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April 18, 2024

Savouring the Kootenays this Summer

It goes without saying that every road trip needs fuel. Yes, we’re talking about the fuel that powers you.  That morning ‘cup of joe’ that wakens the senses.  The post-adventure plate that invites you into the local culture. And, the après-cocktail to relax and watch the setting sun.

Across the Kootenays, our local craft breweries, restaurants and wineries have you covered, ensuring you stay well fuelled on your adventures.

BREWERIES

~ Join the locals for a pint of Kluckin’ Kolsch at the Angry Hen Brewing tasting room in Kaslo, BC.

~ Check out the taproom of Backroads Brewing in Nelson.  The interior will remind you of a cozy evening spent with friends in a backcountry lodge.

~ Try out the Kootenays four newest breweries, Encore Brewing & Bowling in Cranbrook, Erie Creek Brewing Company in Salmo, Radium Brewing in Radium Hot Springs and Wild North Brewing Co. in Creston.

~ Finish off your day Mountain biking in Fernie with a pitstop at Fernie Brewing Company, conveniently located a short distance from the Mt. Proctor area trails. Launched in 2023, they now offer a non-alcoholic line.

Summer patio weather at the Fernie Brewing Co., photo by Mitch Winton

~ Pay a visit to the Rossland Beer Company on Friday evenings for live music in their tasting room.

~ Complete your fishing trip in Castlegar with a pint at Tailout BrewingBe sure to check out their logo – it is this passion for fishing and enjoying the outdoors (ideally with a cold pint) that has taken then on this adventure. In homage to their fishing roots, they chose a name that reminds them of that perfect spot on that perfect river.

TailOut Brewing recommends enjoying their craft beer, served cold & by a river.

~ Grab a pizza with your pint at Trail Beer Refinery, where their chef will prepare it for you fresh (and be sure to play a game of bocce too).

~ Relax on the patio at Whitetooth Brewing in Golden and enjoy one of their many Belgian-inspired beers.

DISTILLERS

~ Bohemian Spirits offers one of the best patio experiences in the Kootenays.  Their cocktail lounge and patio are next to Mark Creek in Kimberley. 

~ Fernie Distillers offers a welcoming and comfortable space. Informal and yet refined at the same time, it is versatile and is available as a private event venue too.

Patio fun at Fernie Distillers; photo by Mitch Winton

~ Located on MacKenzie Avenue in downtown Revelstoke, Monashee Spirits take their cocktails very seriously. Their highly talented bartenders and mixologists showcase stunning unique cocktails from traditional styles to new age and experimental made with their in-house distilled spirits and cocktail bitters.

RESTAURANTS

~ Hand-crafted cocktails and authentic and unique Mexican street food at the Cantina del Centro in Nelson is very popular with the locals.

~ Show up early at Eleven22 Restaurant in Golden for their 3-course Early Bird Special.

~ Enjoy a taste of the Kootenays paired with in-house brewed beer from Fisher Peak Brewing Co. at the Heid Out Restaurant in Cranbrook.

~ Reward your day of adventure in the Canadian Rockies at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, at the Bear Lodge Bistro or Tamarack Dining room.

Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, photo by Mitch Winton

~ Try the famous Mucky Fries while sitting on the patio in the Platzl at Pedal & Tap in downtown Kimberley.

Photo courtesy of Pedal & Tap

~ Watch the sunset over Kootenay Lake from the deck of Sage Tapas and Wine Bar in Nelson.

~ The Stonefire Pizzaria in Kimberley offers traditional Neapolitan pizza (dine in or to go) – baked in their wood-fired masonry oven, hand-built in Italy.

Patio dining in Kimberley pedestrian mall, the Platzl; photo by Mitch Winton

~ Woolsey Creek Bistro in Revelstoke, enjoy exquisite, fresh culinary creations prepared with local, sustainable ingredients.

WINERIES

~ The Tasting room at Baillie-Grohman Winery in Creston is open daily, or join them for their ‘Winemakers Tour‘. Enjoy a private tour & tasting of the Baillie-Grohman wines, hosted by their winemaker, Wes Johnson. You get to hear his perspective as you taste through a selection of their wines.

Enjoying the delicious flavours of Baillie-Grohman, photo by Mitch Winton

~ Cellar door sales and tastings are available with the Red Bird Winery in Creston, or join their ‘Wine Club’.

Walking in the Vineyard at Red Bird Winery, photo by Mitch Winton

~ The newest winery to the Kootenay Rockies, is Mountain Soul Winery in Trail, BC.  The Summer Wine Deck does not require reservations, so drop in for wine tasting Thursday to Sundays, 11am to 3pm.  Drop-ins welcome also at the Tasting Booth for wine tasting.

~ In Nakusp, Valley of the Springs Winery offers a private guest room offers a king size bed, jacuzzi tub and shower, private deck overlooking the mountain and lake.  Plan a customized  sip & stay package with them. 

Exploring the vineyards at Valley of the Springs Winery; photo by Mitch Winton
 

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