10 Best Breweries 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."

"They’re not located in a “trendy” neighbourhood, and you won’t find any reclaimed barnboard or ­taxidermy in the taproom, but Etobicoke’s Great Lakes Brewery has been making the good stuff since 1987—when some of today’s most dedicated craft beer drinkers were nursing a whole different kind of bottle. Owner Peter Bulut Jr. and brewer Mike Lackey are still at it today, and their Canuck pale ale is as good as it gets around here. Pay a visit to their sweet new patio and treat yourself to a pre- or post-Costco-trip pint."

"As one of the GTA’s oldest craft brewers, this two-time Canadian Brewery of the Year has been putting out consistently excellent beers for going on three decades now. GLB refuses to simply rest on their laurels though, putting out innovative new limited releases as part of their ongoing Tank Ten project. Try: Any of the latest Tank Ten offerings, or their classic Canuck Pale Ale."

"Bars and pubs The Queensway. What is it: While it’s slightly west of the city in Etobicoke, it’s worth the trek to pay homage to one of the first great craft brewers in Toronto, going on 30 years strong. They’ve been brewing the Canuck Pale Ale for over a decade and it’s still a homegrown favorite."

"– Mascot Brewery moved last year to an even better location, right in downtown Toronto. Soon patio lovers will be able to find this rooftop party on King St. What is it known for?"

"Toronto’s beer scene has plenty of ­cutting-edge newcomers, so it’s refreshing to also have at least one that’s happily obsessed with the olden days. That’s just how they brew things here in Little Portugal, drawing influences from Belgian and Old World beers that have been brewed since the Middle Ages. The Sunny Places sour pale ale is more contemporary but relies on a centuries-old variety of Norwegian yeast called kveik that gives it a time-tested tang."

"Here, 13 rotating taps showcase inventive riffs on Belgian-style beers. Must-tries include the Flemish Cap, an old-world saison fermented with Brett cultures from Guelph’s Escarpment Labs, and the Promethean Fire, a Flanders-style red ale fermented in cognac barrels. Great brews aside, the brewery is situated on a bustling chunk of College Street, and big tables, a bigger backyard and a laid-back atmosphere all lend an air of conviviality."

"For People’s Pint, the name reflects the democratic process in which the brewery crafts its brews. People’s Pint started as a project in 2015 when they brought together 15 brewers from around the province to create a series of one-off beers. The concept was such a hit that People’s Pint developed from a one-time event into a full-scale project."

"From a project that involved 15 brewers coming together to craft a series of one-off beers, People’s Pint has evolved into a full-scale brewery. Some of its more popular beers are Alpine Dunkel, Alpine Hefe, Goldie Boat, Gose Cuervo, and Helles Island. All orders over $50 placed from within its delivery area get free delivery."

"Located in the Junction (Dundas West), this independent Toronto brewery serving hard to find Ales, has been a consistent favourite of ours despite not living in the neighbourhood. With a wide range of in-house beers and great service, this Toronto brewery sees us making the 40 minute trek from downtown Toronto on a regular basis. The ambiance is fun and welcoming for those of all ages (beer for the adults and crayons for the little ones) making this a spot you can add to your list of things to do in Toronto with kids as well."

"Years before seemingly every neighbourhood in Toronto had its own brew pub, craft forbearers Indie Alehouse was concocting a slew of bold and experimental beers in its roomy Junction digs. Opened in 2012, the 4,000-square-foot space boasts a 110-seat restaurant (known for its legendary fried chicken sandwich), bottle shop and revolving rotation of taps, featuring classics like Broken Hipster, the gulpable Belgian wit and easy drinking Instigator IPA. SE. 2876 Dundas West, at Keele, 416-760-9691, indiealehouse.com"

"If you’re tired of drinking mass-produced beer-flavoured water, you’ll want to check out this popular Junction alehouse. In addition to the small indie brewery’s four flagship offerings, its rotating taps are always changing – keep an eye out for Fates & Furies, a series dedicated to reviving now hard-to-find brews. Try: The Barnyard Belgian IPA, a hybrid that combines the best of both iconic styles."

"The David Dunlap Observatory is a heritage site in Richmond Hill, and it’s definitely worthy of being on your Instagram feed. The building is really unique with its spherical roof and bright blue door, and it’s also a great spot to go star-gazing for some cool shots!. LOCATION:225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, ON | Website"

"It is quite another to feel more connected with the universe. Just a 30-minute drive out of Toronto offers you access to a world beyond the city. The David Dunlap Observatory is a large astronomical observatory managed by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada."

"This spot in the heart of Toronto's Gay Village feels like home for a lot of its regular customers—and that's not just because it's in a converted row house. It's a well-worn favorite that serves up bistro-style comfort foods with global influence—think spicy, but well-balanced tandoori Benedicts, and house-made samosas—and that little bit of difference has made it a go-to for locals in the neighborhood. Change up your Saturday routine a little with a plate of aloo puri (though, you can sate that pancake craving here, too, if you must), and throw in a creamy mango lassi for good measure; you won't be disappointed."

"While not technically outdoors, the Allan Gardens Conservatory delivers a whiff of nature any time of year: even if it's 10 degrees below freezing. Founded in 1858, the 16,000-square-foot greenhouse inside Allan Gardens park is home to hundreds of plants from around the globe, including tropical orchids, palms, banana trees, and jade vine. There are benches where you can pass an afternoon with a book, or you can opt for a paid tour to learn more about flora you likely won’t find in the wild anywhere in Canada."

"Allan Gardens is among Toronto's major tourist attractions and is one of its oldest parks. George Allan, who was a prominent politician and cultural leader, donated this five-acre parcel of land to the city in 1858. One of the most beautiful flower conservatorieswas built in the middle of the park and today attracts crowds with its vast collection of exotic plants and popular annual flower shows."

"A post shared by VIVIEN TRINH (@vivientrinh) on Aug 1, 2018 at 6:24pm PDT. It’s always summer at Allen Gardens!. This gorgeous conservatory is huge and within the city’s east end – from 10 a.m."