Burnaby: Sourdough Baking Class for Beginners

Introduction

Trying to master sourdough bread can seem intimidating at first, but this Burnaby Sourdough Baking Class for Beginners offers a welcoming, hands-on introduction that demystifies the process. Taught by Sourdough and Sage, the class is perfect for anyone curious about baking or looking to add a new skill to their kitchen repertoire.

What we particularly like about this experience is its practical approach, the small group size, and the friendly, approachable teaching style. Plus, it’s ideal for those who want to learn the fundamentals without feeling overwhelmed. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s best suited for people prepared to get their hands floury—and possibly a bit messy—so comfortable clothes are recommended.

This experience is perfect for bread lovers, home bakers, or anyone interested in understanding more about the art of sourdough. If you’re looking for an engaging, informative, and enjoyable way to spend part of your day learning a new skill, this class is worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Hands-on Experience: You’ll actively participate in the bread-making process from start to finish.
• Comprehensive Learning: Covers dough mixing, hydration, maintaining a healthy starter, and stretch and folds.
• Expert Guidance: Taught by knowledgeable instructors who focus on beginner-friendly techniques.
• Practical Tips: Includes troubleshooting advice, storage tips, and advice on fitting baking into a busy schedule.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 5 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• All skill levels: No prior experience needed—just a love of good bread and curiosity.

What to Expect from the Burnaby Sourdough Baking Class

This 6-hour experience is designed to introduce beginners to the art of sourdough bread-making in a relaxed, approachable way. The class is hosted at a charming yellow house at the top of Capitol Hill, making it a convenient and memorable meeting spot.

Throughout the session, you’ll learn to mix dough, understand hydration levels, and maintain a healthy starter—the essential foundation of good sourdough. These steps are broken down into simple, manageable parts so you won’t feel lost in technical jargon. The instructor will guide you through stretch and folds, a key technique that develops gluten structure without kneading, which many beginners find particularly satisfying.

While you wait for your dough to ferment and proof, you’ll have time to relax, chat, and observe how others are progressing. The class emphasizes independent relaxation time, which helps create a stress-free environment. You’ll also receive valuable tips on troubleshooting common issues, such as dough sticking or sourdough not rising properly, and learn how to store your bread for maximum freshness.

At the end, you’ll leave with a freshly baked loaf—crusty on the outside, soft inside, and full of flavor—along with the confidence to bake more at home. The instructions are clear, and the instructor, who teaches in English, ensures everyone understands each step, regardless of prior baking experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

The class begins at the top of Capitol Hill, where you’ll find a tall yellow house—a cozy yet functional space perfect for hands-on learning. The group size is limited to 5, which means you get plenty of individual attention without feeling rushed.

Once everyone arrives, the instructor breaks down the session into digestible parts. The first focus is on understanding hydration—a critical factor that influences dough texture and fermentation. You’ll learn how different hydration levels affect the bread and experiment with your own dough, gaining practical insight that can be applied to future baking sessions.

Next, the class moves into making and maintaining a healthy starter. This foundational element is often the most intimidating for beginners, but you’ll get straightforward advice on how to keep your starter alive and thriving between baking days. This knowledge empowers you to experiment with sourdough on your schedule, not just during classes.

The core of the session is hands-on dough mixing. Here, you’ll learn the right way to combine ingredients and develop gluten structure through stretch and folds—a technique praised for its simplicity and effectiveness. The instructor demonstrates, then guides each participant as they practice, ensuring proper technique and confidence.

The class also covers troubleshooting tips—like what to do if your dough doesn’t rise or if your bread isn’t crusty enough. You’ll learn how to store your bread properly to maintain freshness and flavor, plus some handy hacks for fitting sourdough baking into a busy lifestyle.

While waiting for the dough to ferment or proof, the group has independent relaxation time, making the class feel less like a lecture and more like a friendly workshop. This is where the camaraderie builds, and you can ask questions or simply enjoy the process of baking.

Finally, after baking, you’ll share your freshly baked bread, admire the crust, and taste the fruits of your labor. The instructor emphasizes that no prior experience is needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get flour on your hands.

What the Pricing Means for Value

At $158 per person for a 6-hour class, this experience offers solid value for a comprehensive introduction to sourdough baking. You’re paying not just for the bread you’ll produce but also for expert instruction, all materials, and a relaxed, small-group environment.

Compared to taking multiple classes or purchasing expensive courses online, this hands-on experience provides a real-world, practical foundation that can boost your confidence and skill level. Plus, you leave with a loaf to enjoy and the knowledge to replicate it at home—arguably the best souvenir you can take from a baking class.

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The Instructor & Atmosphere

Sourdough and Sage is known for their friendly, approachable teaching style. While specific instructor names aren’t provided, reviewers mention how the instructor makes complex techniques accessible and encourages questions. The small group setting (limited to 5) ensures personalized feedback, which is invaluable when tackling something as nuanced as sourdough fermentation.

The atmosphere is described as fun and relaxed. Expect to laugh, learn, and get flour on your hands—a phrase that perfectly captures the experience’s lighthearted tone.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty—you’ll be handling flour, dough, and baking tools.
• Remember that no prior experience is required, so beginners are very welcome.
• The class is not suitable for children under 8, or individuals with back problems, colds, gluten intolerance, or nut allergies.
• Book early if you want to secure a spot, as small group sizes tend to fill up quickly.
• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Who Should Consider This Class?

This sourdough baking class is perfect for home bakers eager to learn a new skill, bread enthusiasts wanting to perfect their loaf, or anyone curious about sourdough fermentation. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy a hands-on, small-group setting and prefer learning from an experienced instructor rather than online videos.

If you’re looking for a fun, practical experience that combines education with delicious rewards, this class provides a fantastic starting point. It’s also an excellent gift for food lovers or anyone wanting a memorable activity in Burnaby.

FAQs

Is prior baking experience necessary?
No, this class is designed for beginners with no experience needed.

How long does the class last?
The class runs for approximately 6 hours, usually in the morning, allowing plenty of time to learn and bake.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the hands-on sourdough baking class, instructions on dough mixing and hydration, maintaining a starter, troubleshooting tips, storing bread, and independent relaxation time.

Where do I meet the instructor?
At the top of Capitol Hill, in a tall yellow house on the right.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
Children under age 8 are not suitable for this class.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothes that can get floury, and be prepared to get a little messy.

Is the class conducted in English?
Yes, the instructor teaches in English.

Final Thoughts

The Burnaby Sourdough Baking Class for Beginners offers a highly practical, enjoyable introduction to one of the most rewarding baking skills around. With a focus on fundamental techniques, personalized guidance, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice for newcomers and seasoned home bakers alike. The ability to leave with a freshly baked loaf and the knowledge to replicate it makes this experience well worth the investment.

If you’re looking for a fun, educational activity that combines learning and baking, and you enjoy small, friendly groups, this class ticks all the boxes. It’s ideal for those wanting to turn their bread dreams into reality without the stress of online tutorials or expensive courses. Whether you want to impress friends with your crusty loaves or simply enjoy the process of baking bread from scratch, this hands-on class will give you the confidence and skills to do just that.

You can check if your dates are available here: