Last Updated: January 6, 2026
Ottawa’s craft beer scene has exploded into one of Canada’s most exciting, with over 40 breweries and taprooms scattered across the city—from industrial Hintonburg haunts to suburban Orleans gems and boundary-crossing Gatineau destinations.
Whether you’re hunting for hazy IPAs, seeking sour beer specialists, or simply want a great patio with fresh-brewed beer, this guide covers every craft brewery worth your time. Real recommendations from Reddit’s r/ottawa community, Untappd ratings, and local beer enthusiasts shape these suggestions—not brewery marketing.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Beyond the Pale and Dominion City lead Ottawa’s craft scene for quality and variety. Flora Hall offers the best brewpub food. Small Pony Barrel Works excels at sours. For patios, hit Tooth and Nail or Stray Dog in Orleans. Most taprooms are dog-friendly and offer flights.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Breweries | 40+ in Ottawa-Gatineau region |
| Best Overall | Beyond the Pale, Dominion City |
| Best Food | Flora Hall Brewing (full restaurant) |
| Best Patio | Tooth and Nail, Stray Dog |
| Best for Sours | Small Pony Barrel Works |
| Best Neighbourhood | Hintonburg/City Centre |
| Dog-Friendly | Most taprooms allow dogs |
Downtown & Hintonburg Breweries
Hintonburg hosts Ottawa’s densest concentration of craft breweries
Hintonburg and the surrounding City Centre area form Ottawa’s craft beer heartland, with multiple breweries within walking distance of each other. This makes it perfect for nightlife and brewery crawls.
Beyond the Pale Brewing Company
250 City Centre Avenue, Unit 108 | Hintonburg
Beyond the Pale pioneered Ottawa’s modern craft beer movement and remains one of the city’s most celebrated breweries. The spacious taproom offers a large patio, regular food trucks, and a rotating selection of their acclaimed beers.
Flagship Beers:
- Pink Fuzz - Raspberry wheat ale, crushable summer favourite
- Rye-a-Rye-a-Rockapulco - Hop-forward pale ale
- Darkness - Rich, roasty stout
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11am-9pm
- Food: Food trucks (schedule posted online)
- Patio: Yes, large outdoor space
- Dogs: Welcome on patio
- Growler Fills: Yes
- Flights: Yes, 4 tasters for ~$12
Reddit Says: “Beyond the Pale is the OG of Ottawa craft beer. Pink Fuzz is basically summer in a glass.”
Tooth and Nail Brewing Company
3 Blyth Road | Hintonburg
Tooth and Nail operates from a beautifully converted industrial space with exposed brick and a fantastic patio. Their balanced, approachable beers appeal to craft newcomers and veterans alike.
Flagship Beers:
- Tenacity - American pale ale, easy-drinking favourite
- Fortune Teller - Hazy IPA
- Hoppy Holidays - Seasonal celebration ale
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Wed-Thu 4pm-9pm, Fri 2pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
- Food: Snacks and food partners
- Patio: Yes, excellent summer spot
- Dogs: Yes
- Growler Fills: Yes
- Events: Regular live music nights
Best For: Groups, first dates, casual hangs
Flora Hall Brewing - Best Food
37 Flora Street | Centretown
Flora Hall stands out as Ottawa’s premier brewpub—a full-service restaurant with exceptional food that happens to brew excellent beer on-site. The neighbourhood gathering spot atmosphere makes it perfect for everything from lunch to late-night drinks.
Flagship Beers:
- Howler IPA - Well-balanced west coast style
- Flora Lager - Crisp, clean, sessionable
- Rotating sours and seasonals
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-12am, Sun 11am-10pm
- Food: Full restaurant menu (burgers, bowls, apps)
- Patio: Pop-up seasonal patio (“Flora Out Front”)
- Dogs: Yes, on patio
- Private Events: Available
Reddit Consensus: “Flora Hall has the best food of any Ottawa brewery, hands down. The beer is solid and the vibes are great.”
Dominion City Brewing Co.
5510 Canotek Road, Unit 15 | Gloucester
Despite the industrial park location, Dominion City produces some of Ottawa’s most acclaimed beers. The bright, modern taproom draws beer enthusiasts from across the city for releases and regular visits.
Flagship Beers:
- Sunsplit IPA - Hazy, tropical, beloved
- Two Flags IPA - Classic West Coast style
- Town & Country - Pilsner collaboration
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Thu-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
- Food: Snacks, occasional food partners
- Patio: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Growler Fills: Yes
- Retail: Strong can selection
What Locals Say: “Dominion City is consistently one of the best breweries in the city. Sunsplit is a must-try.”
ByWard Market & Downtown
Downtown breweries offer easy access after exploring the ByWard Market
Beyond the Pale - ByWard Market Location
60 George Street | ByWard Market
Beyond the Pale’s second location occupies one of the oldest buildings in the ByWard Market, combining historic charm with modern craft beer culture. The intimate taproom and event space caters to tourists and locals alike.
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-9pm
- Food: Small plates and food partners
- Events: Private event rentals available
- Unique: Historic building atmosphere
Waller St. Brewing
14 Waller Street | ByWard Market
Hidden below street level near the Market, Waller St. Brewing operates as one of Ottawa’s most intimate craft beer experiences. The Belgian-inspired brews reflect owner expertise and passion.
Flagship Beers:
- Belgian-style ales
- Seasonal and experimental releases
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Variable (check social media)
- Food: Limited snacks
- Atmosphere: Intimate, cozy basement setting
- Best For: Beer enthusiasts seeking something different
Orleans & East Ottawa
Ottawa’s east end offers growing craft beer options with suburban patio vibes
Stray Dog Brewing Company
4315 Innes Road | Orleans
Orleans’ first microbrewery brings craft beer culture to the east end. Owned by two passionate locals, Stray Dog emphasizes community connection and approachable craft beers.
Flagship Beers:
- Lost Blonde - Easy-drinking blonde ale
- Black Lab Stout - Rich and smooth
- Seasonal rotations
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Wed-Thu 3pm-9pm, Fri 2pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
- Food: Full menu available
- Patio: Yes, excellent outdoor space
- Dogs: Extremely dog-friendly (fitting the name!)
- Private Events: Available
- Parking: Free lot
Reddit Review: “Stray Dog is a gem in Orleans. Great patio, dog-friendly, and the beers are solid. Nice not having to trek downtown.”
Orleans Brewing Company
4518 Innes Road | Orleans
Another east-end option, Orleans Brewing Company offers a full food menu alongside their craft beer lineup, making it a destination for dinner and drinks.
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Daily
- Food: Full restaurant menu
- Patio: Available
- Delivery: Available through Uber Eats
Kanata & West Ottawa
West Ottawa options cater to suburban craft beer enthusiasts
Calabogie Brewing Company - Kanata
5361 Carp Road | Kanata
Originally from Calabogie, this brewery’s Kanata location brings their popular brews closer to the city. The spacious taproom and full menu make it a family-friendly destination.
Flagship Beers:
- Hooligan’s Irish Red - Malty, smooth
- Paddler’s Lager - Crisp and refreshing
- Seasonal selections
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Daily
- Food: Full menu (burgers, pub fare)
- Patio: Yes, large outdoor space
- Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly
- Parking: Ample free parking
Evergreen Craft Ales
21-767 Silver Seven Road | Kanata
Evergreen operates a smaller taproom focused on quality over quantity, with rotating taps and a welcoming atmosphere.
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Check website for current hours
- Food: Snacks
- Retail: Cans available for purchase
Specialty & Destination Breweries
Ottawa’s specialty breweries push creative boundaries
Small Pony Barrel Works - Best Sours
1335 Wellington Street West | Hintonburg
For sour beer enthusiasts, Small Pony represents Ottawa’s pinnacle. Their barrel-aged and wild-fermented beers rival the best North American sour producers.
Specialty:
- Barrel-aged sour ales
- Wild and mixed fermentation
- Fruited sours
- Limited releases
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Check social media for current schedule
- Food: Limited
- Atmosphere: Intimate, specialty-focused
- Best For: Serious beer enthusiasts
Reddit Says: “Small Pony is doing world-class sour beers. If you’re into that style, it’s a must-visit.”
Bicycle Craft Brewery
850 Industrial Avenue, Unit 12 | Industrial Park
Bicycle Craft Brewery focuses on approachable, well-made beers in a family-friendly taproom. Their balanced offerings appeal to craft newcomers.
Flagship Beers:
- Velocipede IPA - Balanced, hop-forward
- Apricycle - Fruited wheat ale
- Various lagers and seasonals
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Thu-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
- Food: Snacks and food partners
- Dogs: Yes
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly
Broadhead Brewing Company
100 Schneider Road | Nepean
Broadhead offers a large taproom in an industrial setting, with a wide beer selection and regular events.
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Wed-Sun
- Food: Food partners and trucks
- Events: Trivia nights, live music
- Retail: Strong bottle/can selection
Gatineau Breweries
Cross the bridge for Quebec’s distinct craft beer culture
Gatineau offers a different brewing culture with Quebec influences. These breweries make excellent day trip destinations.
Brasserie du Bas-Canada
480 Boulevard La Gappe | Gatineau
Bas-Canada produces some of the region’s most acclaimed beers, with particular strength in IPAs and experimental styles. The modern taproom draws serious beer enthusiasts.
Specialty:
- Hazy IPAs
- New England styles
- Barrel-aged releases
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Wed-Sun (check website)
- Food: Snacks
- Atmosphere: Modern, brewery-focused
Reddit Review: “Bas-Canada is killing it with their hazy IPAs. Some of the best in the region.”
Brasserie Artisanale Gallicus
58 Rue Kent | Gatineau
Gallicus emphasizes Belgian-inspired brewing traditions with Quebec interpretations. The welcoming taproom showcases their diverse offerings.
Specialty:
- Belgian-style ales
- Saisons and farmhouse ales
- Strong ales
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Check website
- Food: Limited
- Atmosphere: European-influenced
5e Baron
5e Baron offers another excellent Gatineau option for those exploring Quebec’s craft beer scene.
À la Dérive
À la Dérive provides unique brews in a creative Gatineau setting.
Best Breweries by Category
Best Patios for Summer
When patio season arrives, these breweries deliver:
- Tooth and Nail - Spacious, great atmosphere
- Stray Dog - Orleans favourite with games
- Beyond the Pale - Large space, food trucks
- Calabogie Brewing Kanata - Family-friendly outdoor area
- Flora Hall - Pop-up “Flora Out Front”
Best for Beer Flights & Tastings
| Brewery | Flight Size | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beyond the Pale | 4 tasters | ~$12 | Wide selection |
| Dominion City | 4 tasters | ~$14 | Try Sunsplit! |
| Tooth and Nail | 4 tasters | ~$12 | Balanced options |
| Flora Hall | 4 tasters | ~$14 | Pair with food |
Best Food at Breweries
For those seeking more than snacks:
- Flora Hall - Full restaurant, best overall
- Calabogie Brewing Kanata - Full pub menu
- Stray Dog - Solid food options
- Orleans Brewing - Full restaurant menu
Best for Groups & Parties
- Beyond the Pale ByWard - Private events in historic space
- Broadhead - Large taproom capacity
- Flora Hall - Restaurant setting, reservations
- Tooth and Nail - Spacious taproom
Best for Live Music & Events
- Broadhead - Regular trivia and live music
- Tooth and Nail - Music nights
- Flora Hall - Various events
Self-Guided Brewery Tour Routes
Hintonburg Crawl (Walkable)
The most popular brewery crawl in Ottawa—all within walking distance:
- Beyond the Pale (250 City Centre) - Start with a Pink Fuzz
- Tooth and Nail (3 Blyth Road) - 5-minute walk
- Small Pony (1335 Wellington W) - 10-minute walk for sours
- Flora Hall (37 Flora Street) - End with food
Total Time: 4-5 hours with tastings Distance: ~2.5 km total
East End Tour (Driving Required)
- Dominion City (5510 Canotek) - Start here
- Stray Dog (4315 Innes) - Head to Orleans
- Orleans Brewing (4518 Innes) - Nearby option
Note: Designate a driver or use Uber
Cross-Border Tour (Gatineau)
- Brasserie du Bas-Canada - Must-try hazy IPAs
- Gallicus - Belgian influences
- 5e Baron - Local favourite
Ottawa Beer Festivals & Events
Major Annual Events
| Event | Timing | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Craft Beer Week | Late May | Various breweries |
| Capital City Brew Fest | Summer | Lansdowne |
| I Heart Beer Festival | Various | Check iheartbeer.ca |
Weekly Brewery Events
Many breweries host regular events:
- Trivia nights - Broadhead, various others
- Live music - Tooth and Nail, Broadhead
- Food truck days - Beyond the Pale
- Release parties - All major breweries
Growler Fills & Merchandise
Growler Fill Locations
Most Ottawa breweries offer growler fills:
- Bring your own clean growler (most accept standard sizes)
- Some offer brewery-branded growlers for purchase
- Fills typically $12-18 depending on beer
Brewery Merchandise
Popular items available at most taprooms:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Pint glasses
- Hats and toques
- Stickers and patches
Brewery Comparison Table
| Brewery | Best For | Food | Patio | Dogs | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beyond the Pale | All-around | Food trucks | Yes | Yes | Hintonburg/ByWard |
| Dominion City | Quality | Snacks | Yes | Yes | Gloucester |
| Flora Hall | Food | Full menu | Pop-up | Yes | Centretown |
| Tooth and Nail | Atmosphere | Snacks | Yes | Yes | Hintonburg |
| Small Pony | Sours | Limited | No | Check | Hintonburg |
| Stray Dog | East end | Full menu | Yes | Yes | Orleans |
| Calabogie Kanata | Families | Full menu | Yes | Check | Kanata |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ottawa’s best craft brewery overall?
Beyond the Pale and Dominion City consistently earn top recognition from local beer enthusiasts. Beyond the Pale’s Pink Fuzz and Dominion City’s Sunsplit represent Ottawa’s craft beer scene at its finest. For food, Flora Hall combines excellent brewing with a full restaurant.
Q: Which Ottawa breweries have the best patios?
Tooth and Nail offers Hintonburg’s best patio atmosphere, while Stray Dog dominates the east end. Beyond the Pale’s large outdoor space with food trucks creates summer party vibes. Calabogie Kanata provides family-friendly outdoor dining.
Q: Are Ottawa breweries dog-friendly?
Most Ottawa brewery patios welcome dogs, fitting the city’s pet-friendly culture. Beyond the Pale, Tooth and Nail, Stray Dog (naturally!), and Dominion City all allow dogs on patios. Check individual policies for indoor rules.
Q: Which brewery has the best food?
Flora Hall operates as Ottawa’s only true brewpub with a full restaurant menu—burgers, bowls, apps, and more. Calabogie Kanata and Stray Dog also offer complete food menus beyond snacks. Most other breweries rely on food trucks or nearby restaurants.
Q: Where can I get the best sour beers in Ottawa?
Small Pony Barrel Works specializes exclusively in sour, wild, and barrel-aged beers. Their limited-release bottles rival the best sour producers in North America. For more accessible sours, Flora Hall and Beyond the Pale offer rotating options.
Q: Can I do a brewery tour in Ottawa?
The Hintonburg brewery crawl (Beyond the Pale → Tooth and Nail → Small Pony → Flora Hall) covers 4 breweries within walking distance. Plan 4-5 hours with tastings. For breweries spread across the city, drive responsibly or use Uber/taxi.
Q: Do Ottawa breweries offer flights?
Yes! Most taprooms offer 4-beer flights for $12-15, perfect for sampling variety. Dominion City, Beyond the Pale, and Tooth and Nail all provide excellent flight options.
Q: What’s the craft beer scene like in Orleans?
Stray Dog Brewing pioneered Orleans craft beer and remains the east-end favourite. Orleans Brewing Company offers another solid option. Both provide full food menus and patios—no need to trek downtown anymore.
Q: How do Gatineau breweries compare?
Gatineau’s craft scene emphasizes Quebec brewing traditions with standouts like Brasserie du Bas-Canada (exceptional hazy IPAs) and Gallicus (Belgian-inspired). Worth the bridge crossing for serious beer enthusiasts.
Q: When do Ottawa breweries release seasonal beers?
Watch for seasonal releases:
- Spring: Light lagers, wheat beers
- Summer: Session ales, fruited sours
- Fall: Pumpkin ales, Oktoberfest styles
- Winter: Stouts, barleywines, holiday ales
Follow brewery social media for release announcements.
Q: Which brewery is best for groups or parties?
Beyond the Pale’s ByWard location offers private event space in a historic building. Broadhead’s large taproom handles bigger groups casually. Flora Hall accepts reservations for restaurant-style group dining.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s craft beer scene offers something for every taste—from Beyond the Pale’s crowd-pleasing ales to Small Pony’s world-class sours, from Flora Hall’s brewpub dining to Stray Dog’s suburban patio paradise. The Hintonburg brewery crawl provides the quintessential Ottawa beer experience, but don’t sleep on suburban gems in Orleans and Kanata or boundary-crossing Gatineau destinations.
Grab a flight, claim a patio seat, and discover why Ottawa’s craft beer culture rivals cities twice its size.
Additional Breweries Worth Visiting
Kichesippi Beer Co.
866 Campbell Avenue | Hintonburg
One of Ottawa’s original craft breweries, Kichesippi (named for the Algonquin word for “great river”) produces accessible, well-crafted beers. Their 1855 Kolsch-style ale honours Ottawa’s heritage while delivering modern craft quality.
Flagship Beers:
- 1855 - Kolsch-style, crisp and clean
- Heller Highwater - Hefeweizen
- Natural Blonde - Easy-drinking pale ale
Vimy Brewing Company
11-830 Industrial Avenue | Industrial Park
Named after the iconic WWI battle, Vimy Brewing honours Canadian military history while producing solid craft beers. The taproom offers a respectful atmosphere with quality brews.
Taproom Details:
- Hours: Check website for current schedule
- Food: Limited snacks
- Retail: Cans and bottles available
- Theme: Military heritage, Canadian pride
Nita Beer Company
811 Industrial Avenue | Industrial Park
Nita Beer focuses on Belgian-inspired and experimental brews in their industrial park location. The small-batch approach allows for creative exploration.
Spark Beer
Spark Beer offers another downtown-adjacent option for craft beer enthusiasts exploring Ottawa’s scene.
Whiprsnapr Brewing Co.
Whiprsnapr rounds out Ottawa’s industrial park brewery cluster with approachable craft beers.
Tips for Visiting Ottawa Breweries
Getting Around
- Hintonburg crawl: Completely walkable—no car needed
- Suburban breweries: Uber/taxi or designated driver required
- Gatineau: Short drive across the bridge; consider parking and walking between spots
- Public transit: Many breweries accessible via OC Transpo, but check schedules
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday afternoons: Quieter, easier to chat with staff
- Friday evenings: Liveliest atmosphere, potential for crowds
- Saturday afternoons: Peak brewery crawl time
- Sunday sessions: Relaxed, often family-friendly
What to Bring
- Cash: Some smaller breweries prefer cash for merchandise
- Clean growler: For fills at taprooms
- Reusable bag: For carrying retail purchases
- Layers: Industrial spaces can be cool or warm
Brewery Etiquette
- Tip your bartender: Same as any bar setting
- Don’t overstay your welcome: Especially during busy periods
- Share the flight: Great way to try more variety
- Ask questions: Brewery staff love discussing their craft
Sources: Ottawa Tourism, Ontario Craft Brewers, r/ottawa, Untappd
