A sunny afternoon is a perfect time to gather your beer-loving bubble, nominate a designated driver and set out on a scenic craft beer cruise to a new-to-you corner of Ontario’s Southwest. We’ve paired up some of our favourite driving routes with craft breweries and cideries you’ll find along the way that can’t wait to pour you a pint.
St. Clair River & Lake Huron Shores Route
This 130-km route between Thamesville and Grand Bend showcases the incredible shorelines along the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. View the map.
On-Route and Nearby Sip Stops
- Refined Fool Brewery, Sarnia
- Twin Pines Orchards and Cider House, Thedford
- Imperial City Brew House, Sarnia
- River Run Brew Co., Sarnia
- Stonepicker Brewing Company, Plympton-Wyoming
Treat Your DD Right: Stop by Greens Organic Café and Market in Sarnia to pick up your driver a bottle of Kombucha Hound’s delicious and locally brewed fermented sweet teas.
Experience Elgin County Route
This 110-km cruise will introduce you to some of the friendly small towns near the Lake Erie coast, including Port Stanley and St. Thomas. View the map.
On-Route and Nearby Sip Stops
- Caps Off Brewing Company, St. Thomas
- Railway City Brewing Company, St. Thomas
Treat Your DD Right: Extend your route a little to the northeast for some touring with a delicious dairy twist. The Oxford County Cheese Trail is a self-guided route with 24 different stops that showcase the area’s claim to fame as Canada’s Dairy Capital. Don’t forget a visit to Upper Thames Brewing Company in Woodstock for a Dark Side of the Moo flight, which features a superb selection of Oxford County cheeses.
Grand River Route
This 85-km drive along the historic Grand River offers a beautiful rural cruise through the countryside. View the map.
On-Route and Nearby Sip Stops
- Bains Road Cider Company, Dunnville
- Concession Road Brewing Company, Jarvis
Treat Your DD Right: Sweeten up their driving duties with an ice cream cone from Country Chip Wagon in Dunnville.
Perfect Pairing Suggestion: Nearby Fisherville is home to the Fisherville Hotel and Tavern, where you’ll find an excellent selection of craft beer to enjoy with your meal. Enjoy their Rib and Wing Plate with a pint of Railway City’s Iron Spike.
Visit Middlesex Route
This 213-km jaunt just off the 401 and 402 Highways is a great way to see another side of an area you’ve probably been driving past for years. View the map.
On-Route and Nearby Sip Stops
- Strathroy Brewing Company, Strathroy
- Rusty Wrench Brewing Company, Strathroy
- Beerlab!, London
- Anderson Craft Ales, London
- Curley Brewing Company, London
- Dundas and Sons Brewing Company, London
- Storm Stayed Brewing Co., London
- Toboggan Brewing Company, London
Treat Your DD Right: Stock your designated driver up with tasty treats for the trip home at Picards in Arva.
Windsor Essex Peninsula Route
Don’t let all the grapevines fool you! This 90-km ramble through Canada’s most southern section of land will introduce you to the beer-loving side of one of Ontario’s most renowned wine regions! View the map.
On-Route and Nearby Sip Stops
- Banded Goose Brewing Co., Kingsville
- Grove Brew House, Kingsville
- Brew Microbrewery, Windsor
- Chapter Two Brewing Company, Windsor
- Walkerville Brewery, Windsor
- Craftheads Brewing Company, Windsor
- GL Heritage Brewing Company, Amherstburg
- Lot 10 Brewing Company, Amherstburg
Treat Your DD Right: Lot 10 Brewing Company offers tasting flights of Pop Shoppe for your driver to enjoy!
Perfect Pairing Suggestion: Need a little break from beer? Grove Brew House’s Margherita Pizza is lovely with a glass of Pelee Island Merlot.
Hub & Spoke Route
Blend your love of history and hops on this 190-km route through Chatham-Kent. In between sip stops, you can learn fascinating facts about the War of 1812 at 12 different historic site pull-off places. View the map.
On-Route and Nearby Sip Stops
- Bayside Brewing Co., Erieau
- Sons of Kent, Chatham
Treat Your DD Right: Stop by Delhaven Orchards for a taste of their terrific apple cider, which was named Ontario’s best non-alcoholic cider in 2020!
Ontario’s Garden Route
This 92-km route through Norfolk County showcases the wide-open spaces that grow some really incredible produce. View the map.
On-Route and Nearby Sip Stops
- New Limburg Brewing Company, Simcoe
- Charlotteville Brewing Company, Simcoe
- Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm, La Salette
- Backyard Brewing Company, Simcoe
- Meuse Brewing, Scotland
- Hometown Brew Co., St. Williams
- Wooden Bear L Bear Claw Hard Cider, Simcoe
Treat Your DD Right: Ferrying friends around is a favour that deserves a delicious meal in return. Visit The Blue Elephant in Simcoe to treat them to some tasty farm-to-table cuisine.
Do you have another favourite craft beer route in Ontario’s Southwest? Share pictures of your scenic sipping adventure with us on social using #OSWPerfectPairings.