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Quebec Craft Beer Adventure: Top Microbreweries You Must Visit

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Quebec is no longer a secret when it comes to its renowned craft beer culture, supported by the Association des microbrasseries. With over 300 microbreweries spread across its 21 regions, our beautiful province is nothing short of a paradise for hop enthusiasts! From classic brews to original and seasonal creations, these establishments offer a variety of beer tastings, including fantastic beers and New England IPAs, all carefully crafted into artisanal beers that showcase local know-how and cater to all tastes. Add to this a warm ambiance, great food, a tempting culinary offering, and an enchanting setting, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable experience with a distinctly Quebec brewery flavor.

So why not take advantage of your stay in Quebec to embark on a road trip along the province’s best microbrewery route, a true crossroads of Quebec’s brewing industry? This long way through the craft beer landscape is perfect for discovering excellent beers prepared by local brewers. Here are 10 of our favorites, from Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul to Mont-Tremblant.

By the way, the French word for microbrewery is microbrasserie. Cheers!

Microbrasserie Les Grands Bois — Quebec

What better place to combine epicurean pleasures than to enjoy a good cold craft beer while watching a show by a Quebec artist? It is in an old cinema, dating back to 1946, located by the water in the village of Saint-Casimir, that the refreshing project of the Les Grands Bois microbrewery was born. More than just a brewery, this establishment has set itself the goal of promoting the performing arts in an original and unifying way by offering both a programme of performances and high-quality experimental beers. It is even possible to book a tour of the premises and meet a very friendly team!

415, rue Tessier Est, Saint-Casimir

Microbrasserie Tête d’Allumette — Bas-Saint-Laurent

On the banks of the majestic St. Lawrence River, near the village of Kamouraska, this microbrewery brews its exceptional products in an ancestral home. On the menu: artisanal beers with distinctive flavors, including New England IPAs. The owner of Tête d’Allumette not only uses the direct fire brewing process technique but also incorporates wild yeasts and local flowers and fruits. In the summer, its large terrace welcomes local customers and passers-by. Enjoy a fantastic beer and great food while watching the sunset spectacle at this picture-perfect brewery!

265, QC-132 West, Saint-André-de-Kamouraska

Brasserie Herman — Laurentides

A new entrant in the artisanal beer market, Herman will soon celebrate its second anniversary. Located near the linear park of the P’tit Train du Nord and various ski resorts in the Laurentides region, this microbrewery is the perfect place for a proper beer tasting after a day outdoors. The establishment’s name refers to a pioneer of cross-country skiing in North America, Herman Smith-Johannsen, nicknamed “Jackrabbit.” On the artisanal beers front, enthusiasts of Lagers, Saisons, and Pale Ales will be pleased!

955, chemin du Lac-Echo, unit 101, Prévost

Microbrasserie de l’île d’Orléans — Quebec

Île d’Orléans is a Quebec gem known for its bucolic landscapes and gourmet products, as well as its excellent craft beers. But did you know there are microbreweries here? One, specifically. During your tour of the island, be sure to stop at Pub Le Mitan in the village of Sainte-Famille. Enjoy a refreshing Strawberry-Basil Gose or an IPA Richard dit le castor, paired with cuisine that highlights Quebec’s terroir. In the heart of the newly renovated facilities of the island’s brewery, it’s hard not to be amazed by the view of the river and the authenticity of the brewing processes and flavors!

2471, chemin Royal, Sainte-Famille

Microbrasserie Livingstone — Montérégie

Housed in a century-old barn in the heights of Covey Hill, near the American border in Montérégie, Livingstone brewery offers about ten artisanal beers on tap, including non-alcoholic options. Its tasting room is open only on weekends. In its barrels, the family-run business brews authentic craft beers using less traditional ingredients, many of which come from the farm or surrounding areas, starting with its latest creation, a Lemon and Lavender Lager. Cider enthusiasts will also find their match with a brew concocted from apples from a local orchard.

2150, chemin Covey Hill, Franklin

Microbrasserie Chelsea & Co — Outaouais

This brewery is a premier meeting place in the charming village of Chelsea, at the gates of Gatineau Park, this establishment stands out with its family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Chelsea & Co. offers both a children’s menu of tasty dishes and a variety of snacks to satisfy both young and adult appetites. Regarding craft beers, the proximity to Quebec’s nature is well reflected in the menu, as is the creative spirit of the owner. Regardless of the season, it’s delightful to gather outside, whether soaking up the sun’s rays on the terrace or warming up by the fire.

6, rue Douglas, Chelsea

Brasserie et Distillerie Menaud — Charlevoix

The Charlevoix terroir stands out on multiple levels, and the Menaud team has skillfully captured its subtleties to create refined artisanal beers and spirits. Each product is crafted in small batches using unique and original ingredients, such as sour cherries, agastache, and black spruce. Menaud’s cans and bottles also look great on shelves with their minimalist design. While visiting the region, you’ll enjoy a drink right at the brewery’s facilities or in a chalet nestled in the heart of the Charlevoisian mountains. One of the best microbreweries in the area!

1, rue de la Rivière, Clermont

Microbrasserie Mellön — Montreal

While strolling through the streets of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie in Montreal, plan a stop to refresh yourself with an excellent beer at Mellön. It’s a neighborhood microbrewery known for its friendly atmosphere. Whether on the flower-filled terrace or in the tasting room, locals mingle with passing visitors over a Lager or a Saison. A great selection of craft beers is also available to take away, allowing you to continue enjoying this brewery back home!

7141, rue Saint-André

Microbrasserie HopEra — Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

What better combination than a good artisanal beer and a slice of pizza? This winning duo is offered by HopEra. On the menu, you’ll find classic artisanal beers as well as great food options featuring products harvested from the establishment’s own garden, which also serve as toppings for wood-fired pizzas. In recent months, this Saguenay microbrewery has also welcomed visitors to its new tasting space. Enhance your knowledge of the brewing process with a beer tasting alongside the owners!

2377, rue St-Dominique, Jonquière

Alchimiste Microbrasserie — Lanaudière

A standout in Quebec’s brewing world, Alchimiste Microbrasserie has brought a fresh breeze in recent years by inaugurating its tasting salon in the industrial district of Joliette, in Lanaudière. On-site the brewery, you have a wide choice with 15 tap lines. Classic brews, exclusives, and current creations, accompanied by a variety of snacks. In the summer, the atmosphere is at its peak on the terrace, where hop enthusiasts engage in games of pétanque or ping pong in a friendly, warm atmosphere. Gourmet hot dog in hand!

681, rue Marion, Joliette

How many microbreweries are there in Quebec?

Quebec’s brewing landscape has experienced remarkable growth, now boasting over 300 microbreweries spread across 21 tourist regions. This vibrant industry continues to expand, with new establishments opening their doors each year.

The province stands as a powerhouse in Canadian craft brewing, with Quebec-made beers earning 46 of Canada’s top 100 beer rankings. From urban centers to remote villages, these breweries produce more than 3,000 distinct beer varieties annually.

More of the best microbreweries and brewers on Quebec’s craft beer tour

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