If you have spent any amount of time in Canmore, you probably know The Drake Pub. It has been a place for burgers, cold pints, Wednesday wing nights, and the occasional celebrity sighting for more than 35 years. Now the longtime local favourite is in the middle of a major transformation, complete with a new name, a fresh look, and something this part of the Bow Valley will happily raise a glass to, a craft brewery on site.
The Drake Pub is officially becoming The Drake Screaming Retriever Restaurant and Brewery, thanks to a new partnership with Screaming Retriever Brewing Company out of Calgary. According to the team behind the rebrand, the goal is to honour the history of The Drake while giving the space the refresh it has needed for years.
What is Changing
The short answer is a lot. The owners say the pub has not been sold, but the partnership gives them the chance to finally tackle upgrades they have wanted to make for a long time. Renovations include new flooring, fresh paint, upgraded bars and washrooms, new TVs and sound systems, and a pizza oven in the kitchen. They are also shrinking the menu and moving away from some past offerings, like barbecue, while keeping the classics like burgers and that well-loved wing night.
The biggest change for many locals will be the new taproom and small batch brewery. The brewing equipment will sit in the basement below the taproom, out of sight but definitely not out of mind. With nine beers on tap under the Screaming Retriever brand, most pints poured at The Drake will soon come straight from the house brewery.
The partnership has deep roots. The families behind the two businesses go back decades to their rugby days, where they played both as teammates and rivals. Now they are bringing that camaraderie into the world of craft beer.
Farewell to the Billiards Tables
Some changes will tug at the heartstrings. The well-used billiard tables, loved by regulars for years, are being removed. The owners say the space will become more of a function room for tastings and parties and will add another 25 seats. While the pool tables will be missed, the new layout is expected to ease the constant pressure for seating during busy evenings.
Timing and Reopening Plans
The Drake closed its doors on October 5, 2025, to begin the renovation work. Staff were temporarily laid off, but the goal is to bring them back as the venue reopens in stages through December 2025 and early 2026. The entertainment room is expected to reopen in time for Christmas, still featuring its well-loved stage and live music. The downstairs club area will remain but will now have its own dedicated outdoor entrance.
The taproom is set to open in early 2026, and the outdoor patio will get its own upgrade later in the spring. Plenty of ideas are being discussed, but specific details are still under wraps.
A New Chapter for Canmore's Craft Beer Scene
Canmore already has a strong craft beverage scene, with four breweries, a cidery, and two distilleries. The Drake Screaming Retriever will be number five on the brewery list. Instead of worrying about added competition, the teams behind the project believe there is more than enough room for everyone. With tourism growing and interest in craft beer only increasing, they expect the addition will bring more people to all the breweries in town.
Screaming Retriever Brewing Company sees this as their chance to put down real roots in the Rockies. After years of operating purely through distribution, they will now have a physical home where people can visit, taste their beers, and hear the story behind the brand.
In case you are wondering about the name, the matchup actually makes more sense than it seems. A drake is a male mallard duck, and Screaming Retriever is named after a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. Duck and retriever, it turns out, pair nicely in theme and on a sign.
The Drake's Long History
Behind all the updates and renovations is a desire to keep the soul of The Drake alive. The original pub opened in 1989, and over the years, it has welcomed locals, travellers, and a surprising number of big-name actors passing through town. Owners say the goal is to keep that welcoming vibe while giving the space the standards visitors expect today.
If you remember the days when you could drink a beer and watch people play squash in the basement, those details are part of the legend now. But the focus on being a comfortable gathering place for everyone is sticking around.
As the owners put it, people have always felt at home at The Drake, whether they were 18 or 80. With the new brewery partnership and full renovation, they hope to carry that tradition forward into the next 35 years.
FAQs About The Drake Screaming Retriever Restaurant and Brewery
What is happening to The Drake Pub in Canmore?
The Drake Pub is being renovated and rebranded as The Drake Screaming Retriever Restaurant and Brewery after partnering with Screaming Retriever Brewing Company.
When does the renovated space reopen?
Reopening will happen in stages through December 2025 and early 2026, with the entertainment room set to open before Christmas.
Will the billiard tables return?
No. The billiards room is being repurposed into a function space with more seating for tastings and events.
What will the new brewery offer?
The on-site brewery will feature nine beers from Screaming Retriever, along with tastings, beer education, and a dedicated taproom opening in early 2026.
Will menu favourites stay?
Yes. Burgers and Wednesday wing night will remain, but the overall menu will be smaller and more focused.