Summer is here in Ontario, and there’s an enormous selection of local beer styles, flavours, and collaborations available across the province. Whether you’re pairing with dinner, sunshine, or Zoom chats – there’s a beer for you.
Here are ten uniquely Ontario craft beers we think you need to try this summer.
Left Field Brewery
Toronto, ON
Ice Cold Beer • 100% Ontario Ale • 4.5%
It doesn’t get any more Ontario than this – A Toronto brewery using 100% Ontario ingredients for a crisp, refreshing ale that’s perfect for a backyard BBQ. This beer doesn’t take itself too seriously, but who doesn’t love an ice-cold beer on a hot day?
Pairs well with: hotdogs, burgers, wings
Rainhard Brewing Co.
Toronto, ON
Daywalker • Micro IPA • 3.9%
Full of flavour but low on ABV, this Toronto-made beer is perfect for a day at the cottage. You’ll get notes of white grape and citrus, along with tropical fruit aromas typical of higher ABV IPAs. If you love hoppy brews but want to enjoy them without needing an afternoon nap, this beer’s for you.
Pairs well with: hard cheeses, coconut curries, pizza
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Dominion City Brewing Co.
Ottawa, ON
Sunsplit • NEIPA • 6.5%
This New England style IPA (NEIPA) is bursting with tropical hop flavour. Juicy and hazy, it’s an excellent pick for lounging in the sunshine or pretending you’re at the beach.
Pairs well with: walnuts, goat cheese, fish tacos
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Muskoka Brewery
Bracebridge, ON
Tread Lightly • Light Lager • 4%
Everything you want in a light lager, refreshing, smooth, crisp and light – without sacrificing the malt-accents beer lovers crave. Plus, at only 150 calories per tall can, you can indulge guilt-free. Pop some in a cooler and venture off the beaten path.
Pairs well with: fried chicken, salami, Caprese salad
Avling Brewery
Toronto, ON
IPA • 6%
This IPA won’t overpower you with bitterness or fruit but balances the elements into a bold bittersweetness that any beer fan can enjoy. Plus, they’re a Feast On preferred Purveyor, so you know you’re supporting local ingredients when you’re sipping Avling’s brews.
Pairs well with: jerk chicken, ribs, fries
Sidelaunch Brewing Company
Collingwood, ON
Midnight Lager • Munich Style Lager • 5.3%
A dark lager that’s perfect for a night around the campfire. Right away, you’ll notice that it’s very…. well, dark. Then you’ll get the delightfully complex flavours on the first sip – roasted malt, biscuit, molasses, plum, coffee. Light carbonation brings it all together for a smooth finish.
Pairs well with: sausages, burgers, s’mores
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Collective Arts Brewing Company
Hamilton, ON
Guava Gose • Fruited Gose • 4.9%
Tart, sweet, and sour. This beer packs a lot of guava flavour in a small package, making it a great staycation companion for a sunny day. You’ll find it finishes with a touch of Himalayan sea salt, leaving you craving the next sip.
Pairs well with: fish, ceviche, grilled chicken or shrimp
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Cowbell Brewing Co.
Blyth, ON
Absent Landlord • Kölsch-style • 5.3%
Part of Cowbell’s Founders Series that celebrates the history of Blyth Ontario, and is available year-round, this beer is approachable and delicate. You’ll notice it’s not as hop-forward as some others on this list, with a less bitter approach it brings floral aromas, notes of lemongrass, and a smooth, creamy finish—a perfect choice for a picnic.
Pairs well with: summer salad, flatbread, gruyere
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Steam Whistle Brewing
Toronto, ON
Lemon Shandy • 2.5%
Steamwhistle used to do one thing really, really well. They’ve added to their lineup with a few things done really, really well. Their Lemon Shandy is a blend of their original Pilsner and lemonade, and their description of “sunshine in a can” is spot on. Ultra refreshing, and perfect for enjoying after a bike ride or a game of frisbee.
Pairs well with: cured meats, brie, chopped salad
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Small Pony Barrelworks
Ottawa, ON
Tropical Apocalypse • Oak Barrel-Aged Saison with Pineapple • 6%
Bright and tart with a light pineapple sweetness and oak finish. Great to share on the deck with a friend, soak up the sun, and try something a little different.
Pairs well with: pad Thai, shawarma, goat cheese
