The East Kootenays is a big place, something that becomes crystal clear among its iconic mountains and panoramic valleys. Spectacular national and provincial parks, hot springs, and hiking and biking trails, as well as several alpine resorts, make this a playground for wilderness explorers – especially if they’re beer lovers too. If enjoying a beer amid spectacular vistas is your idea of a good time, then you have come to the right place. Parks are waiting for campers and adventurers, while the Powder Highway resorts and lodges offer snow-covered slopes throughout the winter. In the broad Columbia Valley, outdoor pursuits beckon and rivers and lakes are ready for swimming, boating and fishing in the summer.
What's an Ale Trail? A BC Ale Trail is a self-guided tour highlighting local craft brewery destinations and the natural landscapes that surround them. Within each Ale Trail you will find recommended itineraries to explore the respective destination – this includes an array of craft breweries, pubs, restaurants, cafes, outdoor activities, sightseeing, accommodations and more. Ale Trail itineraries are not gospel; we recommend you venture off the grid and explore points of interest wherever you choose to visit. ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY Members of the BC Ale Trail are committed to ensuring their beers are promoted and enjoyed responsibly, by those adults who choose to consume them, for the continued prosperity of the craft beer industry in British Columbia.
The
Kootenay Rockies Ale Trails Travel far in search of beer.
Forests, mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, hot springs and waterfalls: this is the West Kootenays. The folks who call this place home are mountaineers, ski bums, farmers, young families and retirees, or those seeking ‘off the grid’ lifestyles, all of them friendly to a fault. Its towns and small cities are ready and waiting with history, culture, a vibrant art scene and, of course, beer. For anyone seeking a break from the mainstream society, the West Kootenays offers a slower pace, away from the hubbub of larger centres. Many visitors are tempted to join them once they discover the region’s unique mountain culture which is complemented by world-class outdoor adventure.
No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk.
Spread throughout is a network of thirst-quenching craft breweries. Fernie Brewing is nestled in the Canadian Rockies. From there, travel to Cranbrook, home of Fisher Peak Brewing at the Heid Out restaurant, and then continue on to Over Time Beer Works in Kimberley. The beautiful Columbia Valley opens up in front of you as you drive north to Invermere, the base of Arrowhead Brewing. Nearby is Fairmont Hot Springs where the East Kootenay Beer Festival is held each June. Finally, head north to check out Whitetooth Brewing in Golden and Mt. Begbie Brewing in Revelstoke.
Sprinkled throughout the Columbia Mountains are eight unique breweries. In Revelstoke, Mt. Begbie Brewing celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016 by building a brand-new brewery and then was named 'Canadian Brewery of the Year' at the 2017 Canadian Brewing Awards. A little south is beautiful Kootenay Lake and the city of Nelson, home to 10,000 people, some gorgeous architecture, and four breweries, including the region’s oldest and a couple of its newest.
KootenayRockies.com Each brewery has a strong connection with its own unique, local community, making it a pleasure to explore and discover the diversity of stories and people here.
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Near Castlegar is the Lion’s Head Smoke & Brew Pub, an oasis of craft beer in the wilderness, with its own brewery in the works. The Trail Beer Refinery embraces that city’s mining history, and Kaslo’s Angry Hen Brewing is a brewery with a view of beautiful Kootenay Lake. Fernie, Rossland, Nelson | Kari Medig photos
Kootenay Rockies
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FERNIE
26 MANITOU ROAD ferniebrewing.com • 250-423-7797
This micro-brewery in Nelson is a haven for locals and explorers looking for all natural craft beer and sodas.
BC’s easternmost brewery is a family-run operation, with a strong connection to its local community and a fully stocked Tasting Room, open 7 days a week.
Nelson Brewing Company
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136 WALLINGER AVENUE overtimebeer.ca • 250-427-2426
Nelson Brewing Company is one of BC’s pioneer craft breweries, blazing the trail for all-organic beers since 2006.
Angry Hen Brewing
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This brewery in downtown Kimberley is putting in extra hours to produce its quality, time-themed craft beer.
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Arrowhead Brewing Company INVERMERE
491 ARROW ROAD arrowheadbrewingcompany.ca • 778-526-2739 Located in the beautiful Columbia Valley, an all-season recreational paradise.
Backroads Brewing Company
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Whitetooth Brewing Company
Experience craft beer culture in the heart of the counter-culture capital of BC's Interior.
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Lion’s Head Smoke & Brew Pub
Celebrate Golden’s mountain culture from inside the tasting room of the town’s first craft brewery.
2629 BROADWATER ROAD lionsheadpub.ca • 250-365-2739
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Over Time Beer Works KIMBERL EY
623 8TH AVENUE NORTH whitetoothbrewing.com • 250-344-2838
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Fernie Brewing Co.
125 HALL STREET torchlightbrewing.com • 250-352-0094
460 BAKER STREET backroadsbrewing.com • 778-463-3361
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Torchlight Brewing Co.
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The Heid Out features food and ales fresh from the Kootenays. Their brews are produced by Fisher Peak on-site.
In the heart of historic Kaslo, enjoy delicious beers and snacks with a spectacular view of Kootenay Lake.
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With a name that reflects Trail’s history of mining, refining, and smelting, this brewery has a strong community focus.
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821 BAKER STREET theheidout.ca • 250-426-7922
343 FRONT STREET angryhenbrewing.com • 250-353-3400
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Fisher Peak Brewing Company CRANBROOK
512 LATIMER STREET nelsonbrewing.com • 250-352-3582
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Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail
1299 BAY AVENUE trailbeerrefinery.ca • 778-456-2827
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Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail
A historic pub on the mighty Columbia River. Home of BC Craft Beer that flows from 12 rotating taps.
Savoy Brewery NEL SON
198 BAKER STREET savoyhotel.ca/savoy-brewery • 778-463-0050 The Savoy Hotel's nano-brewery is complete with stainless steel and copper beer vats, fermenters and, yes, beer.
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Mt. Begbie Brewing Company REVEL STOKE
2155 OAK DRIVE mt-begbie.com • 250-837-2756 This brewery is nestled above the town of Revelstoke, providing breathtaking views to savour while enjoying artisan food & craft beer.