Known more for its ski slopes and picturesque landscapes, Banff is now home to a growing number of breweries and distilleries that are gaining attention. These local establishments are using the clean, glacial waters and the pure mountain air to their advantage, producing a variety of high-quality beers and spirits. The range of flavors found here reflects the natural beauty of Banff National Park, with everything from hearty stouts to light lagers, and unique spirits including whiskys, gins, and vodkas. This craft drinks scene in Banff is not just about creating beverages; it’s about reflecting the town’s connection to its stunning surroundings. For beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, Banff offers a brewing experience that’s perfect by itself, or pairs wonderfully with one of the area’s spectacular hikes. The bars listed here are gathering spaces – for locals or for visitors – it doesn’t matter.
Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar
Park Distillery uses locally harvested family farmed grain and locally sourced glacier water to create their delicious spirits and cocktails in what Master Distiller Matt Hendriks often describes as a “glacier-to-glass”approach to distilling. There are a range of spirits available here, from vodkas, gins, and whiskys, with something for everyone. One of the highlights is the alpine dry gin, which utilizes, among other botanicals, spruce tips foraged from not far outside the national park boundaries. As well, all the bottles are made from recycled glass and they’re transitioning to using recycled glass for their bottles, all of the labels for which are decorated with scenes from around Banff, making them perfect souvenirs from your visit to the park. Park Distillery also features tours that showcase the distillation process, tastings, and an on-site restaurant and bar serving campfire-inspired cuisine and a range of cocktails.
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Banff Ave Brewing Co., established in 2010, is a central part of Banff’s dynamic beer culture. This brewpub was founded five years after its sister brewpub, Jasper Brewing Co., which holds the distinction of being the first brewery in a Canadian National Park. The foundation of Banff Ave Brewing Co. stems from the shared passion of three childhood friends, Brett Ireland, Socrates Korogonas, and Alex Derksen, who grew up in Jasper and had extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. Banff Ave Brewing Co. is laid back and fun, just like the Banff community, and provides a space where locals and visitors alike can share stories, plan their next adventure, and soak in the real Banff atmosphere. Flagship beers here include the White Wit, Mt Rundle Stout, and Hazy Glades Pale Ale, and the rotating taps always include something new and surprising, as well as regular charity brews.
3 Bears Brewery and Restaurant
Since its opening in November 2020, Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant has quickly become a standout dining establishment on downtown Banff’s Bear Street. Offering a variety of house-made beers, including standard favorites and seasonal fruit-infused brews, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The place is also recognized for its live music and popular happy hour specials. A key feature of Three Bears is its retractable roof, transforming the space into an open-air dining experience, perfect for enjoying the fresh mountain air and scenic views. Recognized among the Open Table Top 100 Restaurants in Canada, Three Bears Brewery isn’t just about great beer; it’s about creating an immersive experience that complements Banff’s natural beauty and offers a unique dining experience that feels connected to the surrounding wilderness. The menu contains someslightly unique offerings such as bison ribs or elk pizza along with tons of classics like burgers, soups and salads.
