5 Ways to Discover Ottawa’s Craft Beer Scene this Fall!

Though we wish we could hold onto summer and its glorious heat, the arrival of fall in Ottawa means a crisp, fresh breeze, beautiful fall colours and… Delicious craft beer events!

Ottawa is home to an exploding craft beer scene that has seen many local breweries and craft beer events emerge over the last few years. From Ottawa’s rural areas to its bustling downtown core, you’ll either find a craft beer festival, brewery or even a beer tour that suits you! Discover five ways to get acquainted with Ottawa’s busy craft beer scene this fall. We can’t wait for fall leaves, cozy sweaters and delicious pints!

Ottawa Craft Beer Festival:

From Aug. 26 to 28, 2016, the Ottawa Craft Beer Festival takes place at the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne. At this festival, you’ll find more than 40 craft breweries, which together offer more than 150 beers. And if you like craft beer, but you’d like to expand your horizons, this festival has you covered there too. Ottawa Craft Beer Fest is also a great place to try European imported beers, local ciders and local wine. Also, you can be sure that delicious food from some of Ottawa’s best eateries will be available.

Want to take your Craft Beer Fest experience one step further? Take part in the Ottawa Craft Beer Run! On Aug. 27, 2016, run or walk a five-kilometre loop around the beautiful Rideau Canal, which is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the best part? You get a celebratory beer at the end. This festival is a great way to mark the end of summer!

Beau’s Oktoberfest 2016:

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Located to the east of Ottawa’s downtown core in the town of Vankleek Hill, Ont., Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. is hostingBeau’s Oktoberfest on Sept. 23 and 24, 2016 as well as a Beer Brunch on Sept. 25. During this well-known Ottawa area festival you’ll of course find delicious beer and food, but a host of fun activities as well such as malt sack races, a keg toss, a partner carrying race and more. There’s also a homebrew competition and live music performances!

Brew Donkey Brewery Tours:

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If you can’t make it to the Ottawa Craft Beer Festival or to Beau’s Oktoberfest don’t worry, Brew Donkey Brewery Tours are available year-round. This locally-owned company offers bus tours and walking tours that stop by great craft breweries in Ottawa and in its surrounding regions.

If you want to stay in the city, opt for a downtown area walking tour. Or if you have a bit more time, hop on the Brew Donkey bus to visit a few breweries in Ottawa’s outlying areas. Among the different stops are Cassel Brewery in Casselman, Ont., and Beau’s. And the best part? You can sample great craft brews all along the way!

Enjoy a pint at the new CRAFT Beer Market:

Located at 975 Bank St. at Lansdowne, CRAFT Beer Market is one of Ottawa’s newer restaurants. At this trendy Lansdowne location – just around the corner from TD Place Stadium, where the Ottawa REDBLACKS and the Ottawa Fury FC play – you’ll find fresh, local food options as well as more than 100 craft beers on tap. This is a great place to try different beers and figure out what you like! Sixty per cent of the beers offered at CRAFT Beer Market come from Ontario brewers and remaining beers come from across Canada, the United States and overseas. You’re bound to find something you like here.

Stop by the Mill St. Brew Pub:

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Located at LeBreton Flats and just a short walk from the Canadian War Museum, Mill St. is a great place for a pint and a meal after doing a bit of sightseeing.

Housed in a 140-year-old former grist mill, this charming restaurant offers great craft beers as well as special seasonal brews. Here, you can enjoy a meal and/or a pint but also take part in special events such as Mill St.’s ‘Thursday Cask & Cheese,’ where patrons are treated to a complimentary seasonal beer tasting with cheese pairings. In the fall, opt to sit in Mill St.’s sunroom. Order a pint and enjoy a cozy evening as you take in some fall colours and watch the Ottawa River float by.