Ottawa’s craft beer scene has grown into something genuinely special. Over the past decade, breweries and taprooms have popped up across the city and deep into the Ottawa Valley, each with its own personality, its own signature pours and its own loyal regulars.
The best part? Some of the most memorable spots are just outside the downtown core, in the suburbs, small villages and river towns that ring the capital. Whether you are looking for live music and a lively patio, a historic building with a story to tell, or a scenic drive that ends with a cold pint by the water, these five taprooms are well worth the trip.
Perth Brewery, Perth
Every great brewery has an origin story, and Perth Brewery has one of the best. It all started in 1973, when Terry Steeves, a hard-working buffalo farmer, began making beer in his summer kitchen to share with friends. Two decades later he turned that passion into a business, and the family has been brewing in Perth ever since. Today, the next generation carries on the tradition.
The brewery on Highway 7 still reflects its founder’s personality, with distinctive timber-framed touches throughout. Perth Brewery is perhaps best known for O’Canada Maple, and it has built a loyal following for its approachable, all-natural beers, including a range of naturally gluten-reduced brews that let even more people join in.
Pair a visit with a stroll through the historic heart of Perth, one of the prettiest small towns in Eastern Ontario, and you have the makings of a perfect day trip.
Brew Revolution, Stittsville
If your ideal brewery night comes with a soundtrack, start at Brew Revolution. Since opening on Hazeldean Road in 2019, this Stittsville favourite has become one of the most event-driven taprooms in the Ottawa area. Local musicians take the stage every Friday and Saturday, and the calendar fills out with trivia, music bingo and even Dungeons and Dragons nights.
The beer list is just as lively. With more than 30 taps, including over a dozen house brews alongside guest beers, cider and wine, there is something for everyone at the table. Start with Walkin’ on Sunshine, the brewery’s signature New England IPA, then pair it with the mac and cheese or a board of cured meats and cheeses. Bringing the dog? The outdoor space is pet-friendly, too.
Tip: for trivia and bingo nights, call ahead to reserve a table for your team.
The Brew Table, Ottawa’s West End
Tucked away on Moodie Drive, The Brew Table is the kind of neighbourhood spot that turns a quick after-work drink into a full evening. The focus here is on local craft beer, with a rotating lineup of brews on tap, paired with hearty comfort food that keeps everyone at the table happy.
The menu leans into crowd-pleasers like burgers, sandwiches and shareable plates, while the relaxed atmosphere and patio make it an easy choice for gatherings with friends. It is the perfect place to sample a few local pours without having to travel far from home.
Ridge Rock Brewing Co., Carp
In the heart of the village of Carp, Ridge Rock Brewing Co. proves that a great brewery can become the centre of a community. It was founded in 2018 by four hometown friends, including NHL defenceman Calvin de Haan, with a simple goal: to create a place local residents could truly call their own.
The setting alone is worth the drive. The brewery is housed in a building dating back to the 1860s that once served as a bank, and it is full of character, from the big live-edge wood slabs to the windows looking into the brewing area. With around 150 seats inside and a spacious patio that hosts live music, there is plenty of room to settle in.
The beer lineup covers everything from an easy-drinking blonde to an amber, a lager and a range of IPAs, and the kitchen is a big part of the draw. Pizzas are a local favourite, so come hungry.
Calabogie Brewing Co., Calabogie and Kanata
About a hundred kilometres west of Ottawa, the small town of Calabogie sits on the Madawaska River, surrounded by lakes and hills. It is a favourite for adventure lovers, and since 2015 it has also been home to Calabogie Brewing Co. The town’s name is believed to come from a Gaelic phrase meaning marshy shore, and the brewery wears that local history proudly.
The signature red taproom on the river has become a must-stop for visitors. Paddle Calabogie Lake or the Madawaska in the afternoon, then settle onto the patio with a pint and a pizza or pretzel. Start with the Front Porch Kölsch, the very first beer the brewery released and still a favourite today.
Can’t make the drive? Calabogie also has a second location in Kanata, with its own taproom, patio and retail store, bringing a taste of the Valley a little closer to the city.
Plan Your Tap Tour
From live music in Stittsville to riverside pints in Calabogie, the Ottawa region’s taprooms offer a little something for every kind of beer lover. Visit one for a casual night out, or string a few together for a full day of exploring. Just remember to pick a designated driver or book a ride, so everyone gets home safely.
Wherever you start, the next great pint is closer than you think. Raise a glass to the people pouring their passion into every batch, and cheers to supporting local.
