The folks who call this place home are farmers, mountaineers, ski bums, young families and retirees, or those seeking “off the grid” lifestyles, all of them friendly to a fault. The communities of Castlegar, Kaslo, Nelson, Robson, Rossland, Salmo, and Trail are ready and waiting with history, culture and, of course, beer.
Peppered throughout this paradise of mountains, rivers and lakes is a diverse of array of creative, entrepreneurial craft breweries that celebrate their local communities and welcome visitors with open arms. Expect a friendly greeting and a delicious assortment of beers to sample, often with some tasty food options as well.
Backroads Brewing in Nelson, BC
Trail Beer Refinery in Trail, BC
Syringa Provincial Park in Robson, BC
Erie Creek Brewing in Salmo, BC
Fishing the Columbia River near Castlegar, BC
Torchlight Brewing in Nelson, BC
Rossland Beer Company in Rossland, BC
Angry Hen Brewing Co in Kaslo, BC
Lions Head Smoke & Brew Pub in Robson, BC
Syringa Provincial Park in Robson, BC
Angry Hen Brewing in Kaslo, BC
Tailout Brewing in Trail, BC
Castlegar, BC
Trail Beer Refinery in Trail, BC
Nelson Brewing Co in Nelson, BC (photo: provided)
Columbia River Skywalk in Trail, BC
Rossland Beer Co, Rossland BC
Tailout Brewing in Castlegar, BC
Fishing near Castlegar, BC
Doukhobor Discover Centre, Castlegar, BC
Angry Hen Brewing Co in Kaslo, BC
Salmo, BC
Backroads Brewing, Nelson, BC
Castlegar Nordic Centre in Castlegar, BC
Nelson Brewing Co in Nelson, BC (photo: Nelson Brewing Co)
Trail Beer Refinery in Trail, BC
Nelson, BC
Torchlight Brewing in Nelson, BC
Kootenay Lake in Kaslo, BC
Downtown Nelson, BC
Lions Head Smoke & Brew Pub in Robson, BC
Backroads Brewing, Nelson, BC
Castlegar Nordic Centre in Castlegar, BC
Angry Hen Brewing Co in Kaslo,BC
Broken Hill Nelson, Nelson, BC
Backroads Brewing, Nelson, BC
Erie Creek Brewing in Salmo, BC
Backroads Brewing in Nelson, BC
Castle Bowl in Castlegar, BC
Backroads Brewing in Nelson, BC
Trail Beer Refinery in Trail, BC
Lions Head Smoke & Brew Pub in Robson, BC
Fishing on the Columbia River near Castlegar, BC
Nelson Brewing Co in Nelson, BC (photo: Nelson Brewing Co)
The Savoy Hotel in Nelson, BC
Kaslo Hotel in Kaslo, BC
Rossland Beer Company in Rossland, BC
Nelson Brewing Company in Nelson, BC (photo: provided)
Nelson Brewing Company in Nelson, BC (photo: Adrienna Elcome)
Nelson Brewing Company in Nelson, BC (photo: Adrienna Elcome)
Erie Creek Brewing in Salmo, BC
Torchlight Brewing in Nelson, BC
Rossland Beer Co in Rossland, BC
Tailout Brewing in Trail, BC (photo provided)
Start your West Kootenay adventure in Rossland. Whether you arrive by air, car, or camper, Rossland is closer than you think and better than you imagined. Approximately a seven-hour drive from both Vancouver & Calgary, or a flight into Kelowna, Castlegar or Trail – you are a playlist away from great trails and even better beer.
Located in The Josie hotel at the base of Red Mountain, the Velvet Restaurant & Lounge is the perfect place to start (or end!) your day. Step into a world where every ingredient has been foraged from near and not-too-far, sourced from interesting people and places, all to be cooked up with one purpose in mind — to bring you to new heights of happiness.
From May through to the end of October, play a round of disc golf at the Thin Air Disc Golf Club – the top 18 hole course in the Kootenays.
For visits in late fall and winter, explore 50km of expertly groomed trails for classic cross country and skate skiing. There are 4km of dog-friendly trails, lit trails for night skiing, and warming cabins available.
Once winter sets in, hit the slopes at Western Canada’s oldest resort, boasting 3,850 acres of terrain! Explore five skiable peaks, book in-bounds cat-skiing excursions, and enjoy the Kootenays powder.
With a passion for everything outdoors, you’ll find community and amazing craft beer at this brewery that celebrates the region’s love for fly fishing.
Rossland isn’t your typical resort town – on historic Columbia Avenue, you’ll discover boutique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. In addition to outdoors and sporting gear, you’ll find everything from gourmet kitchen supplies to overlooked antiques to cozy outfits.
Whether you want to snowshoe up a mellow side-slope or on a more challenging trail, there’s an option nearby for every experience level. Strawberry Pass is an easy to access trail network that features 16 cabins scattered throughout the area. Built by locals on public land, they feature custom artwork on wood stove doors to complement their unique, funky styles and are available for day use only.
An award-winning brewery providing the historic mining community of Rossland a variety of irresistible craft beers.
Rossland Beer Co, Rossland BC
Where good food, great beer, and killer tunes come together in the heart of Rossland. Dig in to a hearty pub-style dinner, and enjoy the frequent (and often free) live music events that are sure to crank things up a bit.
Rossland has plenty of accommodation options to choose from – head to the explore more section to find your perfect stay.
Rossland is an adventure mecca where hiking and trail running, mountain biking and road biking, camping, skiing (downhill, cross-country and cat skiing), and exploring are just outside your doorstep. With epic champagne powder in the winter and some of the best mountain biking in the Kootenays in the summer, spring & fall – you will be sure to build up a thirst for their local brews.
Drive to Castlegar, approximately 35 minutes
An artisan bakery and coffee house right in the heart of downtown Castlegar serving up a delicious array of house-baked pastries and breads. Organic, dairy-free and wheat-free options.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the downtown of Castlegar while marveling at a rotating exhibition of sculptures by artists from around the world. Don’t forget to vote for your favourites! P.s. Humble Bean is a great stop on the Sculpturewalk for a delicious cold drink in the summer!
Castle Bowl is a 5-generation bowling centre, fully licensed and now serving local craft beer. Check out their cosmic nights!
*Be sure to check their website for occasional seasonal closures.
Castle Bowl in Castlegar, BC
Get a glimpse of the hustle and bustle of the early 1900’s at this 100+ year old Canadian Pacific Railway Station. Browse archives of newspapers and view the historical artifacts.
Immerse yourself in Castlegars rich history through exploring historical buildings, artifacts, audio/visual galleries, and interactive displays of the culture and heritage of the Doukhobors
This historic pub is a hub of outdoor recreation. Across the street from a boat launch popular by fisherman and paddlers. Behind the pub is a famous climbing wall and often you will see bikers end their ride at the pub. Home of BC Craft Beer, with names like Spinnakers, Cannery, Nelson, Mt. Begbie, Crannog, and Fernie beers rotating through 12 taps.
The Lion’s Head Smoke & Brew Pub in Robson, BC (photo: Beth Taylor)
This sunny Par 3 Golf Course is family-oriented and suitable for all ages. You can also enjoy an afternoon of golf at Castlegar Golf Club and RV Park.
A short drive away, you’ll find Erie Creek Brewing in Salmo, BC. Salmo is one of three communities in BC sitting on a perfect water source, and the beer at Erie Creek is as true as the water source it comes from. Stop in for dinner and locally brewed craft beer.
Erie Creek Brewing,Salmo, BC (photo:Gina Begin)
Uptown Liquor Store prides itself on our welcoming atmosphere and great selection.
Uptown Liquor Store in Castlegar, BC
Castlegar has plenty of accommodation options to choose from – book your perfect stay at the link above.
Looking for outdoor adventure? Check out multitudes of easy afternoon hikes to scenic viewpoints or stunning waterfalls. Be sure to take advantage of the amazing rock climbing, paddling sports and scenic hikes in Castlegar!
Castlegar boasts many open areas in which to nordic ski for free, such as Millenium Park, located near the city’s downtown core, and the C&W Railway Trail, which you can access at the terminus of Arrow Lakes Drive. The beauty about nordic (aka cross-country) skiing in the Castlegar area is you can do it whether there’s a lot of snow or not. The West Kootenay region is world-renowned for quality and quantity of snow but there are times when fresh powder is scarce. This doesn’t matter when participating in the sports of classic or skate skiing: the smallest amount of snow is all you need to glide through the woods or on a track.
Good morning! Coffee and Avocado toast anyone?
Drive to Nelson, approximately 35 minutes
Celebrating the culture and history of Nelson and surrounding area. Museum, archives and art gallery.
Nelson’s little nano-brewery that could.
Torchlight Brewing in Nelson, BC
The all-organic Nelson Brewing Company is one of BC’s pioneer craft breweries.
Nelson Brewing Company in Nelson, BC (photo: Nelson Brewing Company)
In 2019, this burnt-out heritage building was fully restored into the best taphouse in the interior of BC.
Broken Hill Nelson, in Nelson, BC
Boasting a huge lineup of both local and BC craft beer and is known for the infamous 100 Mile Burger ! Located in the Hume Hotel.
Accommodations featuring modern renovations while maintaining that 1898 heritage charm. A must-see part of your trip to the area, with an English-style pub located in the boutique Hume Hotel. Local beer, and tasty food.
With more restaurants per capita in Nelson than any other city in North America, your palette will be satiated. Many pubs pour local and regional beer.
There are plenty of activities year round for the adventurous and the cultural explorers. Stroll along the many beaches and relax and admire your surroundings. Hike up into the Old Growth forests or along the Great Northern Rail Trail. Venture into the snow at Whitewater Ski Resort of Nordic Ski at some on the groomed trails. The Nelson Visitor Centre has staff, maps and guides to help plan your Ale Trail.
Explore the City of Nelson Farmer’s Market – Baker Street Market. While this community market offers an amazing mix of local produce, plants, prepared food, body care, fresh flowers, and locally-made arts & crafts, it’s the farmers who really shine. More than a dozen local area farmers haul their finest, fresh-picked produce to the market every Wednesday morning all summer – fresh from the farm to your plate.
Plan your stay in Nelson and area using our list of Places to Stay and handy digital map.
Authentic and artisanal coffee. Organically-grown and fair trade. Enjoy a community warmth in the cafe.
Drive to Kaslo, BC, approximately 1 hour
Take in amazing views from the main pools or retreat to the peaceful soaking experience of a tranquil limestone cave.
Stop for lunch as this historic cafe bisto showcasing true local organic ingredients.
After plying the waters of Kootenay Lake for over 60 years, the sternwheeler S.S Moyie is now a beautifully restored museum.
Kaslo River is a fairy tale of a trail, winding along the burbling river and mossy banks. The main loop arcs over the river on two covered bridges, both painted an enchanting shade of red.
In the heart of historic Kaslo, the Angry Hen offers delicious beers and snacks with a spectacular view of Kootenay Lake.
A blend of heritage and modern, The Waypoint is a place where locals, adventurers, families and tradesmen are always welcome. The Chef has created a regionally inspired menu combined with a selection of West Coast inspired sharing plates, featuring fresh, simple ingredients that evolve throughout the seasons.
The hotel is situated on Front Street in the heart of downtown Kaslo, overlooking beautiful Kootenay Lake. Enjoy food and beverages on-site at The Waypoint Restaurant and Bar.
Looking to “earn your beer”? Spend some athletic time outdoors golfing at Kaslo Golf Club, paddling with Kaslo Kayaking or Mountain Biking, Cat and Heli Skiing, and Nordic skiing. Kaslo has several heritage sites, restaurants, performance venues, and even some electric charging stations.
Kaslo is also a great place just to sit, relax and enjoy the views of the Purcell and Selkirk mountains while on the shore of Kootenay Lake. The Kaslo Visitor Centre is located at the SS Moyie and is open May to October with maps and guides, and even an opportunity to tour the oldest intact sternwheeler, The S.S. Moyie.
Plan your stay in Kaslo and area using our list of Places to Stay and handy digital map.
