Ottawa may not be the biggest (or the coolest) city of the maple leaf country, but it is nevertheless home to over 30 craft breweries, all of which worthy of a visit. This vibrant community ranges from breweries nestled in trendy neighbourhoods and industrial parks to those located in rural areas around the capital.
We have prepared a list of our top ten recommendations! Here’s is out top ten recommendations for your next stop in Ottawa!
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Top Ten Craft Breweries in Ottawa
Tooth and Nail Brewing Company
Tooth and Nail Brewing Company, located in Ottawa’s vibrant Hintonburg neighborhood, has established itself as a cornerstone of the local craft beer scene. Founded with a commitment to traditional brewing techniques and a focus on quality, Tooth and Nail offers a welcoming atmosphere that blends a rustic and modern aesthetic, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.
Three beers that come highly recommended for tourists include the « Vim and Vigor, » a crisp Pilsner; « Fortitude, » a robust Stout; and « Rabble Rouser, » an IPA that showcases the brewery’s hop expertise. Each beer represents Tooth and Nail’s dedication to craftsmanship and flavor.
- Address: 3 Irving Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1Z2
- Website: toothandnailbeer.com
- Phone Number: (613) 695-4677
Beyond the Pale
Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, established in 2012, has become a staple in Ottawa’s craft beer community. Situated in the heart of the city, the brewery offers a spacious taproom and patio, creating an inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Their commitment to brewing a diverse range of high-quality beers has solidified their reputation among craft beer enthusiasts. Beyond the Pale also offers a delightful culinary experience, featuring delicious BBQ food provided in-house by the Smoquehouse team.
Three beers that come highly recommended for tourists include:
- Pink Fuzz: A Grapefruit American Wheat Ale that offers a refreshing citrus flavor, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a light yet flavorful beer.
- Aromatherapy: This dry-hopped IPA delivers citrus and floral aromas with a hint of tartness, showcasing the brewery’s expertise in crafting aromatic and balanced IPAs.
- Clean Cut: A German-inspired Kölsch that provides a crisp and clean taste, ideal for those who appreciate traditional beer styles with a modern twist.
Address: 250 City Centre Ave, Unit 106, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7
Website: btpshop.ca
Phone Number: (613) 668-2337
Dominion City Co
Dominion City Brewing Co. stands as a beacon of innovation and community in Ottawa’s craft beer scene. The first brewery to be founded through a Kickstarter campaign, Dominion City has the words cooperation tattooed all over its beer.
But, most importantly for you, it is also recognized as one of the top breweries of the province. It also helps that Dominion is committed to sourcing ingredients locally and fostering a close-knit relationship with local farmers and suppliers. Whether its for a curbside pickup or a chill night with friends, Dominion City has you covered. You can also enjoy a nice selection of local brews and ciders. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some excellent local beers.
For those venturing into the Dominion City experience, we recommend the « Paper Salesman Pale Ale, » a crisp and refreshing choice with subtle hop notes; the « Earl Grey Marmalade Saison, » known for its unique infusion of tea and citrus flavors; and the « Town & Country Blonde Ale, » offering a smooth and approachable taste for all palates. We would also be remiss if we forgot the all-time classic: the Sunsplit, a splendid IPA that means what it says and tastes what it means!
Address: 5510 Canotek Rd Unit 15, Gloucester, ON K1J 9J4
Website: www.dominioncity.ca
Phone Number: (613) 688-6207
Flora Hall Brewing
Flora Hall Brewing stands out as a vibrant and innovative force in the Ottawa craft beer scene. Housed in a renovated former garage in the centretown, Flora Hall is a testament to the city’s ability to blend the old with the new, creating a space where community and craft beer come together seamlessly. This brewery embodies a philosophy that places a strong emphasis on quality beer paired with quality food, capturing the essence of community gathering and shared experiences.
Flora Hall sets itself apart not just through its unique location, but also by its approach to the craft beer experience. Hop on the second floor to enjoy the view on the brewery and the first floor. You’ll also enjoy the not-so-conventional menu. Flora Hall threw the classic brewery menu out the window and added an international mix of perfectly homy comfort foods. And yes, there is still a burger in there.
For those ready to dive into the Flora Hall Brewing experience, be sure not to miss the « English Ordinary Bitter, » an exemplary take on the classic style, the « American Oat Pale Ale, » which showcases the brewery’s innovative approach to traditional brewing techniques, and the « Seasonal Saison, » a reflection of the brewery’s commitment to creativity and quality, featuring rotating seasonal ingredients.
Address: 37 Flora St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1A7
Website: florahallbrewing.ca
Phone Number: (613) 695-2339
Overflow Brewing Company
Overflow Brewing Company has quickly become a hallmark of the Ottawa craft beer landscape, bringing a fresh and energetic approach to the brewing community. From its inception, Overflow has aimed to capture the essence of « flow » or being « in the zone, » a state that they believe is akin to the perfect beer experience.
Overflow Brewing sets itself apart with its multifaceted approach to the craft beer experience. Not only does it offer an impressive lineup of craft beers, but it also enhances the beer-drinking experience with incredible smoked BBQ-style food and live music events nearly every weekend. The atmosphere at Overflow is vibrant and welcoming, featuring a spacious taproom and an amazing patio, making it the perfect place to unwind with friends and family.
The brewery is also beaming with cool gigs. (peep their event calendar to stay in the loop). And let’s not sleep on Happy Hour, rolling out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with half-price pints. Trust me, you don’t wanna miss out.
For those exploring Overflow Brewing Company, three beers stand out: the « PumpKING Pumpkin Kveik, » which offers a unique twist on seasonal flavors; the « Biggs & Barr Brew Vienna Lager, » known for its smooth and malty character; and the « Hopfenlager, » a brilliant example of their craftsmanship, blending hoppy notes with the crispness of a lager.
Address: 2477 Kaladar Ave, Ottawa, ON K1V 8B9
Website: overflowbeer.com
Phone Number: (613) 695-2337
Kichesippi Beer Co
Kichesippi Beer Co. is a cornerstone of Ottawa’s craft beer scene, deeply rooted in the city’s history and community since its establishment in 2010. The name « Kichesippi » is derived from the Algonquin word for the Ottawa River, meaning « The Great River, » signifying the brewery’s connection to the local heritage and its commitment to celebrating the city’s culture through its craft.
Once you get in the taproom, the first thing you notice is the clean, open space, jut like their crisp lagers – and our favourite, their exceptional Oktoberfest. The Brewery doesn’t have a food menu per say, but there is generally a food truck outside waiting to appease your hunger!
Kichesippi prides itself on traditional styles that honor the craft’s history while also encouraging innovation. The brewery’s location, set in a spacious venue that once housed a car dealership, will certainly transport you to a place of high hoppiness.
For beer enthusiasts venturing to Kichesippi Beer Co., there are a few standout selections that are a must-try. The « Wuchak Black, » a robust and flavorful black IPA, the « Logger, » a crisp and refreshing lager perfect for any occasion, and the « 1815, » named after the year that marked the end of the War of 1812, celebrating peace and craftsmanship. These selections not only highlight the brewery’s skill in brewing but also its dedication to storytelling through beer.
Address: 2265 Robertson Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 5Z2
Website: kbeer.ca
Phone Number: (613) 728-7845
Pistols Brewing
Nestled in the neighborhood of Kanata, Evergreen Craft Ales stands out for its intimate setting and commitment to sustainability. The brewery’s atmosphere is one of warmth and inclusivity, where each visitor is greeted with the enthusiasm of a fellow beer lover. Evergreen’s taproom serves as a cozy gathering place where patrons can enjoy a range of meticulously crafted beers, reflecting the brewery’s focus on quality over quantity. With a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint, Evergreen also emphasizes local sourcing and eco-friendly practices, making every pint an ethical choice.
Evergreen Craft Ales in Kanata offers a welcoming vibe where the beer flows generously, capturing the hearts of both beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike. The brewery pride itself on serving « Delicious Crushable Craft Beer, » promising a lineup that includes the tasty Silver Seven Lager, Pacific WCIPA, and Evergreen Lite Lager, among others. Our favourites include the « Spruce Moose, » an ale infused with local spruce tips, offers a uniquely refreshing take on craft beer. The « Stalwart Dr. IPA, » a tribute to traditional IPAs with a modern twist, is perfect for hop lovers. Lastly, the « Festive Ale, » a seasonal favorite, combines warming spices and flavors ideal for the holiday season, showcasing Evergreen’s versatility and creativity.
- Address: 21-767 Silver Seven Road, Ottawa ON K2V 0H1
- Website: pistolsbrew
- Phone Number: 613-319-3106
Stray Dog Brewing Company
Stray Dog Brewing Company, nestled in Orleans, just west of Ottawa, captures the essence of innovation and community spirit in the craft beer scene. Founded on a passion for brewing and a welcoming atmosphere, it stands out with its pet-friendly policy, making it a unique spot for beer lovers and their furry friends.
The brewery is renowned for its engaging community events, creating a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Among their diverse offerings, three top beers that are a must-try include their flagship IPA, a refreshing lager, and a distinctive stout, each showcasing Stray Dog’s commitment to quality and flavor.
- Address: 501 Lacolle Way Unit 4, Orléans, ON K4A 5B6
- Website: straydog.com
- Phone Number: (613) 830-7364
Bicycle Craft Brewery
Bicycle Craft Brewery, located in Ottawa, is known for its passion for craft beer and its commitment to creating unique, high-quality brews. The brewery has cultivated a warm and welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a variety of events and a friendly community vibe.
- Address: 12 – 850 Industrial Ave, Ottawa
- Website: bicyclecraftbrewery.ca
- Phone Number: (613) 733-2337
Orléans Brewing Co
Another great reason to venture out east to Orleans, Orléans Brewing is small but mighty! Their kolsch is absolutely top notch and their selection is overall pretty stellar.
- Address: 4380 Innes Rd, Orléans, ON K4A 3W3
- Website: Orleans Brewing
- Phone Number: (613) 830-8428
Other Great Craft Breweries in Ottawa
Big Rig and Calabogie are also strong contenders. Their beer are also pretty phenomenal. While they hand closer to commercial brewing in scale, they are still 100% craft in taste.
Big Rig was founded by an ex Senators players in 2012. Since then, they have become the biggest craft game in town, with several awards from the Ontario Brewing Awards. I had the priviledge to meet the gang at the Orleans Beer Festival in 2025 and their Alpha Bomb was indeed the bomb!
Calabogie will have the honor of hosting this year’s Kanata Beer Fest in September. What sets them apart is good old consistency. They are also one of the first breweries in the national capital area.
Travel tips
As you navigate through Ottawa’s lively districts, numerous local breweries are just a short walk apart, offering a delightful exploration of the city’s craft beer culture. However, to truly dive into the Ottawa craft beer experience without the hassle of planning or driving, consider joining a Brew Donkey tour. They’ll handle all the logistics, ensuring you enjoy the best local brews stress-free.
Ottawa’s craft beer scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, offering a range of experiences that cater to both the seasoned beer aficionado and the curious newcomer. They not only offer an array of flavors and styles but also represent a community bonded by a shared passion for quality and creativity.
Cheers !
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