Thank you Crystal Senkpiel for the beautiful cover photo of Pincher Creek. Pincher Creek is a great location as a base camp to explore Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Provincial Parks, and Crowsnest Pass. If you enjoy water activities, Pincher Creek is also a short distance to the Oldman Reservoir and River, where you can maneuver your canoe or kayak with a bit of technical skill or windsurf on the Reservoir. Come join Uplift Adventures during the day for a trip the mountains while you are staying here. But why stay in Pincher Creek and what is there to do anyways?
Pincher Creek is a small town surrounded by ranches and picturesque views of the Canadian Rockies. You get the best of both worlds: mountain culture and small town, western vibes. While staying in Pincher Creek, we have a few suggestions on what you can do.
A local’s guide to Pincher Creek
Who are we? Uplift Adventures is a professional guiding company who creates life-long memories for our guests on outdoor trips, tours and courses. You may just fall in love with the South Canadian Rockies and Waterton Lakes National Park after taking a trip with us. Our team consists of Professional Interpreters, Scientists, Hiking and Winter Hiking Guides, Outdoor Rock Climbing Instructors, and more. Our team lives, works and plays in these areas, and we have asked our friends and staff what their favourite things are to do in Pincher Creek.
Bucket list: Top activities in Pincher Creek to enjoy in summer and winter
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. If you have something to add, please make a comment below so we can hear from you.
- Walk the Creekside Pathway. Pincher Creek is named after horse pincers were found in the creek by the Northwest Mounted Police. Enjoy the tumbling brook that gave rise to the name of the town.
- Indulge in wild-foraged gin at Lost Things Distillery. Locally harvested and tasty cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will have you wanting to stay another night. Stay tuned to their Facebook page as they often have events and live music.
- Get your heart pumping or join for some relaxing yoga at one of the amazing fitness centres: SGB Fitbodies, Consistent Coaching, or Sugar Studio for Barre, Yoga, and HIIT.
- Listen to the rooster crow and get into your deepest zen at Shanti Hollow Yoga – located a very short drive outside of town.
- Take an Adult Art Class at The Lebel, or browse their gift shop to support over 60 artists creating Canadian artwork and artisanal, handmade gifts. The Lebel will sometimes put on special events, such as outdoor concerts, art galleries and guest speakers.
- Meander through the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village to learn about the history of the area. Tours and special events are common, so check out their Events Page.
- Have an indoor day at the Pincher Creek Swimming Pool. If you are lucky, you might catch an evening of kayak lessons with the local paddling club: Pinch-O-Crow Creekers.
- Stroll Main Street sipping on your favourite hot beverage from The Hut Café or Seeds and take in the local shops: Seeds, Small Town Collective, and Sugar Studio.
- Create your own charcuterie board from Pincher Creek Meats, then take it with you as you do the walking tour of murals around town. If you are around in the summer, you can take in the beautiful flowers for Communities in Bloom.
- Sign out a book from the local library and enjoy reading it as you savour your meal at one of the restaurants.
- Have your try at bowling at Chinook Lanes. Don’t worry if you aren’t any good, small towns are forgiving.
- Stop in at Pincher Pets for some special treats for your furry friend. If your friend is of the dog variety, pop in at the off-leash dog park on the west side of town.
- Take in the views at the north entrance of Pincher Creek. Enjoy the themed metal silhouettes on the east side of the road commemorating history, but make sure you stop to take a picture with the blue pincers and #pinchercreek to share with everyone. Stay for the sunset for frame-worthy photos.

- Join some locals to play pickleball at the Pincher Creek Recreation Centre or Matthew Halton School.
- In the winter, enjoy the fresh air and skate at the Castleview Park, an outdoor skating rink. Or have your try at curling – or watch a game!
- The go-to and must-attend event in the summer is The Pro Rodeo. The event occurs on and leading up to the third weekend of August. Events happen all day long.
- Is quilting or sewing your passion, or something your future-self aspires to learn? Browse the local quilting shop, Dragon’s Heart Quilt Shop, and get inspired.
Do you need more help planning your trip to Pincher Creek, including accommodations and restaurants? Go back to our Visitor Guide to help you find places to stay, eat, and do in Waterton Lakes National Park, Crowsnest Pass, and Castle Provincial Parks. Did we miss mentioning something to do in Pincher Creek? Let us know in the comments! If this blog helped you, leave us a comment or tag @UpliftAdventures (Facebook) or @uplift_adventures (Instagram) on your next visit to Pincher Creek. We love hearing from you and seeing how you explore.
Comments 2
We’d be grateful if you’d be able to add Excuses Tavern to this list of things to do for the night life in Pincher Creek, we also have some tasty pub food available.
Thank you very much for your consideration!
Author
Yes! Would love to!