Canada. The land of hockey, politeness, and—most importantly—fantastic beer. From crisp lagers to complex barrel-aged stouts, this country has something for every beer lover. Whether you’re sipping a fruity Gose in Halifax or enjoying a hoppy West Coast IPA in Vancouver, a pint-sized adventure awaits you.
On average, Canadians quench nearly 70 liters of beer per year, while also being conscious of the price . Their favorites : Budweiser, Corona, Guinness and Heineken. While international brands dominate the market, many Canadians are discovering excellent domestic alternatives that offer comparable quality with local pride.
And it’s not just a national pastime—it’s big business. Did you know Canada is home to over 1,200 breweries, with the craft beer market making up nearly 10% of total beer sales, as reported by the brewers association ?
About Canadian Beer
Why embark on a journey into the captivating History of craft beer? Because what could be more enlightening than delving into a tradition that has been brewing since the very dawn of civilization and attempting to define craft beer? Throughout the ages, alcohol has held a central role and also found itself at the fringes of the human experience.
Ontario and Quebec dominate the craft beer landscape in Canada, accounting for a large proportion of the country’s 1,200+ breweries, each having their unique list of offerings. Ontario alone boasts over 400 craft breweries, making it the province with the largest number of breweries and a strong community that continues to support local brewing. Toronto, Ottawa, and smaller cities have become hubs for the craft beer movement, offering everything from IPAs to barrel-aged sours.
The province’s liberalization of beer sales in grocery stores has also made craft beer more accessible, driving growth and affecting the price of local brews. Quebec follows closely with over 250 breweries, known for their bold and creative styles, like strong Belgian ales, IPAs, and saisons. Many Quebec breweries, such as Dieu du Ciel! and Brasserie Dunham, have garnered international recognition for their innovative brews
Other provinces like British Columbia and Alberta also contribute significantly to the craft beer scene. British Columbia is home to around 200 breweries, with Vancouver’s diverse and innovative beer culture being particularly notable, often utilizing local wheat.
Ontario and the western provinces have helped shape Canada’s craft beer identity. The province is known for pioneering Pacific Northwest-style IPAs, a sign of its proximity to hop-growing regions and its embrace of traditional brewing methods that have developed over time. Alberta, with over 130 breweries, has rapidly expanded thanks to changing regulations that allow smaller, responsible brewers to create, stock cans, and sell their products more freely. Each province supports its own mission and flavour identity: British Columbia is known for fruity sours and wild ales, while Alberta focuses on hop-forward beers, especially with the new date for their seasonal releases.
Key Beer Styles in Canada
King Lager still rules much of Canada’s fridge space—thanks in part to legacy brands like Molson Canadian and Labatt Blue, which continue selling alphabetically on store shelves from coast to coast. But dive just a little deeper, and you’ll find a wildly diverse craft beer market that’s full of surprises, perfect for those who enjoy exploring new flavor combinations with food . From hazy IPAs and tart Berliner Weisse to smoked porters and farmhouse ales, Canada has something for every kind of beer lover (and even the cider-curious).
According to the Canadian Craft Brewers Association, the number of small, independent breweries has increased significantly over the last decade, particularly in provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. While classic styles still dominate in terms of cans stocked and sold, more Canadians are becoming interested in lower-ABV options and cider, with both trending steadily upward since the last date of analysis.
And even though Canada isn’t the world’s largest beer producer, it punches above its weight with its mix of innovative brewing, terroir-driven brewing, and sheer regional variety. Whether you’re hitting up a local taproom or cracking open a cold one from your local dépanneur, there’s a good chance you’re sipping something that was brewed not far from where it was stocked, especially as of the low date of inspection.
What is the Price of Beer in Canada?
In Canada, the average value of a case of 24 commercial 330-355-ml beers is $45,93 CAD. A case of 12 beers costs $26,87 CAD. The analysis included both cans and bottles. With an average price of $55.60 per 24-pack, Nova Scotia ranks as the most expensive province for buying beer as of the last date of analysis . Saskatchewan and Newfoundland follow closely, with average prices of $53.72 and $53.35 per 24-pack, respectively.
The Roots of Canada’s Craft Beer Markets
Canada’s brewing tradition started with European settlers in the 1600s, but Indigenous communities were already crafting fermented drinks from local cereals and hops. As the country grew, brewing became a serious trade, and by the 19th century, big names like Molson (1786) and Labatt (1847) were shaping the industry.
Fast forward to today, and craft breweries have exploded nationwide, bringing innovation, weird flavours (maple bacon beer, anyone?), and local pride. Fun fact: Canadians drink about 68 litres of beer per person annually, ranking among the top beer-consuming nations worldwide!
And then there is craft beer. For those interested in Canadian beer with an extra kick, you probably wonder how exactly we define craft beer. In Canada, craft beer is generally defined by its size, scale, independence, and traditional methods of production. While there is no single national legal definition, the Canadian Craft Brewers Association defines a craft brewery as one that produces less than 400,000 hectolitres annually, is independently owned, and pays federal excise duties at the lower, graduated rate applicable to small brewers under the Excise Act.
Eastern Canada: Maritime Brews & Quebec’s Unique Beer Scene
Maritimes: Salty Air & Savoury Ales
The Maritimes are famous for seafood, rugged coastlines, and some of Canada’s best craft beer. In Nova Scotia, Alexander Keith’s Brewery (est. 1820) is a must-visit, offering a deep dive into history—and a few cold ones for those who wish to learn about craft beer origin . Over in New Brunswick, Picaroons Brewing crafts some of the best English-style ales in the country.
Prince Edward Island might be small, but its brewing scene packs a maritime punch that belies its modest size. PEI Brewing Company stands out as a beacon of craft excellence, transforming the island’s agricultural bounty into liquid art. Their « Beach Chair Lager » has become something of a local legend—a crisp, refreshing brew that captures the essence of island life, with subtle notes of maritime breeze and local grain. The brewery’s commitment to using local malts tells a story in every sip, bridging the island’s rich agricultural heritage with its emerging craft beer culture.
In Nova Scotia, the craft beer renaissance truly explodes with breweries that push boundaries. Propeller Brewing Company in Halifax has been a trailblazer since 1997, their IPA becoming a benchmark for East Coast brewing. Garrison Brewing follows closely, their « Spruce Beer » offering a uniquely maritime twist that pays homage to traditional indigenous brewing techniques. North Brewing Co. represents the new wave, experimenting with wild fermentations and small-batch innovations that make beer lovers pilgrimage to their Halifax taproom.
New Brunswick brings its own brewing magic, with Picaroons leading a revolution of taste and tradition. Their « Traditional Ales » series speaks to the province’s British colonial roots, while newer offerings like their « Dark and Stormy » nail the perfect balance between heritage and innovation.
Ever heard the saying, “A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it’s better to be thoroughly sure”? That wisdom comes from Czech writer Karel Čapek, but it might as well be the motto of every beer lover who’s done a Maritime brewery tour.
Quebec: A Belgian-Style Wonderland
Quebec is where beer meets art. Influenced by Belgian brewing traditions, the province is known for saisons, witbiers, and barrel-aged beauties. If you’re in Montreal, Dieu du Ciel! and Unibroue are pilgrimage-worthy. Dieu du Ciel!‘s « Péché Mortel »—an imperial coffee stout—has become a cult classic, regularly ranking among the world’s best craft beers. Unibroue continues to push boundaries with their Belgian-inspired creations, their « La Fin du Monde » a 9% ABV tripel to flavour town that has garnered international acclaim.
The Quebec craft beer scene extends far beyond Montreal. Brasserie Dunham in the Eastern Townships has become synonymous with innovative brewing, specializing in barrel-aged sours and complex, experimental ales. Lasouche, À la Fût et Brasseurs des Collines represents the province’s commitment to terroir, using local hops to create beers that are unmistakably Québécois. Le Castor Brewing in Blainville has gained national recognition for their hop-forward IPAs and commitment to sustainable brewing practices.
Start time! Did you know Quebec alone accounts for nearly 25% of Canada’s craft breweries? That’s a lot of bière!
How the province of Quebec developed its world of « Terroir »
Unlike France, Germany, and Italy—where controlled designations keep things buttoned-up—North America tends to just go with the flow when it comes to local brews. But in Quebec, brewers take local beer to heart… and sometimes straight to the forest.
January might be cold in Quebec, but it’s when many local brewers start preparing their list of seasonal ingredients, because here, beer follows the land. Microbreweries like La Terre à Boire, Le Presbytère, and Le Temps d’une Pinte are leading a new generation of independent brewers who put terroir at the heart of their mission. Whether they grow their own barley and hops or forage for aronia berries and cedar buds, these breweries are redefining what it means to be local. La Terre à Boire, for example, malts its own grain and uses over 95% homegrown ingredients—something rarely seen, even in places with stronger geographical protections like France or Italy.
Quebec doesn’t just follow brewing trends from Belgium, Ireland, or India—it learns from them and adapts. You’ll find a barrel-aged ale inspired by Flanders next to a table beer brewed for wild mushroom pairings. Cider is also gaining popularity, often sharing fridge space with non-alcoholic brews in your cart at local dépanneurs. And while most Canadian provinces love their IPAs, Quebec’s unique take is often less about bitterness and more about building flavour through balance, yeast, and wild fermentation.
3. Ontario: The Heart of Canadian Craft Beer
Ontario is home to more than 275 craft breweries, making it the epicentre of Canada’s beer industry. From Toronto’s Steam Whistle Brewing (housed in a historic train roundhouse) to Muskoka’s crisp lake-inspired brews, the province is a beer lover’s playground.
Toronto stands at the epicentre of this brewing revolution. Bellwoods Brewery has become a mecca for hop enthusiasts, their barrel-aging program and experimental small-batch releases drawing beer pilgrims from across the continent. Their « Skeleton Key » series represents the pinnacle of brewing innovation—each release a unique exploration of flavour, texture, and brewing technique. Just down the street, Collective Arts Brewing
turns beer into a canvas, with each can featuring artwork from independent artists worldwide, making every pour a multisensory experience.
In the west, Block Three Brewing in St. Jacobs represents the province’s agricultural heart. Their « King Street Saison » captures the essence of Ontario’s farmland with a beer that’s simultaneously familiar and extraordinary, brewed with an-all local grain bill. Refined Fool Brewing in Sarnia brings a playful spirit to craft brewing, their witty beer names and inventive recipes challenging the traditional brewery model.
Up in Muskoka, Muskoka Brewery has become synonymous with lakeside refreshment, their « Craft Lager » and seasonal releases capturing the essence of Ontario’s cottage country. Their commitment to sustainability and local ingredients tells a story deeper than any single pour.
If you like IPAs, Ontario has a love affair with hops. Breweries like Great Lakes Brewing in Toronto have elevated the IPA to an art form. Their « Karma Citra IPA » and « Devil’s Pale Ale » have become benchmark offerings that showcase the province’s hop-forward brewing philosophy. For those seeking historical brewing narratives, Walkerville Brewery in Windsor offers a direct connection to Ontario’s brewing past, their recipes telling stories of industrial barons and prohibition-era ingenuity.
Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford ran an election campaign promising beer at 1$ a can. More recently, he responded to American tariffs on Canadian products with a 100% ban on American alcohol.
4. The Prairies: Canada’s Rising Beer Frontier
Saskatchewan and Manitoba may not be the first places that come to mind for beer, but they should be. With some of the country’s best barley fields, Prairie brewers have access to top-tier grains for making crisp lagers and hearty stouts. These provinces are transforming their agricultural legacy into a brewing renaissance that’s as expansive as the prairie skies.
In Saskatchewan, Troubled Monk Brewing in Regina has become a beacon of prairie brewing innovation. Their « Open Road » blonde ale captures the essence of the endless horizon—light, crisp, and deceptively complex. Nokomis Craft Brewing takes a farm-to-glass approach, working directly with local grain producers to create beers that are a liquid testament to Saskatchewan’s agricultural heritage. Their seasonal releases showcase the nuanced flavors of locally grown ingredients, turning each brew into a geographical narrative.
Manitoba’s brewing scene is equally impressive. Half Pints Brewing in Winnipeg has been a pioneer since 2006, their « Bullhead » amber ale becoming a provincial classic that bridges traditional brewing with modern craft sensibilities. Barn Hammer Brewing brings a playful, experimental approach to prairie brewing, their small-batch releases challenging conventional beer boundaries. The « Wild Ride » series demonstrates Manitoba’s emerging craft beer identity—bold, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in local culture.
Alberta, on the other hand, has become a craft beer hotspot. Blind Enthusiasm in Edmonton represents the cutting edge of Alberta brewing, their barrel-aging program and wild fermentation techniques putting the province on the international craft beer map. Their « Obscura » series—a collection of meticulously crafted sour and barrel-aged beers—has earned critical acclaim far beyond Alberta’s borders.
The Dandy Brewing Company in Calgary continues to push brewing boundaries, their small-batch approach allowing for unprecedented creativity. Their « Dandy in the Underworld » stout and rotating seasonal releases have made them a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. Wild Rose Brewery, one of Alberta’s veterans, bridges traditional brewing with modern craft techniques, their « Velvet Fog » hefeweizen becoming a provincial icon.
5. The West Coast: Hoppy Innovations & Sustainable Brewing
Welcome to IPA heaven. British Columbia’s craft beer scene is legendary, especially for fans of West Coast IPAs—bold, bitter, and packed with citrusy hops. Breweries like Driftwood Brewery (Victoria) and Four Winds Brewing (Delta) are pushing the limits with innovative styles.
BC is also leading the charge in sustainable brewing, with many breweries using solar power, local ingredients, and minimal-waste practices. And get this: BC has more breweries per capita than any other province.
To quote beer philosopher Dave Barry:
« Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza. »
Now, if only there were a way to keep those beer fridges running perfectly forever… oh wait, that’s where appliance repair comes in handy! Learn more about it. Because let’s be honest—warm beer is a tragedy. Go to the https://techvillappliancerepair.ca/ to order a quality service for the maintenance of refrigerators and repair of all household appliances.
5. The West Coast: Hoppy Innovations & Sustainable Brewing
Welcome to IPA heaven. British Columbia’s craft beer scene is legendary, especially for fans of West Coast IPAs—bold, bitter, and packed with citrusy hops. Breweries like Driftwood Brewery (Victoria) and Four Winds Brewing (Delta) are pushing the limits with innovative styles.
BC is also leading the charge in sustainable brewing, with many breweries using solar power, local ingredients, and minimal-waste practices. And get this: BC has more breweries per capita than any other province
To quote beer philosopher Dave Barry:
« Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza. »
Now, if only there were a way to keep those beer fridges running perfectly forever… oh wait, that’s where appliance repair comes in handy! Learn more about it. Because let’s be honest—warm beer is a tragedy. Go to the https://techvillappliancerepair.ca/ to order a quality service for the maintenance of refrigerators and repair of all household appliances.
Hoppy History – Latest Posts
Hoppy Travels
Do you like beer as much as you like to travel? Check our beer & wine section for some excellent and hoppy destinations!
Canadian Craft Beer Review
Canadian Craft Beer collaborates with beer experts in Quebec to bring you the best beer reviews!
How Different is Canadian Beer From Other Countries?
From the historic breweries of Quebec to the hop-forward wonders of British Columbia, Canadian beer stands out for its diversity, creativity, and deep respect for ingredients. What sets it apart from countries like Belgium, France, Mexico, Ireland, or Italy isn’t just taste—it’s how each province in Canada has learned to adapt traditional brewing methods to local grains, water profiles, and brewing cultures, often using wheat, fruits, or botanicals grown nearby.
Unlike many countries where beer styles are rigidly traditional, Canada protects its brewing freedom, allowing brewers to innovate and even blur the lines between beer and cider. Whether you’re sipping a saison inspired by France, a stout reminiscent of Ireland, or a spicy ale infused with ideas from India or Spain, Canadian beer reflects both global influence and homegrown passion.
As Canadian beer writer Stephen Beaumont once said: “The beauty of Canadian beer is that we don’t just follow trends—we create them.”
So whether you’re stocking cans from an Ontario taproom or touring the Rockies in search of your next pint, raise your glass to the mission of Canadian brewers: to brew boldly, responsibly, and with unmistakable flavour. Cheers! 🍻
What About Non Alcoholic Beer?
Le Temps d’une Bière surveyed the latest beer reviews and interviewed several experts in the field. Below, here are the top five of Canada’s best non-alcoholic beers.
Hoppy History – Latest Posts
Hoppy Travels
Do you like beer as much as you like to travel? Check our beer & wine section for some excellent and hoppy destinations!
Canadian Craft Beer Review
Canadian Craft Beer collaborates with beer experts in Quebec to bring you the best beer reviews!
Conclusion: Time to Explore Canada, One Pint at a Time
From the historic breweries of Quebec to the hop-forward wonders of BC, Canada is a beer lover’s dream. With every province offering its own unique take on brewing, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
And let’s face it—nothing brings people together quite like good beer and good stories. So, whether you’re road-tripping to visit the best breweries or just sipping a local craft beer at home, take a moment to appreciate Canada’s brewing brilliance.
After all, as Benjamin Franklin (probably) never said, but we all love to believe:
« Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. »
So, cheers to that, Canada! 🍻
Best Beer Blogs in Canada and the US
🍺 Top Beer Blogs & Publications (Canada & U.S.)
Explore these esteemed beer blogs and publications to deepen your appreciation and knowledge of the craft beer scene across North America.
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A Good Beer Blog
Author: Alan McLeod
Description: A long-standing Canadian blog offering insightful commentary on beer culture, history, and industry trends.
Website: abetterbeerblog427.com -
The Growler
Description: A comprehensive guide to British Columbia’s craft beer scene, featuring brewery profiles, beer reviews, and industry news.
Website: bc.thegrowler.ca -
Beer Appreciation
Description: A dedicated platform celebrating the art and science of beer, offering reviews, brewing tips, and cultural insights.
Website: beerappreciation.com -
Atlantic Canada Beer Blog
Description: Focused on the beer scene in Atlantic Canada, this blog provides news, reviews, and event information pertinent to the region.
Website: acbeerblog.ca -
Ben’s Beer Blog
Author: Ben Johnson
Description: A personal take on craft beer, offering reviews, commentary, and insights into the brewing industry.
Website: bensbeerblog.com -
All About Beer
Description: An American publication with a rich history, covering beer news, reviews, and features on brewing culture.
Website: allaboutbeer.com -
BeerAdvocate
Description: A comprehensive resource for beer ratings, reviews, and forums, serving as a hub for beer enthusiasts.
Website: beeradvocate.com -
Brew Your Own
Description: A magazine dedicated to homebrewing, offering recipes, techniques, and advice for brewers of all levels.
Website: byo.com -
Imbibe Magazine
Description: A publication covering a wide range of beverages, including beer, with in-depth articles and reviews.
Website: imbibemagazine.com -
The Beerists Podcast
Description: A podcast offering beer reviews and discussions, providing listeners with insights into various brews and brewing topics.
Website: thebeerists.com
Got a favourite Canadian beer destination? Drop your recommendations in the comments and let’s raise a glass to our great beer nation! 🍺🇨🇦
Pierre-Olivier Bussières : Editor-in-Chief or Le Temps d’une Bière and producer of Hoppy History. Pierre has previously written for The Diplomat, Global Risk Insights and the NATO Association of Canada. For the past two years, Pierre has been writing on the history of alcohol from antiquity to modern times, with a special focus on the role of craft breweries in North America.
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