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The Great Beer Hunt: The Top 10 Canadian Breweries You NEED to Try
Picture this: it’s Friday night, and you’re staring at the endless abyss of boring beer choices at your local store. Ever wondered where you can find a brew that doesn’t taste like it was filtered through a sock? That’s where the best breweries in Canada come in.
From hopping over to craft beer havens in Toronto to chilling with a pint in a Winnipeg brewery, these spots turn the average pint into a masterpiece.
Imagine sipping on a hazy IPA that makes you question all your past beer choices or a stout so rich it feels like a dessert. Let’s dive into the best of the best, where every sip tells a story, and every visit is a little adventure.
Counterpart Brewing
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Address: 3659 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls
Contact details: +1 905-354-2739
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: $$
Situated just outside the tourist-heavy core of Niagara Falls, Counterpart Brewing has carved out a reputation as the go-to spot for those seeking both incredible craft beer and innovative cuisine in a refreshingly modern setting.
Their focus on small-batch brewing allows them to experiment with bold, often unexpected flavour profiles. Plus, their rotating beer selection keeps things exciting, and you’re bound to discover something new with each visit.
Now, the food? It’s not your typical pub grub. We’re talking house-made pasta, cured meats, and creative veggie dishes that are just as exciting as the beers. It feels more like dining at a cool, laid-back bistro than a brewery.
Pro tip:
Their in-house sour program delivers some of the most balanced and complex flavours around. Pair it with their Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
Steam Whistle Kitchen
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Address: 255 Bremner Blvd Bay 6, Toronto
Contact details: +1 416-362-2337
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: $$
Steam Whistle Kitchen, located in the historic Roundhouse Park, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern craft brewing excellence. Best known for their classic Pilsner, which has achieved near-legendary status in Canada, Steam Whistle brings a dedication to tradition that’s hard to ignore.
But it’s not just about beer here—the space itself tells a story. The Roundhouse building was once a hub for railway maintenance, and the brewery honours this heritage with thoughtful design touches and a respect for the craftsmanship of the past.
To top it all off, their culinary offerings are nothing short of gourmet. Expect hearty dishes like wood-fired pizzas and locally sourced meats prepared with a chef’s touch.
Pro tip:
Make sure to take the brewery tour—it’s not just informative but deeply entertaining, giving you insight into Steam Whistle’s brewing process and history.
Kilter Brewing Co.
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Address: 450 Rue Deschambault, Winnipeg
Contact details: +1 204-960-9484
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 6 PM
Pricing: $$
For those in Winnipeg seeking a craft beer experience that breaks from the usual, Kilter Brewing Co. stands out as a must-visit. Known for its modern and experimental approach, the brewery takes pride in pushing the boundaries with its bold brews, including hazy IPAs, milkshake beers, and other styles.
The minimalist taproom design keeps the focus on what truly matters—the beer. Each brew is carefully crafted, often featuring unexpected flavour combinations and unique brewing techniques.
It’s a space where creativity thrives, and even seasoned beer enthusiasts are likely to find something fresh and exciting.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for limited-edition Kilter brews. They go fast, so order them when you can. Don’t forget to take a 4-pack home for sharing or savouring later.
The Establishment Brewing Company
Address: 4407 1 St SE, Calgary
Contact details: +1 403-453-6212
Opening hours:
- Tuesday: 3 PM – 9 PM
- Wednesday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Pricing: $$
The Establishment Brewing Company is all about blending craftsmanship with a strong sense of community. You could also tell that heir small-batch beers are crafted with precision and creativity.
The brewery is warm and inviting, with an industrial aesthetic softened by personal touches that make it feel more like a gathering space than a production facility.
You’ll find beer geeks and casual drinkers alike sharing tasting flights or picking up bottles of rare barrel-aged releases. While their IPAs often take center stage, The Establishment is particularly revered for its mixed-fermentation and barrel-aged projects, which are complex, layered, and limited in quantity.
Pro tip:
Make sure to sample one of their barrel-aged beers. These special releases often feature intricate flavors that evolve as they warm up in the glass.
Trans Canada Brewing Co.
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Address: 1290 Kenaston Blvd #1, Winnipeg
Contact details: +1 204-666-2337
Opening hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 9 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re all about enjoying great beer without any fuss, Trans Canada Brewing Co. in Winnipeg is worth a visit. They’re all about nailing classic styles, whether it’s a smooth IPA, a rich stout, or a refreshing lager.
They’ve got a spacious taproom designed to make you feel right at home, the ideal spot to kick back with friends over a pint or two. But don’t let their focus on the fundamentals fool you—there’s plenty of innovation happening here, too, particularly with their seasonal and limited-edition releases.
Beyond the brews, the food offerings (especially their pizzas) have earned their loyal following, elevating.
Pro tip:
You can’t go wrong with their signature Canadian Pale Ale, but if you’re feeling adventurous, ask about the rotating seasonal taps. And do yourself a favor—order a pizza to go with your pint.
Last Best Brewing & Distilling
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Address: 607 11 Ave SW, Calgary
Contact details: +1 587-353-7387
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1 AM
Pricing: $$
For anyone who enjoys craft beer and expertly distilled spirits, Last Best Brewing & Distilling in Calgary is a must-visit. The place has an energetic, trendy vibe with an industrial-chic design, perfect for a casual weeknight drink or a stylish Saturday night out.
Their bold IPAs are well-known, but don’t overlook their saisons and stouts—they often surprise with their depth and complexity.
What sets Last Best apart, though, is their in-house distillery. They craft some top-notch gin and whisky, so there’s something here for every palate, whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a spirits aficionado.
Pro tip:
Their distillery-crafted gin is exceptional or better yet, grab a tasting flight to sample the full range of what they offer.
Badlands Brewing Company
Address: 13926 Chinguacousy Rd, Inglewood
Contact details: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Friday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Pricing: $$
A small yet mighty player in Alberta’s craft beer scene, Badlands Brewing Company in Inglewood is the perfect spot for hop heads and those who appreciate bold, unfiltered flavors.
Despite its unassuming size, Badlands has quickly gained a cult following for their juicy, hazy IPAs, which are known for their intense aromatics and soft, pillowy mouthfeel.
This isn’t the kind of place where you come for distractions or gimmicks—it’s all about the beer, plain and simple. The brewery has a relaxed and intimate feel, making it a great place to linger and chat about the intricacies of brewing with the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss their Double IPA—it’s a fan favorite for good reason, with layers of tropical fruit and citrus. If the weather’s nice, grab a seat outside in their beer garden for a perfect summer afternoon.
The Grist – Craft Kitchen & Brewery
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Address: 78 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Contact details: +1 289-296-9199
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Pricing: $$
Set in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, The Grist offers a full-on culinary and craft beer experience in one of the region’s most scenic locations. The space itself feels welcoming, with rustic charm and modern touches that make it a destination for both tourists and locals alike.
The brewery’s selection ranges from approachable lagers to more experimental brews, but what really sets The Grist apart is how seamlessly they pair their food offerings with each drink.
And with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, they combine the best of both worlds: artisanal food and finely crafted beers. Every plate that leaves the kitchen feels designed to complement your beer in unexpected and delightful ways.
Pro tip:
Try to time your visit for one of their beer-pairing dinners. It’s an immersive experience that showcases how much thought goes into each pairing. If that’s not possible, their farmhouse ale paired with one of their seasonal dishes will give you a taste of what they’re all about.
Bellwoods Brewery
Address: 124 Ossington Ave, Toronto
Contact details: +1 416-535-4586
Opening hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 5 PM – 12 AM
- Wednesday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Pricing: $$
Bellwoods Brewery has become a Toronto institution, beloved for its ever-changing roster of IPAs, stouts, and experimental ales.
From fruity, hazy IPAs to mouth-puckering sours, there’s always something new and exciting on tap. The brewery’s creativity knows no bounds, often collaborating with other craft breweries around the world to produce limited-edition beers that fans scramble to get their hands on.
Lastly, the Ossington patio, particularly in the summer, is where beer lovers flock to enjoy the sunshine and some of Bellwoods’ finest pours.
Pro tip:
If you’re into sours, try one of their fruit-forward sours, which balance tartness and sweetness in all the right ways. And don’t forget to take a bottle home—their bottle shop is stocked with rare and seasonal releases that you can’t find anywhere else.
Blood Brothers Brewing
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Address: 165 Geary Ave, Toronto
Contact details: +1 647-628-6062
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Pricing: $$
When you step into Blood Brothers Brewing, you can feel the excitement that comes with constant innovation. They’re known for their fearless approach to brewing, since they aren’t afraid to experiment with wild ingredients and techniques.
And we’re impressed by their lineup, spanning from punchy IPAs to rich, barrel-aged beers and everything in between. The eclectic taproom reflects their ethos—edgy and artsy, with local art on the walls and a vibe that makes it clear they’re doing things their way.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer geek or just someone looking to try something a little different, Blood Brothers delivers with a sense of fun and adventure in every pour.
Pro tip:
Their small-batch experimental brews are where they really shine, so ask about the latest one-offs when you visit. And if you see one of their wild ales on tap, don’t hesitate to order it—the complexity and creativity in those beers are truly something to behold.
