Quebec's Microbreweries: A Guide to the Best Locations

Quebec City is one of the most dynamic cities in Canada when it comes to craft beer. The microbrewery scene has exploded there since the 2000s, driven by a local culture of conviviality, an agricultural terroir rich in cereals and small fruits, and a brewing creativity that rivals the world's major craft beer capitals. Voilà Québec guides you to the best places.

The craft beer culture in Quebec

Quebec was one of the pioneers of microbrewing in Canada, with establishments like Unibroue in Chambly founded as early as the 1980s. In the Quebec City region, the craft beer movement really took off in the 2000s and 2010s, with the successive opening of dozens of microbreweries that transformed the city's beer scene. Today, Quebec City is a renowned destination for craft beer enthusiasts—"beer tourists" come specifically to discover local brews.

The iconic microbreweries of Quebec

La Barberie (Saint-Roch)

Founded in 1997, La Barberie is one of Quebec City's oldest and most respected microbreweries. Located in the Saint-Roch district, it operates as a solidarity cooperative—a unique model in the brewing industry. The tasting room is welcoming and lively, with a constant rotation of seasonal and specialty beers in addition to the house classics. In the summer, the patio is one of the most popular in the neighborhood.

Noctem Microbrasserie (Saint-Roch)

Noctem Microbrewery is a vibrant microbrewery in the Saint-Roch district, renowned for its creative craft beers and friendly atmosphere. Inspired by the nightlife scene, it offers a wide variety of styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, accompanied by a gourmet menu showcasing local products. A perfect place to discover and share a great beer.

Brasserie La Souche (Stoneham & Limoilou)

La Souche has established itself as a leading name in Quebec City's craft beer scene. Known for its distinctive amber and red ales, it also offers wheat beers, IPAs, and seasonal brews. The pub attached to the brewery is a lively gathering place with quality pub fare.

Archibald (Lac-Beauport, Sainte-Foy and Quebec City)

Archibald is a chain of breweries and restaurants that originated in Quebec City and has since expanded to several other Quebec cities. Archibald beers are brewed on-site at each location. With its lively and convivial atmosphere, generous menu, and affordable beers, it's the perfect choice for groups and families.

Griendel (Old Quebec)

Griendel holds a unique place in Quebec City's brewing scene—it's the only craft microbrewery located within the walls of Old Quebec. The atmosphere in the stone vaults is incomparable. The beers brewed on-site draw on Belgian and German styles, along with a few original creations. A must-stop for beer lovers visiting Old Quebec.

Beer and Quebec terroir

A major trend in Quebec craft brewing is the use of locally sourced ingredients: black spruce, wild blueberries from Lac-Saint-Jean (even though it's far away), buckwheat, maple syrup, wild herbs (Labrador tea, sweet clover), and honey from local apiaries. These so-called "terroir" beers are often the most original and distinctly Quebecois—and perfectly representative of the movement to promote local products that runs throughout Quebec gastronomy.

Seasonal beers in Quebec

Quebec City's microbreweries follow a distinct seasonal brewing calendar. Beer lovers have their favorites: light wheat beers in early summer, seasonal berry beers in August, red and amber ales in the fall, full-bodied stouts and porters for winter evenings, and the first "spring beers" that herald the return of warmer weather. Visiting Quebec City in March or April also offers the chance to sample the first seasonal beers after winter.

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?? Voilà Québec — Gastronomic guide to the greater Quebec City region since 1978.