A Metro Vancouver hospitality group has purchased one of B.C.’s oldest craft breweries, located in the Sea to Sky region.

The Viaggio Hospitality Group announced that it acquired full ownership Howe Sound Inn and Brewing in Squamish.

The craft brewery and 20-room hotel was established in 1996.

The late John Mitchell, known as “the grandfather of Canadian craft beer” (who died in North Vancouver in 2019), served as the first brewer.

Mitchell developed the brewery's original flavours and recipes, and the company—which serves an array of ales, lagers, and stouts in its brewpub and across Canada—went on to win awards at the Canadian Brewing Awards, North American Brewer's Awards, and the B.C. Beer Awards.

Viaggio Hospitality stated in a news release that it aims to uphold the brewery’s beer brand and that “operations will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future”.

The company operates Moda Hotel and Hotel at the Waldorf in Vancouver, and the Met Hotel in New Westminster; Ancora and Cibo Trattoria; Uva Wine and Cocktail Bar and the Tiki Bar at the Waldorf; and several other casual dining establishments and bars.

It also has plans to launch a winery in Naramata, and recently acquired Birchbank Golf Course in Trail.