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A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to Peterborough & the Kawarthas

Crowds of people enjoying the Kawarthas Craft Beer Festival

Peterborough’s long standing commitment to local fare isn’t new, but the hopping craft beer scene certainly is fresh. Craft beverage enthusiasts have a variety of options to choose from to wet their whistles!

The Publican House Brewery

Located in downtown Peterborough at the corner of Charlotte Street and Rubidge Street, The Publican House Brewery attracts craft beer lovers exploring the Kawarthas. With an inviting taproom and spacious patio, the brewery creates a cozy atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a range of finely crafted beers. Signature brews like the Publican House Ale and Square Nail Pale Ale showcase the brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity. Additionally, you can purchase their flagship beers, Publican House Ale and Square Nail Pale Ale, in 1.9-liter growlers.

The brewery also features a full-service restaurant that pairs its exceptional beers with delicious, locally-sourced dishes. From gourmet pizzas to hearty burgers, the menu enhances your beer-tasting experience. Moreover, seasonal and limited-edition brews keep the offerings fresh and exciting for both regulars and newcomers.

The Publican House Brewery frequently hosts live music, making it a vibrant local hub. Be sure to also visit their retail store to take some of your favorite brews home.

Bobcaygeon Brewing Co.

Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. consistently impresses with its high-quality, small-batch beers that reflect the charm and character of the region. The Peterborough taproom offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for sampling their diverse range of brews.

Popular selections include the Bobcaygeon Common Loon, a crisp California Common, and the Starry Night Stout, known for its rich chocolate and coffee notes. The brewery’s commitment to innovation shines through in its seasonal and limited-edition beers, providing visitors with new and exciting flavors to enjoy throughout the year.

The taproom also frequently hosts trivia nights on Wednesdays, as well as “Sunday Funday,” where all pints are only $5.

100 Acre Brewing Co.

Nestled on a picturesque 100-acre homestead in Peterborough, Ontario, 100 Acre Brewing is a family-operated farmhouse brewery that welcomes everyone to the table. The brewery focuses on traditional beer styles, ensuring each brew receives the time and care needed to achieve its best quality while embracing creativity and experimentation as nature intended. They are thrilled to share their beer, home, and green space with those who appreciate nature and understand that quality is never rushed.

100 Acre Brewing offers eight distinctive beers, each named after an animal, alongside an array of seasonal and limited-edition brews to keep the experience fresh and exciting for visitors.

In addition to exceptional beer, 100 Acre Brewing serves as a vibrant community hub. They frequently host a variety of events, from live music and yoga to paint nights, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Haven Brewing Co.

Haven Brewing Co. stands out for its meticulously crafted small-batch beers, each brewed with a dedication to quality and innovation. The inviting taproom offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for savoring their exceptional brews.

Specializing in traditional European beers, Haven Brewing uses traditional brewing methods, including bottle conditioning. Their recipes are rooted in styles that have endured for centuries, bringing a taste of history to each glass.

Additionally, the brewery regularly hosts a variety of events, including live music and Wednesday trivia nights, making it a lively destination for both locals and tourists.

Belmont Lake Brewery

Nestled near the serene waters of Belmont Lake, Belmont Lake Brewery provides a delightful retreat for craft beer lovers exploring the Kawarthas. Renowned for its dedication to quality and the use of local ingredients, this brewery produces a range of exceptional small-batch beers that capture the natural beauty and charm of the region.

The brewery building harmonizes with its surroundings, featuring board and batten siding crafted from local timber. Inside, Victorian stained glass panels imported from England add a touch of historic elegance. This picturesque location, combined with the brewery’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, makes it a must-visit for anyone in the Kawarthas.

Fun Fact: One of the breweries most unique features is that visitors can access the brewery by boat. 

Restaurants with Craft Beers

Restaurants that serve craft beers offer a unique dining experience that goes beyond just great food. These establishments pride themselves on their curated selection of local and regional brews, each chosen to complement their culinary offerings. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, there’s a craft beer to enhance every dish. By focusing on quality, innovation, and supporting local breweries, these restaurants create a vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere where food and beer enthusiasts can come together to enjoy the best of both worlds.