Hops & Hometown Vibes: A Local Guide to the Best Breweries
Ontario is overflowing with craft breweries that are creative, community-driven, and way more fun than your average pint.
Hops & Hometown Vibes: A Local Guide to the Best Breweries
Ontario is overflowing with craft breweries that are creative, community-driven, and way more fun than your average pint.
Ontario isn’t just maple syrup and Muskoka chairs, okay? We’ve also got one of the most creative, down-to-earth, and seriously delicious craft beer scenes in the country. As a girl who grew up in the GTA and now spends every spare weekend road-tripping to small towns, lakefront patios, and forest-lined beer gardens, I’m here to give you the rundown on the best breweries in Ontario — the ones that serve up top-tier brews with a side of local charm.
Whether you're sipping sours on a patio, sampling IPAs in a barn, or cracking cans at the cottage, these are the Ontario breweries you need to know about.
1. Bellwoods Brewery – Toronto
Let’s start with a legend. Bellwoods Brewery on Ossington is what every cool beer spot wishes it could be. Their Jelly King sour is iconic, their bottle shop is a craft lover’s dream, and the people-watching on their west-end patio? Elite. Plus, their second location on Hafis Road gives you way more space to stretch out and sample everything.
2. Collective Arts Brewing – Hamilton
Art, music, and hops collide at Collective Arts, a brewery that supports global artists and makes some of the boldest beers (and gin!) in the game. Their labels are literal works of art, and their taproom is as vibey as it gets. Go for the Ransack the Universe IPA, stay for the gallery-meets-beer-hall atmosphere.
3. Cowbell Brewing Co. – Blyth
Blyth is tiny, but Cowbell is massive. This eco-friendly, farm-style brewery is one of the most impressive beer destinations in Ontario. Their Smooth Sailing Light Lager is a cottage weekend staple, and their on-site restaurant is legit delicious. They’ve even got trails and a beer garden, so bring your friends and spend the day.
4. Matron Fine Beer – Prince Edward County
You can’t go to Prince Edward County and not visit Matron. It’s tucked away in a small-town industrial strip, but inside? Pure magic. Their beers are clean, balanced, and creative — try the Janky IPA or Yeasayer Pale Ale. Bonus: they often host local food pop-ups and their merch is chef’s kiss.
5. Bench Brewing Company – Beamsville
Niagara wine country has serious beer game, too — and Bench Brewing is proof. Located on a sprawling vineyard-adjacent property in Beamsville, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to spend all afternoon. Their Stone Road White Aleand barrel-aged sours are worth the drive, and the modern farmhouse taproom? Total Pinterest goals.
6. Third Moon Brewing – Milton
If you like your IPAs loud, hazy, and loaded with hops, Third Moon is for you. These guys don’t play around. Their can art is metal AF, the beer names are iconic (hi, Rise and Bone Tree), and their limited releases sell out fast. They’ve basically turned Milton into a pilgrimage spot for IPA lovers.
7. Elora Brewing Company – Elora
Nestled in the postcard-perfect town of Elora, this brewery is all heart. The beer’s solid (try the Three Fields Lager or Lady Friend IPA), but the real charm is in the cozy taproom and community feel. Grab a pint, walk to the gorge, and make a day of it.
8. Sawdust City Brewing – Gravenhurst
Sawdust City is peak cottage country cool. Located in Gravenhurst, their big, barn-style taproom serves up fun, drinkable beers with personality. Their Juicin’ IPA and Lone Pine West Coast IPA are both bangers, and their sassy beer names (like There’s No Way of Knowing) are half the fun.
9. Great Lakes Brewery – Etobicoke
This west-end OG has been repping the Ontario craft scene since before it was trendy. Great Lakes Brewery is where you go for consistent quality and beer nerd cred. Their Canuck Pale Ale is a classic, and their taproom has a laid-back, no-frills vibe that’s all about the beer.
10. Blood Brothers Brewing – Toronto
A little dark, a little weird, and totally delicious. Tucked into an industrial pocket near Geary Ave, Blood Brothers does rich, complex beers that lean into wild yeasts, aged blends, and funky finishes. Their Paradise Lost sour series is wild (in the best way), and the whole experience feels like a secret spot your cool friend whispered to you about.
Final Thoughts From Your Friendly Beer-Loving Local
Ontario is overflowing with craft breweries that are creative, community-driven, and way more fun than your average pint. Whether you’re into hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, funky sours, or cozy taproom hangs, there’s a brewery here with your name on it.
So grab your growler, call your people, and hit the road — because in this province, the next great beer is always just around the corner.
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.
Hops & Hometown Vibes: A Local Guide to the Best Breweries
Ontario is overflowing with craft breweries that are creative, community-driven, and way more fun than your average pint.
Hops & Hometown Vibes: A Local Guide to the Best Breweries
Ontario is overflowing with craft breweries that are creative, community-driven, and way more fun than your average pint.
Ontario isn’t just maple syrup and Muskoka chairs, okay? We’ve also got one of the most creative, down-to-earth, and seriously delicious craft beer scenes in the country. As a girl who grew up in the GTA and now spends every spare weekend road-tripping to small towns, lakefront patios, and forest-lined beer gardens, I’m here to give you the rundown on the best breweries in Ontario — the ones that serve up top-tier brews with a side of local charm.
Whether you're sipping sours on a patio, sampling IPAs in a barn, or cracking cans at the cottage, these are the Ontario breweries you need to know about.
1. Bellwoods Brewery – Toronto
Let’s start with a legend. Bellwoods Brewery on Ossington is what every cool beer spot wishes it could be. Their Jelly King sour is iconic, their bottle shop is a craft lover’s dream, and the people-watching on their west-end patio? Elite. Plus, their second location on Hafis Road gives you way more space to stretch out and sample everything.
2. Collective Arts Brewing – Hamilton
Art, music, and hops collide at Collective Arts, a brewery that supports global artists and makes some of the boldest beers (and gin!) in the game. Their labels are literal works of art, and their taproom is as vibey as it gets. Go for the Ransack the Universe IPA, stay for the gallery-meets-beer-hall atmosphere.
3. Cowbell Brewing Co. – Blyth
Blyth is tiny, but Cowbell is massive. This eco-friendly, farm-style brewery is one of the most impressive beer destinations in Ontario. Their Smooth Sailing Light Lager is a cottage weekend staple, and their on-site restaurant is legit delicious. They’ve even got trails and a beer garden, so bring your friends and spend the day.
4. Matron Fine Beer – Prince Edward County
You can’t go to Prince Edward County and not visit Matron. It’s tucked away in a small-town industrial strip, but inside? Pure magic. Their beers are clean, balanced, and creative — try the Janky IPA or Yeasayer Pale Ale. Bonus: they often host local food pop-ups and their merch is chef’s kiss.
5. Bench Brewing Company – Beamsville
Niagara wine country has serious beer game, too — and Bench Brewing is proof. Located on a sprawling vineyard-adjacent property in Beamsville, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to spend all afternoon. Their Stone Road White Aleand barrel-aged sours are worth the drive, and the modern farmhouse taproom? Total Pinterest goals.
6. Third Moon Brewing – Milton
If you like your IPAs loud, hazy, and loaded with hops, Third Moon is for you. These guys don’t play around. Their can art is metal AF, the beer names are iconic (hi, Rise and Bone Tree), and their limited releases sell out fast. They’ve basically turned Milton into a pilgrimage spot for IPA lovers.
7. Elora Brewing Company – Elora
Nestled in the postcard-perfect town of Elora, this brewery is all heart. The beer’s solid (try the Three Fields Lager or Lady Friend IPA), but the real charm is in the cozy taproom and community feel. Grab a pint, walk to the gorge, and make a day of it.
8. Sawdust City Brewing – Gravenhurst
Sawdust City is peak cottage country cool. Located in Gravenhurst, their big, barn-style taproom serves up fun, drinkable beers with personality. Their Juicin’ IPA and Lone Pine West Coast IPA are both bangers, and their sassy beer names (like There’s No Way of Knowing) are half the fun.
9. Great Lakes Brewery – Etobicoke
This west-end OG has been repping the Ontario craft scene since before it was trendy. Great Lakes Brewery is where you go for consistent quality and beer nerd cred. Their Canuck Pale Ale is a classic, and their taproom has a laid-back, no-frills vibe that’s all about the beer.
10. Blood Brothers Brewing – Toronto
A little dark, a little weird, and totally delicious. Tucked into an industrial pocket near Geary Ave, Blood Brothers does rich, complex beers that lean into wild yeasts, aged blends, and funky finishes. Their Paradise Lost sour series is wild (in the best way), and the whole experience feels like a secret spot your cool friend whispered to you about.
Final Thoughts From Your Friendly Beer-Loving Local
Ontario is overflowing with craft breweries that are creative, community-driven, and way more fun than your average pint. Whether you’re into hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, funky sours, or cozy taproom hangs, there’s a brewery here with your name on it.
So grab your growler, call your people, and hit the road — because in this province, the next great beer is always just around the corner.
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.
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Hops & Hometown Vibes: A Local Guide to the Best Breweries
Ontario is overflowing with craft breweries that are creative, community-driven, and way more fun than your average pint.
Posted:
May 22, 2025
Ontario isn’t just maple syrup and Muskoka chairs, okay? We’ve also got one of the most creative, down-to-earth, and seriously delicious craft beer scenes in the country. As a girl who grew up in the GTA and now spends every spare weekend road-tripping to small towns, lakefront patios, and forest-lined beer gardens, I’m here to give you the rundown on the best breweries in Ontario — the ones that serve up top-tier brews with a side of local charm.
Whether you're sipping sours on a patio, sampling IPAs in a barn, or cracking cans at the cottage, these are the Ontario breweries you need to know about.
1. Bellwoods Brewery – Toronto
Let’s start with a legend. Bellwoods Brewery on Ossington is what every cool beer spot wishes it could be. Their Jelly King sour is iconic, their bottle shop is a craft lover’s dream, and the people-watching on their west-end patio? Elite. Plus, their second location on Hafis Road gives you way more space to stretch out and sample everything.
2. Collective Arts Brewing – Hamilton
Art, music, and hops collide at Collective Arts, a brewery that supports global artists and makes some of the boldest beers (and gin!) in the game. Their labels are literal works of art, and their taproom is as vibey as it gets. Go for the Ransack the Universe IPA, stay for the gallery-meets-beer-hall atmosphere.
3. Cowbell Brewing Co. – Blyth
Blyth is tiny, but Cowbell is massive. This eco-friendly, farm-style brewery is one of the most impressive beer destinations in Ontario. Their Smooth Sailing Light Lager is a cottage weekend staple, and their on-site restaurant is legit delicious. They’ve even got trails and a beer garden, so bring your friends and spend the day.
4. Matron Fine Beer – Prince Edward County
You can’t go to Prince Edward County and not visit Matron. It’s tucked away in a small-town industrial strip, but inside? Pure magic. Their beers are clean, balanced, and creative — try the Janky IPA or Yeasayer Pale Ale. Bonus: they often host local food pop-ups and their merch is chef’s kiss.
5. Bench Brewing Company – Beamsville
Niagara wine country has serious beer game, too — and Bench Brewing is proof. Located on a sprawling vineyard-adjacent property in Beamsville, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to spend all afternoon. Their Stone Road White Aleand barrel-aged sours are worth the drive, and the modern farmhouse taproom? Total Pinterest goals.
6. Third Moon Brewing – Milton
If you like your IPAs loud, hazy, and loaded with hops, Third Moon is for you. These guys don’t play around. Their can art is metal AF, the beer names are iconic (hi, Rise and Bone Tree), and their limited releases sell out fast. They’ve basically turned Milton into a pilgrimage spot for IPA lovers.
7. Elora Brewing Company – Elora
Nestled in the postcard-perfect town of Elora, this brewery is all heart. The beer’s solid (try the Three Fields Lager or Lady Friend IPA), but the real charm is in the cozy taproom and community feel. Grab a pint, walk to the gorge, and make a day of it.
8. Sawdust City Brewing – Gravenhurst
Sawdust City is peak cottage country cool. Located in Gravenhurst, their big, barn-style taproom serves up fun, drinkable beers with personality. Their Juicin’ IPA and Lone Pine West Coast IPA are both bangers, and their sassy beer names (like There’s No Way of Knowing) are half the fun.
9. Great Lakes Brewery – Etobicoke
This west-end OG has been repping the Ontario craft scene since before it was trendy. Great Lakes Brewery is where you go for consistent quality and beer nerd cred. Their Canuck Pale Ale is a classic, and their taproom has a laid-back, no-frills vibe that’s all about the beer.
10. Blood Brothers Brewing – Toronto
A little dark, a little weird, and totally delicious. Tucked into an industrial pocket near Geary Ave, Blood Brothers does rich, complex beers that lean into wild yeasts, aged blends, and funky finishes. Their Paradise Lost sour series is wild (in the best way), and the whole experience feels like a secret spot your cool friend whispered to you about.
Final Thoughts From Your Friendly Beer-Loving Local
Ontario is overflowing with craft breweries that are creative, community-driven, and way more fun than your average pint. Whether you’re into hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, funky sours, or cozy taproom hangs, there’s a brewery here with your name on it.
So grab your growler, call your people, and hit the road — because in this province, the next great beer is always just around the corner.
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans.
Page Nine
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