You’ve just wrapped up a day of hiking, paddling, or skiing in Canmore, and now you’re after something cold, local, and well-earned. Good news – you’re in the proper mountain town. While Canmore is best known for its outdoor adventures, it’s also home to a growing scene of craft brewers, distillers, and cider-makers who are brewing up some seriously impressive beverages.
Whether you’re team IPA, a lover of stouts and sours, a cider sipper, or someone who enjoys a good gin cocktail, there’s a spot here with your name on it. Let’s dive into Canmore’s best places to raise a glass.
Note: Opening hours and tour times vary by season, so check websites for the most up-to-date information.
Canmore Brewing Company: Where Craft Meets Community
📍 1460 Railway Ave, Canmore, AB
🌐 canmorebrewing.com
Located just steps from the main drag (and conveniently next to the Safeway), Canmore Brewing Company feels like a local’s living room – laid-back, friendly, and always welcoming. The tasting room is bright and cozy, with rotating beers on tap and a fridge full of take-home cans.
They’re known for their solid core line-up – think balanced IPAs, refreshing lagers, and smooth ales – but the magic often lies in their seasonal and pilot brews. If you see something experimental on the chalkboard, don’t hesitate – those small-batch gems don’t last long.
Recommendations:
- Kev's pick: “Misty Mountain Hops” – a hazy IPA that punches with citrus and finishes smooth
- Jill's pick: “Whatever cider is in stock” – Canmore Brewing often carries a local selection
They offer snacks like savoury hand pies and pretzels, and you’re encouraged to bring in takeout or delivery from nearby restaurants. They even host tours every Saturday if you’re keen to peek behind the scenes.
Warm staff, great beer, and a real sense of place – Canmore Brewing Company nails the community craft vibe.
Sheepdog Brewing: The Garage Brewery You Didn't Know You Needed
Sheepdog Brewing: Laid-Back Vibes in a Hidden Gem
📍 105 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore, AB
🌐 sheepdogbrewing.com
Tucked away in Canmore’s industrial area, Sheepdog Brewing is exactly the kind of spot you tell your friends about after stumbling upon it. It’s casual, slightly off-the-beaten-path, and full of personality. The name says it all – friendly, down-to-earth, and loyal to the craft.
The brewery boasts 15 taps with a playful and ever-changing lineup. One day, you might find a coconut porter or a berry-forward sour; the next, a bold West Coast IPA or a smoked ale. They’re unafraid to take risks – and it shows in the flavour.
Recommendations:
- Kev's pick: “Kelsey’s West Coast IPA” – bold, piney, and perfectly bitter
- Jill's pick: “Diamond Dogs Saskatoon Berry Cider” – tart, vibrant, and oh-so-Canadian
They serve up light bites like sausage rolls and pretzels, and you're more than welcome to bring your own food. Bonus points for dog-friendliness – your pup can join you on weekends (in the downstairs space only).
Small-scale brewery tours run on Saturdays and offer a rare, intimate look into the brewing process. Sheepdog is for those who love their beer with a side of character. It’s a Canmore favourite for a reason.
The Blake: Where Food Meets Fermentation
📍 810 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB
🌐 theblakecanmore.com
The Blake is where Canmore’s culinary scene collides with the craft world – in the best way possible. This modern brewpub, distillery, and restaurant hybrid has become a go-to for locals and visitors alike who want elevated eats and creative drinks under one roof.
Their six signature beers, brewed in-house, lean into classic styles with modern twists. From crisp lagers to citrusy IPAs, there’s something for every palate. Not a beer drinker? Their cocktail game is strong, with house-distilled spirits like gin and vodka finding their way into beautifully mixed drinks.
Recommendations:
- Kev's pick: “Leave It With Me Hazy Pale Ale” – juicy and full of tropical notes
- Jill's pick: “Canmore Coal Nitro Stout” – creamy and smooth with a subtle smokiness
The food here is worth the trip alone. Think poke bowls, pulled pork bao, and hearty burgers – all plated with flair and full of flavour. Their kitchen takes global inspiration and local pride seriously.
The vibe is contemporary and social, with big garage doors that open onto a spacious patio in summer. Whether you come for a drink, a meal, or both, The Blake delivers a high-quality, full-sensory Canmore experience.
The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company: A Local Legend
📍 310 Old Canmore Road & 622 8th Street
🌐 thegrizzlypaw.com
Grizzly Paw is the elder statesman of Canmore’s brewing scene, crafting local favourites since 1996. With both a brewpub on 8th Street and a larger production facility and tasting room on Old Canmore Road, it’s a staple for visitors and locals alike.
The brand is iconic in town – who hasn’t sipped a Beavertail Raspberry Ale after a summer hike or ordered a Grumpy Bear Honey Wheat with lunch?
Recommendations:
- Kev's pick: “Beavertail Raspberry Ale” – light, fruity, and refreshing
- Jill's pick: “Big Horn Nut Brown” – rich, roasty, and smooth
Beyond beer, Grizzly Paw stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The brewery is one of only three carbon-neutral brewing operations in Canada. That’s not just lip service – it’s renewable energy, eco-conscious design, and real community impact.
Their food menu is just as well-loved as their brews: classic pub fare with a mountain twist. Think elk burgers, fish and chips, and loaded nachos that hit the spot after a trail day.
Don’t miss the patio at the 8th Street location – it’s a great place to people-watch or relax post-adventure.
Core Values Cider Company: A New Wave Of Cider Experience
📍 1402 Railway Ave, Canmore, AB
🌐 corevaluescider.com
Brand new on the scene and already making waves, Core Values Cider Co. opened their taproom in fall 2023 and brought something completely different to Canmore – small-batch, wild-fermented ciders with a punk rock edge and a retro soul.
All their ciders start with 100% B.C. apples and evolve through wild fermentation, giving each bottle depth, funk, and surprise. This isn’t your typical overly sweet cider – these pours are dry, complex, and often a little tart in the best way.
Recommendations:
- Kev's pick: “Marty McDry” – crisp and super dry with a clean finish
- Jill's pick: “Positive Currant” – juicy, earthy, and just the right amount of tart
Inside, it’s a throwback dream: BMX bikes on the wall, 80s skateboards, and a laid-back vibe that’s as fun as the drinks. The patio is perfect for sunny sips, and the staff are always happy to talk you through a flight or make a recommendation.
Core Values is more than just a cidery – it’s a personality. And in a beer-heavy town, it’s a refreshing change of pace.
Wild Life Distillery: The Spirit of the Rockies, Bottled
📍 1601 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB
🌐 wildlifedistillery.ca
If beer’s not your thing – or even if it is – make room in your Canmore itinerary for a stop at Wild Life Distillery. This small-batch distillery is where creativity and craftsmanship meet the mountain lifestyle.
They distill everything on-site, using Alberta-grown grains and pristine mountain water to create spirits that reflect the region’s rugged beauty. The result? Clean, smooth gins, vodka, amaro, and – if you're lucky – limited-run whiskies that make excellent souvenirs or cocktail companions.
Recommendations:
- Kev's pick: “Gin, Amaro, or Wheat Whisky” – crafted with care and great for cocktails
- Jill's pick: “Ask for a cocktail flight” – their most popular drinks and a wildcard
The tasting room is sleek but relaxed, and the bartenders whip up some of the best cocktails in town. Ask for their seasonal menu or go bold with a flight of spirits. If you’re unsure where to start, just ask for the “three most popular and one wildcard” – it’s a great way to explore their range.
Locals love the place, and for good reason. Wild Life Distillery is passionate, thoughtful, and full of flavour. A great stop before dinner or to grab a bottle on your way out of town.
Cheers to Your Next Canmore Adventure
So there you have it – six fantastic spots that showcase the best of Canmore’s craft scene, from hops and sours to cider and spirits. Each place brings something a little different to the table, but they all share a deep love for this mountain town and the creative freedom that flows with it.
Plan a self-guided tour, mix and match based on your taste, or make it a weekend ritual – just remember to explore responsibly and support local. Here's to good drinks, good people, and great mountain memories.
Which spot will you sip first?
Photo Gallery Best Breweries In Canmore
Is there an easy way to get to Sheepdog Brewing Co without a car? I was hoping to take in all the breweries but can’t find a way to do this.
Of all the breweries in Canmore, Sheepdog Brewing is the most difficult to get to
I will usually visit on a bike, but it can be a little far even for that.
Fortunately, Roam Transit has a bus stop right next to Sheepdog Brewing (and Wildlife Distillery). If you are staying at one of the hotels on the 1A, then the frequency and journey length is pretty good.
The bus you would need is the 5C.
Sheepdog Brewing is worth the effort for the beer and the atmosphere.
Is there an easy way to get to Sheepdog Brewing Co without a car? I was hoping to take in all the breweries but can’t find a way to do this.
Of all the breweries in Canmore, Sheepdog Brewing is the most difficult to get to
I will usually visit on a bike, but it can be a little far even for that.
Fortunately, Roam Transit has a bus stop right next to Sheepdog Brewing (and Wildlife Distillery). If you are staying at one of the hotels on the 1A, then the frequency and journey length is pretty good.
The bus you would need is the 5C.
Sheepdog Brewing is worth the effort for the beer and the atmosphere.