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  • The KO Team Visits Wild Life Distillery

Visiting Wild Life Distillery

Have you heard about Adventure Hub? Yes? Awesome! No? Then you need to check this out.  What is Adventure Hub? Well long story short, it is a curated group of experiences from incredible, locally owned companies focused on offering unique experiences based on their personal expertise. With experiences from cave exploration with Canmore Cave Tours, to sleigh rides with Boundary Ranch or float trips with Canmore Raft Tours, Adventure Hub has it all. Kananaskis Outfitters is proud to be a member of this incredible group and we love working with these other amazing experience providers to plan awesome days for our guests in the Canmore/Kananaskis area.

So what do a bunch of mountain-loving folks do when they want to get out for an evening together? Well, the Kananaskis Outfitters team looked to one of our partners over at Adventure Hub for a solution to our dilemma about what to do on a chilly Saturday evening in the shoulder season. This weekend we decided it was long past time that we go and check out the Wild Life Distillery in Canmore.

Photo from the Rocky Mountain Outlook

We were greeted at the distillery by Keith, one of the owners/founders of Wild Life. His passion for what he does is evident right from the get-go. The distillery felt warm and cozy, especially on such a cold, snowy night. Warm woods and a clean, modern industrial look are a welcoming combination. We started out with a tasting of the different spirits that Wild Life has to offer. Their Vodka is an easy-drinking spirit, made from 100% Alberta grains.  Their Gin is an incredibly aromatic blend of juniper, citrus, and other botanicals that drinks well on its own or mixed into a cocktail. However, the favourite spirit of the Kananaskis Outfitters team was the Alberta Gin. This twist on a classic gin is made with all locally sourced botanicals like Rocky Mountain Juniper, Labrador tea, and cow parsnip. The surprise twist? The smoke from the wildfires this past summer actually added a smokey flavour to the botanicals being used. It gives this gin a seriously mouth-watering flavour that makes it one of the most uniques spirits we have ever tasted. Beyond just the tastings, they also offer a seriously unique cocktail menu, made artfully in front of you.

Following our tasting, Keith treated us to a distillery tour. It was incredible to hear about the passion that gave birth to this local distillery and the learning curve that came with creating a craft distillery from scratch. The process that goes into the actual making of the spirits is pretty cool to see firsthand.

The Kananaskis Outfitters team had a great evening visiting the Wild Life Distillery in Canmore, and you need to check it out on your next visit to the area! Interested in booking a distillery tour? You can do so here!

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  • Phone:

    +1-403-591-7000

  • Address:

    1-279 Mt. Sparrowhawk Crescent,
    Kananaskis, AB, T0L 2H0

  • Current hours of operation :

    9:00AM - 5:00PM SUN-THUR

    9:00AM - 6:00PM FRI-SAT

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations or changes made to bookings more than 72 hours away: We will fully refund your purchase, less a $10 admin fee, onto the card that was used for payment. You can cancel your booking by calling 403-591-7000 or emailing info[at]kananaskisoutfitters.com . Please allow 3-5 business days for the refund to process.

Cancellations made 71- 12 hours of start time: No refunds will be provided, but we will provide a 50% credit to use towards a future booking. You can cancel your booking by calling 403-591-7000 or emailing info@kananaskisoutfitters.com

No shows: A booking is considered a no-show if we aren't notified about a booking cancellation at least 12 hours prior to the start of the booking. Arrive on time, as departures will be leaving on schedule. No refunds or credit will be given for no shows or late arrivals.

Should I tip my guide?

If you enjoyed your experience and would like to show your appreciation, our guides will be grateful.

Do I need a reservation?
While reservations are not necessary all the time, we do advise making them as we frequently book all of our gear out in a day. With a reservation, you will know that your gear is here waiting for you. Payment is taken in full when the reservation is made.
How do I rent gear?
Come into the shop and fill out waiver; we will then take a credit card imprint (Visa and Mastercard accepted) as a damage deposit until you return with the gear, at which point we will check it over and then you may pay for your rental with credit, debit or cash.
Do I need bear spray?
If you are going to be hiking, walking, biking, running, camping, or pretty much anything else outside in Kananaskis, you should definitely carry bear spray. We do. It's more effective than a gun, and doesn’t require a special permit to carry.
What kind of tours do you offer?
We offer hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, snowshoeing, canoeing (and voyageur canoeing) tours as well as XC ski and stand up paddleboard lessons.
Can I book a private tour?
Any of our activities can be booked for a private group. Click here for more information.
What if I have a big group?
We regularly host large corporate or family groups; we can book individual activities for you or we can plan out a full day or multi-day adventure. Click here for more information, or give us a call: +1-403-591-7000.
Are there trails near you?
On foot, you can access mountain biking, hiking, XC skiing and snowshoe trails from our shop (season dependant). If you want to drive, then the options in Kananaskis are endless.
How do I rent a canoe/kayak/SUP?
During peak Summer season, we offer lakeside rentals at Barrier Lake. Hourly rates are in effect when a staff memer is present. During this time boats can not be reserved they are rented on a first come first served basis.

During quieter times, the boats will still be located at Barrier Lake, however you will need to come to the shop to fill out waivers and pick up the safety gear. Gear will also need to be returned to the shop when you are finished. For self serve boat rentals, full day rental rates apply and reservations are possible.

Paddles, PFDs and safety kit are included in the rental rate. Should you need to transport a boat, tie down kits are also available.
Do you rent downhill or touring equipment?
No, sorry we just rent XC skis.

Nakiska is a great place to rent downhill ski stuff. Go to Gear Up in Canmore or MEC in Calgary for touring gear.
Can we take the gear that we rent somewhere else?
Yes, you may transport the gear elsewhere as long as you can do so safely. We have tie down kits available for boats. Ask about our multi-day prices.
When do you sell off your used rental gear?
At the end of every season, we sell off select gear. So in the Fall, we sell off bicycles, in the Spring we sell off fat bikes, XC skis, and snowshoes, etc. Want to know all the details and get notified when the sale is happening? Join our email list. Sign up on our home page.
Where can I buy groceries, firewood, propane, etc.?
Some groceries and camping supplies can be bought at the Mt. Kidd Campers Centre, or at Fortress Gas Station. Hours are seasonal, call before you go.
Where is the closest gas station/liquor?
Fortress Gas Station (20 km south on Highway 40) is the closest place for gas and liquor/beer, although offsale beer is also available at Woody’s Pub at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis.
Are there lakes near you?
Yes; Barrier Lake is about a 15 minute drive north on Hwy 40 and is where we keep our boats for summer rental. There is also Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lake a 40 minute drive South on Highway 40 in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs must be on a leash at all times in Kananaskis; dogs are allowed on all trails except groomed cross country ski trails. If you are confident paddling with your dog you are welcome to do so at your own risk.

Dogs can be brought on tours only it all of the other participants on the tour are agreeable. We can not determine this until right before the tour departs.
What is the meaning of life?
We’re still trying to figure that out, but Kananaskis is a great place to look for it. No wait…it's 42.