From classic downtown hangouts to contemporary west-end gems, read on to find out the tasty sips Kingston has to offer.
Looking for the best breweries in Kingston, Ontario? The city’s growing craft beer scene makes it easy to plan a brewery tour or a full weekend of tasting local flavours. Set on the shores of Lake Ontario, Kingston is home to a mix of downtown taprooms, neighbourhood breweries, and scenic farm breweries just outside the city.
From small-batch craft beer and creative seasonal brews to laid-back patios and lively taprooms, Kingston’s breweries offer something for every kind of beer lover. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick flight or making a full day of it, each spot brings its own unique atmosphere and flavour.
Quick Guide: Breweries to Visit in Kingston
Something in the Water Brewing Co.
Riverhead Brewing Company
Spearhead Brewing Company
Kingston Brewing Company
MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company
Daft Brewing
Fine Balance Brewing Company
With breweries located across downtown Kingston, Williamsville, the west and east ends, and nearby communities like Bath, it’s easy to explore a few or plan your own route based on where you’re staying.
275 Princess Street, Kingston (Downtown), Ontario
Something in the Water Brewing thrives on curiosity, creating inventive beers that are both delicious and unexpected. Founded in Toronto and expanded to Kingston in 2022, the brewery supports clean water initiatives, donating five cents from every can sold to help keep Canada’s water swimmable, drinkable, and fishable. Their beers are named after favourite bodies of water, reflecting a playful and environmental ethos.
What to try: Painted Lake Peach Crisp Berliner Weisse – sweet peaches meet classic sour wheat for a gently tart peach juice experience.
Fun fact: “Something in the water” is said when the incredibly uncommon occurs — and that rare, delightful quality is exactly what the brewery is known for. Bonus: Try their collaboration with Ghost Taco for Ontario’s best tacos paired with fresh brews.
631 Fortune Crescent, Unit 10, Kingston (West End), Ontario
Riverhead Brewing is one of Kingston’s top destinations for craft beer, food, and community. This locally owned brewery brews all beers onsite, from popular staples like Cerveza and Tropical IPA to rotating selections such as hazy IPAs, ambers, and fruited sours. Their beer hall pairs these brews with shareable menu items, including nachos that are so good you’ll want more than one plate, and pizzas like the Riverhead Supreme and The Angry Canadian. Weekly trivia nights, cornhole leagues, and private events make Riverhead a lively community hub.
What to try: Tropical IPA – a bright, citrus-forward IPA, perfectly paired with the Riverhead Supreme pizza.
Fun fact: Monday nights feature Lagers & Joggers, a local running group that ends with a pint and pizza at the brewery.
675 Development Drive, Kingston (West End), Ontario
Founded in 2011, Spearhead Brewing’s mantra is “Beer Without Boundaries.” Their lineup includes bold beers like New England IPA, Big Kahuna Imperial IPA, Queen of Wheat, and Hawaiian Style Pale Ale. The brewery hosts live music, trivia, comedy shows, and patio gatherings throughout the year. Visitors can take free small-group tours of their state-of-the-art facility, with donations encouraged to support Hospice Kingston.
What to try: Hawaiian Style Pale Ale – a hoppy West Coast pale ale brewed with pineapple, naturally carbonated, unfiltered, and dry-hopped for complex flavour.
Fun fact: Spearhead combines great beer with community support through its donation-based brewery tours.
34 Clarence Street, Kingston (Downtown), Ontario
Housed in a historic 1800s telegraph office, Kingston Brewing Company is Ontario’s oldest brewpub, established in 1986. Guests enjoy 28 rotating taps of fresh Ontario craft beer, house ciders, and inventive beer cocktails like the Tailgarita. The relaxed atmosphere and private patio make it ideal for enjoying a casual pint downtown. Their menu includes elevated pub classics, often incorporating beer in the recipes.
What to try: Whitetail Cream Ale – clean, crisp, and full-bodied, paired with the KBC Royale with Cheese for the ultimate pub experience.
Fun fact: Kingston Brewing Company has been serving craft beer in the heart of Kingston since 1986.
1915 County Road 22, Bath, Ontario, a short 20-minute drive west of Kingston
Located on a bicentennial family farm just outside Kingston, MacKinnon Brothers Brewing combines over 200 years of farming heritage with craft brewing. Hops, wheat, and barley grown on site contribute to beers that celebrate rural Canadian character. Visitors can enjoy events, live music, and even weddings in The Old Barn, a stunning setting that highlights the farm’s charm.
What to try: Crosscut Canadian Ale – smooth, balanced, and easy drinking, brewed with ingredients grown right on the farm.
Fun fact: The brewery hosts the popular Back to the Farm festival, a celebration of live music, local beer, and community spirit.
768 Princess Street, (Williamsville neighbourhood), Kingston, Ontario
Daft Brewing is known for bold, inventive beers and a welcoming community atmosphere in Williamsville. Their West Coast-style taproom features a rotating lineup designed to delight both new and experienced craft beer enthusiasts. Daft is particularly known for sour beers brewed only with real ingredients. Pair their fan-favourite pizzas, curated from decades of family gatherings, with ever-changing brews, or find them at local events with the Daft Wandering Bar.
What to try: Lemongrab – a mint lemonade sour beer, tart and creamy, ideal with one of Daft’s signature pizzas.
Fun fact: Daft Brewing’s pizzas are based on years of experimentation with friends and family, ensuring every pie is a crowd-pleaser.
677 Innovation Drive, Unit 4, Kingston (East End), Ontario
Fine Balance Brewing is built on the philosophy that life — and beer — require balance. They blend new-world styles like hazy New England IPAs with old-world classics such as pilsners. Their bright, open taproom features eight rotating draft lines, while the brewery hosts weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, and private gatherings. Everything is brewed and packaged on site, ensuring each pint is fresh and full of character.
What to try: Gelato Sours – creamy, lightly soured, fruit-forward beers, refreshing and as satisfying as gelato on a hot summer day.
Fun fact: Fine Balance is known for inventive flavours like Stuck on Split Pastry Stout, combining chocolate, banana, and vanilla to deliver a classic banana split in beer form.
Make the most of your visit by turning your brewery tour into a full weekend escape. Book an overnight stay, enjoy Kingston’s historic downtown, and experience the city’s craft beer scene fully. Check available packages and accommodations here → visitkingston.ca/packages/.
