Travel affords you the opportunity to see and experience a wealth of new and exciting places and there’s a reason why the vast province of Ontario sits at the top of many a travel bucket list. From the bustling yet brilliant Toronto to the country’s capital, Ottawa, and the shores of the Great Lakes to the world-famous Niagara falls, there’s plenty to immerse oneself in during a trip here.
Below, however, we’re going to take a look at a more specific experience to complement your visit to Ontario, and more specifically Toronto – a brewery tour. With an abundance of craft beers to sample and breweries to tour, there is something new to try with every new season and for a luxury experience, there is no better way to sample some of the best beers and ales available.
Toronto is home to some of the best and most luxurious brewery tours, delivering everything from tasters to food accompaniments and much more, so if you’re looking for a new favourite tipple or want a taste of the classics, read on to discover a selection of must-visit breweries.
Brewery history in Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is a city filled with brewery history. The city’s first brewery was opened by Robert Henderson in 1803, when the neighbourhood housed only around 1,000 people, and can still be found on the corner of Richmond and Sherbourne.
The city’s brewing history is impressive, primarily due to the sheer size of many breweries in Ontario, such as the O’Keefe Brewery, which produced around 500,000 barrels of beer per year before WWI. At this time, the brew would have been mostly lager, but the product output is still very impressive.
Steam Whistle Brewery
The Steam Whistle Brewing Company is close to many of Toronto’s attractions, like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium, Metro Toronto Convention Center, and picturesque Harbourfront, making it an excellent choice for families. This is also the city’s most visited brewery.
In the Roundhouse at Steam Whistle, there is a retail shop, craft beer bar, and outdoor patio that serve as the perfect setting for brewery tours in Toronto. We are particularly fond of its annual Oktoberfest celebration, which is a craft beer event. During the 30-minute tour, you will get a bird’s eye view of the brewery’s bustling production floor as you navigate the catwalks and you’ll also experience the aromas and sounds of Steam Whistle’s brewhouse and learn about the company’s origin story.
Amsterdam Brewing
Located within Toronto’s picturesque Queen’s Quay, visitors of Amsterdam Brewing are greeted by a striking view of Lake Ontario as they arrive. It is best to visit the harbourfront during the summer months as tourists and locals flock to the area to enjoy magnificent lakeside views. The brewery is situated directly on the water, with a large patio in the back, where beer enthusiasts can take in the lake, dotted with sailboats and canoes, during the summer months.
Amsterdam Brewery is excellent for those looking for pops of luxury without the price tag, offering free 30-minute brewery tours on the weekend. Trained brewmasters lead guests around while explaining how they make their popular craft and visitors also have the opportunity to sample some of the freshest possible beer poured directly from the tanks.
Mill Street Brewery
In the historic Distillery District of Toronto, you will find the newly renovated Mill Street Beer Hall, a bottle shop that offers brewery tours seven days a week. As one of the biggest innovators in all of Ontario, Mill Street Brewery continues to strive for new and exciting brewing methods. Those who visit can enjoy a tour of the nano-brewery, also at Mill Street, which produces a small selection of unique batch brews. There are historic elements that create the Distillery District, with fresh tastings from the taps, and as a visitor, you can enjoy something historical and innovative with each sip.
Where to stay
If you’re planning a luxurious brewery-hopping holiday through Ontario and Toronto, there are many accommodation options to consider to ensure that a good dose of luxury is enjoyed between visits. Four Seasons Hotel is a five-star hotel that ensures your trip is luxurious from dusk until dawn. Found in the Yorkville area of Toronto, this part of the city boasts restaurants, luxury shopping, high-rise buildings, spas, and cocktail bars.
If you want to stay somewhere with a historic brewery on your doorstep, why not try Delta Hotels Toronto? This four-star establishment, brought to you by Marriott Toronto, is found opposite the Steam Whistle Brewery, perhaps the most famous one in all of Toronto. Delta Hotels Toronto is nestled within the Entertainment District of the city, the polished rooms and convenient location ensure that you are never too far away from a brewery or bar of your choice. The hotel also offers floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the waterfront and the city skyline.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a luxurious brewery tour with a difference, the abundance available in Ontario, and specifically Toronto, makes it the perfect destination for a trip like this. From Millers to Steam Whistle, there is something to tantalise all tastebuds and with a brew for every season, it doesn’t matter what time of year you choose to visit, there’s something to enjoy during a summer or winter getaway.
