Twelve Craft Breweries in Ottawa That Are a Must Visit!
Ottawa, Let’s Talk Beer!
Canadian’s love their beer. We are all familiar with the names Molson, Sleeman and Labatt, but a new era is upon us. Craft beer, in particular has become more and more popular as microbreweries begin to pop up. People want more flavour and more personality, or even a unique experience with their beverage. Plus… beer tours! Need we say more?
The 1980’s appeared to be the slow spark of this craft beer movement. The first definable craft brewery began in Vancouver, BC in the year 1982. Others appeared out west, with the first Ontario one; Brick Brewery, opening in Waterloo a couple years later. There are now about 250 craft breweries in Ontario, and there are more in the planning stages.
Ottawa is no stranger to the craft beer movement. It is now a thriving local beer scene with various breweries in neighbourhoods all over, and outside of, the capital. There are almost too many to visit! Just kidding, there is no such thing.
Location: 2265 Robertson Road
“Kichesippi” means the Great River, now referred to as the Ottawa River. With about a dozen beers on tap, this brewery can claim both quality as well as quantity. You can taste the effort that they put in to making each brew. Their new location in Bells Corners was previously a car dealership, and has a beautiful wooden patio and sizable taproom. Their fridge is always stocked to take some cans to go! If you’re lucky their ice cream bar may also be open.
Providing curb-side pickup and delivery during Covid 19. Free delivery in Ottawa for orders over $40.
Beyond the Pale Brewing Company
Location: 250 City Centre Ave Bay 106
A spacious brewery that hosts unique events, including art competitions, drag queen story time, and wrestling shows. They have a full-length bar and various sized tables, a great spot for meeting groups of friends. This brewery has a full food menu with delicious southern inspired BBQ dishes. They create classically simple beers such as Clean Cut and unique sours like Pink Fuzz (you may have seen their pink gorilla promotions on social media).
Beer pick up window at the brewery, or order online for delivery. Free Ottawa delivery for orders above $60.
Location: 850 Industrial Ave #12
The simple, clean taproom with industrial fixtures and details, is both family and dog friendly. Enjoy a pint or a flight with some local snacks, unless you choose to bring in your own meal; have something delivered! Their passion for down to earth beer leads to unique seasonals in addition to the constants. Deliciously smooth beers in a welcoming atmosphere.
Drive thru beer pickup and free Ottawa delivery currently. Free Ottawa delivery for 12+ cans.
Location: 5510 Cantotek Rd Unit 15
A true local Canadian beer stop; think hockey and Canadian geese and maple syrup in a taproom. Wooden tables, and a beautiful outdoor patio next to a park, and near the Ottawa River. They have a wide selection of beers to enjoy there or take home, and a taproom menu of snacks. Tours run on Sunday for $15 and include a tasting flight. They regularly host special events and fundraisers.
Drive thru pick up at the brewery and free in town delivery. Flat shipping rate in Ontario.
Location: 37 Flora Street
Just off of Bank street, Flora Hall has become a sort of neighbourhood watering hole. The main floor has community style tables, easy for making friends and feeling a part the lively atmosphere. When the weather is warm enough, the entire front of the brewery is an open garage door. You can feel the fun before you even walk in! Besides great beer, they have a tasty menu, a roof garden, and even handmade soaps in the washroom.
Retail fridge open for safe pick-up, home delivery added for most Ottawa locations. Free delivery over $40.
Tooth and Nail Brewing Company
Location: 3 Irving Ave
A smaller brewing company, it has a playful yet intimate vibe. $2 off all their draught, Monday to Friday, 4-6pm. We recommend going here with a smaller group, to grab a sharing plate and play one of their old school board games like 'Puck It'. The food is great, as is the location in Hintonburg, especially if you don’t feel like going downtown.
Fulfilling online orders for brewpub pickup.
Location: 1-145 Loretta Ave North
Opened by two brothers who used to be in the Canadian Navy, this location feels like you’re being welcomed at a royal legion. The vibe is simple and Canadian themed, which also means the staff are personal and friendly. You may go in for a quick pint, and somehow end up crashing a brewery tour with a birthday party. Their beer tastes so fresh and the environment very relaxed.
Beer pickup at the brewery. Free Ottawa area delivery available through their website, minimum of 24 cans.
Locations: Fletcher Rd in Forester Falls, Pembroke St in Cobden
A must-stop on your way up the Trans-Canada highway toward Pembroke or Petawawa. With adventures through rivers and rapids across the Canada and the world, the Riverside location was founded on the banks of the Ottawa River itself. It was realized the Ottawa valley contained much of the natural ingredients required to brew beer. They also use local ingredients in their food, and are focused on environment sustainability.
The beer drive thru is open including a take-out food menu. Free home delivery in the Ottawa Valley.
Location: 14 Bexley Place, Unit 106
Whiprsnapr is exactly what you would think a local craft brewery to be. Simple, creative, and all the tasty seasonal beers you could ask for. It has a relaxed environment, almost hidden in the back of a parking lot. Even your pup is welcome in the brewery as you have a few pints. They don’t serve any food but you can bring your own treats in from external restaurants. Tours run every Saturday from 3pm – 4pm. They often host unique events and fundraisers.
Beer available for pickup or delivery. Free shipping in Ottawa for minimum $35 order. Flat rate of $10 for Ontario shipping.
Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company
Location: 10 Terry Fox Drive, Vankleek Hill
About an hour East of Ottawa, Beau’s may not be within Ottawa itself, but is special enough to be included. That’s how great it is. An independent brewery, Beau’s was family founded and is owned by its employees. They pride themselves on their charitable efforts, giving the earnings from their annual Oktoberfest event to local community projects and charities. The historical location has a fun friendly vibe, and a vine covered patio outside. Free tours every day with free samples!
Beer currently available through their online store for parking lot pick up or shipping. Find their most popular at LCBO.
Location: 421 Donald B. Munro Drive, Carp
Half price wings on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays and Sunday open mic nights! This spacious historical building, has many antiques and local treasures from Carp which create a down-to-earth, unique feel. Sitting at one of their repurposed wooden tables while enjoying a pint, you can feel how much hard work and pride went into the creation of this brewery. They also have a VIP “Vault” room where you can host private events! The perfect place to go after any event going on in Carp.
Free home delivery in Ottawa for beer from their website. Food also available for takeout.
Location: 1680 Vimont Court Unit 106, Orléans
Broadhead has a blue collar, built-it-yourself vibe that evidentially comes from how they literally built it from scratch. It has worked its way up from a basement brewery to a beautiful and clean industrial building. The scruffy, bearded owners perfectly add to their brand. You can take a tour of the brewery for $15, which includes a beer flight. Recognize the orange and green logo? You’ll often find Broadhead at various local events, from Rib Fest and craft beer events, to the Ottawa Christmas Market.
Order online for curbside pickup. Limited delivery in Ottawa areas, free for orders over $60.
For a guide to all of Ottawa's breweries CLICK HERE.