10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Ontario

"Despite the ongoing local brewing boom, there’s work to be done when it comes to burnishing Toronto’s brewing cred beyond our borders. This ­Ossington icon is changing that. The beers, such as Jelly King, a sour ale conditioned in a variety of different seasonal flavours, routinely make special appearances on tap lists and at festivals down south."

"Bellwoods Brewery is as much a center for merriment as it is a brewery. The sprawling patio right off the bustling Ossington Strip is decked out with big picnic tables and fairy lights, so bring your friends. The beer offerings rely heavily on experimentation and frequently rotate, making a case to stop in often."

"The city’s oldest independent brewer, Amsterdam has been serving up craft beers to Torontonians since 1986, well before craft was a “thing.” Now, 30 years later, they’ve got a brewery in Leaside, a harbourfront restaurant on Queens Quay, and a loyal following that goes back decades. Here’s to another 30 years. Try: The Boneshaker IPA, an unfiltered strong beer that’s got taste to match."

"Toronto’s stalwart brewery has grown by leaps and bounds since its founding in 2000, evolving from the passion project of three laid-off brewery workers to a Downtown destination that now includes its own biergärten and restaurant along with a working brewery. Sitting in the shadow of the CN Tower, the biergärten patio has become a landmark in its own right: a place to try the brewery’s iconic pilsner alongside a menu of European- and Canadian-inspired drinking foods, such as soft pretzels with mustard made from the brewery’s beer, and, of course, poutine, topped with the requisite chicken gravy and cheese curds as well as double-smoked bacon and caramelized onion mayo. Dining at the restaurant: While the biergärten is currently closed, Steam Whistle has announced plans to reopen patio seating when restrictions allow, as well as a fireside dining option where diners can book private dinners for up to six guests focused on a menu of items cooked over wood-fired grills."

"If you are planning to have a blast, Steam Whistle Brewery is the choice to make. Located right at the base of CN Tower – one of the top tourist attractions of Toronto – this place is made better with friendly staff. The Steam Whistle Brewery has been around since two decades and has earned the title of being Canada’s largest and most beloved independent breweries."

"Of course, we can’t forget Steam Whistle, one of the most iconic craft breweries in Toronto!. Steam Whistle was founded by three friends back in the late 90’s, and it’s one of the top craft breweries in all of Canada. They brew their craft beer at their Roundhouse Park location, and their pilsner is only made with 4 natural ingredients!"

"Burdock has a lot going on – it’s a restaurant, a music hall and it also happens to be brewing some of the best beers in the city. Go to catch some live music or sit down to a meal made with local, seasonal ingredients; but stay for the beer (or grab some to go from the bottle shop). Burdock brewed their first batch of beer in July 2015 and have been going strong ever since."

"Burdock Brewery serves beer, wine and beer-wine.|© Joel Clifton. The Bloor West brewery is one of the most innovative in the country. Some of their most spectacular beers aren’t beers, but beer-wine hybrids; Burdock combines beer and winemaking techniques, like aging in neutral oak barrels, adding splashes of local wine or aging beers on the skins of orange wines."

"A post shared by Burdock Brewery (@burdockbrewery) on Dec 5, 2015 at 11:23am PST. Chris from travelingmitch:. Burdock Brewery, in my humble opinion, is the shining light of the Toronto’s Bloordale Village neighbourhood which, for reference, isn’t terribly far from the much better known Junction Triangle."

"What is it: Another member of the unofficial Aleyards brewing collective, the fine folks at Junction pump out creative brews at an impressive pace – up to 600 small batches per year, on their count. Why go: The brewery’s setting, a former trash incinerator built in the Art Deco era (c. 1934), will take your breath away. Luckily, there are plenty of tasty, creative beers (barrel-aged porters, German-style festbiers and Berlinerweisses) to revive you."

"You might not look at Junction’s stately new home and think “trash incinerator,” but that’s precisely what it was built to be in the early 30s, when it was known as “The Destructor” (dope). When brewmaster Doug Pengelly and Co. moved in, they kitted the place out with energy-saving brewing tanks, plus a taproom pouring everything from staples like Conductor’s APA to Earl Grey ale and mango lager."

"From stouts to lagers, to sours, to ales, Junction Craft gives you various options from which to choose. Residents of Toronto get free delivery when they order at least 12 cans. If you live elsewhere in Ontario, you need to spend at least $75 to qualify for free shipping."

"What is it: Henderson’s industry veteran co-founders (they used to brew and consult for major brands) bring years of experience to this West End brewery. The monthly Ides series pays homage to Toronto’s history with unique one-off brews. Why go: Part of the Sterling Ave. revitalization (along with the Drake Commissary eatery and brand-new Museum of Contemporary Art), Henderson is helping to turn this up-and-coming neighborhood into a destination."

"Located on Sterling Road in the Junction Triangle, Henderson Brewery is open 7 days a week until 10pm. On Friday & Saturday the bar and bottle shop are open until 11pm. Their flagship beer (and my fav!), Henderson’s Best, is a modern take on brews created in the 19th century."

"Techie-turned-brewer Callum Hay takes traditional beers and adds spin with ingredients like rose hips, ­sarsaparilla, tangerine and prickly pear. If you like what you drink—and if you’re an aspiring or experienced home brewer—all of Halo’s recipes can be found on their website. If not, a visit to the taproom for a pint of something super juicy, sour or hoppy is in order."

"Known for: Experimental concoctions in a cool modern setting. Three years ago, head brewer Callum Hay quit his day job as a software engineer to turn his basement home-brewing hobby into a full-fledged business. Ever since, Halo has been pumping out equally delicious and unorthodox creations."

"A post shared by Halo Brewery (@halobrewery) on Dec 7, 2017 at 9:33am PST. Chris from travelingmitch:. “In this post on Toronto breweries, we want to make sure that we’re giving enough love to the west end, which had a thriving beer scene before it was cool."

"Must try Homicide+Honey garlic sauce wings if you have a good tolerance for the heat. Lettuce wrap burger was another favorite of..."

"For a rather freeing beach day, you’ll want to head to Hanlan’s Point Beach, a clothing optional area perfect for nudists or anyone looking to bare it all under the sun. Found on the western shores of the Toronto Islands, you’ll need to board the ferry to get here. Expect a bike trail, fire pit, volleyball and tennis courts, and a lighthouse to keep you entertained all day long."

"A beautiful yet desolate beach that has long been a recreation point for Torontonians, in fact its where Babe Ruth hit his first professional home-run. This is also Toronto’s only clothing-optional beach. Where: Located on the shores of Lake Ontario on Toronto Islands, Toronto"

"One of Etobicoke’s greatest highlights is the lovely Marie Curtis Park East Beach, which connects to the Waterfront Trail and multiple walking trails and is adjacent to a small park. One of the few beaches in North America named after a female community leader (Marie Curtis was a favoured small-village mayor in the GTA), this beach boasts a beautiful shorefront that is perfect for watching the sunset. Blue Flag designation: No Facilities: splash pad, wading pool (closed), playground (closed), off-leash dog area, picnic areas, washrooms, parking lot, lifeguardsAddress: At Lakeshore Rd."

"In the farthest southwest corner of Toronto you will find Marie Curtis Park. This Park is a great destination for a day of fun with family and friends.Throughout this park you can find an abundance of wildlife and native plants. There is a playground, wading pool, public swimming beach, dog off-leash area, picnic spots, and walking trails including a connection to the Waterfront Trail."

"Located at the farthest corner of the city of Toronto, this charming beach park has an amazing swimming spot to offer. Additionally, you can also opt for a walking tour on the trails alongside and set up a picnic with your loved ones. A playground facility for the little ones is also available at this beach, and a wading pool will allow them to have more fun with their friends."

"A perfect spot for swimming, the gorgeous Woodbine beach is located close to the Kew-Balmy beach and has a wide range of activities for you to try!. In addition to the powder-white sand and soothing waves, you also have access to a playground, beach volleyball courts, Martin Goodman trails and Ashbridges Bay, and a bathing station with a patio with changing rooms too!. If it’s a beach outing you’re looking for, this is surely one of the best beaches near Toronto, Canada!"

"Although technically different beaches, I group these three together based on their close proximity. Woodbine is the city's best spot for beach volleyball and people-watching. Kew takes some of the overflow and rewards those looking for a more serene experience, while Balmy is the quietest of the three, and thus ideal for those seeking seclusion."

"The beach is located in the neighbourhood called “The Beaches”. The Beaches are in the city’s east end – and it’s actually exactly where we lived for the better part of 2017 when we lived in Toronto!. Woodbine Beach is a massive (and massively popular) sandy and rocky beach with access to swim in Lake Ontario."

"Eva’s Original Chimneysmixes two of America’s most popular desserts; doughnuts and ice cream. Their specialty, Chimneys, are freshly baked Hungarian pastries with a crunchy outside and a soft inside. Eva’s offers not only a satisfying treat but also a visual experience, as the Chimney Cakes are baked using a traditional-style, open rotisserie grill, just like on the streets of Budapest."

"A post shared by Eva’s Original Chimneys (@ogchimneys) on Apr 22, 2019 at 6:24am PDT. Eva’s is known for their chimney cones, which are made from their traditional chimney cakes. Soft serve ice cream is then doused with a variety of toppings."

"Eva’s Original Chimneys has always been very vegan-friendly. Their chimney cones are naturally vegan, and they have vegan ice cream, too. Many cones are marked as vegan on the menu."

"On a small corner in Leslieville, the little Bonjour Brioche Bakery Cafe brings the taste of a true French patisserie to life. Known mostly for its brunch menu options, Bonjour Brioche is a great choice whether you crave a piece of quiche or the sandwich du jour. Try something decadent like the Croque Madam sandwich with toasted brioche, ham, gruyere cheese and a fried egg."

"For over twenty years Bonjour Brioche, the ever-popular cash-only café has boasted a traditionally French menu. From the buttery croissants to the French toast, the sweet and savoury smells of the onsite bakery alone will transport you to Paris. Photo Courtesy: @EatGreenwood"

"A little more laid-back than some other restaurants on this list, Bonjour Brioche in Riverside is a TO destination for brunch, mainly, with stellar omelettes, brioche and other pastries."

"Location: 161 Baldwin St #1, Toronto, ON M5T 1L9Hours: Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm Fri – Sun 10am – 7pm or until sold out. Closed on Mondays.Price: The regular donuts are $3.25 with special flavours costing a little more and the donut holes are $4 for half a dozen or $7 for a full dozenWhat to Order: The Vanilla Cardamom Donut (to die for). Dipped Donuts is by far my favorite place for donuts in Toronto and one of my absolute favorite desserts in Toronto as well."

"This gourmet donut shop in Kensington Market makes its delicious creations using only the freshest ingredients. The hand-crafted donuts are available in a range of tasty flavours. We’ve got to recommend the Carrot Cake or the Maple Spiced Pecan Crumble."