#1000towns choice
By Kaitlyn Hui
When you’re travelling, you should go to towns with the best tapas and drinks. It can be a great way to let loose and try something new.
In Canada, plenty of areas have amazing breweries that can accompany the exciting nightlife. Whether to meet new friends or spend time with old ones, drinking for pleasure can be a fantastic way to spend the evening. You can explore the entertainment district and even test your palette.
We at #1000towns will give you the breakdown of the top 8 small towns with the best drinks. Hopefully, after this article, you’ll be able to plan out your next trip!
Photo: Graham – Flickr: Wine Country, CC BY 2.0
#1
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
The best variety of drinks in Ontario
Niagara-on-the-lake has various types of drinks to choose from, from stellar wineries to beers at the pub. There are acres of vineyards for you to explore.
One of the most recommended would be Peller Estates Winery And Restaurant. They serve farm-to-table cuisine matched with their award-winning Signature Series.
However, if you’re looking for something more on the down low, The Exchange Brewery is the place to go. They have events throughout the year, such as comedy nights, along with some of the best beer in town.
Photo: Craig Hatfield – Cask room, CC BY 2.0
#2
Guysborough, Nova Scotia
Known for its state-of-the-art craft beer
In Nova Scotia, Guysborough has some of the most outstanding craft beer in the country. For example, at the Authentic Seacoast Company, you can go on virtual or in-person tours of the facilities to watch how they make some of the most authentic rum and whiskey on the east coast. They also have on-site lodging available should you wish to stay even longer.
The most popular craft beer in Guysborough would be the American Stout, a must-try.
Photo: https://authenticseacoast.com/
#3
Pemberton, British Columbia
More than 50 vineyards
Pemberton is a go-to if you know your wine. There are more vineyards than you can count on your fingers, so you would need to choose wisely.
Some incredible options would be Mountford Organic Wines, home of Tangletoe Cidery, or Hidden River Estate, both of which have tours available. The former is known for its dry cider, while the latter has an abundance of fantastic whites such as their sauvignon blanc.
There are so many exciting places to visit, so add it to the list!
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/lostlakewines
#4
Windsor, Ontario
Amazing cocktail bars around the city
Windsor has some amazing cocktail bars, so if that is your preferred drink, you must travel there for the weekend. There are some really fun parties that you can attend so that you can enjoy yourself with a drink in hand.
The Blind Owl has a fun ambiance and is a great place to spend the night after a long work day. Their cocktail menu is vast, so you can pick from fruity ones to house-made honeycomb bitters. There is also the Library which has delicious craft cocktails.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/blindowlbar
#5
Penticton, British Columbia
Famous for their wineries
In Penticton, there are wineries abound with rolling hills and gorgeous views. Some staples include the Three Sisters Winery and the Painted Rock Winery, each known for its specialties. Painted Rock has some of the best charcuterie plates and chardonnay, while the Three Sisters has affordable tasting menus.
There are plenty of others in the same vicinity, so if you’re there on a road trip, you can stop off at anyone you stumble upon, and it’ll be sure to have a pleasant surprise.
Photo: https://3sisterswinery.com/
#6
Nyanza, Nova Scotia
Organic craft beer on the island
Nyanza is home to Cape Breton Island, which has Big Spruce Brewing. This brewery has some of the most amazing organic craft beer and a great atmosphere. They have a wide selection of craft beers and plenty of outdoor space.
This website gives you the latest updates on drinks around Nyanza to make it easier for tourists to know what to watch out for.
Photo: https://www.novascotia.com/eat-drink/taste/big-spruce-brewing/6318
#7
Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé, Quebec
No commercial yeast added at this top brewery
Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé houses Brett & Sauvage, one of the top breweries in the country. This is due to their spontaneously fermented beer production and non-traditional fermentation methods that make their drinks taste divine.
Unlike most breweries, they don’t add commercial yeast to their fermentation process and instead venture deep into the Gaspesian forest to collect it. Check this place out if you have the time!
Photo: https://cayaki.com/project/brett-sauvage/
#8
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Home-brewed beer to the sea
In New Brunswick, Dieppe has some amazing home breweries. One, in particular, is Flying Boats Brewing which has special events along with unique home-brewed beer. Their selection is endless, from winter warmers to red ales, and they also have food and oysters on their menu.
There are also outstanding ocean views, so you can sip your drinks while looking at the gorgeous sunset.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/FlyingBoatsBrewing