Craft beer fanatics, gather round! It’s time to dive into the world of craft beer in the Kootenays, where the stunning landscapes aren’t the only thing worth raising a glass to. Get ready to embark on a hop-filled journey through the finest breweries this region has to offer.

West Kootenay Breweries

Craft Breweries in Nelson

Nelson Brewing Company

Let’s kick things off with Nelson Brewing Company (NBC). Tucked away in the charming town of Nelson, NBC has been a cornerstone of the local beer scene since 1991. A local favourite long before the craft brewery scene blew up across the world, NBC’s lineup of handcrafted brews reflects the laid-back vibe of the Kootenays. Be sure to try their flagship Faceplant Winter Ale (which despite the name is available all year round) and their refreshing Hooligan Pilsner.

After distributing through liquor stores and restaurants for many years, NBC launched their own taproom, with a warm, personal charm that’s perfect for smaller groups to sample a taster flight and get a growler for later. The taproom even has outdoor seating (if you’re early enough to get a spot) for the warm summer nights.

Torchlight Brewing Co.

Next up, we’re heading to Torchlight Brewing Co. down by the shores of Kootenay Lake. Their industrial style taproom has a great casual atmosphere to enjoy innovative and experimental brews. Torchlight has a rotating selection that’s constantly pushing the boundaries of flavour. Come for a Hazy IPA or indulge in their decadent Chocolate Raspberry Stout – you’re in for a tasty experience you won’t soon forget.

Torchlight also has live music on weekends and a great patio. The patio is close enough to the lake to get a good feel for the scale of Elephant Mountain right across the water.

(Side note: if you think the best beer is one served outdoors, check out our list of Nelson’s best patios!)

Backroads Brewing

Backroads Brewing Co. stands smack in the middle of Nelson’s iconic Baker Street. Their lineup of handcrafted brews has something for everyone, and their cafeteria-style long tables make this a great place to come with large groups. From their crisp and refreshing Kootenay Kölsch to their bold and hoppy Wandering Camel IPA, every beer reflects the rugged landscapes and vibrant culture that define the Kootenays. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, a visit to Backroads Brewing Co.’s taproom promises an unforgettable taste of the Kootenays’ craft beer scene.

Craft Breweries in Castlegar

Tailout Brewing

Now, let’s pop over to Castlegar, where Tailout Brewing awaits. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant community, Tailout Brewing has quickly become popular with local beer enthusiasts. From their crisp and refreshing River Drift Hefeweizen to their bold and robust Fisherman’s Friend Stout, Tailout Brewing offers a diverse lineup that showcases the best of local ingredients. They also encourage visitors to order in food from their favourite local eatery (or the Grand Buddha Bistro upstairs) and enjoy it right in the taproom. Named after Castlegar’s favourite pastime – fly fishing – Tailout lives up to the name by hosting events such as fly tying clinics throughout the year. As the only brewery in Castlegar, it’s a good thing Tailout is such a catch!😉🐟🍻

Craft Breweries in Trail/Rossland

Trail Beer Refinery

We’re happy to see that Trail recently got a craft brewery of their own, named after the refinery that dominates the city’s skyline. Trail Beer Refinery has brew-centric food offerings such as Bacon Beer Cheese Fries and Warm Pretzels & Beer Cheese (along with a solid menu of upscale classic pub fare), but the real star is always the beer. On name alone we’re going with the Holy Hefeweizen, a German style wheat beer. After 4pm they have house-made pizza, with dough from the Trail Pastry Shop, and a rotating burger special. Sign us up. 🤩 Check out their social media for details.

Rossland Beer Company

Now up the hill to Rossland to visit Rossland Beer Company. This small-town brewery may be humble in size, but it’s big on flavour. With a focus on quality fresh ingredients, Rossland Beer Company’s lineup of brews is carefully crafted without preservatives or additives. All their beers are named after the town’s alpine and mining roots, and their tasting room looks out over their brewing operations – talk about transparency. Don’t miss their flagship Alpine Lager, a crisp and refreshing beer that’s right at home in this mountain setting.

Kaslo

Angry Hen Brewing

Right downtown, and featuring a massive patio overlooking the water, a stop at Angry Hen is in order whenever you’re in Kaslo! Owned and (mostly) operated by women, this Kootenay brewery is serving up tasty flights and cold pints with a little extra personality! Check out their Kluck’n Kolsch, which they describe as “a crisp and refreshing German ale. [Their] lightest beer, that is always a crowd favourite”.

With an ice cold beer in hand, sitting on the patio looking out over the S.S. Moyie, Kaslo really feels like paradise!

Salmo

Erie Creek Brewing Company

Salmo’s craft brewery is Erie Creek Brewing Company, a family-owned brewery with a focus on straight-forward beers. Nothing too crazy, just great tasting, easy drinking brews made with local ingredients, including pure, untreated Salmo water for a crisp, refreshing beer free of preservatives and additives​.

The brewery features a cozy lounge complete with hand-forged stools, wood accents, and a rock gas fireplace built with stones from the Salmo River, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation after outdoor activities​​. Their product range isn’t the widest on this list, but their offerings continue to impress. Start with an Out Cold Cream Ale (perfect for both craft beer skeptics and enthusiasts alike) or an Erie Mist IPA​!

Creston

Wild North Brewing Company

Looking for a really diverse product line? Wild North has you covered! Right in the heart of Creston, Wild North Brewing is a community hub, drawing both locals and visitors with its creative drinks and welcoming atmosphere.

The brewery’s use of Creston’s diverse local produce and innovative brewing techniques are evident in their diverse beer offerings. Here’s a few titles to give you an idea: Goat River Golden Ale, Kootenay River Raspberry Sour, Darkwoods Porter, Red IPA, Oatmeal Stout, and of course, their signature Lost Creek Lager. The brewery also hosts frequent events and showcases local artists and musicians, enhancing its role as a cultural cornerstone in Creston.

East Kootenay Breweries

Craft Breweries in Cranbrook

Encore Brewing

Here’s a fun one. This craft brewery labels themself a place for Beer, Bowling, and Fun – we’re inclined to agree! Part craft brewery and part classic bowling alley, this craft brewery brands their various beers with retro styled packaging such as their Five Pin Hazy Pale Ale.

For those looking to shake the day off, Encore Brewing is one you don’t want to miss. Their food menu is as impressive as their beer selection (and they’re minor-friendly until 9pm). Staples include pizza, sandwiches, salads, tacos, and “well dressed wieners”. If your favourite comfort food doesn’t fall into at least one of these categories… we’d recommend the beer!🤷

The Heid Out

The Heid Out serves house-brand Fisher Peak Brewing Company beer as well as what’s easily the biggest food menu on this list. As a full out restaurant that also happens to house an award winning craft brewery, we’d say that’s a recipe for success.

Six of their beers go directly from their 1000 litre tanks to the taps at The Heid Out, but there’s many other rotating taps to choose from, as well as standard bottled product to take home.

On the food menu you’ll find an incredible selection that would make your mama proud: Seaside Vongole (Tiger prawns, clams, mussels in a vongole cream sauce, house-made sourdough toast.), Stuffed Yorkshire Puddings, and Bison Short Ribs grace this absolutely mouth-watering menu!

Craft Breweries in Fernie

Fernie Brewing Company

Continuing our adventure, we find ourselves in the ever-stunning town of Fernie, home to Fernie Brewing Company (FBC). Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, FBC draws inspiration from its rugged surroundings to create beers that are as bold and adventurous as the landscape itself. From their classic First Trax Brown Ale to their seasonal offerings like the Powder Day IPA, FBC’s brews are a tribute to the spirit of the Kootenays. We recommend going through Fernie in the Fall – the Autumn leaves here transform this pictureque town into a truly spectacular Canadian gem.

Craft Breweries in Kimberley

Over Time Beer Works

Last but not least, we have Over Time Beer Works in Kimberley. This family-owned brewery may be the new kid on the block, but it’s already making waves in the local beer scene. With a focus on small-batch brewing (including some experimental one-off beers only available on tap), Over Time Beer Works has earned a reputation for excellence. When you sip their crisp Summer Wheat or their robust IPA, you’ll taste the passion that goes into every batch.

So there you have it, folks – a taste of the Kootenays’ vibrant craft beer scene. With so many incredible breweries to choose from, the only question is, where will your beer-tasting adventure take you next? Cheers to good beers and great times in the Kootenays!