The Southern Rockies has a bit of everything—fishing, mountain biking, hiking, you name it. The area also offers great spots to relax and refuel after a busy Alberta getaway.
Six Great Watering Holes to Visit After a Day of Adventure in Alberta’s Southern Rockies
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Head for the Southern Rockies for fun and adventure. When you reach the end of the day, head for a one-of-a-kind watering hole for some tasty rewards.
- Hit a historic dance floor in Waterton.
- Celebrate the end of Prohibition in the Crowsnest Pass.
- Shop at an incredible general store.
Grab a pint at a historic pub
The Thirsty Bear Kitchen + Bar—The Bear, to locals—is the oldest bar in southern Alberta and the only pub in Waterton. The building opened in 1926 as the home of the Waterton Dance Hall. Part of the original dance floor still exists. Live bands will have you out there dancing in the footsteps of history. A recent renovation added a new patio, bar and kitchen. It all makes The Bear the perfect place to relax after a busy day or to rip up the dance floor if you’ve still got a little energy.
Do you want fries with your fish story?
The tap room is family friendly. The patio welcomes dogs. It all makes Oldman River Brewing the perfect spot to take a break when travelling around the Southern Rockies.
Oldman opened its doors in the hamlet of Lundbreck in 2017. The owners and staff have deep connections to the area. They’re more than happy to pour you a pint and share some tips about the local trails and fishing holes. Oldman River Brewing offers a full menu with standbys like pizza, burgers and wings.
Belly up to the bar in Blairmore
First things first—the pass in question is the Crowsnest Pass. You’ll find The Pass Beer Company in Blairmore, close to the provincial border. In fact, The Pass bills itself as the “last chance for Alberta beer before you cross into B.C.”
It’s worth a stop for a host of other reasons, too. The patio is warm and inviting (pets are welcome). There are non-beer options and the menu offers wood-fired pizza, poutine, wings and other pub staples.
Have a drink with The Bottle King
The name tells you all you need to know about The Rum Runner. The saloon-style pub in Coleman is themed around the Prohibition era in Alberta (1916–1924). During that time, the Crowsnest Pass was home to smugglers (rum runners) who brought liquor into the area.
The menu at The Rum Runner includes burgers with names like The Bottle King and The Speakeasy. These days, it’s all above board. So grab a pint and a bite and soak up a little history or some live music.
A general store like they don’t make anymore
If you can’t find what you need at Twin Butte Country General Store, there’s a good chance you don’t actually need it. The general store has groceries, a post office and a gift shop, but the real attraction here is the food.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s great Mexican food, burgers and pizzas. The Smoke Shack serves up delicious barbecue Friday to Sunday. If you’re looking for a tasty souvenir, buy a bottle of one of Twin Butte Country General Store’s homemade hot sauces. There are 30 varieties to choose from. You'll find all this in a historic building on Highway 6, halfway between Pincher Creek and Waterton Lakes National Park. Reservations are recommended if you plan to dine.
Sip some local flavour
Live music, local flavours and friendly people—you’ll find them all at Lost Things Distillery in Pincher Creek.
Botanicals from the banks of the Oldman River flavour the flagship Wild-Foraged Gin. It stars in a range of cocktails, including the limoncello gin spritz, white negroni and the Clover Club, which has a hint of raspberry and is topped with a shaken meringue foam. The store sells bottles of Wild-Foraged Gin and a range of merchandise for those looking for interesting souvenirs.
