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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

Upper Thames Brewing Co. 610 by 400

 

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

 

 

Concession Road Brewing Company 610 by 400

 

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.

 

The Rusty Wrench beer 610 by 400

 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

Beer at Walkerville

 

On-Route and Nearby Sip Stops

 

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.

 

Banded Goose Brewing beer to go 610 by 400

 

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

 

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

 

Home Town Brew 610 by 400

 

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.