Rockies IV June 17 Arrow Creek Loop

 

Rockies IV

June 17, 2025

Arrow Creek Loop & Kokanee Brewery tour

 

This morning, we decided to ride the Arrow Creek Loop which is a relatively short loop in comparison to what we have been doing. At only 33 kms it is quite short however it does have quite a bit of climbing.  Part of the reason for doing a shorter ride was that it was forecast to get to quite warm by noon. We were off about 8:30 am.

As we rolled out of camp, I couldn’t get my Garmin to register which was really frustrating and it took me more than one try to figure what was wrong.  The route took us down the highway towards Cranbrook.  Then a quick left and onto a beautiful quiet country road. There wasn’t a single vehicle in sight so we were just loving it.  The first 16 kms were all up hill and the last few kms were really steep.  Wild flowers were putting on a colourful show.  At the 16 kms mark we got to the summit of the ride and then there was a wild downhill with a series of switchback. I think I hit 55kms/hr. 

Back at the campground a quick shower before lunch, and I must say that this campground has some of the nicest showers of any campground I have ever been in.  Off to lunch with the two Kens, at a brunch place where I had one of my favourites, waffles.

The highlight of the day however was the afternoon when we went across the street to hit the Kokanee Brewery tour and beer tasting.  The brewery was originally opened in 1950 and has had several additions and expansions since.  That said most of the large vats and vessels are all of the 1950’s vintage.  The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and very well spoken.  He took us through all of the different rooms explaining how the beer was made.  The brewery makes several different kinds of Kokane beer which is part of the Labatt’s family of beers. The beer canning line was canning Budweiser beer doing this tour.  The line processes 1100 cans of beer per minute. It was just amazing.

After the tour we went back to the beer store where the guide handed out samples of the different beers made here and talked about what the differences are between lagers, ales and IPAs.  The people on the tour were all enjoying the afternoon and exchanging their stories, so we stayed on and had an extra beer.  It was a great time chatting and enjoying the nice warm weather.

This evening Ken C is going to do burgers on the grill.  He has made some truly great meals this tour.  Thanks Ken!

What a great day.

Terry