The great thing about underrated cities is that the food and drink scene tends to be an honest reflection of a place that stays true to itself and delivers on its promises. In Winnipeg, this integrity extends to craft quality brews made with intention and a vision.
If the city's brewing scene remains relatively unknown to you, know that it is one worth getting to know better. We’re highlighting 8 spots worth the visit whether you find yourself wandering the Exchange District, meandering over to Confusion Corner or discovering the gems of the francophone community in Saint-Boniface. These breweries are places to connect, anchored to their neighbourhoods for regulars and visitors alike to stop by for a pint and a good time.
If aesthetics are what you’re after, this is the place. But you should know that the foundation of this brewery is built on craft, skill and a desire (and ability!) to make really good beer, something that isn’t always the case when efforts are made on making a place look good instead of ensuring that the product lives up to the vibe.
The brewery is named after the famed Nonsuch ship, a small vessel that set off successfully on a journey in 1668 seeking trade routes across the Atlantic, ultimately leading to the creation of the Hudson's Bay Company.
This Métis-majority owned microbrewery is set in the city’s Exchange District, a historic hub centred on culture and theatre. They pride themselves on a Belgian pouring model, meaning beers are served in a different sized glass based on characteristics and ABV to highlight the best expression of each brew, all matched with great burgers and a food program worth coming back for.
Head to Winnipeg’s Franco-Manitoban neighbourhood of Saint-Boniface and prepare to be immersed into the bright taproom that will soon have you forgetting the cold should you happen to visit during winter months. This family-owned and operated brewery has created their own version of paradise with a solid offering ranging from classics to more experimental brews. Expect to find summer exclusive radlers and hop-forward IPAs at this hidden spot that backs onto the Seine River.
Fans of IPA rejoice, this is the spot for hops! Following years of passionate homebrewing and multiple awards, this brewery was established in Fort Rouge with a small taproom and a patio that is brought to life during summer months with a rotation of food trucks and events. This socially-conscious and inclusive place for all is a fixture in the local brewing community.
Located near the aptly named Confusion Corner, you’ll be in for a treat once you find your way.
Multiple experiments in fermentation take place here with a unique mix of beer, wine and cider all produced on site. Using traditional brewing methods dating back to medieval times, beer is brewed in large handcrafted barrels called foeders, a process that takes longer to complete.
Despite any initial misconceptions, 'low life' is a reference to the liquid that is left at the bottom of the barrel and used to inoculate the next batch with remaining strains of yeast and bacteria, similar to sourdough starters or whey that is used to make a new batch of farmhouse cheese.
Be sure to check out the newly opened Snack Haüs inside featuring dishes by culinary talent Dustin Pajak with a mix of snacks and small plates on offer.
Proudly bearing the title of the only female-owned and operated brewery in the province (and one of the few in Canada), these good neighbours know a thing or two about making quality beer.
After travelling the globe learning and perfecting their craft, they got their start with a series of pop-ups and contract brewing in the city. Finally opening their own space along with a restaurant next door, fittingly named Next Door, they won New Brewery of the Year in 2023 at the Annual Canadian Brewer’s Choice Awards.
Stop by for breakfast, lunch and happy hour or kick back with a pint and revel in the neighbourly hospitality.
For a taste of Winnipeg’s cottage country, head to the Hargrave Street Market location of this Kenora, Ontario classic that will have you wishing you could kick back and crack open a Lakeside Kolsch on the dock. Having made a name for itself, some say their Original Pils is the best pilsner in the city. You can then opt to peruse the food hall for more of a taste of what the city has to offer.
This brewery started with a mission to make one really good beer, which they ultimately succeeded in with the launch of the 1919 Belgian Pale Ale. This fine-tuning and precision has since been applied to all beers they have had in rotation as they continue to grow.
Located in the city’s Exchange District in a former saddlery, they effectively capture heat from the brewing process during winter months to heat up the space. Today you can opt for a seasonal and small batch brew or go with a classic from their menu like the abovementioned 1919.
If you’re looking for a beer with depth, Grandpa’s Sweater Oatmeal Stout is surely the coziest of options, especially during those cooler days where you just want to stay inside. Self-funded and self-built, the owners quite literally built the brewery with their own hands and offer a selection of classic lagers, experimental small batches and beer cocktails.
Looking for your next beer?
Winnipeg has many local breweries that will see you tasting your way through beer lists crafted with intention and spaces brought to life as places to gather and connect. Whether it's a beer you’re after or a communal space to hang out with friends and family, these are places that have been built for a good time with quality in mind.
Head to Tourism Winnipeg to discover more options for good cheer and delicious brews. The most difficult part will be deciding where to begin!
