10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Guelph

"When it comes to the perfect location in Hamilton for a craft brewery, MERIT nailed it. Another newcomer within the past year, this brewery is located right at James and Wilson across from the August 8 plaza. This one’s for the real craft beer nerds as they are constantly experimenting with their brews and do little to appeal to the casual beer fan."

"Merit Brewing first opened in May, 2017 and was founded by Tej Sandhu, Aaron Spinney, and Jesse Vallins. Tej and Aaron met in Hamilton while attending school. After their careers had them living apart the duo decided the time was right to create the brewery they dreamed of years ago."

"The popular craft brewery was founded collaboratively by Ram McAllister, formerly of Hoyne Brewing Co, Brent Milcz, formerly of Boshkung Brewing Co. and Niagara College grad, and Dan Ryan, a passionate home brewer with over a decade of experience in chemical engineering. Sean and Ram worked together in Victoria, British Columbia and had discussed opening a brewery in Ontario for years. When an opportunity presented itself in 2015, Sean expanded his brewery, leaving some start-up size equipment unused."

"At this time, Fairweater Brewing’s main concern is for frontline healthcare workers, and the most vulnerable members of the community. During these uncertain times, Fairweather has decided to suspend all operations (including delivery) until further notice. Please keep checking their website and their Instagram & Facebook posts."

"A successful Kickstarter campaign helped kick off brewing operations in this old ice rink in downtown Dundas. The result is a spacious tasting room with gorgeous soaring ceilings and large tables for gathering and sipping. Of note is their award-winning Barrelshed series – beers aged in wine barrels to give them a unique character."

"Located conveniently by its neighbour Fairweather Brewing Co., Grain & Grit is another impressive newcomer to the Hamilton craft beer scene. Its small taproom, white painted walls and high ceilings give it a cozy, trendy feel. They already sell an impressive amount of swag in their shop including t-shirts featuring art from their regular line-up of beers as well as cans ready to bring home."

"In in the west end of the city, this family-run brewery is just a short hop from McMaster University. Its head brewer Alex Sporn brings a European flair to his creations, thanks to the wee town in Germany where he grew up. Also a former winemaker, he’s now applying his skills to small-batch beer."

"RETAIL SHOP IS OPEN FOR ONLINE ORDERS ONLY WITH CURBSIDE PICK-UP, LOCAL DELIVERY AND SHIPPING WITHIN ONTARIO. ***CURBSIDE PICK-UP HOURS***FRIDAY / 12-6PMSATURDAY / 12-4PM"

"GENERAL VIBE:  Urban, Look-out, Nature-yBEST SEASONS TO SHOOT IN:  Summer, Fall, Early to mid-Winter (Basically, if there’s snow)HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:  Look-out over the city, Nature path, Flower beds, Stone wallsTHOUGHTS:  If you love getting high above a city and spending some time drinking in the view, you can’t find a better spot to do that than at Sam Lawrence Park here in Hamilton. With an insane look-out over the city, you can trace your finger over some of the different neighbourhoods that make up the lower city and call out landmarks you see along the way. This location creates a really “epic” feeling and the tree-covered pathway along the brow provides another backdrop, creating diversity in your engagement photos."

"Sam Lawrence Park offers up the most incredible skyline views of Hamilton, whether you’re visiting during the day or at night. It’s one of my favourite spots to visit in Hamilton – it’s a view you’d never get sick of looking at!. You can park right in front of the viewpoint, then take a little walk around to see the pretty florals and greenery surrounding the park."

"FirstOntario Centre (originally Copps Coliseum) is a sports and entertainment arena, with a capacity of up to 19,000. Host to nail biting ice hockey championships and a variety of concerts, this center is where all the entertainment and sporting action takes place in Hamilton. Catch one of the exhilarating shows at this arena on your trip to Hamilton."

"This name isn’t a joke, and what this place lacks in square footage, it makes up for in ice cream portions. Place your order in the small space and choose from around 20 flavours of Hewitt’s Dairy ice cream. Enjoy mega scoops in a cone or cup, without the bells and whistles."

"If you’re looking for the most ice cream your dollar can bring you, Big Scoops is the place to go. Don’t let this parlour’s size make you think it doesn’t live up to the name. That image banner above is a “small” size."

"Big Scoops is now open and this is our go to Ice cream place. There are 18 flavors to choose from. You can have it in a cup or in a cone."