Is there a better way to spend summer than with friends on a patio, sippin’ on a cold one, and enjoying time at the lake? For anyone not ready to jump on the hops, there are crisp, artisanal wines, ciders, and spirits. All you have to do to get your hands on one these drinks is head to a cottage-country brewery.
Here are eight must-visit spots serving handcrafted beer and more in cottage country,
Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge, Ont.
Venture off the beaten path and head to Muskoka Brewery for a delightful summer filled with hops, music, fire pits, and lots of laughs. They serve premium beer like Detour, Tread Lightly, or Drifter, and you can sample their small-batch spirits such as Butterfly Effect Gin, or try their NA options like the the Muskoka Wandr Sparkling Tea. Don’t skip out on the easy and delicious snacks served here, including charcuterie, soft pretzels, and chips and salsa.
Explore their website to find out what’s happening this summer, or sign up for their Beer Club. Muskoka Brewery is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and closes at 6 p.m. on the remaining days.
Muskoka Beer Spa in Torrance, Ont.
For the ultimate cottage weekend or daycation, head to Muskoka Beer Spa. Unwind in one of their cozy cabins, pamper yourself at the spa, and enjoy some fresh, cold beer. They offer a large selection of session and summer ales, an American IPA, a honey cream and an amber ale. Catch live music on the weekends, or treat yourself to a delicious meal. Don’t leave home without your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the pools or hot tubs.
They are open year-round, and you can visit their website for reservations.
Sawdust City Brewing Company in Gravenhurst, Ont.
Hop into patio season at Sawdust Brewing Company in Gravenhurst. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except Friday and Saturday when they are open until 11 p.m.), you can enjoy a brew. Try their Lone Pine, White Tulip, Passionfruit Guava, and Strawberry Sunda-Fruited Sunday on tap. Or, take home a can (or two!) and indulge in their 12-flight series.
Grab tickets to their Funkfest on July 22 for live music and brewer talks, or attend a rock, blues, and jazz concert, or a comedy night. Visit their website for all of the details.
The Collingwood Brewery in Collingwood, Ont.
Gear up for a summer of fun at the Collingwood Brewery. Grab a pint and relax in the beer garden, or attend one of 30 events in June alone. From Open Mic Night on June 25 or Babies and Brew on June 26, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Sip on White’s Bay, Sunset Point, Downhill, and Rockwell—a selection inspired by the Collingwood surrounding area. If you’re local, they will even deliver right to your doorstep. Order a keg for your next party or have them host your next event.
For more details on the beer and happenings this summer, visit the website.
Creemore Springs Brewery in Creemore, Ont.
Did someone say lavender beer? Yes, you heard that right. Experience the unique flavours offered by this brewery, including Lavender Sour, Grapefruit Neipa, and Traditional Belgian Witbier. Chow down on a menu made to pair well with the sips. Try grilled meats with their premium lager, spicy food with their signature IPA, or pizza with their crisp pilsner. This brewery has a lineup of events such as Turas Mor, the ‘Great Journey’ for bikers, and the Copper Kettle Festival. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a tour of their brewery too.
Catch them every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and visit their website for the latest news on this Clearwater brewery.
Trestle Brewing Company in Parry Sound, Ont.
Head to this waterside patio with your furry friend and a cold one in hand. With a wide selection of beer and wine available, there’s something for everyone to sip on. They accept reservations, or you can just walk in from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Try out Boneyard Bay White IPA or Arrow Pilsner in-house or to-go. Feeling peckish? You’ve got to try the gastropub fare. And, if you love the beer, get it delivered right to your doorstep. More details on their website.
Tobermory Brewing Company in Tobermory, Ont.
Hang out on Tobermory Brewing Co.’s terrace all summer with a Bruce Trail Blonde Ale or Fire Ban Amber Ale. Not your style? Try one of their many other beers—they pride themselves on creating the finest—free of additives and preservatives. This brewery is open Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
This spot also offers a high-end casual dining experience. Grab a bite and dazzle your taste buds with delicious traditional pub fare, including wings, nachos, and baby back ribs. They only use local meats, produce, seafood, and steak.
Sleeping Giant Brewery Co. in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Heading up north? Stop at Sleeping Giant Brewery Co. and sip on their refreshing and handcrafted ales and lagers like Beaver Duck, White Out, or Mr. Candehead, every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except on Sunday when they open at noon). Their award-winning golden ale, Northern Logger, is a must-try for anyone who likes hoppy drinks. They also offer gluten-free options like their Drift Hard seltzer, available in apricot or lemon-lime flavours.
They also host events all summer, like the Rock Logger Patio Series on Friday, June 23, or Self-Care Sunday: Drift Away Yoga on Sunday, June 25. Visit their website for more information on beer and events.
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