After a day of hiking, skiing, or exploring the mountains, nothing beats a cold craft beer. Banff's craft beer scene has grown significantly in recent years, with local breweries, taprooms, and beer bars serving up creative brews inspired by the mountain lifestyle. Here's your guide to the best pints in the Canadian Rockies.
Breweries & Brewpubs
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Banff's original and most established craft brewery, located right on Banff Avenue. Their brewpub serves a rotating lineup of house-brewed beers alongside solid pub food. Must-try beers include the Head Smashed IPA (named after the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site) and their seasonal specials. The rooftop patio is one of the best après-ski spots in town — order a flight of four and watch the sun set over the mountains.
Grizzly Paw Brewing Company (Canmore)
Just 20 minutes from Banff in neighbouring Canmore, Grizzly Paw is a must-visit for beer lovers. Their production brewery and taproom on Main Street offers tours, tastings, and a full restaurant menu. The Grumpy Bear Honey Wheat and Powder Hound Pilsner are local favourites. They also brew excellent small-batch and seasonal specialties.
Banff Springs Brewing Company
Located inside the Waldhaus Restaurant at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, this small brewery produces German-style beers in keeping with the restaurant's Bavarian theme. Enjoy a stein of house-brewed lager or hefeweizen with fondue and schnitzel in a cozy alpine setting.
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant (Canmore)
A family-owned brewery and restaurant in Canmore with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Their beers range from approachable lagers to hop-forward IPAs. The wood-fired pizza is an excellent pairing. A more relaxed, locals-favourite vibe compared to Banff Ave.
Best Beer Bars & Taprooms
The Rose & Crown
A Banff institution — this British-style pub has been pouring pints for decades. While not a brewery, they have an excellent selection of craft beers on tap including local and regional favourites. The rooftop patio, live music, and lively atmosphere make it a top evening destination.
Park Distillery
While primarily a distillery (their spirits are made with glacial water), Park Distillery also serves a curated selection of craft beers alongside their famous campfire-cooked food and house cocktails. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
High Rollers
A bowling alley-cocktail lounge combo that also serves a good selection of local craft beers. Bowl a few frames while sampling mountain brews — it's a fun way to spend a rainy evening or après-ski session.
Craft Beer Events
Keep an eye out for these annual beer events in the Banff area:
- Banff Craft Beer Festival: Annual celebration featuring local and regional breweries, food pairings, and live music
- Canmore Uncorked: A food and drink festival that includes craft beer tastings alongside wine and spirits
- Seasonal tap takeovers: Local bars frequently host tap takeovers and meet-the-brewer events
Self-Guided Brewery Trail
Combine a Banff-Canmore brewery trail for a full day of tasting:
- Start at Banff Ave Brewing Co. for a lunchtime flight and burger
- Drive to Grizzly Paw Brewing in Canmore for a tour and tasting
- Walk to Three Bears Brewery for afternoon pizza and beer
- Return to Banff for evening drinks at The Rose & Crown rooftop
Note: Designate a driver, take a taxi, or use Roam Transit between Banff and Canmore.