North America’s craft beer industry continues to expand, even in some of the most remote areas of Ontario. Over the past decade, many beer drinkers have replaced timeless domestic lagers with hazy, dark, or sour ales. Craft brew palettes, even for self-proclaimed beer aficionados, continuously evolve—that’s what makes the “hunt” for the tastiest ales so uniquely intoxicating (in more ways than one). Luckily for you and your group, Sandy Lane Resort is just a short drive from three spectacular breweries. Each Haliburton Highlands brewery has a diverse, always-changing tap list, distinctive decor, and a team of highly-skilled brewers.
Tracking Down the Best Haliburton Highlands Brewery
We always ask that you please drink responsibility when hopping on the self-guided Haliburton brewery trail—planning a sober ride is a must. A lot of our guests, regardless of the season, search for “craft breweries near me” during their extended stay, which typically produces mixed results. We’ve simplified things by piecing together this handy Haliburton Highlands brewery guide. Cheers!
Boshkung Brewing Co.
Naturally, the first stop on the Haliburton Highland brewery trail is Boshkung Brewing in nearby Carnarvon. The Boshkung brewery is attached to Rhubarb Restaurant, one of the top-rated dining options in the Haliburton Highlands. Boshkung recently opened a second location in Minden, but we still love their original lake-view facility. Most patrons start with an admittedly cute paddle-flight of the unfiltered Kellerbier, English IPA, sessionable Matt Duchene collaboration, and classic cream. Most of these tasty brews can be found in 16-ounce cans around the area, including the Carnarvon taproom.
Haliburton Highlands Brewing
It’s hard not to fall in love with Haliburton Highlands Brewing’s rustic ambiance, backcountry locale, and sessionable ales. They’re well known for utilizing locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. This aptly-named Haliburton Highlands brewery rests in the heart of Abbey Gardens, a thriving community of growers, artisans, producers, and suppliers. Regardless of the season, beer lovers flock to this secluded destination to sip (or gulp) on a wide variety of innovative ales. We’re partial to the Skipping Stone Kölsch in the summertime, classic, three-hopped IPA in autumn, and the Coffee Porter in the heart of winter.
Lake of Bays Brewing Co.
Lake of Bays Brewing continues to expand beyond their small but visually-appealing taproom in Baysville. Not only do they have a second small-batch facility in Huntsville, but they’re set to open a barrelhouse in Bracebridge next year. Their Baysville locale has a small bar, retail shop, and well-groomed patio. While Lake of Bays is often regarded as one of the premier breweries in Muskoka, it’s close enough to the Haliburton Highlands’ border to be called one of our own. They do a stellar job canning their products. You can find their “pounders” in several liquor stores as well as their two taprooms. We recommend purchasing a four-pack of the juicy Starboard New England IPA, grainy Switchback Pilsner, or fruity Peach Paradise Milkshake IPA.
Top-Rated Haliburton Resorts
After a delicious trip along the Haliburton Highlands brewery trail, retreat to Sandy Lane Resort for a homecooked dinner, lakeside walk at dusk, and stories around your crackling, wood-burning fireplace. Sandy Lane Resort rests along the northwestern shoreline of serene Halls Lake, so you’ll always be seconds from some good, old-fashioned lake fun. With winter on the horizon, we’re gearing up for ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice skating—but not before a few more weekends of fall foliage! Give us a call today at 705-489-2020 to book a well-deserved stay in one of our cozy Haliburton accommodations.
