Grande Prairie’s Latitude 55 Distillery stands as a strong example of how local businesses contribute to both community identity and economic growth in Alberta.
Established in 2019, Latitude 55 is Grande Prairie’s first craft distillery. It operates out of the city’s historic “Bell Tower” Firehall building downtown, where heritage architecture has been repurposed into a modern production facility and public lounge space.
Inside its 16,000-square-foot facility, the distillery produces a range of small-batch spirits including whisky, rum, gin, and vodka. Its production process is fully integrated on-site, from mashing and fermentation to distillation, aging, bottling, and distribution. This grain-to-glass approach allows the team to maintain close control over quality and flavour development.
A key part of the operation is its barrel aging program, with whisky and rum resting in over 70 barrels in its rackhouse at any given time. Once matured, these spirits are blended, bottled, and distributed to markets across Alberta.
Beyond production, Latitude 55 also operates an on-site lounge where guests can experience its spirits through cocktails and tastings in a restored heritage setting. The distillery employs approximately 20 people and also offers experiential opportunities, including small-group spirit batching experiences using a 30-litre still.
Local businesses like Latitude 55 highlight the role of craft producers in Alberta’s communities by preserving historic spaces, creating employment, and offering places where production and public experience come together.
Learn more about Latitude 55 and their products
