Head south from Calgary and you’ll intersect with the Crowsnest Highway, a winding two-lane highway that follows a 19th-century gold rush trail through Western Canada. Also known as Highway 3, Crowsnest Highway starts in Medicine Hat and crosses the Continental Divide between Alberta and British Columbia before ending in Hope, BC.
Along the way, you’ll spot lots of endless prairie skies and lots of wheat fields, which is fitting because Highway 3 is home to one of Alberta’s best-kept ale trails. Whether you love IPAs, pilsners, or the latest sour, the Crowsnest Highway Ale Trail has it all!
Ready to start exploring? Let your designated driver pick the tunes and let’s hit the trail!
Heading east to Lethbridge
The Pass Beer Company
Where: 10801 20 Avenue Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass, AB
The Pass Beer Co. is your last chance for Alberta craft beer before you cross into BC! Enjoy small batch craft beers and wood fired pizzas on the large outdoor patio and beer garden facing the Rockies or in the bright taproom and kitchen space. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making this spot the perfect place to stretch your legs as you travel through Crowsnest Pass.
Oldman River Brewing Ltd.
Where: 101 Breckenridge Ave, Lundbreck, AB
Since opening its doors in 2017, Oldman River Brewing has dedicated itself to providing great beer to the many communities along the Oldman River and throughout Alberta. The brewery was born out of a passion for the wild places along the Oldman River Watershed and a love of great beer, which you can sample in their family-friendly taproom just off Highway 3. Enjoy a full menu of pizzas, burgers, smoked meats, and even a double fudge brownie for dessert.
Stronghold Brewing Company
Where: 230 24 St, Fort Macleod, AB
Fort Macleod is situated in Alberta’s Barley Belt, and with hops, wheat, oats, and countless other ingredients grown just around the corner, it’s the perfect place to brew truly Albertan beer. Stronghold Brewing Co. is doing just that! This family-owned and operated craft brewery and taproom located in a historic building that you may recognize from FX’s Fargo. The taproom serves the beer that is brewed in-house, with a range of experimental and fun styles for seasoned craft drinkers and non-alcoholic options available.
Heading west to Lethbridge
Travois Ale Works
Where: 612 3rd St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0H5
Travois Ale Works is a microbrewery serving all things beer: think beer slushies, beer cocktails, canned and bottled beer, and good ol’ beer on tap. Revolutionary American and traditional European ales are brewed in small batches inside a historic brick building in downtown Medicine Hat. Indulge in a flight inside their public tasting room, take a peek at their small but mighty food menu, take part in one of their trivia nights, or simply have a seat on the patio and soak in the downtown views with a cold drink.
Medicine Hat Brewing Company
Where: 1366 Brier Park Dr NW, Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1Z7
In 1912, the Medicine Hat Brewing Company began serving old fashioned lager, ale, and stout to our city’s early, thirsty residents. When the Temperance Movement picked up, this popular brewery was forced to close. Over a century later, the Medicine Hat Brewing Company name was dusted off and again serves pristine and tasteful house-brewed beer with an impressive food menu. Sip back and relax, and order yourself a flight to indulge in a few of their delicious brews.
Hell’s Basement Brewery
Where: 552 18 St SW #102, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8A7
What’s in a name? Hell’s Basement comes from Rudyard Kipling’s famous quote about Medicine Hat having “all Hell for a basement” due to the abundance of natural gas found under the city in the early 1900s. Today, Hell’s Basement Brewery continues to bring stories and good times to Medicine Hat. With walls decorated in hundreds of stickers from breweries and small shops around Alberta, the brewery is a hot spot for live music and tasty beer. Grab a cold one and visit until your heart’s content inside this inviting brewery.
In Lethbridge
Theoretically Brewing Company
Where: 1263 2 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB
Theoretically Brewing Co. is the brainchild of Kris Fischer and Kelti Baird, two friends, home-brew enthusiasts, and self-described nerds who wanted to create a brewery focused on environmental sustainability, community support and growth, social awareness, and fun. Their taproom offers up to 12 rotating European-inspired ales featuring local, Canadian ingredients. Stop by for a few brews and a couple of Vesano Pizza pies, and don’t forget to check out their events calendar to see what’s on!
Spectrum Ale Works
Where: 3500 9 Ave N, Lethbridge, AB
Established in 2017, Spectrum Ale Works offers a variety of locally crafted, high-quality beers, including classic styles and experimental brews. The brewery has a cozy taproom where customers can sample the different beers on offer while enjoying the rustic and industrial ambiance. The brewery is committed to sustainability and distributes their products to local bars and restaurants. The taproom menu features classic crispy snacks like tater tots and samosas.
Ready to visit Lethbridge?
Download the Alberta Ale Trail app to follow this trail and others, and check out the Canada Culinary Destination Guide for all the details you need to plan the perfect trip!
Header Photo: Hell’s Basement Brewery via Tourism Medicine Hat
