The Northern Ontario Beer Trail: 8 Essential Stops For Beer Lovers

Our long-awaited and highly anticipated summer season has officially arrived in Northern Ontario, Canada. With so many beautiful lakes, trails, hikes, and parks waiting right in our backyards, a summer full of good times isn’t hard to come by, and, for many a Northerner, those good times go hand and hand with a cooler full of ice cold beer. Luckily for us, the need to haul a cooler along every adventure is becoming less necessary thanks to the prevalence of local craft breweries to visit after a day of experiencing all the outdoor adventures that make our summers so special. 

The Northern Ontario Beer Trail takes you from west to east—visitors can begin the tour in Sunset Country near the Manitoba border and make their way through Superior Country, down into Algoma Country, and across to Northeastern Ontario. Or start in Southern Ontario and enjoy your craft beer from east to west! 

Read on for a handful of places to unwind, enjoy the flavours of the region, and drink with the locals wherever your summer takes you this year. 

1. Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. in Kenora, ON

While Kenora is most often known for beautiful lake views, it also has a longstanding tradition of brewing, with history dating all the way back to 1898, so it’s only natural that Lake of the Woods Brewing Company takes a tried and true approach to crafting their wide selection of beers. Using water from its namesake lake, the team at Lake of the Woods credits the old German technique of “krausening” as an essential component of what keeps people coming back for more. Located in Kenora's old firehall, Lake of the Woods features a full menu of delicious pub food amidst its impressive selection of craft beers. One of their most popular beers is the Forgotten Lake Blueberry Ale – made with actual blueberries!

2. Sleeping Giant Brewing Company in Thunder Bay, ON

It makes sense that a brewery with a name paying homage to the city’s beloved, must-see landmark would also be a must-see stop to sample some local flavour. Since it was established in 2012, Sleeping Giant Brewing Company has welcomed many a newcomer to the city with a pint of cold beer. Now packaging over 25,000 cans weekly in-house this brewery put Thunder Bay on the craft beer map. Their selection includes an assortment of core, seasonal, and barrel-aged beers all brewed with Lake Superior water and malt from Canada Malting, located on the city’s waterfront. Bring your favourite snack or grab one there to complement your choice of beer. There’s always something fun going on at Sleeping Giant’s taproom – bring yourself and the good times will follow!

3. Dawson Trail in Thunder Bay, ON

If one sample of what Thunder Bay has to offer in terms of local craft beer wasn’t enough, you’re in luck. Thunder Bay is home to a thriving craft beer scene, so if you’re itching for more, check out Dawson Trail Craft Brewery. The growing brewery moved to its new location on Oliver Road last spring to accommodate growing demand, but you can still find staples such as their beloved Border Run Cream Ale or double dry-hopped IPA Bae’s Haze. Dawson Trail partnered with a local restaurant, Daytona’s, to introduce a full menu at the brewery’s restaurant, Station 22, where you can grab a slice of pizza or try one of their gourmet hot dogs while you’re there. If you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to take advantage of their patio seating. Dawson Trail’s relatively central location will make it the perfect headquarters to plan the rest of your stay in TBay, which just may include a second stop at their taproom!

4. Slate Island Brewery in Terrace Bay, ON

Located in a little town on the shore of Lake Superior, Slate Island Brewery is a love letter to the flavours and sights of the area. One part brewery, one part museum, one part art gallery, Slate Island Brewery is the result of people who love where they’re from and what they do. The brewery is named after the scenic Slate Islands just south of Terrace Bay, and with so many natural wonders of Northern Ontario only a short drive away, it would follow that the team at Slate Island Brewery finds inspiration to experiment with unique flavour profiles from their surroundings.

5. Northern Superior Brewing Co. in Sault Ste. Marie, ON

History buffs and beer aficionados unite! We’ve got just the spot for you to check out in the Soo’s downtown core. Northern Superior Brewing Co. carries a century-long (plus some) history in the region that almost came to an end at the turn of the century until three local entrepreneurs came together to keep that history alive. Today, the fine folks at Northern Superior strive to craft the same taste that Northern beer drinkers know and love, which is best encapsulated in their widely popular Northern Superior Lager. Try the lager out with any one of the light bites on their menu, and, if you’re visiting over the summer, you have the choice of not one but two patios so you can soak in a sunny day with a brew and some friends.

6. Full Beard Brewing in Timmins, ON

With a storied history of mining, Timmins is commonly referred to as the “city with a heart of gold.” It's also home to local gem Full Beard Brewing. When it opened five years ago, Full Beard Brewing was the first craft brewery to open its doors to the city, and, in the short time they’ve been established, have gone on to win a handful of awards for their products. Standouts from their core beer selection include Twisted Twisted Whiskers Nacho Usual Gose, incorporating staple Mexican flavours, or Mr. Sparkle Rice Lager, inspired by the traditional Japanese method of brewing. Full Beard also has a food truck on site called Your Choice Culinary—recent winner of best burger in town— serving up a variety of delicious pub eats to pair with any beer calling your name. 

7. 46 North Brewing in Sudbury, ON

Done checking out the Big Nickel and feeling thirsty? Then the next stop on your agenda is most certainly 46 North Brewing. Part of the growing craft beer scene in Sudbury, 46 North opened just five years ago bringing a metropolitan experience to the north that has been received warmly by locals and visitors alike. Their taproom boasts a welcoming, laid-back vibe to enjoy staples like lager, IPAs, or pilsner or any one of their creative seasonal offerings and microbrews.

8. Gateway City Brewery in North Bay, ON

If you find yourself in North Bay, or, as it's otherwise known, “The Gateway to the North,” you’ve got to make your way over to Gateway City Brewery for a slice of the local scene. Located in the city’s west end, Gateway City’s lineup of core beers features three award-winning brews – a rye pale ale, pilsner, and dark rye lager – that range from simple and approachable to full-bodied and malty. The brewery hosts live entertainment every Friday and Saturday and polishes off the weekend with all-you-can-play pinball for $5 on Sundays. With a wealth of cool stuff going on in between throughout the week, it’s safe to say Gateway City is an amazing spot to introduce anyone to Northern Ontario culture and craft beer. 

Plan Your Northern Ontario Beer Trail Tour Today

Is it just me, or are you suddenly feeling a little thirsty too? As the days get hotter and longer and adventure inevitably beckons this summer, it just may be in the form of trying something new. We hope you enjoy these Northern Ontario breweries on your next visit. Cheers! 

Showing 'Edited Body' is no longer supported.