From award-winning and inventive craft brews to classic German- and Belgian-style draws, Canada’s brewery scene has something for every taste. Here are some of the top breweries in Canada.
Just south of the Edmonton city limits, in Leduc, Alberta, Rural Routes Brewing Company serves a creative and ever-changing array of craft beers plus elevated brewpub-style bites. The brewery’s Amaretto No Regretto Tart Ale offers hints of Disaronno, sure to satisfy the sour-seekers, while the L.A. Vice Hefeweizen appeals to lovers of a traditional clean-finish German hefe.
For a small bite with your brew, order a starter, like Totchos, tater tots with shredded cheddar, sour cream, spicy sauce and green onion. Other options include soft pretzels and poutine. For a hardier pick, go for the fried cauliflower sandwich, pork belly banh mi or the California Love burrito—a tortilla packed with marinated steak, pico de gallo, lettuce, guac, sour cream, and fries.
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4 Origins Microbrewery was co-founded by Keegan Kelertas, Benjamin Somers and Michael D’Ornellas, who each spent years loving and learning about the craft brewery scene until they finally opened their own shop.
Today, along with head brewer Braden Richards, the 4 Origins crew serves up popular picks like Montreal State of Mind, a citrus-infused IPA–their first–brewed in the New England east coast style, and the low-alcohol Côté Canal, an American-style session IPA. Other options include Ironworks blonde ale and the Gin Sour, with its complex hints of cardamom, juniper berries, and lemon confit.
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Timed with the early craft-brewery boom in North America, Garrison Brewing was determined to resurge independent brewing in Halifax. Launched in the city’s north end, the brewery released its first brew in August 1997.
Twenty-five years later, Garrison staples include the Tall Ship (with a light version also available), the Irish Red Ale, the original beer that launched the brewery, and Hoppy Boy, a hybrid of American- and New England-style IPAs. Specialties include a 25th anniversary edition hazy pale ale and a Spruce beer. Seaport sodas, like root beer and blueberry cream soda, offer non-alcoholic options.
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Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Stonehooker Brewing Company offers classic beer styles from Germany, England, and Belgium alongside new-age craft brews, from IPAs and fruit-infused beers to kettle sours and other twists on the traditional. The brewery gets its name from the region’s rich history in shale mining in the nearby waters. Once mined, the stone was loaded onto small sail-driven vessels known as stonehookers.
For a refreshing, easy-to-drink option, go for the Lakeshore Lager. For something a bit heavier, try the head brewer’s favorite: the Peated Scotch Ale. Small, 4-ounce samples are available if you’re not ready for the full commitment. Order a burger or small bites at Chef Cal’s Kitchen and catch a live band while you’re there.
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Following years of home-brewing, founder Andrew Sookran decided to pursue his passion and open his own brewery. Today, Sookram’s Brewing Co. is an area favorite, serving up mainstays like Cult Classic, a crisp and well-balanced Pilsner with floral and spicy notes.
To keep things interesting, Sookram’s releases a new beer every two or so weeks with announcements on Instagram. Other worthy stops nearby include Stone Angel Brewing Co. and Brazen Hall Kitchen & Brewery.
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For traditionalists in search of a German-style bock, order an Elevator doppelbock while visiting the taproom at Hell’s Basement Brewery in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Inspired by a Rudyard Kipling quote (“This part of the country seems to have all hell for a basement, and the only trap door appears to be in Medicine Hat,” the author wrote while traveling through the area), Hell’s Basement’s award-winning doppelbock uses Alberta-grown and malted barley and showcases hints of caramel, fig, raisin, brown sugar and spice, giving it a slight warming feel. Edgier beerheads can opt for the Yard Pineapple Milkshake IPA or a cold ginger-and-lime infused Glitter Boots & Guitar Roots.
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Enjoy a cold craft brew with a side of art at Collective Arts Brewing. As part of its Series 23 program, the brewery rotates the original artwork emerging global artists for each of the brewery’s beer cans.
Popular brews here range from the Audio Visual Lager to the Good Monster DIPA, plus edgier endeavors, like mimosa beer, made with fresh-pressed orange juice and a sour beer base. Other offerings include ciders, sparkling hard teas and lemonades, sours, and more. Not a big imbiber? Collective Arts also draws the non-drinkers with its Botany line of sparkling waters, which include blends like mango and coconut and cucumber, lemongrass and lime.
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