A Tour of Canada's Craft Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
Canada's diverse landscapes and rich agricultural regions provide a thriving craft beverage scene. From the rolling vineyards of British Columbia to the bustling breweries of Quebec, Canada offers an array of options for enthusiasts of craft beer, wine, and spirits. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore some of Canada’s most renowned craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
Craft Breweries:
Steam Whistle Brewing, Toronto, Ontario: Nestled in Toronto's historic Roundhouse Park, Steam Whistle Brewing is known for its iconic green bottles and crisp, refreshing pilsner. Take a tour of the brewery to learn about the brewing process, from grain to glass, and sample some of their award-winning beers straight from the source. With its commitment to sustainability and quality craftsmanship, Steam Whistle is a must-visit destination for beer lovers visiting Toronto.
Photo Cred: The Beer Whisperers
Granville Island Brewing, Vancouver, British Columbia: Located on the picturesque Granville Island in Vancouver, Granville Island Brewing has been producing exceptional craft beers since 1984. Take a guided tour of the brewery to discover its rich history and innovative brewing techniques, then relax on the patio with a pint of their signature English Bay Pale Ale. With its stunning waterfront location and lively atmosphere, Granville Island Brewing offers a truly memorable beer-tasting experience.
Photo Cred: Daily Hive
Dieu du Ciel!, Montreal, Quebec: Known for its creative and eclectic brews, Dieu du Ciel! has been a beloved institution in Montreal's craft beer scene since 1998. From bold IPAs to rich stouts, the brewery offers a wide range of unique and flavorful beers to satisfy every palate. Visit their bustling brewpub in Montreal's Mile End neighborhood to sample their latest creations and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic Montreal institution.
Photo Cred: Eater Montreal
Wineries:
Mission Hill Family Estate, Kelowna, British Columbia: Perched on top the rolling hills of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill Family Estate is a stunning destination for wine lovers. Take a guided tour of the winery to explore its state-of-the-art facilities and learn about the winemaking process, then indulge in a tasting of their award-winning wines against the backdrop of breathtaking vineyard views. With its commitment to sustainable farming practices and meticulous attention to quality, Mission Hill offers a world-class wine-tasting experience.
Photo Cred: Tourism Kelowna
Inniskillin Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario: Located in the heart of Ontario's Niagara wine region, Inniskillin Winery is renowned for its premium ice wines and classic varietals. Take a guided tour of the winery to discover its rich history and innovative winemaking techniques, then sample a selection of their exquisite wines, including their renowned ice wines made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine. With its picturesque setting and warm hospitality, Inniskillin offers a truly memorable wine-tasting experience.
Photo Cred: Wine Country Ontario
Benjamin Bridge Winery, Wolfville, Nova Scotia: Situated in the picturesque Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Benjamin Bridge Winery is known for its elegant sparkling wines and cool-climate varietals. Take a tour of the winery to learn about its unique terroir and sustainable farming practices, then enjoy a tasting of their acclaimed wines, including their signature Méthode Classique sparkling wines. With its stunning vineyard vistas and commitment to quality, Benjamin Bridge offers a world-class wine-tasting experience in the heart of Atlantic Canada.
Photo Cred: Visit Nova Scotia Wineries
Distilleries:
Dillon's Small Batch Distillers, Beamsville, Ontario: Located in the heart of Ontario's Niagara wine region, Dillon's Small Batch Distillers is known for its artisanal spirits and handcrafted cocktails. Take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about the art of distillation and the unique ingredients used to create their award-winning spirits, then enjoy a tasting of their premium gins, whiskies, and liqueurs. With its dedication to quality and innovation, Dillon's offers a one-of-a-kind distillery experience in the heart of wine country.
Photo Cred: Dillons.ca
Forty Creek Distillery, Grimsby, Ontario: Founded in 1992, Forty Creek Distillery is known for its rich and complex Canadian whiskies. Take a tour of the distillery to discover its unique aging process and learn about the craftsmanship behind each bottle, then sample a selection of their award-winning whiskies, including their flagship Forty Creek Barrel Select. With its picturesque location in the heart of Ontario's wine country, Forty Creek offers a memorable distillery experience for whisky enthusiasts.
Photo Cred: View the VIBE
Victoria Distillers, Victoria, British Columbia: Situated on the scenic shores of Vancouver Island, Victoria Distillers is known for its premium craft spirits and innovative cocktails. Take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about its small-batch production methods and the botanicals used to create their signature gins and liqueurs, then enjoy a tasting of their handcrafted spirits, including their award-winning Empress 1908 Gin. Victoria Distillers offers a unique distillery experience on the West Coast.
Photo Cred: American Distilling Institute
Canada's craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries offer a wealth of opportunities for visitors to discover and savor the country's rich culinary traditions. Whether you're exploring the vineyards of British Columbia, the breweries of Quebec, or the distilleries of Ontario, there's something for every palate to enjoy.