Highway 3 Ale Trail

How to Explore the Highway 3 Ale Trail?

Highway 3, also known as the Crowsnest Highway, connects with the Trans-Canada Highway in Medicine Hat and continues west through the Crowsnest Pass, and westward into British Columbia.

Medicine Hat Breweries

Medicine Hat is increasingly known for its mountain biking, cafes and breweries. If you're coming from Saskatchewan and the Trans-Canada, detour from the ordinary and connect up with the Highway 3 Ale Trail.

Try all three Medicine Hat breweries. Hell’s Basement Brewery, a name you won't soon forget, was inspired by Rudyard Kipling's description of "the Hat." Beers brewed include Hefes, New Zealand Pale Ale and sours. The Medicine Hat Brewing Company opened its doors in 2016 but hearkens back to the brewery that served the thirsty from 1912 until prohibition. Many of their beers are named for people and places of note. Travois Ale Works is housed in a beautiful old building made from locally made bricks and offers "revolutionary American and traditional European ales."

Lethbridge and Fort Macleod Breweries

Lethbridge, Alberta's third-largest city is easily accessed from Calgary and points north from Highway 2 and Fort Macleod. Fort Macleod, just outside of Lethbridge, is home to Stronghold Brewing. It's located on the historic main street, which you'll recognize from Hollywood blockbusters like Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Stronghold brews approachable beer and "fun styles for seasoned craft drinkers."

Lethbridge has a long beer brewing history dating back to Fritz Sick and his famous "Old Style Pilsner." While no longer brewed in Lethbridge, two breweries carry on the tradition. Spectrum Ale Works, across from the Rugby Club in the industrial park, prides itself on "beer that's dialed in." You'll find ESB, browns, blondes and more on their core and seasonal menu. Theoretically Brewing, boasting a cool, urban patio in Lethbridge's warehouse district, use local malt-barley growers, malters, and hops farms to brew "approachable yet intriguing ales." What to do in Lethbridge? Visit our tasting rooms and start sipping!

Crowsnest Pass Breweries

Go west, young beer fan and expand your craft beer horizons to the newest frontiers! Anchored on the edge of the Crowsnest Pass in the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Lundbreck Alberta is home to Oldman River Brewing. Their patio is dog-friendly and their taproom serves their beer and a locally-sourced menu. Keep going west along Highway three and you'll come to Blairmore, which is home to The Pass Beer Company. Conquer Turtle mountain then reward yourself with round at this small batch brewhouse.

Enjoy the Entire Ale Trail!

The Crowsnest Highway is one scenic drive. Now there's a website that will get you to all the great breweries along it. Check out www.AleTrails.ca and start discovering the incredible flavours of craft beer in Southern Alberta.

So settle in and enjoy the Rocky Mountain peaks of the Crowsnest Pass, the world's largest train bridge of its kind in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat's amazing mountain biking trails.

Thank you for having a designated driver. It shouldn't need saying, but never drink and drive. No matter which direction you travel on the Highway 3 Ale Trail, you're in for a refreshing trip. You'll be happy you have a designated driver, the beers and the views are spectacular!

Cheers!

Are you Driving an Electric Vehicle?

The Highway 3 Ale Trail follows the Peaks to Prairies initiative, keeping your Alberta Ale Trail experience fuel emission-free. That's right, Southern Alberta is the heartland of alternative energy, and Lethbridge is at its hub. Learn more about Peaks to Prairies.