Cultural and economic capital of Quebec, Canada, Montreal is a must-visit for travelers heading to the land of memories and the maple leaf. The Amsterdam of North America is also a hotspot for craft beer. With no less than 37 craft breweries, beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs have plenty to satisfy their quest for the Holy Grail of hops. We compiled a list of the top 5 microbreweries to visit during your next stay in Montreal.
To get an idea of all the microbreweries in Montreal, check out the interactive map from the Quebec Microbrewery Association. This route will allow you to explore downtown while quenching your thirst with quality beer!
Craft Brewery #1 : L’Amère à Boire
Our journey begins at L’Amère à Boire, located in the heart of Old Montreal on the iconic Saint-Denis Street. Founded in 1996, this is one of the city’s first microbreweries. The place is steeped in a warm and historic atmosphere, reminiscent of the bygone era of taverns. Savor their house beers while soaking in the authentic atmosphere of Old Montreal.
The flagship of L’Amère à Boire, the undisputed leader of pilsner in the neighborhood, is the Černá. The Černá has been the flagship of the Montreal brewpub for two decades now. This light Czech beer with hints of fresh bread achieves a high drinkability factor, especially when served Czech-style, with a thick and dense frothy head.
Craft Brewery #2 : L’Isle de Garde
Next, head to L’Isle de Garde, a microbrewery nestled in the Mile-End neighborhood, the creative heart of Montreal. Founded in 2014, this craft brewery offers a range of experimental and seasonal beers. Let yourself be charmed by the bohemian atmosphere of the neighborhood and discover the brewing inventiveness that characterizes this unique address.
At the counter, an impressive array of tap lines. Yes, the craft brewery has wagered on both quantity and quality. In other words, there’s something great for every taste.
Bonus for foodies: Isle de Garde has an exceptional cuisine. Far from « bar food »! Check out their menu!
Craft Brewery #3 : Dieu du Ciel!
Continue your brewing adventure at Dieu du Ciel!, a Montreal institution located in the Rosemont neighborhood. Founded in 1998, this brewery is renowned for its bold creations and complex flavors. The story of Dieu du Ciel! is one of a passion for brewing experimentation, and each beer tells a unique tale through its aromas and textures.
« DDD! » for the close ones, it’s hospitality brewed into an exceptional beer. DDC! is also about the love of celebration, good things, and people. The brewery is now based in Saint-Jérôme, but the adventure began at the Montreal brewery on Laurier West. It was – and still is – the ideal laboratory to test small experimental brews directly with regulars and longtime visitors.
As the fifth brewpub in Montreal, Dieu du Ciel! had the mandate to maximize beer diversity. This was no small feat, considering that 70% of the world’s beers are lagers sold by half a dozen conglomerates brewing all over the planet. The brewery exports to all provinces in Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, and Germany, to name a few.
The flagship of the DDC! fleet is, of course, Péché Mortel, a strong beer with a serious tone. Inspired by American and English roasted barley porters. With its 9.5% alcohol by volume, this guilty pleasure with powerful coffee notes has long been a classic. A true classic, the beer-propelled Dieu du Ciel! into the big leagues upon its appearance, thoroughly validating the brewery’s divine aspirations.
Craft Brewery #4 : Brasserie Harricana
For your fourth stop, head to Brasserie Harricana. This microbrewery, located in the Mile-Ex neighborhood, is known for its boundless creativity. Founded in 2014, it offers a wide range of innovative craft beers created with local ingredients. The brewery’s industrial and modern atmosphere provides a captivating contrast to brewing traditions. The space is bathed in a pearly light in a large, open, and clean area.
The top three popular beers are 89, a bohemian Pilsner, 1983, a gose with notes of lime and pepper, and the Blanche d’Amos, a white Belgian with pepper notes.
: you’ll want to try their Kveik, a Scandinavian beer with yeast that works wonders, and their Daiquiri IPA. Like hockey jerseys, all the beers are marked with a unique number, reminiscent of the industrial origins of the place. And all the beers are worth a try!
In addition to excellent beer, the microbrewery also offers a menu with several vegetarian options. A mix of modern cuisine and reinvented brewery snacks, you’ll find something to impress your palate to accompany your favorite beer. Why not order a small sampler palette for the time of a beer?
Craft Brewery #5 : Benelux
Complete your visit at Brasserie Benelux on Sherbrooke Street. Founded in 2006, this brewery harkens back to the post-World War II community formed by Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Yes, it’s a fusion of continental styles! Benelux offers a diverse selection of beers brewed on-site, from classics to seasonal creations. The keyword here is delightful.
Relax in the friendly atmosphere of the place and savor one last beer, putting a final point on your brewing exploration. It’s an ideal spot to capture the pulse of the city of Montreal, an excellent student city. Whether you’re seeking the perfect beer or a place to unwind, you’re sure to hit the mark at Benelux. If you’re an IPA enthusiast, you’ll be in heaven: many styles have been refined here after a hoppy visit. Special mention also goes to the West Coasts and Belgian-inspired beers, two great specialties of the house. For IPAs: give Benelux’s Cuda a try.
Travel Tips
Montreal boasts an excellent public transportation network, including the metro, which can easily take you from one microbrewery to another. Opt for a rechargeable OPUS card for hassle-free and cost-effective travel. The metro offers tickets for different zones as well as for periods ranging from 24 to 72 hours. If you’re planning a blitzkrieg of different stops, a one or two-day pass is preferable!
If you prefer walking, the city’s neighborhoods are pleasant to explore on foot and allow you to discover hidden gems between the breweries.
Pierre-Olivier Bussières is the Editor-in-Chief of Hoppy History and Uber Optimized. He is Sales and Marketing Director at Uberflix Studio. Pierre 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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