Perfect Weekends: Beers of Durham

Craft brewing is growing in popularity across the province and that’s certainly true in Durham Region. 

Just a short drive from Toronto, Durham is seeing an explosion in new brewery experiences. To date, seven breweries have opened in the area and they’re all a little different. For beer lovers, this is definitely the place to be! Why not make a trip of it?

Here’s what our Perfect Weekend in Durham Region — which encompasses Brock, Uxbridge, Scugog, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington — looks like:

1. First stop is the Practically Irish Brewing Company in Pickering. We’re dying to try their new IPA, launched on Canada Day.
2. We’d then head to east to Brock Street Brewing Company, where we’d sample a flight a pick up a growler of whatever suits us.
3. Then, just up the street, we’d hit up 5 Paddles Brewing Company. They’ve got a constantly rotating series of taps in their charming little tasting room. We suggest a flight — partly because it’s served in a canoe and partly because it’s too hard to choose!
4. We’d then make our way to All or Nothing Brewhouse in Oshawa. We’re big fans of wheat beers — and their Hopfenweisse does not disappoint. In an interesting play, they add a touch of hops to layer in some piney, grassy notes to this classic weisse.
5. For a late lunch, we’d stop for burgers at Baldwin Street Burger in Brooklin. “The French Onion” is totally our jam, and we’d be sure to add a side of deep fried pickles.
6. With our bellies full, we’d head to Port Perry to visit the Old Flame Brewing Company. We like the Munich Dunkel Style Lager with it’s blend of seven different malts.
7. Beer in tow, we’d definitely spend the night in this dreamy AirBnB treehouse outside of Port Perry. It’s on 300 acres of private forest — where you can walk, hike, cross country ski, or just sit on the porch and sip the beers you picked up along the way. We’d stay in for dinner to make the most of this unique rental!
8. We’d wake up, take a dip in the swimming pond, before making ourselves an egg sammie and hit the road towards Ocala Orchards & Winery. There, we’d sip on their selection of fruit wines and stock up for the road.
9. Up next is The Second Wedge Brewing Co in Uxbridge. They’ve got some serious Ontario cheese boards on offer — which pair perfectly with their beer. Sit in the beer garden and sample a flight. We like the High Grass – a saison brewed with lemongrass, ginger and orange peel, made for hot summer days.
10. We’d then head south along the winding roads of the township towards Stouffville. This charming town is home to The Smokery, a Feast On? Certified barbecue spot worth the trip alone. Our favorite is the coffee rubbed, slow smoked brisket — but we always add some housemade chorizo on the side.

For more delicious Durham Region weekends, check out Durham Tourism!