10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Vaughan

"Distance from downtown: 12 minutes Let’s get Bellwoods over and done with because we all know they are the reigning MVP of Toronto craft breweries, enticing Ossington hipsters with killer beer, chic pub food, and fairy lights since 2012. The Bellwoods crew have created a Torontonian craft brew empire with two breweries, retail stores, bottle shops, and lovingly handcrafted beers ranging from imperial stouts to hoppy, fruity pale ales. In recent years they’ve also started to focus on farmhouse ale using wild yeast and bacteria.Best Brew: Jutsu, an American pale ale made with a blend of two different yeasts."

"Bars and pubs Beaconsfield. What is it: The grandaddy of modern craft brewing in Toronto is Bellwoods Brewery. Smack-dab in the center of the hipster mecca that is Ossington Ave., this bottle shop and restaurant is constantly bustling with patrons seeking good eats and even better brews."

"Over the years I’ve caught myself talking about beer the same way snotty people talk about wine. I went from Homer Simpson’s “D-oh beeeeer” to cultured and sophisticated palette discussions involving water, barley, yeast and hops. Alright fine, I’m not an expert on beer by any stretch of the imagination but what I do know is that I love the stuff."

"The Brewhouse is Toronto’s largest waterfront craft brewery and restaurant. With four large outdoor patios, rotating seasonal taps, and landscape views of the lake, there’s plenty to enjoy at this restaurant patio. Sip creative craft beer creations like the Space Invader IPA, while taking in the views under a patio umbrella."

"Located in the heart of the city right by super popular attractions like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Ripley's Aquarium you can find the iconic Steam Whistle Brewery. The location is perfect for just popping in and grabbing some snacks (their pretzels are fantastic!) and drinks but if you have enough time you really should make an effort to join the tour!. Unlike a lot of breweries, you actually don't have to make any decisions on what beer to drink here since they only make the one beer!"

"Located very close to Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower, and the Rogers Centre, Steamwhistle has been a tourist magnet and popular brand in Toronto and Canada for two decades. Founded back in 1998, Steamwhistle finds its home in the Roundhouse – an old red-brick railway repair depot used back in the day. These days, you can tour the brewery or just belly up to the bar for a pint of the classic pilsner that has made them one of the most well-known beers in Canada."

"If you are planning to have a blast, Steam Whistle Brewery is the choice to make. Located right at the base of CN Tower – one of the top tourist attractions of Toronto – this place is made better with friendly staff. The Steam Whistle Brewery has been around since two decades and has earned the title of being Canada’s largest and most beloved independent breweries."

"The hybrid brewery, bottle shop, restaurant and music hall has been a Bloordale fixture since 2015 thanks to its unpretentious ambience and tasty bar snacks. Choose from 10 beers on rotation including the tropically hoppy DIPA double IPA or crush a couple of Tuesday cans, bursting with clove and pineapple, while seated on the thoughtfully designed side patio. Sikil Pak, pakoras and burrata all appear on the seasonal menu, but if you’d rather go the junk food route, we suggest the Fries Supreme!"

"Burdock Brewery is far from your conventional brewery, which is why it lands on a list of the best bars in Toronto. The owners aren’t just interested in beer, but also in wine, cider and the whole works. In fact, if you’ve visited, you’ll know that they’re often blending their passions, quite literally (apparently beerwine and beercider are things)."

"You might not look at Junction’s stately new home and think “trash incinerator,” but that’s precisely what it was built to be in the early 30s, when it was known as “The Destructor” (dope). When brewmaster Doug Pengelly and Co. moved in, they kitted the place out with energy-saving brewing tanks, plus a taproom pouring everything from staples like Conductor’s APA to Earl Grey ale and mango lager."

"The Junction has quickly become the epicenter of Toronto’s burgeoning craft beer scene, and Junction Craft Brewing has been leading the charge ever since it opened in 2011. You can catch its popular train-themed beers – a nod to the neighbourhood’s history as a West Toronto rail hub – at the LCBO or their dedicated tap room. Try: The award-winning Brakeman’s Session Ale."

"Junction Craft Brewing is a craft brewery in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. Their brewery is housed in a former City of Toronto incinerator from the 1930s, which was decommissioned in the 80s and became a spot for raves in the 90s. You can do a brewery tour or enjoy one of their fresh craft beers in the taproom!"

"Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly brunch in Toronto or an afternoon of pub grub, this Liberty Village patio in Big Rock Brewery is sure to please all. We enjoy hitting up this modern-day brewpub and BBQ joint for weekend brunch where the kids are happy to dig into carrot cake pancakes while I sip on a beer flight or their pineapple gin Radler and dive into a scotch egg breakfast. With a pie shop and bottle shop on-site, don’t forget to stock up on items to enjoy at home!"

"– Mascot Brewery moved last year to an even better location, right in downtown Toronto. Soon patio lovers will be able to find this rooftop party on King St. What is it known for?"

"Located in the heart of the Annex neighbourhood, the Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church became one after the two congregations, St. Paul’s Avenue Road United Church and Trinity United Church, joined together in 1887-89 to serve the community. The building was erected in 1889 and has since undergone several renovations, which have improved accessibility and acoustic sound."

"This is an awesome neighbourhood walk in Woodbridge just north of Highway 7. Flanked by open green spaces, benches, and tall trees, you'll love the meandering paved walkway and the flowing creek. The walk is easy with minimal inclines and great at all times in the day as it is well-lit as well."

"Take a breather from the hustle and bustle of city life and head on over to Elder’s Mills Nature Reserve. Go on a leisurely stroll through the park grounds and breathe in some fresh air. The park is a green oasis with seasonal blooms, shaded walking paths and scenic bridges that stretch across peaceful creeks or streams."

"This is one of the smaller hiking spots on our list, but Elder’s Mills is an absolute hidden gem!. Since it isn’t too well known, this spot offers a nice, quiet ambiance that’s perfect for a relaxing walk or energetic hike away from the world. Be sure to check out this extremely peaceful setting when you’re in the area."

"Celebrating the coronation of King George VI, Coronation Park is another beautiful park along Lake Ontario. Here you’ll find a stunning Royal Oak, war memorials, and signage telling the story of the park, the memorials, and more. There’s also an off-leash dog area, a few softball diamonds, and it’s located along the Martin Goodman Trail – a 56 kilometre trail along Toronto’s waterfront."

"From the late 19th century through to the 1980s, Toronto’s original Chinatown was a landing pad for working-class Chinese immigrants. In recent generations, immigrants from China have made a home north of the city, in Markham. Yang’s is more expensive than most dim sum establishments, and customers often have to elbow their way in through an aggressive swarm at the door, but the food is better (I live in the old Chinatown and I love being able to walk to a place with dim sum cart service, but the food cannot compare to Yang’s)."

"Delivery options: Open for takeout and delivering on UberEats and DoorDash. The lowdown: You’ll find lots of delicious meat, hot pot and rice or noodle dishes here, along with other soups and appetizers. Many of the dishes are Szechuanese and lean spicy if you couldn’t tell from the name, but there are milder options as well—the kelp noodles are a solid option for sensitive palates."