In the sleepy town of Bracebridge, you will find a bar stool just your size at Muskoka Brewery. A microbrewery known province-wide for creating some of the most unique tasting craft beers on the market, it is a true staple of Muskoka culture.
Founded in 1996 by Gary McMullen and the late Kirk Evans, Muskoka Brewery opened its doors in June and quickly became a town sensation. It is currently owned and operated by Todd Lewin and Bob MacDonald and has grown to over 100 employees strong, deeply integrated into the surrounding community.
With a lineup that includes Cream Ale, Mad Tom IPA, Dark, Craft Lager, Ebb & Flow, Shinnicked Stout, and their signature Detour, there's something for all occasions. Their signature unfiltered beer is a nod to the landscape and wildlife that Muskoka is known for. The process cuts no corners and uses no preservatives — only the freshest ingredients Canada has to offer, grown right here in Ontario.
The Good Sign
As Rob and I turned off the gravel road onto Muskoka Beach Road, the first thing we were greeted by was a gorgeous hand-carved wooden sign:
Proudly independent and crafted in Muskoka.
A literal good sign of things to come.
As you approach the seasonal front patio you are met by a large menu of the full lineup of beverages, including detailed descriptions of their established favourites, rotating seasonal taps, and non-alcoholic options. The brewery has also branched out into spirits with several alcoholic seltzers under the name Muskoka Distilleries.
The Flight
Rob and I were excited to kick back and enjoy a flight of some of my favourite beers on earth — I've enjoyed many a Detour on the docks of Muskoka. As we listened to our options, the variety and depth of the seasonal menu immediately caught our attention. With my Irish background and time spent there in my youth, I'm always looking for breweries with a well-rounded menu that caters to all types of patronage and all seasons. Muskoka delivered on both fronts, with options ranging from light and fruity to rich deep stouts that always carry a unique twist. Something for everyone, any time of the year.
Beer choices made, Rob and I turned to the food menu. It's hard to go wrong eating something alongside a beer, but few things hit as well as a fresh, salty pretzel. Homemade and ready to hit the spot.
The Atmosphere
Muskoka is all about relaxing, and Muskoka Brewery is the embodiment of this. Warm, welcoming, and designed for unwinding. Complimentary board games, a book, and one of the best hidden TSN channels I've ever seen rounded out the experience. It wasn't long before Rob and I were deep into betting on high-stakes marble and paper boat races while working through our custom flights. We were also told that Thursday Trivia Nights are a regular local draw — which came as no surprise.
The Fridge
As in any great brewery, there is the coveted fridge — the equivalent of the farm-to-table offering, where you are assured that the beer you're buying had the shortest trip possible to get there and is as fresh as it can possibly be. This is something the brewery takes seriously, and they make sure you know it.
Like produce, beer is best consumed fresh.
With packaging dates and a freshest-by date clearly marked, you'll know exactly when to drink it. The walls of unique choices are bound to teach you something you didn't know about proper beer storage, and which styles can be aged and develop over time. We learned that stronger and darker beers are typically the best candidates — and were genuinely impressed to hear that each year, a batch of their traditionally made winter ale is pulled and stored to track how the flavors evolve over time. A patience-driven tradition that wouldn't feel out of place at a winery.
By the end of our stay, Rob and I felt refreshed, refueled, and ready to hit the road with a smile.
We highly recommend stopping by for a pint at this authentic, welcoming, and proudly independent brewery.
Muskoka Brewery muskokabrewery.com · Map 1964 Muskoka Beach Rd, Bracebridge, ON
