Recent trade tensions have sparked a renewed interest in Canadian brews, with many consumers choosing to explore local options. The timing couldn’t be better to discover the exceptional quality and variety of Canadian beer!
Moosehead stands out as one of the few large Canadian breweries that remains truly Canadian-owned. This family-owned business from New Brunswick has maintained its independence since 1867, making it a genuinely patriotic choice for consumers looking to support Canadian businesses.
It’s also well-regarded for its quality lagers, with its flagship Moosehead Lager being a crisp, easy-drinking option that competes well with bigger brands. People appreciate its heritage, authenticity, and independence, making it a go-to choice for those who want to support Canadian beer without resorting to major corporate-owned brands.
While most large Canadian beer brands (Labatt, Molson, Sleeman, etc.) have been bought by multinational corporations like AB InBev, Molson Coors, or Sapporo, Moosehead has remained Canadian-owned by the Oland family since its founding in 1867.
Why are there so few popular canadian beer brands?
Canada’s beer industry faces challenges due to interprovincial trade barriers that restrict the flow of beer across provincial lines. These regulations, established after the repeal of prohibition, have led to each province developing its own set of rules governing the sale, production, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. This fragmentation has limited access and competition, hindering the growth of national beer brands and contributing to the scarcity of widely recognized Canadian beers.
Highly Recommended Breweries
1. Moosehead Breweries
Steam Whistle Brewing, based in Toronto, Ontario, is another highly recommended independent brewery. It’s known for doing one thing exceptionally well: its signature Pilsner. This European-style pilsner is brewed with a commitment to traditional methods, using only four all-natural ingredients (spring water, malted barley, hops, and yeast).
Fans of Steam Whistle love its clean, refreshing taste and the fact that it remains an independent craft brewery rather than being absorbed by a multinational beer giant. The brand has also cultivated a strong identity with its green retro branding, iconic bottles, and its historic brewery location in the John Street Roundhouse, a restored railway building in downtown Toronto.
2. Muskoka Brewing
Muskoka is widely popular and widely available on the East Coast. Not exactly a continent spanning sud, but certainly a wealth of flavour and experiences for craft beer enthusiasts. One of the flagship product is treadlightly, a light beer that can amply compete with commercial brands.
3. Flying Monkeys
This Ontario brewery, based in Barrie, is easily one of the province’s favorite. The highly appraised craft brewery is still independent, has been exporting worldwide for year, and reaped several beer awards across the world.
4. Collective Arts
Recommended from all corners of Ontario, this Hamilton-based brewery is known to brew consistently innovative beers for all palates and all tastes.
Confirmed Canadian-Owned Breweries
- TransCanada Brewery (Winnipeg) – Owned by the family behind Princess Auto stores.
- Muskoka Brewing Company – Offers a full range of beers; « TreadLightly » is a well-liked light beer.
- Sleeping Giant Brewing Company
- Lake of the Woods Brewing Company – « LOTW Blueberry Ale » is highlighted as delicious.
- Moosehead Breweries – Claims to be the last major Canadian-owned brewery.
- Boshkung Brewing (Minden, Ontario) – A favorite of one commenter.
- Phillips Brewing (BC) – Independent.
- Lucky Lager & Cariboo Brewing (BC) – Owned by Canadian companies.
- Flying Monkeys (Barrie, Ontario) – Independent, award-winning, exports globally.
- Medicine Hat Brewing Company (Alberta) – Mentioned, but no quality judgment given.
These foreign-owned 7 breweries produce beer in Canada
Those breweries produce and sell in Canada, and therefore their beer is certified by Canadian Food Inspection Agency as Canadian Beer.
- Labatt (Owned by AB InBev – Belgium)
- Molson (Owned by Miller-Coors)
- Sleeman (Owned by Sapporo – Japan)
- Alexander Keith’s (Owned by AB InBev)
- Amsterdam Brewery (Owned by Royal Unibrew – Denmark)
- Creemore Springs (Owned by Molson Coors)
- Mill Street Brewery (Owned by AB InBev)
Replace these American brands with a Canadian Beer!
1. From Samuel Adams Boston Lager to Steam Whistle Pilsner
For Boston Lager enthusiasts, Toronto’s Steam Whistle Pilsner offers a superior quality alternative. This craft pilsner, brewed according to Czech tradition with only four ingredients, offers a pure and balanced flavor that rivals the iconic American lager.
2. Replace Sierra Nevada Pale Ale with Red Racer IPA
Central City Brewing’s Red Racer IPA represents the perfect Canadian alternative to Sierra Nevada. This award-winning IPA offers a generous aromatic profile of West Coast hops with notes of citrus and pine, while maintaining a well-balanced bitterness.
3. From Blue Moon to Blanche de Chambly
Blue Moon fans will be delighted by Unibroue’s Blanche de Chambly. This Quebec witbier, brewed according to Belgian tradition, offers more authentic and complex aromas of citrus, coriander, and spices than its American counterpart.
4. From Goose Island IPA to Mad Tom IPA
For fans of Goose Island IPA, Muskoka Brewery’s Mad Tom IPA delivers a bold and flavorful Canadian alternative. This West Coast-style IPA is packed with citrus, pine, and resinous hop aromas, balanced by a sturdy malt backbone. With a slightly higher ABV and a lingering bitter finish, Mad Tom is perfect for those who appreciate a hop-forward, unapologetically bold IPA experience.
5. From Yuengling Traditional Lager to Sleeman Original Draught
Sleeman Original Draught is the perfect alternative to Yuengling. This Canadian amber lager features similar caramel and toasted malt notes, but with a slightly softer touch and a distinct balance that reflects Canadian brewing expertise.
5. Swap Founders All Day IPA for Muskoka Detour
For session IPA lovers like Founders All Day, Muskoka Brewery’s Detour offers a remarkable Canadian alternative. This Session IPA offers a generous tropical aromatic profile while maintaining exceptional drinkability and a moderate alcohol content.
Not Just a Plan B!
Canada boasts a rich and diverse brewing culture that’s well worth exploring. These Canadian alternatives offer more than just a taste of our northern neighbors’ brewing heritage—they provide an opportunity to discover new flavors and support local breweries. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply looking to broaden your palate, there’s no better time to raise a glass to the outstanding beers brewed right here in Canada.
Learn more about Canada’s Craft Beer Market.
Pierre-Olivier Bussières is the Editor-in-Chief of Hoppy History and Uber Optimized. He is the Sales and Marketing Director at Uberflix Studio. He also writes about travel, geopolitics, and alcohol markets, and has published articles in The Diplomat, Reflets, The Main, Go Nomad, Global Risk Insights, and Diplomatie.
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