Boston to Nova Scotia

First place to check is the Brewnosers Good Beer Map, which will give you a great overview of what is in Atlantic Canada.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewe...ce=embed&mid=1VyKyXD344i0uwV3sEicBT0-SdPs&z=5

New Brunswick will depend a bit on if you go through Houlton or Calais. If you drive through Fredericton via Houlton, then definitely swing by Trailway. They aren't true NEIPAs imho, but are great at what they do. Hu Jon Hops is their flagship. Their cans are also available at provincial liquor stores (ANBL) if you end up driving through Calais. NB allows craft breweries to sell cans/bottles of other craft breweries, though I'm not sure which ones have the best selection. Probably a Picaroons or Pump House location in Fredericton, St. John or Moncton.

Canadian provinces have really weird importation laws between provinces, but don't worry about the NB/NS border.

If you go to Cape Breton at all (and you should if you have time - the Cabot Trail is great), then you should swing by Big Spruce.

In Halifax the one must-do is Stillwell Beer Bar on Barrington street. They are now allowed to sell their own bottles to-go from the bar too! All barrel-aged saison/farmhouse style stuff, which is definitely worth checking out. For something more on the funky/wild side, 2 Crows Brewing is also a great option, and they have many cans for sale as well.

The provincial liquor stores (NSLC) are a bit of a bust, but on the waterfront there's a private store called Bishop's Cellar that will have the best craft beer selection. Staying on the waterfront, there's a beer garden (Stubborn Goat) that will open sometime this month, as well as Garrison Brewing's renovated tap room. Stillwell has a beer garden on Spring Garden Road that should also open for the season sometime this month.

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

I should note, if you wanted to bring in some Tree House I'm sure there will be folks who will dig into their cellars for you. Just give me a shout! Remember, you're allowed to bring up to 24 cans into Canada per adult (19+) duty-free, just make sure you declare it.

 

Wut?

 

Calais vs Holton really comes down to whether you are looking for easy big highway (Holton) or a windy road through some reasonably picturesque areas (Calais). But yeah, if you go the Holton route stopping by Trailway is highly recommended. For sure Atlantic Canada's leader in hazy IPA. Not all of their stuff is world beater, some of it has been garbage, but their highs are high.

Tatamagouche would also be along your way in NS.

YMMV, but I personally wouldn't go out of my way for Picaroons or Pump House. Their stuff is in all the liquor stores in NB so if you did have the need to tick you could pick up their main brands that way. The Pump House pub in Moncton is a fun spot for a lunch if you are in the area.

If you are going to be in the Halifax area, poster above has it covered pretty well. One big omission is Unfiltered. There are tons of small breweries in small towns in the maritimes, explore and have fun!

 

My comment was that Trailway tends to be lighter on the bitterness than one might expect from stuff out of Tree House, Bissell, etc. But very tasty nonetheless. Tends to be their seasonals more so than their regular offerings.

Good call on Unfiltered if you're into hop bombs. There's occasionally cans at the brewery or at Bishop's Cellar, but otherwise you'll have to try it on tap.

 

We are getting away from the original post, but I can't imagine any argument that the NEIPA that Trailway are putting out aren't squarely within the guidelines for that style. Personally, I find Hujon to be reasonably bitter (for a NEIPA) but YMMV. No matter your perceived bitterness though, Hujon is for sure a NEIPA.

Bottom line, the OP noted specifically that he/she enjoyed NEIPA, and I just don't think anyone in that part of the country should come to mind more immediately than Trailway.

 

I'm not picking on you, I promise!!

Is this statement true? If an American is entering Canada with beer for personal consumption are they expected to actually pay tax/duty?

OP, IFIFIFIFIFIF this is true DO NOT cross via the New Brunswick border over your exemption limit!!!! NB imposes an insane markeup on beer coming in to their border points, basically amounts to 100% tax of the Canadian value of the beer. So, IFIFIFIFIFFIF this actually applies to you and you are over, expect to pay a lot of money to the border officials.

And to be clear, the measurement isn't 24 cans, it's 8.5 litres of beer (which equates to 24 small cans of beer). I only point that out as 24 tall cans would be way over the limit.

 

Yes, Americans (adults) are allowed to bring 24 beers into Canada without paying duty. But thanks for clarifying it's 8.5L, which is 24 12oz cans. I should have realized that most cans these days are 16oz, so you're allowed to bring in 18 of those duty-free. You can bring wine or spirits too, but they will count against your beer. See specific details here:

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html

You can still bring in more than 8.5L per adult, but will be charged duty for anything ABOVE that amount. When crossing through New Brunswick, the cost will typically be 100%-110% of the beer that is over the limit, as rejtable stated. Different provinces charge different duties. If you happen to bring more than 8.5L per adult, then just have receipts on hand to show the border agents. And make sure you pay the duty on the cheapest beers.

Unless you are bringing a bunch of beer to trade or give to family/friends, it's probably best to stick under the limit. Remember, it's for personal consumption. I wouldn't volunteer that you'll be doing any trades, etc., if that's something you want to do.

Despite our weird alcohol laws, you can't go wrong with the beer scene here these days. I think NB and NS now have over 100 breweries combined!

 

Thanks!

And yeah, OP if you are bringing in beer for trade with the locals, just tell the border agents you are bringing in beer for your camp/cottage/hotel or whatever. As long as you are under the limit they won't care too much.

If you do stop into Fredericton for Trailway, Grimross has a decent spot up at top of the hill. There's also a top notch outlet of the New Brunswick Liquor Commission (Liquor Store - they sell beer as well) just up from downtown in an old train station (I think??). It has a pretty solid selection not only of local stuff, but just about the best selection of imports you'll find in Atlantic Canada (Bishop's is really the only competitor).