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5 Reasons To Visit The Banff Craft Beer Festival 2021

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Aug 29, 2019
Banff Craft Beer Festival

From December 3-11, Banff Craft Beer Festival returns to Banff National Park for an extended weekend of brews, bites, and winter excitement. This event brings together exclusively Alberta-based craft brewers, and 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 on Banff’s Newest Street

The festival is on the brand-new Bear Street - featuring a pedestrian-focused design reminiscent of European squares, beautiful views and plenty of Christmas lights. This beautifully re-designed street is the new home for drinking beer in Banff. While you’re there, you can also shop at the Bear Street Holiday Market - a unique holiday shopping experience featuring local vendors.

Bear StreetBear StreetBear Street

2. Take a Banff Foodie-Brew Tour

Banff’s culinary scene is a stand-alone reason to visit. And if you haven’t visited in 2021, you’re missing out, as Banff has a host of new restaurants that have opened. Beyond that, you have all of Banff’s classic options, like the incredible Sky Bistro at the top of the Banff Gondola. You’ll also be treated to incredible local bites during the festival itself.

Sky BistroSky BistroSky Bistro

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.

Snowboarding, Mt Norquay, Banff National ParkSnowboarding, Mt Norquay, Banff National ParkSnowboarding, Mt Norquay, Banff National Park

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 30 vendors from across the province as you mingle with locals and visitors from around the world. Between weekends, Banff Craft Beer Week will run for the duration of the festival, featuring a variety of unique beer-themed offerings and promotions at restaurants and bars across the destination.

Banff Craft Beer FestivalBanff Craft Beer FestivalBanff Craft Beer Festival

5. Learn the Story Behind the Brew

Brewers and distillers are passionate about their craft, making this event an excellent 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's 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 2021 Banff Craft Beer Festival.

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*ABF will be implementing the Restriction Exemption Program for this event

Tera Swanson

Tera Swanson

Tera is a freelance writer and graduate from Mount Royal University’s Journalism undergraduate program. Whether laced into hiking boots or clipped into skis, her favourite way to explore the mountains is on her own two feet. She’s always up for anything that will end in the telling of a good story; be it through photography, from pen to paper, or over a locally brewed amber ale.