Kootenay
Rockies East
The East Kootenays region is a big place, something that becomes crystal clear among its majestic mountains and panoramic valleys. All of the spectacular parks, hot springs and hiking trails, as well as several alpine resorts, make this Utopia for wilderness explorers—especially if they’re beer lovers, too.
If enjoying a beer amid spectacular wilderness vistas is your idea of a good time, then you have come to the right place. National and Provincial parks are waiting for campers and explorers, while the Powder Highway resorts and lodges offer snow-covered slopes throughout the winter months. In the broad Columbia Valley, hot springs beckon and lakes are ready for swimming and boating in the summer.
Spread throughout is a network of thirst-quenching craft breweries. Fernie Brewing is nestled in the Canadian Rockies. From there, travel to Cranbrook, home of Fisher Peak Brewing at the Heid-Out restaurant, and then continue on to Over Time Beer Works in Kimberley. The beautiful Columbia River Valley opens up in front of you as you drive north to Invermere. Nearby is Fairmont Hot Springs where the East Kootenay Beer Festival is held each June. Finally, head north to check out Whitetooth Brewing in Golden and Mt. Begbie Brewing and Rumpus Beer Co in Revelstoke.
Each brewery has a strong connection with its own unique, local community, making it a pleasure to explore and discover the diversity of stories and people here.
Before visiting, we recommend that you check directly with the businesses you are hoping to visit to get the latest on-the-ground information. Some businesses are seasonal, and some may have experienced closures due to COVID-19.
Day 1
The heart of Fernie's vibrant community is the small but perfectly formed Historic Downtown. Soak up the charming atmosphere while enjoying spectacular mountain views.
Open in the summer, enjoy 7000 acres of pristine wilderness and countless hiking opportunities with something for everyone.
An independent modern European restaurant sitting on the bank of the majestic Elk River.
Explore stunning scenery and wildlife on adventures for everyone: Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Kayaking, Supsquatch, Stand-up Paddleboarding, and Scenic Floats.
BC’s easternmost brewery is a family-run operation with a strong connection to its local community.
Historical building in downtown Fernie boasting a culinary and nightlife experience. An old feel with a new twist.
Voted "Best Live Music Venue" and "Best Place To Shake Your Booty." Have a bite, watch the game, then see a show. All your needs under one roof!
A cozy family run property centrally located in the heart of Fernie on Hwy 3.
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Fernie boasts small-town charm and big mountain adventure – a huge network of trails to explore as well as fly fishing. Hit the peaks of the Fernie Alpine Resort, or spend a day on the greens at the scenic Fernie Golf Club.
The brick and stone facades of Fernie’s historic downtown are nestled below the jagged peaks of the Lizard Range. Enjoy an easy hike to Fairy Creek Falls from the Visitor Centre for a wonderful outing.
Up for an adventure? Try Fernie Brewing Company’s Trail to Ale Challenge!
There are plentiful accommodation options in Fernie – find your perfect fit.
- Hotels, Resorts & Motels
- Condos & Townhomes
- Private Lodges, Chalets & Homes
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Camping & RV
- Backpackers & Hostels
Day 2
A specialty, small-batch coffee roasting company located in the beautiful mountains of Fernie.
Drive to Cranbrook, BC approximately 1 hour.
Visit the restored 1890’s pioneer boomtown, with over 60 heritage shops and display buildings. Be sure to check online before arriving as their programming is seasonal and changes throughout the year.
With over 200 kilometers of trails in a handful of riding areas, the mountain biking opportunities in Cranbrook are extensive. The variety, from scary-steep blacks to walk-in-the-park greens, is exceptional.
Featuring food and ales fresh from the Kootenays, Heid Out sources local, fresh ingredients for all their dishes.
The Heid Out serves its own craft beers produced by Fisher Peak on-site.
Cranbrook is home to some of the finest mountain golf courses in British Columbia, offering golfers stunning views.
This family-friendly pub is located in a 1929 heritage red brick Firehall, complete with roll-up truck doors, a fire pole, and a bell.
Enjoy this beautiful Canadian alpine lodge where every room overlooks Elizabeth Lake and the bird sanctuary.
Conveniently located and offers a host of amenities, including two restaurants, a spa, a hair salon, a pool, and an athletic centre.
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The Cranbrook History Centre showcases the largest collection of luxury travel cars in North America, including the restored Soo-Spokane Train and TransCanada Limited.
Hike to one of eight stunning waterfalls near Cranbrook.
Grab your fishing licence and gear and head out for a day of fly fishing – enjoyable at any age!
Explore the delicious world food culinary offerings Cranbrook has to offer.
Hit the road for a scenic drive on one of 5 road trip loops.
Looking for more? Visit the Cranbrook Tourism website for a comprehensive list of the many activities available.
Day 3
Drive to Kimberley, BC, approximately 30 minutes.
This brewery is putting in extra hours to produce its quality, time-themed craft beer.
Best craft beer selection in Kimberley. Great atmosphere and even better food.
Drive to Invermere, BC, approximately 1.5 hours.
Located in Kootenay National Park and surrounded by the red walls of Sinclair Canyon. Enjoy the miraculous geothermal hot springs.
A neighbourhood pub featuring fresh craft beer, delicious food, and live music.
A luxury resort and hotel in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy all their upscale amenities – tee times, destination dining, pools, a spa and more.
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Enjoy a ride on Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway through the Mark Creek Valley and check out the theatre, mining school house and powerhouse.
Invermere is situated on the shores of Lake Windermere – spend the day at the beach but be sure to explore the shops and artisan galleries downtown. Minutes west is Panorama Mountain Resort.
Day 4
Drive to Golden, BC, approximately 90 minutes.
If you want a bite to eat and a good coffee - this is the place! Bluebird Cafe offers a great homemade grab n' go breakfast and lunch menu.
While exploring downtown Golden, take a trip over the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge - the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada.
Golden is situated in the middle of six national parks granting you access to more gorgeous hiking trails than you'll know what to do with.
From twisty single-track and plunging DH descents, to lung-busting cross-country tracks and gentle family-oriented descents, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a two-wheeled story for everyone! Visit in the spring and summer for your hit of adrenaline.
The Wolf's Den is a full-service restaurant specializing in homemade food that is prepared fresh and from scratch every day.
Immerse yourself in the history of the settlement of Golden and the Columbia Valley, and uncover some very interesting and surprising stories about this historic region.
Whitetooth Brewing Company crafts small-batch Belgian-inspired and West Coast influenced beers. Their goal is to combine the best experiences that our expansive mountain playground has to offer with the perfect beverage afterward.
Legendary delicious homemade pub food, friendly service, and an excellent selection of craft beers, all in the heart of Golden.
Whether you're looking to camp or RV, stay in a quaint BnB, or treat yourself to a more luxurious stay - Golden hosts the ideal accommodations for every type of traveller.
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Looking to earn your beer? Golden has you thrill-seekers covered – there’s no shortage of endorphins here! For Whitewater Rafting enthusiasts, Golden is home to one of the wildest and most intense recreational waterways in Canada, the Kicking Horse River. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has something for everyone – mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, Canada’s highest Restaurant and a Grizzly Bear Refuge. Head to Mount 7 for a gorgeous sunset view from the paragliding launch.
The Columbia River & Wetlands is located just south of Golden and is home to the longest protected wetlands in North America – this is a fantastic place to go canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching.
Plan your stay in Golden using the resources below:
Hotels & Motels
Cabins & Cottages
Lodges
Vacation Rentals
Bed & Breakfasts
Hostels
Camping & RV
Day 5
For those on the go this is the place to go. It is a mobile coffee shop the specializes in making the best coffee in Golden with a small selection of baked goods. You'll have to check out their Instagram page (@wanderingferncafe) to see where she is parked that day. Keep in mind that she is only open From May to October.
Drive to Revelstoke, BC, approximately 90 minutes.
Stop by this creative and inspiring cafe serving coffee and delicious local food.
Wind 26 kilometres uphill, through forests of cedar and hemlock, spruce and fir to the renowned subalpine wildflower meadows of Mount Revelstoke National Park.
Revelstoke is an alpine mountain biking paradise and Frisby Ridge is an epic adventure. Riders can opt for a 24 kilometre out and back, add on the 5.7 kilometre Frisby Vistas Extension, the Ultimate Frisby Connector, and Ultimate Frisby (a challenging downhill trail),and you've completed 'The Whole Teriyaki", Revelstoke's answer to Moab'sWhole Enchilada.
A small brewery and lounge in the thirsty playground of Revelstoke, BC. You can expect beers to match the Revy experience- fun, full of character, and a little bit wild!
This funky family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Revelstoke - be sure to enjoy a meal on one of their two patios.
Make sure your camera is ready as you hike to three stunning waterfall vistas.
Experience craft beer amid the rugged beauty of mountainous Revelstoke.
Home to the biggest selection of craft beer in Revelstoke.
Stay at this hotel, cafe, restaurant, pub and lounge all under one roof, located in downtown Revelstoke.
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Revelstoke’s historic downtown includes the Grizzly Plaza, and a number of museums, such as the Revelstoke Railway Museum and the Revelstoke Museum and Archives. Check out Big Eddy Glassworks where you can watch live glass blowing, shop around for the perfect glass blown cup for your next craft beer, or take a workshop to make a cup of your own (Saturdays only). The Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers gondola sightseeing and a mountain coaster.
Revelstoke offers top-notch accommodations for every type of traveler – explore your options and book a stay here.
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