This November 21 - 23, Banff Craft Beer Festival returns to Banff National Park for an extended weekend of brews, bites, and winter excitement. Not only does this three-day event bring together exclusively Alberta-based craft brewers, it takes place amongst the breathtaking setting of the Canadian Rockies. But that’s not all - here are five reasons why you need to check out this year’s Banff Craft Beer Festival.
1. Delve into Drinks with Rockies History
Banff Craft Beer Festival is hosted at Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Banff National Park. Learn what sparked Canada’s first national park with a lantern tour of the Cave and Basin. The first 150 people to attend each session will receive a free lantern tour, where you’ll learn how three CP rails workers started it all in 1883. Want to take a dip in the thermal waters for yourself? Head up to the Banff Upper Hot Springs to enjoy an ethereal outdoor soak with stunning views of the Rundle mountain range.
2. Take a Banff Foodie-Brew Tour
Banff’s up-and-coming culinary scene is a stand-alone reason to visit. And from November 18 - 24, 2019, select restaurants in Banff are sweetening the celebrations with special offers on craft beer and regional cuisine. Share a premium charcuterie platter paired with brews from Calgary’s Common Crown Brewery at The Block Kitchen + Bar or pair your craft beer with a spectacular mountain view at Sky Bistro. Discover more exclusive offers and special events during Banff Craft Beer Festival while you're here.
3. Make it a Winter Weekend Getaway
Exciting events and activities coincide with this festival, providing the perfect opportunity to craft a winter weekend getaway in Banff. With an extra-long Rockies ski season, the SkiBig3 resorts (Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise) are already spinning their chairlifts for you to get in some early winter turns. There’s no better weekend combo than two planks and après pints. Be sure to visit the Banff Christmas Market - a warm and wonderful gathering running two weekends in November. It’s perfect for celebrating the holiday season and getting in some Christmas gift shopping from local artisans before heading up to the Banff Craft Beer Festival.
4. Taste the Best of Alberta’s Brews (and Bites!)
Banff Craft Beer Festival represents the congregation of the most (and best) Alberta craft brewers and distillers, all at one place. Sample tastings from over 40 local vendors as you mingle with locals and visitors from around the world. Local food sampling vendors will balance out the palate, including bites from Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co., Nourish, Sky Bistro, the Vermillion Room, and more. The best part? You can continue with many of your favourite tastings right in the town of Banff by heading to the Banff Ave Brewing Co. for the official Banff Craft Beer Festival After Party.
5. Learn the Story Behind the Brew
Brewers and distillers are passionate about their craft, making this event a great opportunity to learn more behind-the-scenes intel on your brew. Craft beer and spirits are all about the story, and vendors are happy to share their knowledge at this event. Find out how their unique passions collectively created Alberta craft beer culture into what it is today, and where it’s heading next. You can bet there’s always something new brewing!
Get Your Tickets Now!
Join us at the 2019 Banff Craft Beer Festival.
