January 12, 2024
Pincher Creek is a charming town that invites visitors to step back in time and experience the warmth of a close-knit community. At the heart of town lies Main Street, home to quaint shops, quiet streets and places to dine and drink.
Ready for a wander up Main Street Pincher Creek? Check out these stops:
Lost Things Distillery
The current site of Lost Things Distillery was many businesses over the years, and today, it’s firmly routed as the town’s burgeoning distillery and tasting room.
Lost Things Distillery began as a passion project between two local Pincher Creek couples with a passion for gin. The Parkers and the Russells came up with the idea during the COVID-19 pandemic. While they didn’t immediately shout “let’s start a distillery!”, their slow and steady growth has helped them land an incredible product in a fun and welcoming setting.
This modern establishment in the heart of historic Pincher Creek has quickly become a favourite gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering patrons a comfortable place to stop and enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail made with their hand-foraged gin that is distilled on-site.
The Hut Cafe
A favourite among visitors and locals alike, The Hut Cafe is located at 766 Main St, offering diners weekly specials, carefully crafted coffees and delicious comfort food. Homey and comfortable, it’s the perfect place for a quick meal or a long coffee break.
The Hut Cafe was started by five college friends from the Philippines. One day, they had a casual conversation about starting a coffee shop in the town they love. Says owner, Dale Pinlac, “We were talking about how great it would be to have a place like this in town where people could gather for a casual afternoon coffee. None of us expected the idea to actually come to life, but when we saw the space up for sale, we had to take a chance.”
The Hut Cafe opened in 2022 and was named Pincher Creek’s best new business.
SEEDS Flower Shop
SEEDS Flower Shop is a charming store located at 767 Main Street in Pincher Creek, offering fresh flowers, curated gifts like candles and soaps and coffee. The owner, Jacalyn Anderson, started the shop in 2016 after moving back to her hometown of Pincher Creek with her family.
Says Jacalyn, “I realized that my boys would be in school within a few years and I would be needing something to do with my time. I never thought I would be a business owner, but I took the leap and have never looked back.”
SEEDS is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and offers online orders.
Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is exactly what you would expect from a small town movie theatre – fun, friendly and historic. The theatre offers a new movie every few weeks, providing something for everyone in Pincher Creek to enjoy. They also have a ‘Ticket Tuesday’ special, offering a movie ticket, popcorn and drink for $12, bringing you back in time to the retro-style theatre you may have loved as a child.
Farmer’s Mill Bakery
Farmer’s Mill Bakery supports local Canadian farmers by selling kamut flour, baked goods, soups, sandwiches and local coffee. Located inside SEEDS Flower Shop, this bakery offers artisan baked goods and local flour for purchase.
Farmer’s Mill even offers a flour subscription for people who want to lead a healthier lifestyle. They will send purchasers a five pound bag of flour along with a unique recipe for every order, creating a unique personal and local experience.
Small Town Collective
Small Town Collective is a women’s clothing store, aimed at bringing a trendy, boutique style shopping experience to the streets of Pincher Creek. Opened in 2021 by Lundbreck local Chalsey Peeters, this shop carries something beautiful for everyone, whether they are local or visiting.
Says Peeters, “I originally wanted to be a nurse, which is why I got a nursing degree from the University of Lethbridge. That said, after having two children, I realized that wasn’t my dream, and in fact being a business owner was! When I saw the opportunity to open Small Town Collective, I jumped on the chance and never looked back.”
From artisan jewelry to artwork and hand-crafted clothing, this store is a must stop on Main Street Pincher Creek.
Next time you’re in the South Canadian Rockies, be sure to check out these great stores, restaurants and bakeries on your way. No doubt you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. —