List of Canadian Breweries

Last Updated : 19 Mar, 2024

Canada is home to many amazing breweries. From coast to coast, these breweries make all kinds of beer, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. Each brewery has its own special way of making beer. They use different ingredients and recipes to create unique flavors.

In this article, we will look at some of the best Canadian breweries.

List of Top 10 Canadian Breweries

Canada is proud of its breweries, and we have many to choose from. Each one is known for making delicious beer. Bellwoods Brewery in Toronto is famous for its unique beers while Unibroue in Quebec makes special Belgian-style ales. Dieu du Ciel! in Montreal is loved for its creative brews while Central City Brewers + Distillers and Driftwood Brewery are favorites for their strong flavors in British Columbia.

Here is the list of the top 10 Breweries in Canada:

Top 10 Canadian Breweries
Rank	Brewery Name	Location	Notable Beer(s)
1	Bellwoods Brewery	Toronto, Ontario	Jelly King, Witchshark
2	Unibroue	Chambly, Quebec	La Fin du Monde
3	Dieu du Ciel!	Montreal, Quebec	Péché Mortel
4	Central City Brewers + Distillers	Surrey, British Columbia	Red Racer IPA
5	Collective Arts Brewing	Hamilton, Ontario	Ransack the Universe
6	Driftwood Brewery	Victoria, British Columbia	Fat Tug IPA
7	Brasserie Dunham	Dunham, Quebec	Saison Rustique
8	Great Lakes Brewery	Toronto, Ontario	Canuck Pale Ale
9	Boreal	Blainville, Quebec	Boréale Rousse
10	Amsterdam Brewery	Toronto, Ontario	Boneshaker IPA

These breweries represent the best of Canadian beer, each with its own story and taste. Let’s learn about them in detail.

10. Amsterdam Brewery

Amsterdam Brewery is a key player in Toronto, Ontario’s craft beer scene. It has been brewing beer since 1986, making it one of the city’s oldest craft breweries. Known for its wide range of beers, Amsterdam Brewery combines traditional brewing techniques with innovative flavors.

Founded : 1986, making it a pioneer in Toronto’s craft beer movement.
Notable Beer : Boneshaker IPA, a full-bodied ale with a bold hoppy flavor.
Variety : Offers a broad selection, from lagers and ales to seasonal and specialty beers.
Innovation : Continuously experiments with new flavors and brewing methods.
Community Focus : Engages with the local community through events and sponsorships.
Sustainability : Committed to sustainable brewing practices and reducing its environmental footprint.

9. Boreal

Boreal is a trailblazer in the Canadian craft beer industry, located in Blainville, Quebec. Since its inception in 1988, Boreal has been dedicated to crafting a variety of beers with a focus on environmental sustainability.

Founded: 1988, marking its place as an early influencer in Quebec’s craft beer scene.
Notable Beer: Boréale Rousse, a smooth and malty amber ale.
Variety: Produces a wide range of beers, including lagers, ales, and seasonal brews.
Sustainability: Pioneers in eco-friendly brewing practices in Canada.
Innovation: Known for experimenting with flavors and brewing techniques.
Community Engagement: Actively involved in local and environmental initiatives.

8. Great Lakes Brewery

Great Lakes Brewery, situated in Toronto, Ontario, is one of the oldest independently owned craft breweries in Canada, established in 1987. It’s renowned for its consistent quality and innovative seasonal releases.

Founded: 1987, a veteran in the Canadian craft beer industry.
Notable Beer: Canuck Pale Ale, a crisp and hoppy ale with citrus notes.
Variety: Offers a wide selection, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specials.
Innovation: Regularly experiments with new styles and flavors.
Awards: Has received numerous awards for its beers.
Community Focus: Strong involvement in local events and sustainability efforts.

7. Brasserie Dunham

Brasserie Dunham, located in Dunham, Quebec, is celebrated for its artisanal approach to brewing, particularly its farmhouse and sour ales. Since opening in 2011, it has become a beacon of innovation in the craft beer community.

Founded: 2011, quickly establishing itself as a craft beer innovator.
Notable Beer: Saison Rustique, a classic saison with a modern twist.
Variety: Specializes in farmhouse ales, sours, and barrel-aged beers.
Innovation: Known for creative brewing and blending techniques.
Awards: Recognized both nationally and internationally for its beers.
Community Engagement: Hosts events and collaborates with local producers.

6. Driftwood Brewery

Driftwood Brewery, based in Victoria, British Columbia, has been at the forefront of the craft beer movement since 2008. It’s best known for its hop-forward beers and unique seasonal offerings.

Founded: 2008, quickly becoming a leader in BC’s craft beer scene.
Notable Beer: Fat Tug IPA, a bold and hoppy IPA with a cult following.
Variety: Produces a range of beers, from IPAs to Belgian-inspired ales.
Innovation: Emphasizes unique recipes and high-quality ingredients.
Awards: Fat Tug IPA has won numerous awards.
Community Involvement: Engages with local events and sustainability initiatives.

5. Collective Arts Brewing

Collective Arts Brewing, located in Hamilton, Ontario, merges the worlds of craft beer and art, showcasing limited-edition artwork on its cans and labels. Founded in 2013, it has quickly become known for its creative approach and flavorful beers.

Founded: 2013, it has made a significant impact with its unique concept.
Notable Beer: Ransack the Universe IPA, a hoppy beer with tropical fruit notes.
Variety: Offers IPAs, stouts, sours, and more, with artistic labels.
Innovation: Collaborates with artists and musicians for unique can designs.
Community Engagement: Hosts art events and supports creative communities.
Sustainability: Committed to sustainable brewing practices.

4. Central City Brewers + Distillers

Central City Brewers + Distillers, based in Surrey, British Columbia, is renowned for its Red Racer brand, a symbol of quality and craftsmanship in the Canadian craft beer landscape since 2003.

Founded: 2003, it has grown into a major player in the craft beer market.
Notable Beer: Red Racer IPA, known for its balance and hoppy flavor.
Variety: Offers a broad range of beers, from IPAs to lagers and sours.
Innovation: Continuously experimenting with new styles and ingredients.
Awards: Red Racer beers have won numerous national and international awards.
Community Focus: Actively involved in charitable activities and local events.

3. Dieu du Ciel!

Dieu du Ciel!, located in Montreal, Quebec, has been a beacon of creativity and excellence in the craft beer world since its inception in 1998. It’s renowned for its wide range of innovative and flavorful beers.

Founded: 1998, it has become a staple in the craft beer community.
Notable Beer: Péché Mortel, an internationally acclaimed coffee stout.
Variety: Features an extensive lineup, including IPAs, stouts, and sours.
Innovation: Known for experimental brews and unique flavor profiles.
Awards: Has garnered numerous awards for its beers.
Community Engagement: Hosts events and supports local initiatives.

2. Unibroue

Unibroue, from Chambly, Quebec, has been a pioneer in crafting Belgian-style ales in Canada since 1992. Its beers are celebrated for their complexity, depth, and distinctive flavors.

Founded: 1992, leading the way in Belgian-style brewing in Canada.
Notable Beer: La Fin du Monde, a world-renowned Belgian Tripel.
Variety: Specializes in Belgian-inspired ales with a unique twist.
Innovation: Utilizes traditional Belgian brewing techniques.
Awards: Its beers have won numerous international accolades.
Cultural Impact: Has played a significant role in popularizing Belgian-style beers in North America.

1. Bellwoods Brewery

Bellwoods Brewery, situated in Toronto, Ontario, has been at the forefront of the Canadian craft beer movement since its opening in 2012. Known for its innovative beers and vibrant brewpub, Bellwoods has become a landmark in the craft beer community.

Founded: 2012, quickly rising to prominence in the craft beer scene.
Notable Beer: Jelly King, a sought-after sour ale, and Witchshark, a powerful IPA.
Variety: Offers a wide array of beers, from hoppy IPAs to complex sours.
Innovation: Constantly experimenting with new brewing techniques and flavors.
Awards: Has received critical acclaim and numerous awards for its beers.
Community Space: The brewpub is a popular gathering spot, known for its welcoming atmosphere.

Conclusion

We’ve explored some of the top breweries across Canada. Each has its own unique style and flavors. These breweries show how creative and diverse Canadian beer can be. From traditional ales to innovative craft beers, there’s something for everyone. Remember, the world of Canadian beer is always growing. New breweries open and new beers are made all the time. So, keep trying new beers and visiting different breweries to discover all the tasty options Canada has to offer.

Read More :

FAQs on List of Canadian Breweries

How Many Breweries in Canada?

Canada had over 1,000 breweries.

Which is Canada’s Largest Brewer?

Molson Coors is Canada’s largest brewer.

What is Canada’s Most Popular Beer?

The most popular beer in Canada is often considered to be Molson Canadian.

What is the Beer Capital of Canada?

The beer capital of Canada is often debated, but Toronto and Montreal are frequently mentioned due to their high concentration of breweries and craft beer culture.

What are some Canadian Beer Brands?

Some Canadian beer brands include Molson, Labatt, and Moosehead.

Name the Largest Beer Companies in Canada.

The largest beer companies in Canada include Molson Coors, Labatt (owned by AB InBev), and Sleeman Breweries.

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List of Countries Bordering Canada

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