“The World’s Most Beautiful Beer Festival” attracts more than 4,000 attendees each year to sample a huge variety of the best Canadian craft beer. 

Here are five reasons to visit the 2018 Banff Craft Beer Festival.

1. Discover the Alberta Craft Beer Scene

Alberta is one of the best regions in the world for producing barley and Alberta barley has long been used by some of the biggest beer-makers in the world. The province is home to over 70 breweries and local craft beer is a staple on restaurant menus. The Banff Craft Beer Festival brings together more than 40 breweries and distilleries, with over 300 craft beers and craft spirits to sample. 

2. Meet the Brewers

Craft beer is all about the story – the beer, the brewmaster, the brewery. At the Banff Craft Beer Festival, you can meet some of the brewers and learn about some of the fascinating people establishing a new, local, truly Canadian beer culture. Don’t forget to check out the latest small batch creations from local favourites Banff Ave. Brewing Co. and Park Distillery. 

3. Visit Local Favourites

A trip to the Banff Craft Beer Festival wouldn’t be complete without visiting the best local brewery and craft distiller. 

Banff Ave. Brewing Co. is Banff’s first and only brewpub, crafting their own beers from pure rocky mountain water. Check out the best seasonal brews or sample the weekly guest cask.  

Also located in downtown Banff, Park Distillery is a distillery, restaurant, and bar serving 100% locally made spirits and campfire cuisine. The best way to explore their ‘glacier to glass’ concept is on one of the free distillery tours which run daily at 3.30 p.m.

If you’re looking for the best craft beer selection in town, High Rollers is the place to be. The beer hall offers a huge selection of the best Canadian craft beer with 48 different taps pouring the best local brews.   

4. Explore a one-of-a-kind Location

The Banff Craft Beer Festival is more than just a celebration of great beer, great spirits, and great food – it’s the chance to explore one of Canada’s most significant landmarks. The event once again takes place at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site , the birthplace of Canada’s National Park system. This unique setting provides an escape from the ordinary to a historic venue set among the most breathtaking and inspiring scenery. No wonder the event is dubbed ‘the most beautiful beer festival in the world’. 

5. Experience Banff National Park

November is the perfect time to celebrate the start of winter. With so many events and festivities happening, why not make a weekend of it? Head to the slopes for some early season turns and cheer on the world’s fastest skiers at the Lake Louise World Cup on November 24-25, 2018. Or soak up the festive atmosphere and ignite your Christmas spirit at the Banff Christmas Market which runs November 22-25, 2018. 

BONUS: Free Admission Day to Banff National Park is on Friday, November 23, 2018. Parks Canada invites you to enjoy your favourite activities and visit at no admission cost.  

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Thursday, November 22, 2018: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday, November 23, 2018: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday, November 24, 2018: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Tickets are on sale from October 1, 2018. 

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