The Outaouais region: where Quebec meets Ontario, dotted with countless lakes, wrapped in rolling hills, and crisscrossed by rivers. But here’s the real kicker—it’s a treasure trove of outstanding craft breweries. If you’re spending a few days in Gatineau, we’ve got five must-visit microbreweries that will make your trip unforgettable.
Brewery #1: 5e Baron
Nestled in the heart of Aylmer’s historic district, 5e Baron stands as a beacon of brewing excellence, paying homage to the English heritage of Gatineau. This brewery celebrates the legacy of Sir Matthew-Withworth, a key figure in British North American history. As the aide-de-camp to the visually impaired King George III, he played roles in the Napoleonic and Spanish wars before overseeing British territories in North America.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, he was fluent in French, earning a reputation for fairness and garnering respect across cultures. Louis-Joseph Papineau praised his French as being spoken with « ease and elegance. » Known for his humility, as noted by the « Montréal reform newspaper, » he was not one to flaunt wealth unnecessarily. A man of the people, he opposed assimilation policies and supported the French Canadians’ land claims. He also initiated the Grosse-Île quarantine program in response to a global cholera outbreak.
But enough history—let’s talk beer!
What’s the taproom like? Imagine a cozy brewery with a fantastic terrace that brings to mind the best of beer gardens, complete with a friendly vibe. Picnic tables on one side offer a welcoming mix, while a wooden deck on the other hosts a lively array of summer concerts.
We highly recommend the current rendition of the ever-popular Mixtape beer, an IPA that mirrors the brewer’s mood in flavor and color—it never disappoints. The Citadin, an outstanding pilsner, is worth indulging in, but why not sample the latest brews in a tasting format? The service is friendly, the atmosphere inviting, and snacks are available on-site.
Visiting 5e Baron: A Suggested Route
During the summer months, park near the Gatineau marina, take some time to enjoy the beach, then meander up to the main street, dotted with quaint local shops and top-notch eateries. You’ll be struck by the welcoming, serene, and cosmopolitan vibe of Old Aylmer. After a 15-minute walk, turn left into the realm of 5e Baron.
Brewery #2: À la Dérive
Perched along the Ottawa River, À la Dérive boasts the best view among all the craft breweries in the area. Browse through a whimsical beer menu while soaking in the river’s serene flow through expansive windows. Or, choose to bask in the fresh air on one of the two terraces.
The vibe here is equally welcoming, light-hearted, and festive, with a plethora of activities to enhance your visit. Pétanque Tuesdays and Poetry Mondays on Jacques-Cartier Street are must-attend events for the locals!
For craft beer enthusiasts, we suggest the Bégon, a delectable oatmeal stout with white sweet clover. It’s so good, that you’ll want to go back for another one, no matter the season.
Visiting À la Dérive: A Suggested Route
The microbrewery offers an extraordinary view of the Ottawa River. If you’re driving, park in the large lot located behind the brewery, in front of the Hot Air Balloon Park, and take a stroll along Jacques-Cartier Street. Enjoy a sunset walk to the Pointe de Gatineau for a breathtaking view of Ottawa, or take the scenic route via the bicycle path in the opposite direction.
For cyclists, make the most of the extensive network of bike trails for a more active visit. A bike path runs right in front of the brewery. We recommend cycling up to Montée Paiement. Between these two points, the bike path feels like a quaint family garden, where the lush forest and river meet.
Brewery #3: Gallicus
Tucked away on the Gatineau Plateau, on the edge of the vast Gatineau Park, Gallicus presents itself as a factory-turned haven of life’s pleasures. A discreet operation, Gallicus crafts quality beers with a meticulously unique signature.
Gallicus reigns supreme in the world of barrel-aged beers and European influences, always seeking to capture the essence of the terroir. The craft brewery offers a selection of beers made from 100% local ingredients sourced within a 100-kilometer radius.
For my visit, Samy introduced a German pilsner aged for four weeks in gin barrels from the Saint-Laurent distillery. The final blend is floral and complex, featuring classic spice flavors like juniper, balanced with royal kombu, a seaweed harvested directly from the Saint-Laurent.
Visiting Gallicus: A Suggested Route
You’ll need to make a bit of a detour to align your visit with an activity, as the building is somewhat off the beaten path. But fear not, you’re just steps away from Gatineau Park, accessible via Notch Road. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, why not head to Luxville Falls and come back for a refreshing beer to « rehydrate »? Another option is to explore the small oasis of Agora on the Gatineau Plateau. This downtown island is home to a spa, two restaurants, and a bar.
Brewery #4: Brasserie du Bas-Canada
If you’re a New England IPA aficionado, don’t even think twice—head straight to Brasserie du Bas-Canada. This brewery is a haven for craft beer, scientifically brewed to produce flavor-packed beers with incredible drinkability. Bas-Canada shines as a beacon in the craft beer scene, known far and wide across the province and beyond. But don’t get fooled by the allure of an extraordinary double IPA alone. The menu is full of delightful surprises for IPA lovers and hop frontier explorers alike!
Pro tips for the beer geek: We remind you that Brasserie du Bas-Canada is the paradise of the IPA, especially the double IPA and New England IPA. As such, we recommend Los Tabernacos, a best seller since their opening hour.
Visiting Brasserie du Bas-Canada: A Suggested Route
Just a stone’s throw from Les Promenades Gatineau, the brewery serves as the perfect spot for a break after splurging in the massive shopping center. A few kilometers away, Lac Beauchamp Park offers a trail right in the heart of Gatineau. Why not enjoy some fresh forest air before indulging in a refreshing double IPA?
Brewery #5: Chelsea & Co
Chelsea & Co is another gem in the Outaouais region. Perfectly positioned at the gateway to Gatineau Park, it’s a ritual stop for many outdoor enthusiasts returning from the village of Chelsea after a day’s hard work. The taproom’s ambiance, with its cozy ski chalet vibes and walls of pristine sunlit fir, is instantly welcoming.
The beer menu is equally impressive. The White Stout is a delightful twist on the traditional stout recipe, offering a clear, tasty, and explosive alternative. The Road Trip IPA is also a must-try, with its robust 8% alcohol content delivering a flavor explosion. Brace yourself for a flavor avalanche, and perhaps a glass of water to follow. One thing’s for sure: your taste buds will be dreaming of California all night long.
Then there’s the stunning terrace, a cross between the backyard of a friendly and legendary baker and a genuine beer garden. Cool autumn evenings are no match for the warm conversations under the pergola’s heating lamps.
Visiting Chelsea & Co: A Suggested Route
It would be presumptuous to suggest a single route when Gatineau Park and the town of Chelsea are brimming with activities for all seasons! Numerous services are available onsite for memorable outdoor adventures.
Nomades du Parc aims to simplify group activities for all tastes, while Aventure Outaouais promises to keep you on your toes with activities that are as exhilarating as they are surprising.
Honorable Mentions in Outaouais
While Ottawa, just across the river, boasts its fair share of inviting breweries, Outaouais itself is not to be outdone. Beyond the list above, the remarkable efforts of Les Brasseurs de Montebello deserve a shoutout, brewing the history of Petite Nation into delicious 473ml servings.
And then there’s Les Brasseurs des Collines, a relatively new and lesser-known microbrewery that will captivate you with its uncompromising approach to local flavors. Don’t miss out on the Belvédaire du Terroir, a barley wine that hits just the right spot.
Visiting Gatineau: Some Useful Information
If you’re exploring Gatineau by bike, the bike paths serve both practical and recreational purposes. Key spots like À la Dérive, Chelsea & Co, and 5e Baron are accessible via these paths. Check out the City of Gatineau’s website for a comprehensive map.
For a quick trip to Ottawa, remember that tickets from the Outaouais Transport System are also valid on Ottawa buses.
Pierre-Olivier Bussières is the creative mind behind the podcast « Le Temps d’une Bière, » producer of « Hoppy History, » and editor-in-chief at the « Le Temps d’une Bière » media outlet. He holds a graduate degree in political science from Carleton University. He has been writing every week about beer since 2021.
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