Southern Alberta’s sun-soaked days, cool nights, and rich barley fields make it prime beer country. Local brewers tap straight into that grain belt, creating beers with a true prairie accent. Keep scrolling for a sampling of what's on offer on the Hwy 3 Ale Trail:

The Pass Beer Co.: Located in Blairmore, The Pass Beer Co. is where mountain air meets malt magic. Their taproom, with sweeping views of the Rockies, pairs perfectly with a crisp ale or an experimental seasonal brew. They also do wood-fired pizzas, so if your beer appetite needs a partner in crime, that’s the one. The roomy patio and beer garden make it an ideal spot for an evening hangout, especially when the sun dips behind the peaks. 

Stronghold Brewing: Downtown Fort Macleod gets serious charm points with Stronghold Brewing. Housed on historic Main Street, the taproom is a tidy mix of heritage décor and modern brewing ambition. Their lineup leans approachable but never boring. Expect both steady “easy sippers” and fun, seasonal twists. It’s the kind of place where locals and passersby linger over pints and talk about the road behind them or the views ahead. 

Theoretically Brewing Co: Nano-brewery vibes done right: Theoretically churns out creative ales with local ingredients, doing things small so every batch has personality. Located in Lethbridge’s Warehouse District, they lean into experimentation (sours, unusual grains, interesting hops) but always with a grounded flavour that makes it easy to come back. Between flights, the Sample Lab and Community Patio are great places to settle in, chat beer nerd things, or just soak up some sun.

Hell's Basement Brewery: Medicine Hat’s own Hell’s Basement is equal parts fun and flavour. The name comes with attitude, and the beer backs it up — a diverse range from crisp lagers to more adventurous IPAs and fruit beers. The patio is dog-friendly, the staff welcoming, and the atmosphere feels more like a “local hangout” than a formal tasting room. If you’re in Medicine Hat and want a place to kick back with something interesting in the glass, this is your spot. 

Travois Ale Works: Travois sits in a charming, antiquated brick building downtown — exposed brick, wood accents, touches of old-school pub vibe mixed with contemporary craft ambition. Their beer list includes both traditional European styles and bold American-inspired pours; also worth noting: full food menu, plus wine and cocktails, so there’s something even for folks who’re not beer-obsessed. It makes Travois a solid evening base.

Plan it as a string of overnight stays and you can savour the brews, the scenery, and the stories behind every pint — no rushing, no designated-driver stress, just Alberta’s Highway 3 at a deliciously relaxed pace.