There’s much more to Muskoka than lakes and having fun on the water – there’s a thriving craft brewing industry that’s hitting the ball out of the park. Enjoy a brewery tour; try a beer or two in one of the great eateries and make sure you take a lot of samples home with you!
Here’s a few of our favourites.
Lake of Bays Craft Brewing Co.
Baysville
Since 2010, Lake of Bays Brewing Co has been a mainstay of the Ontario craft beer scene. Since then, its beer lineup has broadened to include everything from light lager, double IPA and stout. From humble beginnings the brewery has continued to grow and now employs over 50 people and has facilities in Baysville (brewery and taproom), Huntsville and Bracebridge (both serving food). Sample the Flight Plan Double IPA, a big, bad IPA at 8.4% ABV, which is full of citrus and pine flavours rounded-off with a hint of clover honey sweetness. For the less adventurous the Paddle On Session IPA at 4.5% ABV is refreshingly clean and crisp, with a hint of lemon and citrus hop on the nose.
Check out Lake of Bays Brewing Co
Canvas Brewing Co
Huntsville
Canvas Brewing Co is Huntsville’s newest craft brewery, born out of a love for the local landscape and a passion for fresh, well-made craft beer. Founded in 2018, its debut brew Canvas Kolsch (4.5% ABV) is a German-inspired lagered ale with the flavour of an ale and the crisp finish of a lager. With a sweet, malty aroma and flavour, Canvas Kolsch finishes dry and refreshing with a subtle hint of German hops.
Check out Canvas Brewing Co here
Sawdust Brewing Company
Gravenhurst
Named for the original settlement that is now Gravenhurst, the Sawdust City Brewing Company is dedicated to the art and science of creating exceptional craft beers. Having taken over the old Canadian Tire building in 2013 it began production the following year and produces traditional ales and lagers in an array of styles; however, there’s nothing traditional about the flavours. The only rule at Sawdust City is “There are no rules; we’re just here to make great beer!” This is typified by the Lone Pine IPA (6.5% ABV) – A west coast-style IPA, which is aggressively hopped and bursting with flavours of pine and citrus, loaded with mounds of hops and balanced with a blend of 4 different malts. Or for something lighter, try the Little Norway Pilsner (4.5% ABV) – light and crisp, but hopped to the hilt with Saaz hops and named to commemorate the ‘Little Norway’ nickname given to Gravenhurst by the 3,000+ Norwegian airmen that used the small local airport as a base to hone their flying skills during WW2.
Check out Sawdust City Brewing here
