Ottawa's craft beer scene has quietly become one of the best in Canada.
While cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver often get the spotlight, Ottawa has built an impressive lineup of local breweries producing award-winning beers that rival anything you'll find across the country. Whether you're a fan of crisp lagers, juicy IPAs, rich stouts, refreshing wheat beers, or easy-drinking patio pints, there's something for every beer lover in the capital.
If you're looking to expand your beer horizons or simply want to know what locals are drinking this summer, here are some of the best beers brewed right here in Ottawa.
🍺 Kichesippi 1855
Ask a dozen Ottawa beer drinkers for recommendations and Kichesippi 1855 will almost certainly come up.
Why people love it:
Easy drinking
Balanced flavour
Great year-round beer
Locally brewed
It's often considered one of Ottawa's signature beers and is a great introduction to the city's craft brewing scene.
Best enjoyed:
✔ Patio afternoons
✔ BBQ season
✔ Watching the game
🍻 Beyond the Pale Pink Fuzz
One of Ottawa's most recognizable craft beers.
Pink Fuzz is a grapefruit wheat ale that has developed a loyal following throughout the city.
What to expect:
Citrus flavour
Light body
Refreshing finish
Perfect summer beer
If you've spent time on an Ottawa patio, chances are you've seen this beer being poured.
🍺 Tooth and Nail Vim & Vigor
Tooth and Nail has earned a reputation for producing consistently excellent beer.
Vim & Vigor remains one of their most popular offerings.
Features:
Crisp lager profile
Clean finish
Extremely drinkable
Great with food
For many locals, it's one of Ottawa's most underrated beers.
🍻 Dominion City Sunsplit IPA
Dominion City Brewing has become one of the most respected breweries in the region.
Sunsplit IPA is a favourite among hop lovers thanks to its:
Tropical notes
Juicy flavour
Balanced bitterness
Smooth finish
It's the kind of beer that converts people into IPA fans.
🍺 Dominion City Two Flags IPA
Another standout from Dominion City.
Why beer enthusiasts love it:
Bold hop character
Local ingredients
Complex flavour profile
Excellent freshness
One of Ottawa's most talked-about IPAs.
🍻 Spark Beer Co. Pilsner
Spark Beer has developed a strong reputation for experimental and traditional brewing styles.
Their pilsner is:
Light
Crisp
Refreshing
Extremely patio-friendly
Ideal for hot Ottawa summer days.
🍺 Bicycle Craft Brewery Velocipede IPA
Located in the east end, Bicycle Craft Brewery continues to produce some excellent local beer.
Velocipede IPA offers:
Citrus notes
Smooth finish
Balanced hops
Approachable flavour
Perfect for IPA beginners and enthusiasts alike.
🍻 Broadhead Blueberry Blonde
Looking for something a little different?
Broadhead's Blueberry Blonde combines:
Light malt profile
Subtle blueberry flavour
Summer refreshment
A unique Ottawa beer that often surprises first-time drinkers.
🍺 Ashton Amber Ale
A local favourite for years.
This amber ale is known for:
Rich flavour
Smooth finish
Great balance
Ottawa brewing heritage
It's particularly popular during cooler evenings and fall months.
🍻 Stray Dog Shaggin' Wagon IPA
Based just outside Ottawa, Stray Dog has built a loyal following.
This IPA delivers:
Strong hop character
Tropical flavours
Excellent aroma
Smooth drinkability
A must-try for craft beer fans.
Best Ottawa Breweries to Visit
Sometimes the experience is just as important as the beer.
Dominion City Brewing
Popular for:
Excellent IPAs
Community atmosphere
Outdoor events
Beyond the Pale
Known for:
Pink Fuzz
Spacious brewery
Strong beer lineup
Kichesippi Beer Co.
A local staple with a welcoming taproom and excellent core beers.
Tooth and Nail
A favourite among serious craft beer enthusiasts.
Spark Beer
Combining craft beer with outstanding pizza and a lively atmosphere.
Best Beers for Ottawa Patio Season
If you're spending time outdoors this summer, these beers pair perfectly with warm weather:
Pink Fuzz
Refreshing and citrusy.
Kichesippi 1855
Easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing.
Spark Pilsner
Light and crisp.
Broadhead Blueberry Blonde
Perfect for sunny afternoons.
Vim & Vigor
Clean and refreshing.
Best Beer Styles for Beginners
Not everyone loves a super hoppy IPA.
If you're new to craft beer, try:
Blonde ales
Wheat beers
Pilsners
Lagers
Kölsch styles
Great beginner options include:
Pink Fuzz
Kichesippi 1855
Spark Pilsner
Broadhead Blueberry Blonde
Ottawa's Craft Beer Scene Keeps Growing
One of the reasons Ottawa's beer scene continues to thrive is the passion of local brewers.
The city now boasts dozens of breweries producing:
Award-winning IPAs
Traditional lagers
Experimental sour beers
Seasonal releases
Barrel-aged specialties
Every year, new breweries and new beer styles continue to emerge, making Ottawa one of Canada's most exciting craft beer destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular beer in Ottawa?
Kichesippi 1855 and Beyond the Pale Pink Fuzz are among the most widely recognized local beers.
What is the best Ottawa IPA?
Many locals recommend Dominion City's Sunsplit IPA or Two Flags IPA.
Which Ottawa brewery is best?
Dominion City, Beyond the Pale, Kichesippi, Tooth and Nail, and Spark Beer are all highly regarded.
What's the best summer beer in Ottawa?
Pink Fuzz, Spark Pilsner, and Kichesippi 1855 are excellent warm-weather choices.
Where can I buy Ottawa craft beer?
Most local breweries offer retail sales, and many Ottawa grocery stores and LCBO locations carry local craft beer selections.
Is Ottawa a good craft beer city?
Absolutely. Ottawa has developed one of Canada's strongest and most diverse craft beer scenes.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa may be known for Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and world-class festivals, but locals know the city is also home to an outstanding craft beer culture.
Whether you're sipping a Pink Fuzz on a sunny patio, enjoying a Kichesippi 1855 at a backyard BBQ, or exploring new releases from Dominion City and Tooth and Nail, there's never been a better time to be a beer lover in Ottawa.
The best beer in the city ultimately comes down to personal taste, but one thing is certain: Ottawa's brewers are producing some truly exceptional pints worth discovering this summer.
