Wild Life Distillery

Wild Life Distillery (Canmore, AB): Friendship, Cocktails, and Some Seriously Good Whisky

Tucked away in the stunning mountain town of Canmore, Wild Life Distillery is the kind of place that makes you want to sit, sip, and stay a while. Started by two local legends — Matt and Keith — this spot blends a love of the outdoors, high-quality spirits, and a very Canadian kind of friendship.

And when I say friendship, I mean officially-documented-in-a-frame-on-the-wall kind of friendship. That’s right — they had a legal Friendship Agreement drafted, and it’s proudly displayed in the distillery. If that doesn’t make you smile before your first drink, wait until the cocktails hit.

More Than a Pretty Place

Wild Life started out small — producing vodka, a few fantastic gins, and their now-famous Barrel-Aged Gin. Over the years, they’ve quietly grown into a full-on grain-to-glass operation. They now have a dedicated production warehouse, a growing stack of aging barrels, and best of all… whisky.

Their first whisky release made waves and sold out quick, but more bottlings have followed — each one showing the same care, balance, and no-shortcuts attitude that built the brand. You can tell these guys love what they do.

Cozy Vibes, Mountain Views

The tasting room is small but super welcoming, and in the warmer months, the outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip something cold while staring up at the Rockies. It’s got a casual charm that fits Canmore perfectly — unpretentious, high-quality, and just a little bit wild.

Final Word

Wild Life is everything I love about local craft: great people, zero ego, and spirits that stand out. Whether you’re passing through Canmore or planning a full mountain getaway, this place is 100% worth the stop.

Pro tip: don’t leave without grabbing a bottle or two. Trust me, they go fast.