Take a road trip this summer to visit Ontario's unique craft breweries
In Canada, the largest amount of beer is consumed during the warm weather months. Specifically, there’s a stretch of about 100-days beginning in July where suppliers see a spike in sales.
Cracking open a cold one to beat the summer heat has become synonymous with the Canadian experience. With more than a thousand craft breweries across the country, there’s really something for everyone out there. Instead of just letting beer come to the store, why not get out and see exactly where and how your favourite brews are made.
That’s why, this summer, I hit the road with fellow beer-loving colleagues, camera guy David Hodge, and social media manager Lia Nardone. We set out to visit three unique breweries, with a designated driver of course, to find out what makes the Golden Horseshoe a special place to sip on some liquid gold.
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The first stop on our road trip took us to Bench Brewing Company.
The brewery is nestled in the beautiful Niagara Benchlands. It stands out not only for its exceptional craft beers but also for its deep commitment to sustainability.
(Lia Nardone/TWN)
Founded in 2018, Bench offers a diverse range of approachable beer styles, from refreshing lagers to bold IPAs and vibrant fruit sours, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients, including hops grown on-site and fruits from the surrounding region. The brewery is dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship. They have a zero wastewater footprint; they purify and repurpose brewery effluent for irrigation and fertilizer, utilizing innovative practices to minimize their carbon emissions by 65% since their peak.
As a certified B Corp, Bench Brewing exemplifies a holistic approach to brewing that prioritizes community, environment, and quality, inviting visitors to enjoy not just great beer but also a unique experience that reflects the beauty and bounty of the Niagara region.
Next up, we hit the road headed to our second stop at Flux Brewing Company.
This beautiful brewery is located in the charming countryside of Scotland, Ont., and offers a unique brewery experience that combines exceptional craft beer with a stunning natural setting.
(Lia Nardone/TWN)
Surrounded by farm fields and featuring a beautiful acre-sized natural pond where you can watch schools of fish swim by, Flux provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax on the expansive patio while enjoying a diverse selection of brews. With ten different styles of beer available, including their popular light lager "Day Job" and the citrusy pale ale "Drawing Board," there’s something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for families and beer enthusiasts alike.
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The brewery's commitment to creating an inclusive environment encourages visitors of all ages to unwind, enjoy delicious food like smash burgers and chicken wings, and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the region.
For our third and last stop, we headed back towards Toronto at Great Lakes Brewery.
Established in 1987, it proudly holds the title of Toronto's oldest craft brewery and is among Canada's oldest independent breweries. Located in Etobicoke, this brewery has become a cornerstone of the local craft beer scene, dedicated to producing high-quality beer exclusively for the Ontario market.
(Lia Nardone/TWN)
With a passionate team of over 60 employees, Great Lakes Brewery emphasizes craftsmanship and community, creating beloved brews like the fan-favourite Canuck Pale Ale, which resonates with the Canadian spirit. The brewery's commitment to using fresh, local ingredients, combined with traditional brewing methods, ensures that each pint reflects the rich heritage of Canadian brewing.
As a community-focused establishment, Great Lakes Brewery continues to thrive, fostering connections with locals and visitors alike while celebrating the unique flavours of Ontario.
It was a great day experiencing some of the best beer you can find in Southern Ontario. I hope this road trip inspires you to head out to a craft brewery near you, support local, and raise a glass to one of many great things that make Canada such a special place to call home.
Cheers, everyone!
Thumbnail image created by Anika Beaudry via Canva Pro.