The number of breweries in Canada is absolutely exploding, and the majority of them are run by guys and girls who love beer and want to create the best brew possible—we salute those people! Here is a small selection of great independent breweries across the country worth noting.
Central City Brewing, Surrey, BC
As the proud brewers of Red Racer craft beers, these west coasters are making some awesome stuff. Their IPA is a favourite amongst brewers and with a brewery, a distillery, and brewpub, Central City Brewing is one successful brand. More info: Central City Brewing
Wild Rose Brewery, Calgary, AB
Calgary’s Wild Rose Brewery isn’t one of the new crop of breweries; it has been around since 1996, and it’s owners have never lost their passion for creating great-tasting beers. They offer seven regular beers and a number of seasonal offerings. Their beautiful copper-brew system is a showpiece that’s worth checking out if you’re in the area. More info: Wild Rose Brewery
Yukon Brewing, Whitehorse, YT
In a town where beer quaffing is a regular past time, it’s no surprise to find a brewery. And this is one of those breweries that already has a bunch of experience. Launched in 1997 as the Chilcoot Brewing Company, their name change didn’t alter their original goal to create great beer while also creating jobs and money for the Yukon. With eight great regular beers in their lineup, Yukon Brewing also has some seasonal selections worth trying. More info: Yukon Brewing
Paddock Wood, Saskatoon, SK
As Saskatchewan’s first microbrewery, these guys offer seven regular brews and nine seasonals. They also run a brew pub (The Woods Alehouse), a brewclub, and sell ready-to-brew kits. Paddock Wood proves that, yes, these people love beer, and they love sharing their knowledge and resources, which is exactly how a brewery should be. More info: Paddock Wood
The Farmery Estate Brewery, Neepawa, MB
This brewery comes from an ambitious idea, but an awesome one: Rural farm boys with lots of experience in the restaurant industry decided to get back to the land and grow everything they needed to produce beer. The result? A premium lager with no rice, corn sugar, or extra ingredients. A truly epic amount of love go into each bottle made by this brewery. More info: The Farmery Estate Brewery
MacLean’s Ales, West Grey, ON
If there was ever a fiercely independent brewery that didn’t let anything stand in its way, MacLean’s Ales is it. Brewing a measly 100 litres at a time, their lack of volume doesn’t mean a lack of love; brewmaster Charles MacLean is an encyclopedia of beer knowledge. His Pale Ale may be tough to find (try the Owen Sound LCBO), but the search will definitely be worth it. More info: MacLean’s Ales
Dieu du Ceil, Saint-Jerome, QC
This brewery is known for doing everything just a little bit different, and with 22 beers in their lineup, their sheer volume of styles is incredible. Heavily influenced by Belgian and French styles of beer, these guys always add their own twist to make each beer their own. More info: Dieu du Ceil
Prince Edward Island Brewing Company, PEI
Established in May 2013, the brewing system itself was built by nearby brewing equipment manufacturer Diversified Metal Engineering. The 5000-litre system is a big one and they’re producing an ale and a lager with it. Available throughout PEI, the Maritimes, BC, and Alberta, this PEI export is way more palatable than Anne of Green Gables. More info: Prince Edward Island Brewing Company
Picaroons Traditional Ales, Frederickton, NB
Any true beer lover that visits New Brunswick will come back raving about Picaroons. Founded in 1995, they offer 12 styles of beer, all brewed in small batches. If you go to their downtown location you’ll be able to fill a growler with something delicious. More info: Picaroons Traditional Ales
Bridge Brewing Company, Halifax, NS
With the dream of one day operating a zero-emissions brewery, the Bridge Brewing Company has their work cut out for them, but they’re up for the challenge. Focusing on Belgian-inspired beer, they now offer four styles, which are available at their storefront and a few restaurants in town. More info: Bridge Brewing Company
Quidi Vidi Brewery, Quidi Vidi, NL
Located in the quaint village of Quidi Vidi, this brewery took over from a defunct fish-processing plant. The province has embraced their independent spirit whole-heartedly. While their best-selling Iceberg Lager is truly unique (it’s literally made with water from icebergs), they have seven other beers that are just as quaff-worthy. More info: Quidi Vidi Brewery
