James Thom's idea into a cartographical reality and, after several months of research, the duo has released the 2016 summer edition of the Craft Beer Map.
The double-sided map shows the locations of craft breweries, as well as restaurants and pubs where craft brews are available, in the Tri-Cities and Pitt Meadows, North Shore, Vancouver and from Richmond to Langley. A panel down the side offers a wealth of information about each location, including the types of beer on offer, whether the location fills growlers and sells cans or bottles, operating hours, food and seating options, entertainment and a close-up map showing the nearest intersection.
Flip it over and use the detailed maps of the Tri-Cities, North Vancouver and Vancouver to plan your next brew tour; Chapman has highlighted transit options and other TransLink info to encourage map users to not drink and drive.
And since Chapman is never one to shy away from a good trek — in his spare time he's a Coquitlam Search and Rescue volunteer, and writes The Tri-City News' Hike of the Week column — he has also included three brewery walking tours in case anybody needs help working up a thirst.
"We've also partnered with the Kinsmen Craft Beer Festival," Thom said, noting the July 30 and 31 event is featured heavily on the map. Those who attend the festival will receive a map — the duo have printed 10,000 for the initial run — and they're also available at the map sponsors' locations.
• Visit www.craftbeermaps.ca for more information and to enter to win festival tickets and other prizes from the map sponsors.
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