The craft beer scene in Collingwood and Grey County has exploded in recent years. Here is your guide to visiting the best breweries in the area. For fall festivals and events, see our guide to Oktoberfest and craft beer events near Blue Mountain.
The Breweries
Side Launch Brewing Company — Craft Beer Trail
Side Launch is the anchor of Collingwood's craft beer scene. Named after the town's historical practice of launching ships sideways into the harbour, this brewery produces well-crafted beers in a stunning renovated industrial space.
Core Beers: Mountain Lager, Dark Lager, Wheat Beer, Pale Ale
Visit Details: Brewery tours available, large taproom with food service, retail shop, located near the Collingwood harbour.
Creemore Springs Brewery — Craft Beer Trail
One of Ontario's original craft breweries, Creemore Springs has been brewing since 1987 in the charming village of Creemore. Plan the trip with our Creemore day trip guide. The brewery occupies a heritage building on the main street.
Must-Try: Premium Lager, urBock (seasonal), Lot 9 Pilsner
Visit Details: Tours and tastings, heritage building, the village itself is worth exploring. About 30 minutes south of Blue Mountain.
Northwinds Brewing — Craft Beer Trail
Located right in Blue Mountain Village, Northwinds offers craft beer within walking distance of the slopes and shops. Stay at our chalets near Blue Mountain Village to walk over for a pint. Rotating seasonal selections keep things interesting.
Black Bellows Brewing Company — Craft Beer Trail
The operator’s visit page currently says it is closed for renovations. Keep this stop out of the itinerary until the business confirms reopening.
Planning Your Brewery Tour
Half-Day Tour — Craft Beer Trail
- Check the Side Launch taproom calendar and arrange the visit
- Allow a food break and the planned transfer between stops
- End at Northwinds in Blue Mountain Village
Full-Day Tour
- Morning at Creemore Springs plus a walk around the village
- Lunch in Creemore
- Afternoon at Side Launch
- End at Northwinds in Blue Mountain Village
Important Notes — Craft Beer Trail
- Always have a designated driver or arrange transportation
- Order flights rather than full pints at each stop
- Eat before and during your tour
- Buy cans and bottles to enjoy later at the chalet
Stay at Blue View Chalets — Craft Beer Trail
A brewery tour pairs perfectly with a stay at Blue View Chalets. Stock your chalet fridge with purchases from local breweries, enjoy them in the hot tub, and never worry about getting home safely. Our chalets provide the comfortable home base that makes a beer-focused getaway both enjoyable and responsible.
Before adding a tasting stop, check the Collingwood Brewery’s visit arrangements, including the distinction between casual seating and a private gathering.
Groups considering Mountain Road can review Side Launch’s Collingwood taproom and private-event options before committing to the brewery timetable.
If the group also wants spirits shopping, Georgian Bay Spirit Co. in Collingwood is a retail option with a different visit format from a brewery taproom.
For a planned village excursion, Creemore Springs Brewery needs about forty-five minutes of road travel from the chalet bases before the visit itself.
When building a trip around Creemore’s Copper Kettle Festival, settle the return driving plan and leave guests free to choose music, makers or brewery activities.
Autumn beer events are gathered in our Oktoberfest and craft beer events guide.
Or call us at (416) 203-2057
