40-Year Canmore Pub Begins New Chapter With Brewery Partner

One of Canmore’s longest-running pubs has formally rebranded under a new partnership with a Calgary-based microbrewery, marking a significant shift for the nearly four-decade-old establishment.

The Drake is now operating as The Drake Screaming Retriever Restaurant & Brewery, following a joint venture with Screaming Retriever Brewing Company. The brewery says the partnership is intended to preserve the pub’s identity while expanding its beer program and food service.

According to Screaming Retriever, the arrangement is not an acquisition but a partnership enabled through a long-term lease with the pub’s ownership. The brewery says the agreement gives it a permanent home in Canmore, something they have been seeking since discussions began in 2020, while providing The Drake with a new operational direction built on its existing reputation.

“We provide the beer, and The Drake provides everything else,” said the brewery.

As part of the agreement, the development of on-site brewing is planned for the pub’s basement, allowing beer to be produced directly in Canmore; a component targeted for completion in early 2026.

Renovations completed during the pub’s recent closure in the winter of 2025 focused on upgrades rather than a full redesign. Bathrooms and furniture were updated, the front bar was opened to improve flow and highlight new back bars, and the new tap room was designed with communal seating to make it easier for people to sit together and socialize.

The tap room, which will continue to develop over the course of the year, is expected to serve as a more casual gathering space for sampling beer, watching sports, and hosting private events. The brewery says it plans to launch a Brew Master Club in early 2026, a membership-based loyalty program that offers participants access to limited-release beers.

The partnership also brings a renewed emphasis on food service as the business shifts further toward a restaurant-and-brewery model. According to the brewery, the kitchen has been upgraded with new equipment, including a wood-fired oven, and the menu has expanded to include items such as pizza, pasta, and additional salads, with a focus on improving quality while maintaining an approachable pub atmosphere.

While the name, beer program, and menu have evolved, both partners emphasize that the core identity of The Drake remains unchanged.

Live music will continue at the same frequency as before, with touring acts planned alongside local performers. The venue has long been one of the Bow Valley’s primary live music stages, and both sides say that role will continue under the partnership.

Screaming Retriever says the partnership is intended to establish long-term roots in Canmore, countering concerns the rebrand represents an outside takeover.

“We are not a ‘Calgary brewery,’” said the company, describing Canmore as a permanent home rather than a satellite location.

The brewery also cited its past involvement with local charities, including support for the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and previous SPCA fundraisers held at The Drake, and says it expects to expand its community involvement under the partnership.

For now, patrons can expect familiar features, including live music alongside new beer offerings and a gradually expanding tap room program. While some elements of the partnership are still targeted for early 2026, the rebrand itself is already in effect, marking a new chapter for one of Canmore’s longest-running nightlife fixtures.