The craft beer scene in Niagara is just as hot as this summer is turning out to be – and it’s getting even hotter! Join us in welcoming new breweries to the Ale Trail.
Over the Canada Day long weekend, Bench Brewing in Beamsville opened their doors to the public, letting excited craft beer fans experience their wide array of beers, while enjoying the modern taproom, beer garden, kitchen and bottle shop. Built into the previous home of the historic Maple Grove Schoolhouse on 8 acres of land, Bench kept the original front facade of the school, which only adds to the appeal of the brewery. In their own words, “The Niagara Escarpment’s Twenty Valley is home to Ontario’s finest agricultural land – its climate and soil provide ideal growing conditions for the surrounding orchards, vineyards and farms. We believe that this fertile ecosystem will impart a unique “terroir” for our beer, just as it does for wine.”
Another recent addition to the Niagara Ale Trail is Breakwall Brewery, who are situated in picturesque Port Colborne and quickly becoming known for great pints. Their flagship beers are an homage to the history of the area, and they’re even re-creating brews from the Cronmiller & White Brewing Company, which was a Port Colborne brewery the late 1800s. For those looking for a bite with their brew, they also have a full restaurant on site.
Back in St Catharines, in the heart of Niagara and where the Ale Trail began, you can spend summer near the beach, trying out new craft beers from Lock Street Brewery in Port Dalhousie. They’ve made use of the fresh Niagara produce to create fantastic thirst-quenching radlers, and have also recently launched a new cream ale. And downtown at Merchant Ale House, beer lovers are now able to buy their favourite Merch brews in take-home bottles.
There’s always something new happening in our breweries!
As the Niagara Ale Trail grows, the region is becoming more of a go-to destination for all craft beer lovers – we’re excited to see more breweries (and more beers) joining this already stellar list!