Canmore’s First Brewery Celebrates its 30th Birthday

by editorial-intern

Through the big wooden doors of Canmore’s Grizzly Paw Pub, the buzz and chatter is joyous, the drinks are flowing and the aroma of tasty pub eats permeates the air. It’s an atmosphere locals and travelers have been enjoying for decades, and now, the brewery is celebrating its 30th birthday.

Established in 1996, The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company was Canmore’s first brewery, born from the vision of founder Niall Fraser. After three decades of service, The Paw has solidified itself as a staple of the Rocky Mountains.

It’s a milestone not many mountain breweries can speak to, and The Paw wears it like a badge of honour.

“It’s pretty amazing,” says CEO Dominique Lagloire-Galipeau. “In any town in Alberta, but especially in Canmore, there’s not that many companies that reach this great milestone, and so we’re all super proud to have been able to keep the dream alive for three decades.”

A photo of the outside of a in-construction building with an old-school car parked out front — The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company in the midst of construction. Photo courtesy of The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company.

The brewery’s original location on Canmore’s Main Street still houses The Grizzly Paw Pub. Its second location, established in 2012 on Old Canmore Street, is home to the brewery, along with The Taproom restaurant on the main floor and the Tank310 Elevated Kitchen on the second floor.

The brewery has grown steadily over the last 30 years in tandem with Canmore’s increasing population. It started with approximately 40 employees at the original brewpub location; now, it has around 100 employees, particularly in the summer, at each of its two locations. In 2006, The Paw also introduced its signature soda line to expand its reach and provide more locally made beverage options.

A group of people pictured in a restaurant — The original Grizzly Paw team pictured on opening day 30 years ago. Photo courtesy of The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company.

Now, The Paw has special plans for its big 3-0 with its Big Shiny Birthday Bash set for Sunday, June 21. The festivities will include live music, family-friendly activities and delicious pours all day long. Tickets are $10 with a complimentary hot dog and soda, while admission is free for kids 12 and under.

The brewery has also introduced a throwback mixer pack of beers featuring the four original beers it served when the brewpub first opened. The 12-pack can be purchased at the brewery’s two locations, along with several liquor retailers across Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C.

The Grizzly Paw Pub, 622 Main St., 403-678-9983; The Taproom and Tank310, 310 Old Canmore Rd., 403-678-2487 (ext. 2 for Tank310 and ext. 3 for Taproom); thegrizzlypaw.com

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