Regarding craft beer, Toronto is creating a buzz as one of the top cities in Canada to explore. With a thriving craft beer scene, beer lovers worldwide travel to Toronto to discover the best breweries. Thanks to its access to fresh water from Lake Ontario and a growing community of adventurous beer drinkers, it’s no wonder why most breweries do well here.
Craft breweries, bottle shops, and beer gardens have become a staple in Toronto’s food and drink culture. Our team has done extensive research and findings for the best breweries in Toronto to ensure you can enjoy the most delicious and refreshing beer in town.
Our team found an interesting overlap between the best breweries in Toronto and famous landmarks.
Here are the 10 best breweries in Toronto.
- Junction Craft Brewing
- Black Lab Brewing
- Amsterdam BrewHouse
- Northern Maverick
- Saulter Street Brewery
- The Aviary
- Burdock
- Left Field
- Henderson Brewing
- Kensington Brewing Co.
Read More: The 10 Best Beers For Sensitive Stomach
The Top 10 Breweries in Toronto
Here are the 10 top-rated breweries in Toronto; every beer lover can’t miss out.
1. Junction Craft Brewing
Image Source: Junction Craft Brewing
Junction Craft Brewing started operating in 2011 and has become renowned for its exceptional brews. Their most notable beer is the Conductor’s Craft Ale which has won numerous awards.
The brewery is an ideal place to visit as it has a cozy taproom and a large beer garden where visitors can enjoy a range of beers and tasty food from food trucks. Junction Craft Brewing is a must-visit for any beer lover in Toronto.
2. Black Lab Brewing
Image Source: Black Lab Brewing
Black Lab Brewing, located in the trendy Junction neighborhood of Toronto, started operating in 2018. Their notable beers include “Tail Wagger” Belgian Wit, “Belly Up” Belgian Dubbel, and “Setting Sun” British Golden Ale.
They have won several awards, including gold, at the 2020 Canadian Brewing Awards.
3. Eastbound Brewing Co.
Image Source: Eastbound Brewing Co.
Eastbound Brewing Co. started operating in 2017 in the Riverside neighborhood of Toronto. Their notable beers include the refreshing Daytripper IPA, the dark and roasty Leslieville Porter, and the crisp and clean Eastbound Lager.
They have won awards for their Daytripper IPA at the Canadian Brewing Awards. Eastbound Brewing Co. offers a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and tasty food, making it an ideal place for beer lovers and foodies in the downtown core.
Read More: The 10 Best Beers For Mexican Food
4. Amsterdam BrewHouse
Image Source: Amsterdam BrewHouse
Amsterdam BrewHouse is a waterfront brewery at 245 Queens Quay W in Toronto. They started brewing in 1986, making them one of the city’s oldest craft breweries. Their notable beers include the Blonde Lager, Green Tea IPA, and Boneshaker IPA, which have won multiple awards.
Amsterdam BrewHouse is an ideal place for beer lovers, with a wide range of beers on tap and tasty food options like beef stew and Japanese comfort foods.
5. Saulter Street Brewery
Image Source: Saulter Street Brewery
Saulter Street Brewery is a relatively new addition to the Toronto craft beer scene, opening in 2016. Their award-winning flagship beer, the Eastbound IPA, is a fan favorite, alongside other rotating taproom releases.
The brewery prides itself on its commitment to sourcing local and sustainable ingredients and supporting the community.
6. Northern Maverick
Image Source: Northern Maverick
Northern Maverick Brewing Company is a craft brewery in the heart of Toronto’s downtown core. Founded in 2017 by owners Brayden and Dustin Jones, the brewery offers a range of handcrafted beers, with notable brews including their Imperial Stout and seasonal selections.
The brewery also boasts a full restaurant with tasty food options, including Japanese comfort foods. They also have a bottle shop.
Read More: The 10 Best Beers For First-Time Drinkers
7. The Aviary Brew Pub
Image Source: The Aviary Brew Pub
The Aviary Brew Pub opened its doors in 2017 in the Toronto downtown core, offering a range of handcrafted beers, including seasonal and sour beers, made using high-quality ingredients and an innovative brewing process.
The brewery’s standout beers include the popular Bandit APA and the seasonal Halcyon Daze IPA. The Aviary is also known for its delicious Japanese comfort food, including the mouth-watering Gyuusuji Doteni and the hearty Beef Stew.
8. Burdock Brewery
Image Source: Burdock Brewery
Burdock is a unique brewery that started operating in Toronto in 2015. They are known for their experimental, locally sourced ingredients and progressive brewing techniques that result in exceptional beers like the BUMO Sour, IPA No.19, and the Burdock Bock.
Burdock has won several awards for their unique beers, making it a must-visit spot for adventurous cool beer drinkers and craft beer lovers. This makes it one of the best Toronto breweries.
Read More: The 10 Best Beers For Pulled Pork
9. Henderson Brewing
Image Source: Henderson Brewing
Henderson Brewing started operating in 2016, making it one of Toronto’s newer breweries. They’re known for their award-winning Henderson’s Best, a traditional English pale ale. They also produce a range of other great beers, including seasonal brews.
The brewery is in the Junction neighborhood, near the West Toronto Railpath. The taproom offers a cozy space for tasting and trying new beers. Food trucks can also often be found parked outside. Henderson Brewing is a must-visit for any beer lover.
10. Kensington Brewing Co.
Image Source: Kensington Brewing Co.
Kensington Brewing Co. was founded in 2011, becoming one of Toronto’s first craft breweries. Known for their approachable beers with creative names like FishEyePA and Baldwin Street Blonde, they have won numerous awards for their interesting brews.
The brewery operates out of a small but charming space in the heart of Kensington Market, making it a great spot to explore the eclectic neighborhood while trying some quality craft beer.
Brewery Tours and Tastings in Toronto
To fully experience the city’s brewery scene, a tour, and tasting is necessary. Here are some of the best breweries in Toronto that offer tours and tastings:
Left Field Brewery
This east-end brewery on Wagstaff Drive offers tours every Saturday at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. The tour lasts approximately one hour and includes a flight of four beers. The tour cost is $15 per person, and reservations are recommended.
Junction Craft Brewing
Located in the Junction on Cawthra Ave, Junction Craft Brewing offers tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm and 4 pm. The tour includes a flight of four beers and costs $15 per person. Reservations are recommended.
Black Lab Brewing
This hip west-end brewery on Eastern Ave offers tours every Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm. The tour includes a flight of four beers and costs $15 per person. Reservations are recommended.
Read More: The 10 Best Beer For Beer Pong
Conclusion
Toronto’s craft beer scene is thriving with many unique and innovative breweries. From traditional Pilsners to adventurous sour beers, there is something for everyone. The high quality of handcrafted beers, delicious food, and exciting tours make these breweries a must-visit for any beer lover or adventurous drinker exploring Toronto.
