Alberta’s craft beer scene is booming, and there’s no better way to dive into this flavourful journey than by exploring the province’s small-town breweries. Not only do you get to discover the local beer scene’s best hidden gems, but you also get to explore some really cool towns you might otherwise overlook.
There’s a lot of depth to beer culture, and while Calgary and Edmonton often steal the spotlight, the heart of Alberta’s craft beer revolution is beating strong in its quaint, off-the-beaten-path towns. Whether a seasoned beer buff or just curious to see what all the hop is about, Alberta’s small-town breweries offer a unique, authentic, and downright delightful experience. Grab your growler and hop in as we discover seven of the most unique small-town breweries. But first, let’s zoom out and take a look at the scene in general.
Alberta’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years. What began as a few passionate brewers experimenting with local ingredients has transformed into a vibrant community of over 150 breweries in all corners of the province. The secret sauce? Alberta’s high-quality barley, pristine water, and a community of craft beer lovers eager to support local. These breweries aren’t just about making beer. They’re about creating a sense of place, a hub where locals and visitors alike can gather, share stories, and enjoy a pint. Although the list is vast, we’ve rounded up a handful of breweries across Alberta’s towns to help get you started on your brew tour. Here they are:
Valley Brewing - Drumheller
Located in the heart of Alberta’s Badlands, Valley Brewing in Drumheller is as much an experience as it is a brewery. Known for its stunning landscapes of ancient hoodoos, Drumheller is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold brew after a day of dinosaur hunting. Valley Brewing takes full advantage of its unique location, often incorporating local history into its beer names and flavours. From their Capstone Pilsner to the Prairie Icon Farmhouse Ale, you can enjoy a crisp cold craft beer in their laid-back taproom while sharing stories of the valley’s past. Relax and enjoy the ever-changing lineup of beers, each brewed in the badlands, shared in the badlands with innovation, creativity, sustainability, and a nod to the surrounding landscape.
Blindman Brewing - Lacombe
Our next stop is Blindman Brewing in Lacombe, where innovation meets community spirit. Blindman Brewing is known for pushing the boundaries of what beer can be, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. Their award-winning beers often feature collaborations with local farmers and producers, ensuring that each brew is a true testament to Alberta. The Longshadows IPA is a must-try, with its perfect balance of hoppy bitterness and refreshing citrus notes. Their spacious taproom offers a cozy setting as you enjoy a flight of beers and tasty snacks or join in one of their many community events.
Fat Unicorn - Lac La Biche
Heading north, we find Fat Unicorn Brewery in Lac La Biche, a hidden gem in Alberta’s craft beer landscape. This quirky brewery is all about breaking the mold with bold flavours and a whimsical approach to brewing. Fat Unicorn beer is as fun as it is delicious, offering a playful twist on traditional styles, where the small-town vibe of the taproom blends well with a crisp pint and good friends.
Dog Island Brewery - Slave Lake
Sticking to the northern vibes of Alberta, near the shores of Lesser Slave Lake, Dog Island Brewery is making waves with its robust and flavourful beers. Named after a local island on the lake, this brewery captures the rugged spirit of northern Alberta. It’s dedicated to crafting damn good beer and fostering lasting friendships. The brewery’s taproom is a welcoming space where you can relax and enjoy a pint or two.
Stronghold Brewery - Fort Macleod
Heading back south, Stronghold Brewery is a family-owned and operated brewery that is a testament to the rich history of the area. Fort Macleod is one of Alberta’s oldest towns, and Stronghold Brewery embraces this heritage with crafts that pay homage to the town’s storied past. Situated in Alberta’s Barley Belt, with hops, wheat, oats, and other local ingredients, it’s the perfect place to brew beer made in Alberta. The taproom brings a warm and inviting energy to the town’s historic main street with its blend of rustic charm and modern design, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy the flavours of southern Alberta.
Hawk Tail Brewery - Rimbey
In the small town of Rimbey, Hawk Tail Brewery is creating big flavours in a small package. Hawk Tail is all about community, often hosting local events and fundraisers at their welcoming and authentic taproom, providing the perfect backdrop to get lost in conversation. Their signature beers focus on quality and tradition, each offering a smooth and refreshing taste that is as timeless as the agriculture that produces the grains and the environment in which they thrive. The brewery’s intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for catching up with friends or meeting new ones over a tasty pint.
Ribstone Creek Brewery - Edgerton
Last but certainly not least, Ribstone Creek Brewery is a pioneer of Alberta’s craft beer scene. Established in Edgerton, a town with a population of just a few hundred, Ribstone Creek is proof that great beer can come from the most unexpected of places. Their “Ribstone Creek Lager” has become a staple across Alberta and is known for its consistent, crisp, clean-tasting beer. Although acquired by 4th Meridian in 2023, Ribstone Creek will stay true to the legacy of producing award-winning brews. The only thing that will change is the historic location of the original brewery, which has recently moved to nearby Lloydminster, Alberta. Ribstone Creek Brewery remains committed to its craft, which focuses on high-quality, Alberta-made beer.
If you’re on the hunt for a great hoppy hour and a barrel of laughs, there is still plenty of time to sip the summer days away as we fade into fall and hit the road to embark on your small-town brewery tour. We’ve only touched upon a few of the many diverse and eclectic craft breweries around this province, where each brewery has its own story, its flavours, and its community, making every stop a frothy adventure. From the first sip to the last drop, sharing a beer is not just about the flavours and aromas. It’s also about the camaraderie that comes with sharing a good laugh. Raise your glasses and let’s cheers to beers!
Please drink responsibly.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
