best brewery tours ontario

Experience Niagara's Best Premium Craft Destinations

Book one of our Daily Tours to experience Niagara’s Best all inclusive premium tasting tour  OR a private vehicle for a customized group tour to a combination of premium Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, or Cidery.

For same day bookings please Text 289-969-4077

Daily Public Tours

Brewery + distillery + winery + cider.

Our fully guided cornerstone tour travels to a premium Craft Brewery, a premium Distillery which will also have wine and beer tastings, and a premium Winery which will have wine, ice wine, and cider tastings. 

• Beer, wine, ice wine, & cider
• Wayne Gretzky Estates Peller Estates The Exchange Brewery

The Private Tour

Create an unforgettable customized experience..

Enjoy a fully guided custom tour for groups of any size. Let us craft a unique experience for your corporate event, business function, special occasion, private date, and much more. Choose from any combination of breweries, distilleries, wineries, cideries, restaurants, and entertainment locations to suit your group needs. 

Self Guided Tour

Premium e-bike rental..

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Explore the beautiful scenery and locations of Niagara -on-the-Lake with modern technology and classic style. Our ebikes are the nicest and most exhilarating bike rentals available in Niagara!

• Wherever you choose to explore!

Daily Tour Options with a variety of Premium locations including Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, and Cider House

• Transportation included in our Black Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with our professional and friendly guides!
• Lots of options with Beer, Wine, Spirits, ice wine, Cocktails, & cider tastings. Food available on Tour!
• The best locations! Pick up and Drop off included from your location in Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Fully guided custom tour
• Any group size
• Unique experience for your needs
• Choose your own destinations and events!
• Explore beautiful scenery and locations of Niagara -on-the-Lake
• Most exhilerating bike rentals in Niagara!
• Wherever you choose to explore

Taste the best of both worlds.

Travel with us to two premium craft breweries and two premium wineries. If you love beer and wine, then this is the tour for you!

• Wayne Gretzky Estates Small Talk Vineyards / Shiny Apple Cider Oast House Brewers The Exchange Brewery

Create an unforgettable experience.

Our focus is to provide the best premium tours in niagara.

Our guests receive Premium service at Premium locations. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Ride in luxury Mercedes Benz vehicles. No surprises here, all of our vehicles are Black Mercedes Benz Sprinters as seen below.

Promo! Complimentary 2L (4 pint) Glass Growler to take home! We are the first to offer this to our guests. You can fill it up with your favourite tasting!

The most travelled Brewery Tours in Niagara!

5 star reviewed! Thank you everyone for all the support!

Our Daily Tour offers 3-4 amazing, premium destinations, with pick-up and drop-off! All tastings included.

Enjoy our luxury tour vehicles

Our vehicle fleet consists exclusively of Black Mercedes Benz Passenger Vans providing premium comfort, style, and safety. No surprises here, what you see is what you get!

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In celebration of another AMAZING year being the most travelled brewery tour in Niagara, take home a Brewery & Distillery Tours Niagara glassware complimentary with every tour! We appreciate your support!

What our amazing clients say about us

When you’re ready, we are too!

We have spent countless hours visiting Breweries, Distilleries, Wineries, and Cideries in search of the perfect locations to take our guests. Let us now share our experience with you during an exclusive intimate tour. We offer tours every single day. so view our tours and book now!

THE 10 BEST Ontario Breweries

Breweries in ontario.

• Wineries & Vineyards
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Farmers Markets
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Cooking Classes
• Distilleries
• Distillery Tours
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Other Food & Drink
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Old Toronto
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Kids
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Steam Whistle Brewery

2. Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery

3. Silversmith Brewing Company

4. Sawdust City Brewing

5. Niagara Oast House Brewers

6. Parsons Brewing Company

7. Beau's All Natural Brewery

8. The Exchange Brewery

9. Muskoka Brewery

10. Creemore Springs Brewery

11. Mill Street Brewery

12. Gan Brewing Company

13. Walkerville Brewery

14. Thornbury Village Cider & Brewery

15. Block Three Brewing Co

16. Side Launch Brewing Company

17. Stray Dog Brewing Company

18. Refined Fool Brewing Company

19. Norse Brewery

20. Labatt Brewery

21. Collective Arts Brewing

22. Ramblin' Road Brewery Farm

23. Black Swan Brewing

24. Sleeping Giant Brewing Company

25. South River Brewing Co

26. Brock Street Brewery

27. Perth Brewery

28. Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company

29. Railway City Brewing Co.

30. Bench Brewing Company

What travellers are saying

• Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour
• myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings
• Toronto Local Beer Tour: 2 Beers at 2 Unique & Historical Pubs
• Toronto Craft Brewery Tour
• Private Wine Tours of Niagara and more
• Steam Whistle Brewery
• Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
• Gan Brewing Company
• Side Launch Brewing Company
• Sawdust City Brewing
• Split Rail Brewing Company
• Silversmith Brewing Company
• Kame & Kettle Beer Works
• Thornbury Village Cider & Brewery
• Ramblin' Road Brewery Farm
• South River Brewing Co

THE 10 BEST Ontario Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours

Beer tastings & tours in ontario.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour

2. Niagara Tasting Tour (Wine, Beer, Cider, Spirits) with Transport

3. Toronto Local Beer Tour: 2 Beers at 2 Unique & Historical Pubs

4. Private Wine & Charcuterie Tour (Customizable)

5. myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings

6. City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries

7. Private Custom-Made Niagara Falls Wine, Beer, and Spirits Tour

8. Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region

9. Private Half-Day Custom Wine Tasting Tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake

10. Quebec Craft Beer Tour - From Ottawa & Gatineau

11. Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario

12. Brewery & Distillery Tour (Craft Beer, Spirits, and Cocktails)

13. Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour

14. Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario

15. Guided Craft Beer Tour in Niagara

16. Muskoka Brews with the Views

17. Brewery Tour

18. Private Wine Tours of Niagara and more

19. Guided Craft Cider Tour in Niagara

20. Brew Bus Private Brewery Tours groups

21. 5-Hour Premium Night Pub Crawl Experience in Toronto

22. Toronto Legendary Cocktail Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour
• myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings
• Toronto Local Beer Tour: 2 Beers at 2 Unique & Historical Pubs
• Toronto Craft Brewery Tour
• Private Wine Tours of Niagara and more
• Fallsview Limo Niagara INC - Tour & Transportation Service
• Winery Tours of Niagara
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• Brewery & Distillery Tours Niagara
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Paradigm Spirits | Ontario’s Southwest

Breweries, cideries and distilleries

Sample flagship flavours and exciting, seasonal selections at Ontario’s craft breweries, cideries and distilleries. Home to the birthplace of Canadian whisky, Ontario is also a proud producer of innovative, world-class, small-batch beer, cider, gin, vodka, rum and even modern moonshine.

Craft breweries

Distilleries

Get inspired.

Planning your trip in Ontario? Get inspired by our articles related to breweries, cideries and distilleries.

Wine and cider along the southern shores of Georgian Bay

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Union Ten Distilling Co.

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Last updated:  March 20, 2023

Explore more of Ontario

Tag your photos with #DiscoverON to inspire others.

Looking for Ontario travel advice?

Our experts are here to help you plan your perfect trip. Call or book today.

Ottawa Things to Do contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

• 8 Best Brewery Tours in Ottawa, Canada (Local’s Guide)

Table of Contents

Are you traveling to Ottawa for the first time? These brewery tours in Ottawa are a great way to acclimatize to the Canadian capital!

Over the past few years, the craft beer scene in Ottawa has quietly become one of the best in Canada. 

It’s worth visiting the area some of the Ottawa breweries to sample some unique local beers! 

You can visit these breweries independently (creating a self-guided brewery tour) or book an organized brewery bus tour through the city. 

My roommate and I spent the summer trying a bunch of local breweries – often having to trade off designated drivers – before we realized we could do a tour and save ourselves the hassle.

In this post, I will share everything you need to know about the best brewery tour in Ottawa, how to book a private brewery tour with Donkey Brew, and give you a list of the best Ottawa Breweries to visit on your own! 

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries ✔️ 3 breweries ✔️ Pick up downtown

1. City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries

There is only one multi-stop brewery tour in Ottawa. It’s a  4-5 hour Ottawa brewery bus tour called “City Beer,” operated by Brew Donkey Tours. 

During the tour, you will visit three breweries  (or possibly more, depending on time) for a tour and tasting. They even throw in a Distillery if there’s time, which helps you cleanse your palette after all the beer.

Some of the places you might stop are:  North of 7 Distillery, Bicycle Craft Brewery and Spark Beer.

The nice part about booking a tour is that it includes all transportation. You just need to get to the starting point and hop on the bus with your tour guide and fellow craft beer lovers.

🍻 Check Prices and Availability

2. Outaouais Craft Beer Tour – From Ottawa & Gatineau

If you’re looking for brewery tours beyond Ottawa City, you could also book this Craft Brewery Tour in G atineau. During this tour, you will cross the border into Gatineau, Quebec, to taste local beer at 4 different microbreweries.

Don’t worry if you don’t speak French, Brandon the guide is bilingual.

The tour takes you to Brasserie Artisanale Gallicus, Bristo L’Autre Oeil, 5e Baron Microbrasserie, and A La Derive Brasserie Artisanale.

You’ll get to try 13 different beers, and a Quebecois delicacy: poutine! It’s the perfect bar food and soaks up the beer so you can be sure you’re not passing out on the bus ride back.

Pick-up and drop-off are available in both Gatineau and Ottawa areas. 

Private Brewery Tours in Ottawa

Another Ottawa, Canada brewery tour option is a private brewery tour through Brew Donkey. 

Brew Donkey offers a few different private tours for each area of Ottawa. There are: 

3. Sip, Axe and Relax Tour

You and 14 of your closest friends can enjoy a two-brewery tour complete with axe throwing. It’s a beer tour unlike any other!

I did an axe throwing + brewery experience for a friend’s birthday, and let’s just say I never managed to hit the wall because I spent too much time enjoying the beer.

As a bonus, you get a delicious lunch sandwich (or salad for the GF among us) from Sconewitch – an Ottawa institution. You’ll end the day full of food, beer, and laughter – especially if you’re as bad as I am at hitting the target.

4. Y-East End Private Tour

Head east from downtown Ottawa to Overbrook and Orleans to find the best IPAs in Ottawa.

Expect 4 hours of all the hoppiest beers the city has to offer from Broadhead, Stray Dog, and Orleans Brewing Company.

This area is hard to get to without a car, so it’s also a great chance to see more than just Parliament Hill during your time in Ottawa.

5. Brewers East Private Tour

Southeast of Ottawa, just outside of the town of Navan, you’ll get to meet the rural brewers of Southern Ontario. This area has old routes in the Canadian beer scene, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t new players for you to enjoy, too!

This 6 hour tour will take you out to Tuque De Broue, Beaus All Natural Brewing Company and Cassel Brewery.

The scenery on the drive is incredibly beautiful, especially in the spring and summer.

6. Rideau Rally Tour

Hit up 5 of the newest breweries on this private Ottawa tour . You’ll typically cover locations from downtown Ottawa south to the Glebe and west Orleans.

This rally will have you hitting up the most breweries for an epic day out.

Note : pricing changes depending on the breweries, so get in touch with them for accurate pricing.

7. West Ferments Express Private Tour

Head away from the hustle of downtown Ottawa to my neck of the woods, the West End! Out here you’ll find the most delicious lagers and amber ales in the city.

West Ferments takes you to some of my favourite breweries, like Big Rig Brewery, for tastings. You’ll even get to try sours – although I’ve always found them gross.

8. Southern Beir Express

Up to 15 of you can enjoy this bus tour to the southern breweries of Ottawa.

The tour covers a wide range from south of Vanier to Barhaven, stopping at Vimy, Nita Beer, and Broadhead. It’s a great opportunity to see local areas instead of the tourist hot spots.

9. Who Likes Sports Sports? Tour

What goes better than beer and a sports game? A guided tour combining the two!

This unique private tour takes you to two breweries, then to a local game at the TD Place Stadium.

The only way you’ll ever see me at a sports game is with a drink in my hand to endure it – but I’m told others actually enjoy the combo.

10. City Beers Express Walking Tour

This walking brewery tour of Ottawa covers the most popular places downtown. You’ll walk past Parliament on your way to Mill Street Brewery (where I often hung out with my dog when he was a puppy), Spark Beer, and Beyond the Pale.

With views along the Ottawa River , this is a great scenic was to see more of the city core and to build up an appetite between stops.

11. Western Libations Private Tour

Head out to the Ottawa Valley, a place you’ll always find me in the fall.

The area is known for its vineyards, apple orchards, and breweries, so of course this tour hits up the best spots!

Get driven along Highway 7, so you can fully enjoy each stop.

12. La Belle Brew-Mance Private Tour

Have a brew-mance across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, where you’ll fall in low with some fruity IPAs.

The stop at 5E Baron Microbrasserie is a must for the stunning views over the river in the summer.

13. All Things Brewed Private Tour

Want the best of all worlds? Take this epic tour to try local wine, liquor and beer all on one private tour.

Start at Kin Vineyards before heading to the Dairy Distillery for what might be the world’s most unique vodka, then head to Hummingbird Chocolate Maker for my favourite sweets, and end at Braumeister Breweing for a hoppy ending (see what I did there?).

14. Create a Self-Guided Brewery Tour in Ottawa

If you prefer working at your own pace – and have a designated driver to spare – try crafting your own self-guided tour.

It will take a little more effort, but planning your own taproom visits or a custom brewery crawl is always an option. 

And, if you’re not planning on eating during your brewery tours in Ottawa, have a great meal at one of the best brunch spots in Ottawa before you begin your tour. 

These are the best Ottawa microbreweries for you to indulge in local craft beer:

Bicycle Craft Brewery

Established in 2014, Bicycle Craft Brewery is a long-standing staple in Ontario craft beer, and your craft brewery tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit here. 

Bicycle Craft Brewery has a variety of beers to try, including IPAs, DIPAs, APAs, Gose, barrel-aged beer, and stouts. They also offer kombucha for those who live an alcohol-free lifestyle.

While they do not offer a full-service restaurant, light snack options are available. You can also bring in your own food and snacks or order your favorite delivery service to the taproom. 

• Location : 850 Industrial Ave #12, Ottawa
• Thursday-Friday 11AM – 9PM
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 11 AM – 7PM
• Sunday 11AM- 6PM
• Dog Friendly : The taproom is both family and dog friendly!

Beyond the Pale Brewing Company

Established in 2012, Beyond the Pale Brewing Company has a taproom offering 16 Ontario craft beers on tap, including new releases each week. 

They offer 16 beers on tap in the spacious taproom and patio space. With several mainstay beers and rotating seasonals, the variety of flavors is everchanging. Some of their off-the-wall styles include white stouts and imperial pastry stouts.

This brewery also offers cider, wine, and soda. If you get hungry, you can order food from the nearby BTP Smoque House , which has various BBQ plates, sides, sandwiches, and appetizers. 

• Location : Unit 108, 2550 City Centre Ave, Ottawa
• Monday through Thursday, 11AM – 11PM
• Friday and Saturday 11AM – 12AM
• Sunday 11AM – 10PM. 
• Dog Friendly : Dogs are allowed outside on the lower patio.

Tooth and Nail Brewing Company

The Tooth and Nail Brewing Company welcomes everyone to experience their beer in a non-pretentious environment. 

Specializing in lagers and ales, you’ll find the most common styles offered at Tooth and Nail. Fun and funky sours and Belgian-style beers are commonly available. 

They also have a great “Happy Hour” from 4-6 PM, Monday through Friday, where you can enjoy $2 off all Tooth and Nail brews.

This brewery doesn’t have a full kitchen, so if you are hungry, consider ordering one of their light bar snacks or hot dogs. (The hot dogs are both beef and plant-based.) 

• Location: 3 Irving Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Monday – Thursday: 4PM – 11PM
• Friday: 4PM – 12AM
• Saturday: 1PM – 12AM
• Sunday: 1PM – 6PM
• Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed here.

Flora Hall Brewing

Flora Hall Brewing opened in 2017 and focuses on quality beer and food in an intimate setting with space for no more than 120 people. There is seating available on the main floor and additional seats in the mezzanine. 

Flora Hall Brewing has ten rotating taps of different beers, and when the weather is nice, the full-size garage door will open, creating a light and airy environment. 

Food is also available here. It’s a popular place for dinner, with a seasonal menu of tasty appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.

• Location: 37 Flora Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Monday – Friday: 4-11PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 11AM to 11PM (or later on Saturday)
• Dog Friendly: Since they serve food, dogs aren’t allowed inside. But dogs are permitted on the patio and tables near the door when the weather is nice. 

Lowertown Brewery

Lowertown Brewery opened in 2014, offering food, craft cocktails, and craft beer! You can enjoy the indoor taproom, or if the weather cooperates, a patio is available. 

The tap list is more limited than other breweries in Ottawa, Canada. Basic offerings include an IPA, brown ale, a lager, wheat ale, and a stout. At times, there are also seasonal craft beers available. 

There are several cocktails, including fish bowl-sized drinks to share and a sizeable wine list.

Lowertown Brewery also offers a wide range of appetizers, smoked barbecue platters, sandwiches, and desserts.

• Location: 73 York Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 
• Sunday – Wednesday: 11AM to 1AM
• Thursday – Saturday: 11AM to 2AM
• Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio.

Vimy Brewing Company

Vimy Brewing Company is proudly independently owned and has been a community staple since 2017. 

In the taproom, they offer three flagship beers, Vimy Cream Ale, Red Ale, and Pale Ale, as well as specialties, seasonal beers, and sometimes special releases (promoted on social media). 

The space is more of a traditional taproom. There isn’t any food offered onsite, but you can order food (or bring your own from home) into the taproom. 

Vimy Brewing Company also offers delivery in Ottawa and nearby regions, with a 24-can minimum purchase, or you can find their flagship beers at The Beer Store and LCBO . 

• Location: 830 Industrial Ave #11, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 
• Monday-Saturday 11AM – 7PM 
• Sunday, 11AM- 5PM.
• Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed in the taproom.

Overflow Brewing Company

Overflow Brewing Company is an excellent brewery in Ottawa. 

Most of their beers are hoppier, ranging from IPAs to Pale Ales. There are a few lighter options, such as a pilsner and Vienna lager. Although more limited, they do offer a porter. 

The brewery also has an extensive food menu, from snacks to shareable appetizers and main course dishes. 

Note: Overflow is known for hosting private events and concerts, so check their event calendar and confirm that the taproom is open to the public before you go. 

• Location: 2477 Kaladar Ave Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Days open & Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 3 – 11 PM (Kitchen is open from 3 – 9PM)
• Dog Friendly : Yes.

Evergreen Craft Ales

Evergreen Craft Ales started as a garage brewing operation in 2015 but officially opened their tap room opened in 2019.

They offer between 8-12 beers at a time, many of them seasonal, and you can often find really unique brews available. 

Wine, soft drinks, and kombucha are also available. 

A small selection of snacks is on the menu, but you can also order outside food delivery to the taproom. 

• Location: 767 Silver Seven Rd #21, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
• Sunday – Wednesday 11AM to 7PM
• Thursday – Saturday 11AM to 10PM
• Dog Friendly : Their patio is dog friendly, but the taproom is not.

Big Rig Brewery

Big Rig Brewery is the largest craft beer brewery in Ottawa, and it has multiple locations (one taproom and two full restaurants.

Big Rig Brewery offers various beer styles, including IPAs, radlers, spiced porters, and pilsners. Throughout the year, seasonal offerings are available as well. 

The brewery has a taproom, but two additional locations in Ottawa are full restaurants open for lunch and dinner. 

• Location: 103 Schneider Rd / Restaurant = 2750 Iris St & 1980 Ogilvie Rd.
• Days open & Hours: Tuesday – Friday (12PM – 7PM).
• Dog Friendly : Dogs are allowed on the patio. 

Spark Beer is a newer brewery in Ottawa that officially opened in 2020.

Funky and fruity is the style here, with many hoppy beers, sours, and Belgian-inspired beers. You can view the current tap list on their website.

Spark is also a pizzeria, so you can order delicious 10-inch pizzas to pair with your beer!

• Location: 702 Somerset Street W, Ottawa
• Wednesday: PM – 10PM
• Thursday: 4PM – 11PM
• Friday: 4PM- 12AM
• Sunday: 1PM – 8PM
• Dog Friendly : Dogs are welcome on the patio. They even offer Spark cups and treats for pets!

Dominion City Brewing Co.

The Dominion City Brewing Co. taproom and beer garden have a ton of different variations on tap. 

Most beers at this Ottawa brewery are IPAs, but you will also find a variety of lagers, pilsners, and seltzers.

Dominion City Brewing partners with City Seltzers and other local companies to offer snacks and beers from other breweries at their “Corner Store.” 

• Location: 5510 Canotek Rd #15, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Wednesday – Friday (3PM – 9PM)
• Saturday (11AM – 7PM)
• Sunday (12PM – 6PM)
• Dog Friendly : Dogs are welcome in the beer garden

Covered Bridge Brewing

Covered Bridge Brewing is in the Stittsville area of Ottawa, and they have over 20 beers available (8 light beers, 8 dark beers, and 5 IPAs)

Some of these beers you can even purchase in packs of 12, which is rare for craft beer, and they offer free delivery on orders over $40 if you’d like to purchase online! 

A food truck called Jerk on Wheels also serves Caribbean jerk chick and burgers onsite. 

• Location: 119 Iber Rd, Unit 6, Stittsville, Ontario (a little outside of Ottawa)
• Wednesday – Thursday (11AM – 5PM)
• Friday – Saturday (11AM – 7PM)
• Dog Friendly : Yes, dogs are allowed

Whiprsnapr Brewing

Whiprsnapr Brewing has a wide range of beer styles, from IPAs and unique cream ales to saisons and stouts. There is something for every kind of beer enthusiast here, and they even have non-alcoholic craft soda and hoppy water. 

It’s a smaller indoor taproom with a heated patio for busy nights of the week. 

They also partner with ​​Ishina , a nearby restaurant, to offer a special brewery menu and other snacks like charcuterie platters and popcorn. 

Note: Whiprsnapr Brewing offers tours on Saturdays. Email them to reserve a spot in advance at [email protected] .

• Location: 14 Bexley Place, Unit 106, Bells Corners-Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Wednesday (12PM – 7PM)
• Thursday – Friday (12PM – 9PM)
• Saturday (12PM – 7PM)
• Sunday (12PM – 5PM)
• Dog Friendly : Yes, dogs are welcome

Ottawa Beer Festivals

A beer fest is a great way to sample some local craft beers without going on a brewery tour in Ottawa Canada.

Ottawa Beer Fest

Ottawa Beer Fest is typically held in July. It has been canceled for several years but is set to resume in 2023. The event is usually multi-day and has a run as well as a beer sampling festival. 

• Location : Aberdeen Pavillion, Landsdowne Park Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Date: Typically in July

Gatineau Winter Beer Fest

Gatineau Beer Fest is a chance to sample over 350 different craft beers from Quebec and Ontario brewers. The festival spans multiple days and includes other vendors like food trucks during the festival. 

• Location: Place Des Festivals, 60 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau
• Date: Typically in March

Orleans Craft Beer Festival

Orleans Craft Beer Festiva l features 25 craft beer breweries, food, wine, and entertainment.

• Location: Centrum Plaza, 255 Centrum Blvd, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Date: Typically in June

Oktoberfest Ottawa

Beau’s Oktoberfest is a two-day affair. Opening Friday evening and an all-day event on the following Saturday. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance because it is known for selling out.

• Location: Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds 92 Main Street West, Vankleek Hill, Ontario, Canada
• Date: Typically at the end of September

Brewery Tours in Ottawa FAQs

Where can i buy craft beer in ottawa .

Craft beer is available from all local craft breweries in Ottawa. Whether you visit in person or just pop in to buy beer for home. You can also purchase Ottawa craft beer at local liquor stores, and some Ottawa brewers even offer local home delivery! 

Is craft beer popular in Canada? 

Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in Canada. In 2020, the number of craft beer breweries in Canada increased by 8%. Although it’s gaining popularity in Canada, it is still far behind the United States, which has an even stronger craft beer culture.

What is the best craft beer in Canada? 

There are so many great craft beers to try in Canada, and choosing the best one is 100% subjective. However, you can see each beer’s ratings and reviews on BeerAdvocate’s list of the top craft beers from Canada . 

Why take a beer tour?

Beer tours are great if you love beer, want to try beer samples to learn different types you might like, are on a bachelor party or bachelorette party, or if you just want to see the City of Ottawa in a different way.

Final Thoughts : Brewery Tours in Ottawa Canada

Whether you choose to go on an organized brewery tour in Ottawa, Canada, or plan your own independent visits to the taprooms, Ottawa has many great places to taste some of the best local beer in Canada. 

Brew Donkey’s city tour hits some of my top spots without breaking the bank – so you can buy some beer to take home for later.

So make sure to add visiting an Ottawa brewery to your Ottawa bucket list , and don’t forget to check out the best restaurants to make the most of your stay in the city!

Read More About Fall in Ottawa

• 13 Best Gatineau Park Hiking Trails for Summer
• 47 Best Hiking and Walking Trails in Ottawa + Dog Friendly!
• Ultimate Guide To Wakefield Quebec: From A Local
• Ottawa Day Trips Guide
• 12 Best Ottawa Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room
• 6 Best Ottawa Wine Tours & Tastings
• 15 Best Ottawa Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes (Local Guide)

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Ottawa Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?

100% YES!  — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.

💧 Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?

Yes – ish  — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle . ( Read more )

🚙💨  Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?

Yes  — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.

📲  Do I need to know French in Ottawa?

Nope!  — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. ( Read more )

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?

For Ottawa hotels,  Booking  is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check  VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

✈️  What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?

For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend  Skyscanner . You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.

🎫  Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?

Likely Not  — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.

📍  Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec . It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto . You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Ottawa Things to Do. Nina has lived in 18 countries before deciding to settle in Ottawa, nearby Toronto where she grew up. She has spent years proving that Ottawa isn't the town "fun forgot" and helping locals and tourists alike find fun things to do. She helps over 60,000 people a month discover the amazing activities in Ottawa, Canada.

The Best Ontario Breweries According to Top Local Bloggers

A definitive list of the best Ontario breweries from some of Ontario’s top bloggers. Check out some of the best breweries in Ontario!

In recent years, the Ontario brewery scene has exploded with talented beer makers and brands. Breweries, in many ways, have become the new place to go for Ontarians, and also a way to establish a connection to the local scene. Talk about a fun way to support local!

Instead of just listing our favourite breweries in Ontario, one by one, we wanted to tap some of favourite Ontario travel writers and bloggers on the shoulder, and ask them their favourite brewery.

We’ve ended up with a list that spans the province, and we hope that you find a moment in the future to have a cold one in a few new locations across Ontario.

Note: During this time, please check the respective websites for the following breweries in order to get up to date information on how best to safely visit and/or try their great Ontario beer.

Here Are Some of the Best Breweries in Ontario!

As of 2019, there were over 250 licensed Ontario breweries, so there are no shortage of breweries to choose from. The list, we know, could be about ten times longer, but today we’re passing the baton to others in Ontario travel to share their absolute favourite brewery.

Big breweries, craft breweries, micro breweries – there’s a bit of everything!

Refined Fool Brewing Company

Sharon Mendelaoui from Daily Dream 360 :

The Refined Fool Brewery was born with ten friends and a couple of propane burners in a backyard in Sarnia, Ontario . Each of them put their expertise into the business – creative marketers and graphic designers, entrepreneurs, musicians and pastors, all infusing they’re spirt into the creative brews.

They opened their first location in downtown Sarnia, Ontario to a lot of support from the community they love. A craft brewery filled with brews for every taste bud, with their current collection featuring brown, red and pale ales, as well as a chai stout and several lagers.

Exploring the creative names of their brews is part of the fun, and you know that these friends are sitting around brainstorming the names. There appears to be a “shirtless” theme happening in their brews today. You’ll find: “Shirtless in the Mufflerman Waiting Room,” “Shirtless at the Chinese Buffet” and “Shirtless At Your Mother-In-Law’s Retirement Party” sitting on their shelves. The tradition of crazy names has been part of their creative process, and you can see their past beers on their website as well.

Murder of the Crows is a popular favourite and remains on the menu today. When I was there years ago, I asked them -” so was the red wedding any inspiration here?” I got a very distinct feeling that this beer was thought up by the group during an episode of Game of Thrones.

There are now two locations in Sarnia where you can explore the world of the Refined Fool, the original downtown spot and a new midtown brewery.

The Second Wedge Brewing Co.

Sarah Antonio from We Choose Today :

The Second Wedge is the coolest brewery in Uxbridge, Ontario . Well, it’s the only brewery in Uxbridge, actually.

​It’s the little things you’ll notice that makes the brewery so unique, a box of carefully selected vinyl records sits at the foot of the bar, friendly staff switching up the music and overall vibe every now and then. You can also admire the rotating local artwork on display, maybe you’ll find a perfect piece for your home? It has that great small town watering hole feel.

​Founded by husband and wife team Joanne Ritcher and Rob Garrard after their 9 to 5 jobs didn’t do it for them anymore, they’ve quickly become the town’s go-to for beautifully brewed creations. You can tell just how passionate they are about craft beer and making your visit to the brewery memorable.

Second Wedge have a great selection on tap – Elgin Blonde (American blonde ale), Monday Night Piper (Scottish style ale), Rain Maker (Porter), 3 Rocks (IPA), Witch’s Hat (Black IPA) and their seasonal Day Tripper (Pale Ale).

Their beloved ‘Sweater Weather’ cask has even won first place at a Society of Beer Drinking Ladies bevy. It’s a beautiful, delicious, dark saison with aromas of orange peel and chocolate, along with notes of coffee and raisins. Perfect for the winter season! With such diversity, there is really something for everyone.

The Second Wedge always keeps things interesting, and from the taste of their brews – they’re also most likely keeping nearby breweries on their toes!

Brimstone Brewing

Lisa Vanderpol, author of The New Bucket List :

Brimstone Brewing is located in Ridgeway, Ontario , just west of Fort Erie. The venue, ironically a former church, shares the space below the Sanctuary for the Arts, a once popular event space. This brewery is close to the Niagara Friendship Bike Trail, so it’s easy to stop by for some food and drink along the way.

Brimstone brews in small batches allowing them to experiment, so they’ll often have something new and possibly unusual for you to taste. This also give them the freedom to have many different styles on tap at a time. Brewing small batches also allows the brewmaster to really utilize seasonal ingredients to the fullest. The beer is always fresh! The brews are even named in the same theme as the brewery. You will find beers such as Sinister Minister IPA and Enlightenment Blond Ale on the menu.

In addition to fresh beer, they also have a great food menu to pair with your beverage of choice. There are your classic pub favourites with a twist as well as vegetarian options. A little something for everyone!

They have indoor seating and a beautiful patio. This is truly a hidden gem. If you’re on your way to Buffalo or hitting the Niagara Friendship Bike Trail, drop by Brimstone Brewing!

Walkerville Brewery

Arienne Parzei from See You Soon :

If you’re in the Windsor area, you have to visit Walkerville Brewery.

Located in the trendy Walkerville district of Windsor (not far from Ford City ), the Walkerville Brewery can trace its heritage all the way back to 1885. It was founded by Hiram Walker, a prominent man in the Windsor area who was better known as a whiskey distiller before turning his attention to brewing beer.

Today, the brewery produces quality small batch beer made from 100% malted grains and everything is brewed and packaged onsite. Their roster of beers include flagship staples like the Honest Lager, Purity Pilsener, Geronimo IPA, and the Easy Stout, plus seasonal and specialty brews.

In additional to brewery amazing, award-winning beers, The Walkerville brewery prides itself on being a part of the local community, and in the past regularly hosted community and charity events. The staff are friendly and the beer is some of the best in the region! Check their site for details on how best to visit and try their beer.

Blood Brothers Brewing

Casey Palmer from Casey Palmer :

Let me tell you about my favourite beer in the history of the beverage and why I’m so sad that Blood Brothers Brewing doesn’t make it anymore.

It was the fall of 2019, and I was still in my earlier days of exploring craft beers and figuring out where I really wanted to shop. (Let’s just say that the pandemic got me MUCH more knowledgeable about this.) I’d often try breweries close to my friends’ places, and that’s how I wound up on Toronto’s Geary Avenue at Blood Brothers Brewing – who hasn’t steered me wrong for sours in the past.

And that’s when I tried it—a blend of passionfruit, dragonfruit and Carolina Reapers that goes down tart and finishes with a kick! Blood Brothers’ Passion of the Spice left a memorable mark on my palette and I’ve been craving it ever since.

If you’re into sours, Blood Brothers won’t fail you—they’re continually experimenting with different flavours and pushing the envelope with what’s possible. I just wish they’d bring back a few gems from the past sometimes for those of us who know what we want.

Blood Brothers. Make sure to check them out!

Stonepicker Brewing Company

Mar Ward from To & Fro :

It all started with a bucket used for picking stones, an old turkey burner, water, hops, yeast and malt. Using this basic equipment has made Stonepicker Brewing Company Inc. what it is today.

Located in Plympton-Wyoming, Ontario (along Highway 21, just 4km south of Forest), this family-owned brewery sits on what once used to be an operating pig farm. (For those that don’t know, Plympton-Wyoming is a very small and very beautiful pocket of southwestern Ontario, located between London and Sarnia on the shore of Lake Huron.) After retiring from the pig business, the Donkers family put their love of brewing beer to work, planting grain on the farm and eventually opening a brewery in one of the farm’s barns.

Stonepicker’s beer selection includes lager, blonde, amber, IPA, stout and more, all with fun farm-related names like “Crop Tour” (lager), Farmer’s Tan (blonde) and Stonpicker 21 (amber). My personal favourite is “Oops it Fell Out”, a 5.2% lager with grapefruit and peach notes. On a recent trip to the brewery, I learned that “Oops”, as its affectionately called, got its name because it was essentially a brewing mistake turned success. It is now their second most popular beer!

Not only is Stonepicker’s beer really good, one of my favourite things about this brewery is the environment. From its location on a family-farm, to the farm decor and the welcoming, small town feel, it is a brewery you must check out if you find yourself cruising through Plympton-Wyoming.

Counterpoint Brewing Company

Lindsay Davies from I’ve Been Bit! Travel Blog :

Since Kitchener-Waterloo is home to the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we have some seriously good craft beer. Breweries are constantly appearing, but one in particular is doing things a little differently. The brain child of a musician and an entrepreneur, Counterpoint Brewing is creating high-quality small-batch beers you can’t find anywhere else. Owners Rich and Graeme put their heart and soul into ever brew they craft – and it shows.

When I say small-batch, I mean it . It’s not uncommon for their brews to be gone in a week, sometimes even a day! From strawberry sours brewed with multiple flats of fresh local berries to German chocolate cake stouts that taste like a liquid dessert, you’ll be blown away by these beer flavours! They might be the new kids on the block, but Counterpoint Brewing doesn’t mess around. If you’re going to visit any of the breweries in Kitchener-Waterloo , they’re my top pick hands down!

Brock Street Brewing Company

Jerry Godinho from Four Columns of a Balanced Life :

Brock St. Brewing Company was established by four best friends who are passionate about craft beer, and giving back to the community. Brock St. opened in April 2015, and in April 2019 expanded into downtown Whitby , Ontario . It has galvanized Whitby’s historic downtown by building a 17,000 square foot production facility, sampling bar, and banquet facility at the corner of Brock & Dunlop St. 

The German trained brew master takes great pride making the beers in small batches. It is this passion and love for beer that has made this brewery win countless awards at many competitions.

My favorite is the Blonde Lagered Ale.  Water, barley, hops and yeast are used to evoke an unbelievable fresh malt bouquet with an elegant and effortless finish. The brew master is a maestro balancing the Willamette hops for the fragrance. The Ale won the bronze medal at the 2017 OBA’s.

Brock St. is a destination place. The architecture stays pure to its roots. If you just want to purchase beer, there is a separate store. There is an amazing restaurant that offers delicious cuisine with all the various beer offerings. The banquet hall upstairs has become the place to get married and have your reception.

Take the #410 exit on the 401 and head north and the amazing building is on the left at 244 Brock St. South in Whitby. 

Head down to the brewery and try the Bohemian Pilsner, Traditional Irish Red, 3:10 to Yakima West Coast IPA, Chocolate Milk Stout, Amber Lagered Ale and Strong Scotch Ale.

Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company

Kareem Hassanien from S well :

If you’re looking for a place to stand and a place to grow in Ontari-ari-ari-o…ok sure live your best life. However if you’re like me, you tend to sit with friends and boast best breweries. In that case you’ve gotta tip your glass to Vankleek Hill ’s own, Beau’s Brewing Co. The tranquil brewery itself is located in a peaceful area not too far from the provincial border with Quebec, so if you’re looking for a serene spot to hash out your hockey differences over a cold one I’d suggest this location for a summit.

Long known for their environmentally responsible localized approach to brewing, their recently announced newest beer ‘Local Organic’ has been hailed as Canada’s most sustainable beer. It’ll be certified carbon neutral so drinkers never again have to worry about choosing between local, sustainably brewed or organic. The deep misty gold of the beer adds to their already stacked lineup from their go to hoppy Lug Tread IPA to the Irish Red Ale ‘Strong Patrick’ to The Belgian Tripel ‘New Lang Syne’. Too many to list for this post but be assured that you’re more than likely to find a cure for what ales you.

We’d be remiss to not mention the quaint food menu if visiting and that on their tours they also feature a beer stein holding competition which can prove a good laugh. The passion for beers and their commitment to their community and clean ethos makes this a must visit spot when in the area and a worthy range to pick up from your local beer store.

Collective Arts Brewing

Yashy Murphy from Parenting To Go :

If you’re a fan of craft beer and art, Collective Arts is sure to please all your senses. This brewery based in Hamilton , Ontario has recently opened a brew shop in downtown Toronto and they deliver their delicious brews right to your Ontario doorstep as well. Their mission is one most of us can appreciate: “to promote artists and raise creative consciousness through the sociability of craft beer.”

What I love most about this Ontario brewery is that they create unique craft beers to match the creativity of the artwork on their labels. Each of their lines feature limited-edition works of art. Collective Arts has produced and compensated over 650 artists and musicians for appearing on their limited edition cans and bottle labels. If you’re an artist, keep an eye out for their bi-yearly Calls for Art and I hope to enjoy a brew with your artwork on it one day soon!

I am a huge fan of their sour beers, gose, saisons and porters. Some of their beers also have fun names likes “Stranger than Coffee and Oat Milk”, “Origin of Darkness”, “Trading Tales” and “Jam Up”. They even have a sour beer called “El Mo’” honouring the El Mocambo, one of the Toronto’s iconic live music venues. If you enjoy well made imaginative beers full of unique flavours, I highly recommend you trying a few of their beers.

Just ensure you stock up on your favourites because limited releases rarely make a re-appearance!

Northern Maverick Brewery

Kathryn Dickson from Kathryn Anywhere :

For downtown core Toronto dwellers, moving to the area didn’t initially include a full-service restaurant attached to a brewery across the street from one of the oldest and most gorgeous churches in the city, but that’s exactly what we were lucky enough to get!

Northern Maverick Brewery is suspended over the parking garage of luxury cars in a high-end condominium on Bathurst Street, just north of King Street West. It’s a hop, skip and a jump away from my front door and I couldn’t be more pleased to have that patio to people watch, enjoy a cold, delicious pint and hang with friends in the summertime.

The huge brewpub opened in the summer of 2017 and has captured my heart and my taste bus with their beers. Their brews, made right there on-site feature their handcrafted Vienna Lager and a variety of seasonal tastes.

My personal recommendations? Obviously the Vienna lager with a touch of citrus and caramel tasting notes. The Enforcer IPA, which is made with citria, mosaic and amarillo hops, brewed with the flavour combination of citrus and tropical fruits. Also, the Gose-zilla, which is a german style raspberry, blackberry, blueberry beer with a touch of tartness in taste, in season during the summer and fall. For a fan of the sour beers, this is right up there as one of the best you can find in all of Toronto. Don’t believe me? Head over there this summer and see for yourself!

Jobsite Brewing Company

Stephanie Mayo from The World As I See It :

If you’re looking for a fabulous craft beer then head to Jobsite Brewing Company in Stratford, Ontario in Perth County . The brewery was founded by two long-time beer enthusiasts and friends who decided to take their passion for construction and beer to the next level. In 2018, Buhler and Oldenburger launched their quirky construction-themed brewery in one of Stratford’s historic buildings. The building couldn’t have been more fitting as it was an old lumber yard. Also in the same building is another staple in Stratford, Junction 56 Distillery.

One of the top things to do in Stratford is to eat and drink, and a great place to do both is at Jobsite Brewing Company. This family-friendly brewery offers up some of the best pizza in Stratford, baked fresh to order in their wood-fired pizza oven. And what pairs well with a good pizza? A pint of beer!

Jobsite offers a range of craft beers on tap or you can try a sampling with their flight by choosing from colour coded nails that represent individual beers. Running with the construction theme you’ll love their fun names like 2×4 Cream Ale and Wrong Nail Amber Ale. So, if you’re looking for a great brewery that’s family-friendly, has a fun atmosphere, tasty food, and excellent craft beer then be sure to hit up Jobsite Brewing Company.

Left Field Brewery

Teri Yeung from Teriaki Talks :

Even if you’re not a huge baseball fanatic, there’s plenty to love about Left Field Brewery.

Personally, what I know about baseball wouldn’t fill a teacup. Nonetheless, the minute I wandered into this beloved neighbourhood watering hole, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia for idyllic school trips to the Sky Dome (it will always be the Sky Dome to me), cheering for the Jays.

Left Field Brewery celebrates everything craft beer and baseball, from the retro logo (a baseball with wheat stitching by CODO Design) to the massive vintage scoreboard installed at its Leslieville location.

Even the names of their bold and distinctly flavoured brews are baseball-inspired! For example, one of their signature dark beers — the Eephesus oatmeal brown ale — is named for a tricky pitch meant to catch the batter off-guard. With a full, malty flavour that is creamy yet refreshing, it’s sure to be a home run for your tastebuds.

If you prefer a lighter beer, try their bright and juicy Squeeze Play, a pink lemonade sour that will have you longing for picnic weather.

Can’t choose between an IPA and a saison? A pilsner and a porter? Or maybe you just don’t know the difference. Whatever the case may be, ordering a flight is a great way to sample what they have on tap.

Despite the stark industrial space, Left Field has established a welcoming vibe that puts it in a league of its own. Not only is the brewery kid-friendly (parents like to drink too!) but dog-friendly. What better way to relax than with a pint in one hand and petting a pup with the other?

Toboggan Brewing Company

Margarita Ibbott from DownshiftingPRO :

Located in downtown London , Toboggan Brewing Company has been brewing pints since 2015. An addition to popular sister bars and eateries, Joe Kool’s and Fellini Koolini’s this microbrewery has become a very popular stop for both locals and visitors to The Forest City. With beer’s like Lunatic Fridge IPA and Mr. Insurance Man (a riff on London being an insurance town), you will also find other microbrewery offerings on their menu. They have the beer wall to prove it.

The food menu is more gastro-pub than traditional pub food with a wide-open kitchen for you to watch the chefs cook your food. The atmosphere is relaxed and the patio a treat in the summer. If you loved your pint enough to take some home, they have a beer & gear store onsite to pick up a growler (a 64 oz shareable beast).

My second suggestion is Storm Stayed on Wharncliffe Ave. located just south of downtown. This small microbrewery has become popular with local residents because it offered a variety of brews and games. With fruit and floral varieties such as Shook: Apricot & Mango or Paradise a double-dry hopped IPA, you’ll find variety here. The menu is pretty sparse but the board games are plentiful. This is a great stop for a social visit with friends without it getting too noisy.

Other Breweries in Ontario to Consider:

Each Ontario based blogger that we tapped on the shoulder gave their pick, but we’d like to add a few more to the list if we might, largely because there are just so many Ontario breweries worth visiting.

• Charlotteville Brewing Company in Simcoe, Ontario
• Badlands Brewing Company in Caledon, Ontario
• Bellwoods Brewery in Toronto, Ontario
• Clifford Brewing Company in Hamilton, Ontario
• Third Moon Brewing Company in Milton, Ontario
• Dominion City Brewing Co. in Gloucester, Ontario
• Barncat Artisan Ales in Cambridge, Ontario
• Willibald Farm Brewery in Ayr, Ontario
• Godspeed Brewery in Toronto, Ontario
• Half Hours on Earth in Seaforth, Ontario
• Rouge River Brewing Company in Markham, Ontario
• Counterpart Brewing in Niagara Falls, Ontario
• Short Finger Brewing Co. in Kitchener, Ontario
• Rorschach Brewing Co . in Toronto, Ontario
• Elora Brewing in Guelph, Ontario
• Anderson Craft Ales in London, Ontario
• Oast House in Niagara , Ontario
• Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay, Ontario
• Old Flame Brewing Co. in Port Perry, Ontario

We want to thank everyone for their contributions and sharing their favourite brewery in Ontario. Remember that you can always continue the conversation by commenting below, or posting in our welcoming Facebook group, “ Ultimate Ontario – A Community for Amazing Ontario Experiences .”

And don’t forget about our hugely popular Ultimate Ontario newsletter , bringing the best of Ontario right to your inbox.

Christopher Mitchell is the Cofounder of Ultimate Ontario. He’s visited over 80 countries, and has lived on 4 continents, but now has his eyes set squarely on exploring this incredible province, and helping others do the same.

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

Stonepicker? Seriously? They make overpriced craft beer, cut every corner and have essentially operated as a speak-easy for the townies during Covid.

Half Hours on Earth (RIP), Sons of Kent, Craftheads, Oast or Muskoka shou

Monday 22nd of November 2021

Full Beard Brewing Co. in Timmins, ON has a wide variety of incredible beers!

Christopher Mitchell

Noted! Thanks, Samantha!

Saturday 27th of March 2021

I work at Upper Thames Brewing in Woodstock and they have a great variety for all levels of beer drinkers. My favourite is Dusk to Dawn, a white stout that reminds me of a coffee Crisp in a glass! Our brown ale is also one of the best I've had, in my opinion.

Sunday 28th of March 2021

Good to know! Thanks for sharing, Steph!

Sunday 7th of March 2021

There are so many great breweries right here in Ontario, isn't there? We go camping at various provincial parks around the province each year and one of our favourite things to do is to compare our road trips to the park with the location of different breweries that we can check out along the way. There is something all too fun about relaxing at the campsite with new craft beers to try out!

We couldn't agree more, Britt! Thanks so much for the comment!

Lori Bosworth

Saturday 6th of March 2021

I was familiar with a few of these breweries, but there are several that are new to me! Wow, beer is becoming one of Ontario's major exports!

It sure is!

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Toronto Brewery Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Toronto's vibrant craft beer culture with Canadian Craft Tours' Toronto Brewery Tour. Ideal for both enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this tour offers an exclusive peek behind the scenes of the city's most exciting breweries.

What You'll Experience:

• Expert-Led Insights: Our passionate "Beer Geek" guides will lead you through a fascinating exploration of beer's rich history and brewing processes.
• Exclusive Tastings: Enjoy a curated selection of beer flights, featuring 4x5oz samples at each brewery visit, providing a taste of Toronto’s finest brews.
• Convenient Transportation: With options for both private and public tours, including round-trip transport from Keele Subway Station, we make your craft beer journey seamless.
• Customizable Private Tours: Tailor your experience with custom pickup/drop-off locations and explore breweries in Toronto's West End, Junction, or East End.

Booking Your Tour:

Ready to dive into Toronto’s craft beer world? Reserve your spot on our public tours directly through our website or contact us to arrange a personalized private tour. Whether you’re planning a special event or just looking to enjoy some quality brews with friends, our tours offer an immersive experience into the heart of Toronto’s beer scene.

Why Choose Us?

Canadian Craft Tours is committed to providing an engaging, informative, and enjoyable craft beer experience. From the moment you book until the last drop, we ensure every aspect of your tour is perfect. Join us and discover why Toronto is at the forefront of the craft beer movement.  We are also the owners of Toronto Brewery Tours and the Beer Bus . 

Let’s Raise a Glass Together!

Book now and prepare to embark on a craft beer adventure that celebrates the best of Toronto’s brewery culture. For more details, visit our FAQ page or get in touch to customize your tour.

Sample Public Tour Schedule - What to expect on your Toronto Brewery Tour

• 4:45pm : Meet at Keele Subway Station. Orientation, what to expect, housekeeping. If someone is not here yet, we call or text them to remind you we leave by 5:00pm sharp.
• 4:55 - 5:00pm : Head for our First Brewery in our Canadian Craft Tours minibus.  Introduction of guests to each other, an overview of craft beer, wine spirits in Ontario. Intro to craft beer in Ontario
• 5:00 - 6:10pm : 1st Brewery introduction, Brewery Tour & Tasting Flight, tasting flight beer tasting notes. If the group wants to eat we generally have menu's in the car and you can order as we walk in so the food is ready after our tour.
• 6:15 - 7:05pm : 2nd Brewery introduction, more beer knowledge & tasting flight with beer tasting notes.  This is where we tell you a little more about the craft beer industry and we may even play a little bit of trivia! 
• 7:10 - 8:00pm : 3rd Brewery introduction, tasting flight. By this time the group is all best friends.  Snacks available.
• 8:00 - 8:15 : Head back to our drop off location. Say our "See you again's", and hug it out.  

*If the guide does not tip the van please feel free to tip the guide.

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Special Brews: The Best Breweries in Ontario

The Luxury Guide to Wilderness Camping in Algonquin Park

Photo courtesy Muskoka Brewery 

Updated April 16, 2024 / Commissions may be earned from Luxury Ontario ‘s affiliate partners

“Beer,” Benjamin Franklin was reported to have said, “is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Amen to that! But what the great 18th Century thinker, inventor, and politician neglected to mention was the fact that, obviously, God was referring to Canadian beer…. and, in particular, Ontario ’s wonderful craft brews.

Don’t laugh, but it’s a fact (though perhaps a little-known one) that beer is as important a part of our great nation’s fabric today, both economically and culturally, as it was when Canada was founded. Example: Canada Day celebrations account for one of the biggest spikes in beer sales in the country.

Indeed, Ontario’s economy from the get-go was built upon the supply and demand of a few basic commodities: fur and lumber, naturally, but would you have guessed beer, too, played a role? The province’s beer industry began the moment the early settlers from Europe arrived and established small breweries to make unique beers for their own consumption, and later expanded this to friends and the local community at large.

The Best Breweries in Ontario are Steeped in History

The arrival of prohibition, the Great Depression and a couple of nasty world wars, however, put many of these small brewers out of business. Those that did weather these storms were often simply swallowed up by larger conglomerates more interested in quantity over quality, and for a few dark, desolate decades, beer for the majority of Canadians was little more than a slightly alcoholic version of pop.

Then along came the Eighties, and with the big hair and new wave music came a resurgence of interest in independent brewing. In Ontario, credit for the province’s first craft brewery went to Jim Brickman whose Brick Brewing Company Ltd ., founded in 1984, was followed soon after by several other independent breweries, each determined to create high-quality, handcrafted beers.

Today, with some 269 craft brewers calling the province home, along with around 55 brew pubs, Ontario rivals some of Europe’s best-known brewing areas for its concentration of establishments busy making quality beers: beers that place an emphasis on local roots and distinctive tastes now account for approximately 15 percent of the Ontario market.

18th Century Taste, 21st Century Beer

And with trendy names like Barley Days and Flying Monkeys , as much creativity goes into the naming of the breweries and their brews as goes into the products themselves.

In fact, beer consumption today is not unlike the slow food movement, and for many people has become the “new coo,” with enthusiasts taking the time to savour their favourite brews. In addition to the hip factor, the tremendous increase in the popularity of craft beers and the breweries that make them is largely due to the quality of the finished product.

Visit any of the best breweries in Ontario today and you’ll find brew masters willing to make riskier choices when it comes to ingredients. Brewers are taking old-style recipes, the kind that would have been popular before prohibition, and are adapting them, trying new things. And they’re getting back to their roots, operating regional businesses catering to regional tastes.

The end result? More choice, better quality, and big, bold beers with incredible flavours. Read on to find out more about some of the very best breweries in Ontario, and the great beer they make.

Brave New Brews: The Best Breweries in Ontario

Muskoka brewery, bracebridge.

One of a handful of craft breweries now calling cottage country Muskoka home, Muskoka Brewery was founded in 1996 in Bracebridge by Gary McCullen and Kirk Evans and has become an icon in this vacation region of Ontario.

With a focus on producing high-quality, innovative products, the brewery goes to great lengths to ensure its practices are environmentally sound and sustainable. Consequently, their craft beers contain no additives, preservatives, or cheap ingredients to speed up the brewing process, and pasteurization is a distinct no-no.

A sip of the flagship Muskoka Cream Ale is enough to convince enthusiasts that these guys make real beer. The company’s first offering, this British-style cream ale is crisp and refreshingly hopped with a wonderful malt balance.  Not a company to rest on its laurels, Muskoka Brewery has since gone on to develop other award-winning brews.

Innovation and experimentation are key to the craft beer style, and the brewery’s seasonal offerings certainly fulfill this mandate. One of the most popular is the Muskoka Summer Weiss (unfiltered and naturally hazy), a perfect balance of wheat, barley and subtle hopping that makes this an intriguingly aromatic and flavourful brew.

Another seasonal fave is the Tap Handle Harvest Ale. It marks the end of the growing season and is brewed using premium local ingredients giving it a rich malt backbone and is dry hopped for a subtle grassy character reminiscent of the harvest.

With its heady aroma and citrusy undercurrent, Muskoka Mad Tom IPA is a strong IPA that goes down a treat with burgers, especially if topped with strong cheddar or bacon (better still, add a drop to homemade burgers!)

Undoubtedly the company’s most daring seasonal brew is the flavourful and warming Winter Beard Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout. This rich, sturdy stout is brewed with roasted dark chocolate malts, real cocoa, a hint of vanilla and freshly harvested local cranberries, and is given an extra punch from its increased alcohol content.

Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company, Vankleek Hill

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Eastern Ontario sits the community of Vankleek Hill , population 1,996… and a brewery. Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company was started by father and son team Tim and Steve Beauchesne and has built a reputation as a brewery noted for its interesting, award-winning, tasty beers. All its products are manufactured using the highest quality, natural ingredients, from the certified organic hops and malts to the local spring water used, something which provides the brewery’s seasonal beers with their unique flavours as their mineral content changes with the seasons.

Beau’s is known for brewing according to style and tradition and lets its beer age, and then age some more, giving it a unique, clean, and crisp flavour. This hands-on approach is not only applied to the brewing process but to details such as personally delivering the beer fresh every week to stores and restaurants across the province.

The company’s year-round flagship brand is Lug-Tread Lagered Ale. Aptly named after the tracks left in the mud by tractors (the name’s a nod to the community’s farming roots), it’s a golden beer that combines the fermentation of ale with the aging techniques of lager. This provides a wonderful combination of subtly complex ale flavours and fruitiness with the crispness and mouthfeel of a lager.

Seasonal brews include a spring beer, the wonderfully named Beaver River I.P.Eh?, a bold India pale ale, and the summery Festivale, created especially for the Ottawa Jazz Festival and based on the German alt style. For Fall, the company produces its popular Night Marzen, a traditional Oktoberfest Märzen and their only beer fermented with lager yeast.

Winter is celebrated with the release of Bog Water, a strong and spicy dirty brown ale featuring Bog Myrtle, a herb used in brewing back in the 15th century. But as good as these names are, the company has one that’s even better that only rolls out for special occasions its limited edition – brew-on-demand Iron Arse Ale.

Lake of Bays Brewery, Baysville

Established in 2010, Lake of Bays Brewery has worked hard to make a name for itself. Now widely regarded as one of Canada’s leading craft breweries, this Baysville-based brewery offers a variety of uniquely crafted beers. Highlights include Rousse, a year-round red ale that obtains its rich tones and flavour from the malts used (they’re also responsible for its colour and its distinct colour and velvety smoothness).

Other notable brews include the Old North Mocha Porter , a perfect winter beer brewed using roasted barley, chocolate malt, and real ground coffee to give it its full, rich character. The result is a balanced, flavourful beer that leaves you wanting more. Be sure to sample their Rock Cut Baysville Lager , an easy-on-the-palate lager is popular for the slight sweetness provided by an oh-so-subtle hint of caramel.

Lake of Bays Brewery is also making a name for itself as a fun place to visit thanks to its guided brewery tours, on-site retail outlet and tasting bar. They’re also now operating two excellent brew pubs, including the Huntsville Brewhouse and the Bracebridge Barrelhouse.

Sawdust City Brewing Company, Gravenhurst

A star amongst beer enthusiasts, downtown Gravenhurst’s Sawdust City is the relatively new kid on the block. Named after this historic town’s lumber-focused past (it was called Sawdust City as its many waterfront wood mills were literally built on sawdust), this first-rate brewery only opened to the public in 2014 and has already taken the craft beer-drinking community by storm.

Its award-winners include:

• Golden Beach – A distinctly American-style wheat ale with juicy citrus hop flavours and hints of tropical fruit.
• Lone Pine IPA – Hoppy as a bunny and as piney as a Muskoka forest, this dockside favourite – balanced with a blend of four different malts – bursts across the palate with a citrusy tang.
• Skinny Dipping Stout – Super-chocolaty and dark, this delicious brew beer.
• Ol’ Woody Alt – Named for its rich mahogany hues (the same rich red, in fact, as the classic wooden boats that still ply the waters of nearby Lake Muskoka), this lagered ale draws its inspiration from the classic beers of Germany’s Dusseldorf region.
• Gateway K ölsch – With a nod to the ales of Köln, Germany, this crisp aged beer with its hint of hops and mellow malt notes has become one of the brewery’s signature beers.

Be sure to visit Sawdust City’s Saloon, one of the most happening places in Muskoka. With 12 beers always on tap, including one-offs, seasonal brews, collaborations and guest brews, along with a good selection of wines, spirits, ciders and single malt whiskies, it’s well worth spending a little time here, particularly on music night.

46 North Brewing Corp, Sudbury    

While the brewing scene in Sudbury may be modest in scale (the city has just two breweries), it definitely impresses. Leading the field here is 46 North Brewing Corp, which has been a fixture on Ontario’s beer map since its inception in 2019.

Co-founded by Graham Orser and Holli Bernier , this adventurous brewery has experimented with crafting over 200 distinct beers and continuously adds new flavours to their ever-growing roster of brews. I had the pleasure of sampling recently their excellent Orser’s Italian Pilsner, brewed especially for Sudbury’s popular di Gusto Italian restaurant (try their pizzas!).  It stood out as crisp, light, and superbly refreshing thanks to having been brewed using local spring water.

Looking for the perfect snack to complement your drink? The brewery offers a variety of goodies to nibble on while enjoying your beer. My pick? It had to be one of the renowned Nathan’s Famous premium hot dogs 46 North brings in from the United States . After trying it for myself, I had to agree with their claim that it’s a world-beater.

It’s worth noting that while 46 North’s beers aren’t as yet available from the LCBO, you can buy them online at https://46north.ca , or do as I did and take a drive to Sudbury.

Great Lakes Brewery, Toronto

Toronto’s Great Lakes Brewery (GLB to those in the know) is the brewery behind Canuck Pale Ale, a West Coast-style pale ale boasting a big hoppy aroma and a nice bitterness. A hefty amount of cascade hops are used at the end of the boil and for dry hopping, leading to a lingering bitterness and is complemented by a soft bready malt flavour.

This popular brew pours a slightly hazy amber, with an aroma big on resinous hops, herbal and floral notes, pink grapefruit juice, and faint caramel.

S pearhead Brewing Company, Kingston

Founded by Dimitri van Kampen , a. former Bay Street lawyer and beer hobbyist, Spearhead Brewing Company in Kingston is famous for having won two top brew awards within just 10 days of its launch in 2011. That beer? The exotically named Hawaiian Style Pale Ale is still a brewery favourite after 12 years on the market.

Spearhead is still known for experimenting with beer recipes using non-traditional ingredients like fruit and spices to create complex, unanticipated flavours. For example, the already mentioned Hawaiian Pale Ale gets its fruity overtones from the pineapple (yes, real pineapple) added to its ingredients. And unlike some breweries that filter their beer and carbonate it using CO 2 (think mass-produced variants) Spearhead’s brews are unfiltered, non-pasteurized and naturally carbonated so that the flavour remains in the glass, where it’s supposed to be.

Tips & Tactics

Want to know what beer enthusiasts really think of a particular craft brew? One of the best online resources – certainly one of the most comprehensive – is RateBeer ( www.ratebeer.com ), a website made by craft beer enthusiasts for like-minded souls.

Hey, why not make a day trip out of your beer adventure? Check out our coverage of the best unique and luxury hotels in Ontario for ideas and inspiration.

____________________

Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles and travel writer and Co-Founder of Riley . Oh, and beer enthusiast.

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THE 10 BEST Ontario Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours

Beer tastings & tours in ontario.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour

2. Niagara Tasting Tour (Wine, Beer, Cider, Spirits) with Transport

3. Toronto Local Beer Tour: 2 Beers at 2 Unique & Historical Pubs

4. Private Wine & Charcuterie Tour (Customizable)

5. myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings

6. City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries

7. Private Custom-Made Niagara Falls Wine, Beer, and Spirits Tour

8. Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region

9. Quebec Craft Beer Tour - From Ottawa & Gatineau

10. Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario

11. Private Half-Day Custom Wine Tasting Tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake

12. Brewery & Distillery Tour (Craft Beer, Spirits, and Cocktails)

13. Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour

14. Private:Brewery, Winery, and Cider & Spirit Tastings Tour in SW Ontario

15. Guided Craft Beer Tour in Niagara

16. Muskoka Brews with the Views

17. Brewery Tour

18. Private Wine Tours of Niagara and more

19. Guided Craft Cider Tour in Niagara

20. Brew Bus Private Brewery Tours groups

21. 5-Hour Premium Night Pub Crawl Experience in Toronto

22. Toronto Legendary Cocktail Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour
• myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings
• Toronto Local Beer Tour: 2 Beers at 2 Unique & Historical Pubs
• Toronto Craft Brewery Tour
• Private Wine Tours of Niagara and more
• Fallsview Limo Niagara INC - Tour & Transportation Service
• Winery Tours of Niagara
• Local Toronto Food Tours
• Brewery & Distillery Tours Niagara
• Sandbanks Vacations
• Zoom Leisure Bikes
• Buzz Tour Company
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• Ride the Bine
• Yours Outdoors
• Kingston Food Tours
• Thursty Pedaler
• Brew Donkey

Guelph Craft Brewery Tours

Explore guelph with us.

If you’re a fan of craft beer and are looking for a unique experience, look no further than our Guelph Craft Brewery Tours. The city is home to a number of craft breweries, each offering unique and delicious brews. Located in the heart of Ontario, Guelph is a city known for its thriving craft beer scene, and these tours provide an excellent opportunity to explore the best breweries the city has to offer. Our Guelph Craft Brewery Tours offer three different options to choose from, each providing a unique experience.

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• Map Marker Guelph

Guelph Self Guided Tour

Join us for a Guelph Self Guided Tour! Book online now!

• Hour Glass 4.5 hours
• User 19+ years

Guelph Day Tour

We’ll take you to your first stop Wellington Brewery. One of Ontarios first craft breweries will tease your palate with a variety of industry leading craft beer.

• Hour Glass 5 hours

Guelph Evening Tour

Join us today on a fun, memorable Guelph Evening Tour!

• Most Popular

The Hybrid Day Tour

World-Class; Craft Beer, Cider, Whiskey & Wine , rolled into one with the Niagara Craft Brewery Tours!

• Info Public or private

Connoisseur Day Tour

A Niagara Tour with Fun & Variety! Join us on our Connoisseur Day Tour!

The Hybrid Evening Tour

An Evening Tour of Craft Beer, Cider, Whiskey & Wine with the Niagara Craft Brewery Tours

Connoisseur Evening Tour

An evening full of fun while exploring the Niagara Breweries, Connoisseur style.

Bark N Brew Tour

Experience the Wonders that Niagara has to Offer! Join us on Fridays and Saturdays one of Niagara’s Hottest Tours, the Bark n Brew Tour. We will drive you through Niagara on a craft beer adventure.

• Hour Glass 5 hours , 5

Axe N Brew Tour

Bond with Family & Friends & Explore Excellent Breweries at the Axe n Brew Tour!

• Info Public

Collingwood Self Guided Tour

Want to visit the breweries on your own schedule at a cheaper rate? Look no further than our Collingwood Self Guided Tour. This tour gives you a flight for each paid guest at Black Bellows Brewing, Collingwood Brewery, and Northwind Brewing Co. Receive educational presentations, flights, samples at each stop.

• Map Marker Collingwood
• Hour Glass Self Guided Tours must be done during brewery operating hours.

Niagara Falls Self Guided Tour

Want to visit a couple of Niagara Breweries at your own pace and stay as long as you want? Then our Self Guided Passes are the right choices for you. With this purchase, customers receive a flight of beer at Blackburn Brewhouse and Taps Brewhouse. Tickets must be used and can only be used on that date selected. Enjoy the best craft beer in the city of Niagara Falls!

Muskoka Self Guided Tour

Want to tour Muskoka’s amazing craft brewery’s on your own time and schedule? Then look no further! Our Muskoka Self Guided Tour has you covered. On your selected day , visit Muskoka Brewery for a flight and tour, Lake of Bays Barrel House for a pint of your choice and lunch on us! Also, head on over to Sawdust City for a flight of innovative beers!

Collingwood Evening Tour

Niagara Craft Brewery Tours – Explore Ontario With Us!

Collingwood Day Tour

Come aboard with us on our fun Collingwood Day Tour and enjoy a delicious selection of craft beers!

Eco-Beverage Day Tour

Walk along the top of the Niagara Escarpment through old-growth forest with excellent wildlife sighting opportunities. Stunning views include the canopy, Niagara farmland, and even the Toronto skyline on a clear day.

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Golf N Sip Tour

Join us on our famous Golf N Sip Tour, you’ll embark on 18 holes of adventurous golf with cart! Book online now!

Toronto Airport Shuttle

Let us pick you up directly from your Niagara based location and take you to Pearson International Airport.

• Map Marker Toronto
• Info Round Trip Shuttle

Hamilton Airport Shuttle

Let us pick you up directly from your Niagara based location and take you to Hamilton International Airport.

• Map Marker Hamilton
• Info One Way Or Round Trip Shuttle

Grand Falls Tour

Relax and soak in the picturesque scenery from above with this spectacular aerial tour over our spectacular Niagara Region!

• Hour Glass 30 minutes
• User All Ages

Axe N Brew London

Experience London Craft Brewery Tours with Friends & Family at the Axe n Brew Tour!

• Map Marker London

Hamilton Self Guided Tour

Looking for a more economical option? or perhaps you’re looking to do things on your own terms? Just select the day you want to do the tour! Show up at each stop with your receipt!

Hamilton Evening Tour

You will taste and learn on Collective Art’s, Clifford Brewing and Merit Brewing, enjoying different samples of craft beer in the evening. Book Now!

Hamilton Day Tour

We will taste some craft beer at Collective Art’s, Clifford Brewing and Merit Brewing enjoy different samples.

London Day Tour

We will learn all about Beer Lab’s microbrew creations, stop in for refreshing & explorational samples at Toboggan Brewing Co and enjoy samples of different craft beers at Andersons Brewing. Finally, we will head over to London Brewing Coop, for a full sampling flight of their famous craft beers.

London Evening Tour

The day starts with a pick-up directly at your lodgings, or our general pick-up location, followed by a one of a kind experience with tasty student creations of craft beer at Beer Lab! You will visit Andersons Brewing , our guests will enjoy samples of different craft beers and have the opportunity to enjoy a unique beers.

London Self Guided Tour

Want to go at your own pace? Need a cheaper option?

Get the gift of a life time for your Friends & Family at the Niagara Craft Brewery Tours!

Muskoka Day Tour

The perfect way to dive into Muskoka’s craft beer scene. Sample tasteful, innovative beers at several breweries around Muskoka on this craft beer tour.

Muskoka Evening Tour

If your idea of a perfect Muskoka evening includes a Private/VIP tour and being exposed to great beer, great food and interacting with local people, then look no further than this private evening tour!

Kawartha Dairy Customized Tour

Custom Private Tour

• Hour Glass 8.5 hours

Wine Not Niagara

The Best Wine Tour in Niagara! Join The Niagara Brewery Tours and experience this amazing journey.

Niagara On The Lake Self Guided Tour

Indulge, on your own time with the Niagara on the Lake Self Guided Tour. Exploring some of the best Craft Breweries in the area.

Niagara Falls Evening Tour

Taste the best craft brew that the City of Niagara Falls has to offer!

Niagara Craft Cider Day Tour

Learn about the Cider-Making Process & Taste Samples during this Day Tour!

The Guelph Day Tour

The Guelph Day Tour is a great option for those who want to enjoy a day out with friends or family. This tour takes you to four different breweries where you can sample their craft beer, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy some delicious food. The tour includes transportation between each brewery, making it a hassle-free experience.

The Guelph Evening Tour

If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, the Guelph Evening Tour is a great choice. This tour takes place in the evening and is perfect for those who want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Guelph. The tour takes you to three different breweries where you can enjoy live music, entertainment, and of course, plenty of craft beer.

The Self-Guided Tour

For those who prefer to go at their own pace, the Self-Guided Tour is an excellent option. This tour allows you to create your own itinerary and visit the breweries of your choice. You’ll receive a map of the breweries in the area, and you can visit them at your leisure. This is a great option for those who want to explore Guelph’s craft beer scene in a more independent way.

Book Your Guelph Craft Brewery Tour Today

Our Guelph Craft Brewery Tours offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience the city’s craft beer culture. Whether you choose the Day Tour, Night Tour, or Self-Guided Tour, you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring some of the best breweries Guelph has to offer. So why not gather some friends, book a tour, and experience the best of Guelph’s craft beer scene for yourself?

The 13 Best Ottawa Breweries

What are the best Ottawa Breweries to visit? We’ve done the work to figure that out for you! We’ve visited their taprooms, sampled their delicious beers and read all the online reviews to give you our take on the best Ottawa Breweries to discover this year! 

Breweries List

Ottawa Breweries

Ottawa has seen a growing popularity in craft beer breweries over the past few years. Currently, Canada’s capital city has more than 25 craft breweries and the numbers continue to grow each year.

The craft beer scene in Ottawa has something for everyone. There are a variety of local breweries that offer a wide range of styles, flavours and experiences. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or dark stouts, you’ll be able to find a delicious craft beer to suit your taste. We’ve put together a list of the most popular breweries in Ottawa that you absolutely must check out!

What Are The Best Ottawa Breweries?

Ottawa has a rich history in Canada. It’s long since been an important centre for business and travel so it makes sense that this city would have a growing craft beer scene. With new craft breweries popping up every year bringing unique beer names and flavours to the scene, we’re always excited to see what comes out of Ottawa’s local breweries.

While the craft beer scene in Ottawa might not be as “crafty” compared to those in Toronto or Vancouver , you won’t want to miss out on the unique brews and local breweries that Ottawa has to offer. We’ve chosen our top breweries in Ottawa for you to start your exploration of the local craft beer of our nation’s capital.

How do we pick the best Ottawa Breweries?

With every ‘top breweries’ post that we write, we make sure to do diligent online research to determine who makes it on our list. From reading online reviews and reviewing beer selections, to checking other authority websites and of course, sampling their beers. We do our best to take all the information we collect and give you our opinion of the top breweries in Ottawa.

Did we miss something?

If you think a brewery deserves a spot on our list, Vote for them ! If you’re a brewery looking to update your information or get in touch, contact us!

The Best Ottawa Breweries

Ready to find out who we chose for this year’s top breweries in Ottawa? Keep reading to find out!

Bicycle Craft Brewery

Started by a husband and wife duo who share a love of bicycles and beers, this craft brewery is a favourite amongst Ottawa locals. Dedicated to creating beers with natural and well-crafted ingredients, their lineup is always fresh and exciting. So if you’re in the area, grab your bike and head on over to enjoy a couple of pints in their taproom.

Customer Review: Great little Ottawa craft brewery. Excellent beers, great staff and dog friendly tap room. What’s not to love!

• Phone: (613) 733-2337
• Address: 850 Industrial Ave #12, Ottawa, ON K1G 4K2
• Beers to try: Velocipede IPA and Songbird Pale Ale
• Website: bicyclecraftbrewery.ca

Tooth and Nail Brewing Company

Tooth and Nail Brewing Company, located in the hip “artsy” district of Ottawa is focused on nailing down the staples of beer. Though you’ll find some experimental beers here, you’re most likely to enjoy a classically brewed Pilsner or English Strong. This is the perfect brewery to grab a pint and relax while you enjoy the coming and goings of Hintonburg visitors.

Customer Review: Tooth and Nail is a fantastic craft beer place, in part because the beer is legitimately good, but mostly because the atmosphere is excellent and everyone who works there is absolutely lovely. 10/10 across the board.

• Phone: (613) 695-4677
• Address: 3 Irving Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1Z2
• Beers to try: Tenacity Pale Ale
• Website: toothandnailbeer.com

Beyond the Pale Brewing Company

Beyond the Pale has a strong reputation for producing quality beer. Since opening in 2012, this craft brewery has continued to release unique beers in-house, but you can also find their beers at over 30 local restaurants and bars.

You’ll find a spacious taproom and patio at Beyond the Pale along with delicious a BBQ food menu provided in house by the Smoquehouse team. Can’t make it to the brewery? No problem, you can place an online order and choose curb side pickup or home delivery to get your brew fix!

Customer Review: I visit a lot of microbrewery and this is probably the only one I have been to where we enjoyed every beer we tried ( we had 2 flights) . On top of that the service was excellent and when I had a question about a brew the owner was there to answer. The atmosphere was good, the food looked good (we didn’t try anything). Overall, a great experience.

• Phone: (613) 668-2337
• Address: 250 City Centre Ave Bay 106, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7
• Beers to try: The Darkness Oatmeal Stout and Tropicale Breeze New England Saison
• Website: btpshop.ca

Dominion City Brewing Co.

Dominion City Brewing has a unique “coming of age” story as it is the first brewery in Canada to be funded through Kickstarter. How cool is that?! Offering up an ever changing lineup of tasty brews, this is a must-visit brewery stop in Ottawa for all beer lovers.

The Dominion City Corner Store is also open for cans to-go and curbside pickup with a curated selection of different beers, wine and cider from independent Ontario producers.

Customer Review: Best craft beer ever hands down!!! We love this place-staff is amazing and really cozy for a pint to start off the weekend. In the summer their patio and treehouse are great outside seating options. Always new beers on tap to try so something for everyone

• Phone: (613) 688-6207
• Address: 5510 Canotek Rd Unit 15, Gloucester, ON K1J 9J4
• Beers to try: Paper Salesman Pale Ale and Darkest Hour Dark Lager
• Website: www.dominioncity.ca

Flora Hall Brewing

Located in one of Ottawa’s trendiest neighbourhoods, “The Glebe”, in a former garage building, Flora Hall Brewing is a must-visit for both the beer and its space.  This brewery is built on the foundations of quality beer and quality food and is the perfect spot to enjoy an evening of snacking and conversation.

Go for the beer, but stay for the food! Flora Hall takes classic comfort foods from around the world and gives them a creative, contemporary twist. With a large selection of dishes on the menu and ingredients sourced locally and seasonally, you’re sure to find something to your taste.

Customer Review: Beer was great, as always, and the food was absolutely spectacular! My favourite brewery in Ottawa by a mile.

• Phone: 613-695-2339
• Address: 37 Flora St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1A7
• Beers to try: English Ordinary Bitter and American Oat Pale Ale
• Website: florahallbrewing.ca

Overflow Brewing Company

The name Overflow Brewing Company stems from the word “flow”. Flow or the state of being “in the zone”  is something that the brewers at Overflow believe everyone is looking for in life and they are here to help us achieve flow with great beer. They are a newer brewery in Ottawa but have built a passionate following with their lineup of great beers.

Their kitchen offers incredible smoked BBQ Style Food and they have live music almost every weekend! Grab a pint of your favourite local beer and jam out to some live music with your friends, you won’t be disappointed!

Customer Review: The best beer and food in Ottawa! Great location, and super friendly staff. They have an amazing patio too!

• Phone: 613-695-2337
• Address: 2477 Kaladar Ave, Ottawa, ON K1V 8B9
• Beers to try: PumpKING Pumpkin Kevik and Biggs & Barr Brew Vienna Lager
• Website: overflowbeer.com

Kichesippi Beer

Kichesippi’s taproom and beer garden are a great place to go for drinks, light snacks or a fun night out with friends! With live music and comedy nights and delicious local craft beers, you really can’t go wrong with Kichesippi!

Customer Review: Came here for after hike beers and tacos. We had a blast. Great food. Found a new fav IPA as well! Best of all, our pup got to join us for the last part of our adventure for the day. Thank you!

• Phone: (613) 728-7845
• Address: 2265 Robertson Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K2H 5Z2, Canada
• Beers to try: Warrior Woman American Pale Ale
• Website: kbeer.ca

Conspiracy Theory Brewing Company

Conspiracy Theory Brewing Company is a small batch brewer in Bells Corners crafting up quality single batch brews. They have live music every week and have some of the best pub food you could ask for. They even infuse their pizza crust with their own beer. Now that’s what we call creativity!

Customer Review: The food is delicious. I especially love their pizza with the beer infused crust. Paired with one of their cold beers, makes a great combo.

• Phone: (613) 796-8882
• Address: 2172 Robertson Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K2H 5Z1, Canada
• Beers to try: Area 51 Cream Ale and Chemtrails Pale Ale
• Website: ctbrewing.ca

Evergreen Craft Ales

Like many great craft breweries, Evergreen Craft Ales started out of their home garage where they developed a following of fellow beer lovers and adventurers. Since opening in their new location on Silver Seven Road, they’ve been serving up an array of different craft beers, typically having 8-12 different beer available at any given time!

Their food menu consists of smoked meat and paninis, what more do you really need? They also feature a home brewed seltzer and local wine to cater to everyones taste.

Customer Review: Solid microbrewery with a friendly and welcoming vibe. They have both outside and indoor seating, which was great. They even had live music the evening we went. The beer was good, several different styles to choose from.

• Phone: (613) 319-3106
• Address: 21-767 Silver Seven Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 0H1, Canada
• Beers to try: Clothing of the Gods New England IPA
• Website: evergreencraftales.com

Orleans Brewing Co.

Orleans Brewing Co. pride themselves on their cheerful, communal environment. They push the boundaries with experimentation and innovation while bringing back old and forgotten recipes of craft beer history.

They feature an extensive list of beers on tap along with wines, cocktails, and spirits. Plus, their taproom is always buzzing with events like Musical Bingo, Karaoke, and Music Trivia!

Customer Review: I go for the cozy atmosphere and the Cody’s Brew (oatmeal coffee stout). I highly recommend trying a flight to taste the wide and adventurous variety of beer that they offer!

• Phone: (613) 824-8428
• Address: 4380 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K4A 3W3, Canada
• Beers to try: Kölsch Me Ousside and Billy Bob Bison Pale Ale
• Website: orleansbrewing.com

This ambitious brewery opened up in 2020 which was no easy feat! Since then they’ve been able to continue their passion for brewing great beers, even adding more unique brews to their menu (hello barrel aged sours!).

While they do have their own small food menu, including popcorn on the house, you’re invited to order takeout from the amazing restaurants nearby and enjoy it in their tasting room.

Customer Review: What a wonderful addition to Chinatown! This place has a great atmosphere and delicious beer. Coming in for flight makes for a great date. The complimentary popcorn is a nice touch.

• Phone: (613) 663-9997
• Address: 702 Somerset St W,, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6P6, Canada
• Beers to try: Ovington Electric Pale Ale
• Website: spark.beer

Whiprsnapr Brewing Co.

A small brewery with a huge heart. Whiprsnapr Brewing Co. is committed to ensuring that all employees and customers feel welcome, valued, and secure, contributing to an industry that is more vibrant, mature, and inclusive.

They craft unique style-bending beers designed to challenge your senses and release a new beer EVERY WEEK. What?! Head down to Whiprsnapr for great beers and great company. You may even stumble upon events like bingo, comedy nights, and live music!

Customer Review: The numerous products coming from a small place like this speaks volumes to the joy of crafting beer. They provide a subscription service, and have a temporary unique new beer out every week!

• Phone: 613-596-9882
• Address: 14 Bexley Place – Unit 106&108, Ottawa, Ontario, K2H 8X3, Canada
• Beers to try: Inukshuk Canadian IPA
• Website: whiprsnaprbrewingco.com

Stray Dog Brewing Company

Though technically not located in Ottawa proper, Stray Dog Brewing Company made our list. Located in the nearby suburb of Orléans, this brewery, like many before it, was started by two home brewers. Their passion for well-crafted beer, cool indie music, and a desire to chase a dream led them to open Stray Dog Brewing in 2017 and business has been booming since.

You can find their local brews at many restaurants and liquor stores across Ottawa but we suggest going straight to the source with this one!

Customer Review: One of the best breweries in Ottawa. Always have amazing IPA available, plus some fun seasonals. The staff is fantastic and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

• Phone: 613-830-7364
• Address: 501 Lacolle Way Unit 4, Orléans, ON K4A 5B6
• Beers to try: Shaggin Wagon IPA and Jeanne D’ark Oatmeal Stout
• Website: https://straydogbrewing.ca/

Enjoy the best craft beer in Ottawa!

Make sure to go and check out Ottawa’s best craft breweries, grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local brewers!

More Ontario Breweries to Explore! 

But wait! There are more great breweries to discover in Ontario, Canada! If you happen to find yourself on a road trip around Ontario, make sure to check out some of the following cities for great local craft beer!

• Best Windsor Breweries
• Best Hamilton Breweries
• Best Toronto Breweries
• Best Kingston Breweries
• Best London Breweries

About The Author

Craft Beer Guide's Ultimate Local Brewery Showdown!