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Canmore Breweries: A Local’s Guide to the Best Brews

10/10/2024

Canmore is famous for its stunning mountain vistas and incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure, but it also has a thriving craft brewery scene. You could easily spend days testing out the best brews in town at the many Canmore breweries, with longtime local favourites and rotating seasonal delights ensuring there’s always something new on tap. The craft brewery scene has seriously exploded in recent years. Whether you’re looking for a Canadian Rockies mountain-fresh lager, something a little more hoppy or are eager to try something totally new, Canmore has what you’re looking for.

Where to start, though?  Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre  is proud to offer this local’s guide to the best beers that Canmore’s craft brewery scene has on offer.


1. The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company

The Grizzly Paw started as a bar back in 1996, but in 2011 they made the move into brewing their own beer. It’s considered a pioneer in Alberta’s craft brewery scene and has long been a can’t-miss destination for visitors and a trusted hangout spot for locals. The Bighorn Nut Brown is a favourite, especially on colder-weather days. If you’ve just finished a hike and are looking for something light-bodied and sweet, the Grumpy Bear Honey Wheat Ale will hit the spot.

What to know before visiting: 

  • The Grizzly Paw famously has a rotating seasonal selection, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little and try something that might not be on-tap for long.
  • The menu at Grizzly Paw has some of the best sandwiches in the Rockies. We love the Beef Bulgogi Burger, but there are great vegetarian options like the Roasted Broccoli Bowl, too.
  • The Grizzly Paw is still in its original location, but they have additional locations at Tank310, the Taproom, and the Grizzly BBQ Beer Garden (310 Old Canmore Road).

2. Canmore Brewing Company

It didn’t take long for the Canmore Brewing Company to become a fixture on every beer lover’s Canmore itinerary. They brewed their first batch of Ten Peaks Pale Ale in 2016, but their passion for brewing exceptional beer caught on fast. Located a walkable distance from downtown and the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, the Canmore Brewing Company features a family-friendly tasting room, a retail area, and a large, heated patio.

What to know before visiting:

  • The taproom doesn’t have a kitchen, but they do have lots of snacks including warm pretzels and pub pies. You’re encouraged to order a local pizza to your table or bring your own food, too.
  • Every craft beer on tap is worth trying, and each has a distinctly Canmore twist. Our personal favourite might be the Misty Mountain Hops New England-Style IPA. It’s hazy, fruity, and completely perfect for a little rest and relaxation after a day in the mountains.
  • The Outsider Cider is vegan, gluten-free, and made with Canadian apples. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting something other than beer. There are also lots of non-alcoholic drink options available.

3. Sheepdog Brewing

Sheepdog Brewing is truly a local fave, and visitors wanting to get the full Canmore craft brewery experience can’t skip it. Located in Canmore’s industrial area, Sheepdog has 15 taps that feature the brewery’s five core beers, rotating taps, and seasonal options. With its garage-door front wall that opens up to connect the taproom to the parking lot and patio, this dog-friendly brewery on the outskirts of town has a real community vibe that’s welcome to out-of-towners, too.

What to know before visiting: 

  • Snacks are available, but food options at Sheepdog Brewery are relatively limited. You can order your favourite takeout or bring food in, though.
  • There’s not a bad beer on tap, but we recommend trying out one of Sheepdog’s seasonal selections. They change monthly, so don’t miss out.
  • Did we mention the Sheepdog Brewery is pet-friendly? If you’re staying at a pet-friendly hotel like the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, bring your furry friend along.

If you’re interested in the brewing process, book a tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at how Sheepdog Brewing does things.

4. Blake Canmore

The Blake does a lot more than just make beer, and no Canmore Craft Brewery Tour would be complete without grabbing a bite from their award-winning restaurant while sipping on one of their six full-time beers. There’s a distillery, too, which means visitors who aren’t beer lovers can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and margaritas.

What to know before visiting: 

  • The Blake’s impressive food menu is worth a visit alone. They serve lots of vegetarian options, as well as poke bowls, incredible burgers, and much more.
  • The Blake rotates its taps, but you’ve absolutely got to try the Trans Canada IPA. It’s the hoppiest beer they’ve got on tap and is delicious.

5. Wild Life Distillery 
 

Now, for something a little different. In addition to a thriving craft brewery scene, Canmore is also home to one of the best distilleries in the Rocky Mountains. Specializing in vodka and gin but also producing exceptional amaro and vodka, Wild Life Distillery prides itself on using Albertan grains for its spirits.

There’s happy hour Monday through Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., and you can book a tour if you’d like to learn more about Wild Life’s process.

What to know before visiting: 

  • The cocktails at Wild Life Distillery are absolutely amazing. They’re hand-crafted with serious attention to detail and an enticing Rocky Mountains twist.
  • While it’s tempting to try everything Wild Life Distillery produces, consider one of their signature Spirit Tasting Flights, which allow you to pick four drinks to try.

6. Core Values Cider Co.

We’ve mostly highlighted the best places in Canmore to try craft beer, but the Core Values Cider Company provides a unique option that adds something to your brewery tour. The craft cider producer specializes in “small batch, wild fermented products,” most of which are made with B.C. apples, although some are locally foraged, too. Whether it’s the Marty McDry, which features notes of white grape and tropical fruit, or the Return of the Mac, a sweet cider with a strong apple finish, you’re guaranteed to try something new at Core Values.

What to know before visiting: 

  • This location has an incredibly fun 80s atmosphere and can seat 30+ people. The staff are warm and welcoming, and you may even end up chatting with the owner!
  • Try the flight of four ciders—available at a very reasonable price.

Experience Canmore Breweries: A Taste of Local Mountain Magic 

Kicking back with a cold, locally brewed beer is the perfect way to cap off a day in Canmore. The thriving craft brewery scene offers something for everyone, regardless of what type of brew they might like.

Located at 511 Bow Valley Trail, the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is the perfect place to unwind after testing out what the best brew-masters have worked up.

Book your stay with us today, call us at (403)678-3625, or browse our hotel deals in Canmore to find great rates and ways to save.

Canmore Breweries FAQS

Are there craft breweries in Canmore?

There sure are. This Rocky Mountain town has a bustling craft brewery scene, producing award-winning beers with distinctly local flavours. There are many things to do in Canmore, Alberta, but whatever Canmore activities you choose, you’ll have many options for finishing off your day with a drink or two at one of Canmore’s excellent craft breweries.

What’s the best craft brewery in Canmore?

This is entirely a matter of taste. Canmore’s breweries are unique and bring their own taste and style to their beers. Part of the fun of the craft brewery scene is exploring and discovering what you enjoy. There’s a diverse range of flavours and hoppiness, so it’s worth grabbing a seat in one of the indoor or outdoor seating areas at Canmore’s breweries and distilleries and exploring the diverse range of drinks on tap.

Are there craft brewery tours in Canmore?

If you’re interested in the craft brewing process, Canmore’s craft breweries and distilleries offer tours and tastings so guests can better understand the work and craftsmanship that goes into creating their great beers. It’s often best to book in advance, so be sure to check out their websites and reserve a spot if you can.