Ottawa’s craft beer revolution has transformed the city into a serious beer destination. From innovative downtown taprooms to pastoral rural brewpubs, the National Capital Region offers an impressive variety of locally brewed beers and brewery experiences worth exploring.
This guide to local brewing helps you navigate Ottawa’s craft beer scene like a local.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa has a thriving craft brewery scene with 20+ breweries across the region. Options range from downtown taprooms to destination brewpubs in rural settings. Most offer tastings, flights, and food. Perfect for weekend exploration or a dedicated brewery tour.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Craft Beer Growth | 2010s-present |
| 📍 Coverage | Citywide + region |
| 🎟️ Tastings | Varies by brewery |
| ⏰ Hours | Typically afternoon-evening |
Downtown and Central Breweries
Urban Taproom Experience
City-centre options:
Dominion City Brewing Co.
- Location: Wellington West
- Style: Diverse, experimental
- Known for: Quality and creativity
- Taproom: Excellent space
Flora Hall Brewing
- Location: Bank Street
- Style: Belgian-inspired
- Known for: Unique approaches
- Atmosphere: Cozy, welcoming
Beyond the Pale Brewing
- Location: Multiple locations
- Style: Hop-forward
- Known for: IPAs
- Vibe: Casual, friendly
Tooth and Nail Brewing
- Location: Hintonburg
- Style: Belgian and experimental
- Known for: Wild ales
- Experience: Intimate taproom
What to Expect Downtown
The Experience:
- Walkable between some locations
- Transit accessible
- Urban atmosphere
- Food options nearby
Typical Offerings:
- Flights for tasting
- Pints available
- Growler fills
- Some offer food
Illustrative image only.
Rural and Destination Breweries
Worth the Drive
Exceptional rural options:
Whitewater Brewing Co.
- Location: Foresters Falls (~1 hour)
- Style: Diverse range
- Known for: Beautiful location
- Experience: Outdoor seating, scenic views
Covered Bridge Brewing
- Location: Stittsville (rural edge)
- Style: Traditional and innovative
- Known for: Large venue
- Features: Event space
Big Rig Brewery
- Location: Kanata/Stittsville
- Style: Variety
- Known for: Full restaurant
- Experience: Brewpub dining
Stalwart Brewing
- Location: Carleton Place (~30 min)
- Style: Traditional ales
- Known for: English styles
- Atmosphere: Small town charm
Rural Brewery Benefits
Why venture out:
Advantages:
- More space
- Scenic settings
- Less urban hustle
- Destination experience
Considerations:
- Need transportation (designated driver essential)
- Check hours before visiting
- May have limited days open
- Worth planning around
Brewery Styles and Specialties
Finding Your Preference
What different breweries focus on:
Hop-Forward Breweries:
- IPAs and pale ales
- Bitter and aromatic
- West Coast and hazy styles
- Popular modern preference
Belgian-Inspired:
- Complex yeasts
- Saisons and abbey styles
- Sour and wild ales
- Traditional techniques
British Traditions:
- Bitters and ESBs
- Stouts and porters
- Sessionable options
- Classic approaches
Experimental:
- Unique ingredients
- Barrel aging
- Collaboration brews
- Rotating specialties
Seasonal Offerings
Time your visits:
Spring:
- Fresh hop releases
- Light seasonal styles
- Patio openings
Summer:
- Session beers
- Fruit additions
- Festival releases
Fall:
- Harvest ales
- Pumpkin beers
- Oktoberfest styles
Winter:
- Dark beers
- Strong ales
- Holiday specials
Planning Your Brewery Tour
Self-Guided Touring
Tips for success:
Planning:
- Choose 2-3 breweries per outing
- Check hours and days open
- Consider geography
- Plan transportation
Responsible Enjoying:
- Designate a driver
- Use taxi/rideshare
- Pace yourself
- Eat between stops
Suggested Routes
Downtown Walk:
- Start in Hintonburg
- Walk to Wellington West
- End in Little Italy area
- Dinner to conclude
West End Drive:
- Start Stittsville area
- Kanata breweries
- Return via Britannia
- Designated driver required
Day Trip:
- Carleton Place
- Perth-area options
- Return via Almonte
- Full day adventure
Illustrative image only.
What to Know
Brewery Etiquette
Be a great visitor:
Do:
- Ask questions—brewers love talking beer
- Try flights to sample variety
- Buy some to go if you like it
- Tip your servers
Don’t:
- Get drunk and rowdy
- Pressure others to drink more
- Overstay welcome
- Forget to eat
Tasting Tips
Get the most from your visit:
Approach:
- Start with lighter beers
- Progress to stronger/darker
- Cleanse palate between
- Take notes if interested
Terminology:
- Flight: small pours of multiple beers
- Growler: large container to go
- Crowler: canned to-go option
- Taproom: on-site drinking area
Beyond Beer
Food Pairings
Many breweries offer food:
On-Site Options:
- Full kitchens (some locations)
- Food trucks (common)
- Snacks and shareables
- Partner restaurant arrangements
Pairing Tips:
- IPAs with spicy food
- Stouts with chocolate/dessert
- Wheat beers with salads
- Lagers with everything
Events and Experiences
More than just drinking:
Brewery Events:
- Release parties
- Live music
- Trivia nights
- Food pop-ups
Educational:
- Brewery tours
- Brewing classes
- Tasting events
- Meet the brewer
Local Beer Resources
Staying Informed
Keep up with the scene:
Social Media:
- Follow favourite breweries
- Local beer groups
- Event announcements
- New releases
Local Shops:
- Beer specialty stores
- LCBO craft selection
- Brewery direct sales
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need reservations? A: Generally no, though larger groups should call ahead. Some smaller taprooms have limited capacity.
Q: Can I bring kids? A: Policies vary by brewery. Many allow children during certain hours or in certain areas. Call ahead to confirm.
Q: What’s a flight cost? A: Typically $10-20 for 4-6 small pours, depending on brewery and beers selected.
Q: Can I buy beer to take home? A: Yes! Most breweries sell cans, bottles, or growler fills. Great way to support local breweries.
Q: Are there guided brewery tours? A: Various companies offer guided brewery tour experiences with transportation included. Search for Ottawa brewery tours.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s craft brewery scene has matured into something genuinely impressive. The variety of styles, the quality of brewing, and the diversity of experiences available make this a city where beer lovers can explore extensively without repeating themselves.
What makes the local scene special isn’t just the beer—it’s the people behind it. These are passionate brewers who’ve built businesses around their craft, creating community gathering spaces that happen to serve excellent beer. Each brewery has its own personality, its own approach, its own reasons to visit.
Whether you’re a serious beer enthusiast or simply enjoy the occasional quality pint, Ottawa’s breweries offer something worth discovering. Start local, explore widely, and raise a glass to the craft brewers who’ve made this city a beer destination.
Source: Ottawa Craft Breweries, Local Research - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa discoveries, visit Where to Go or explore Things to Do!
