Hi everyone- Each year, I plan multi-city road trips in an attempt to visit every NHL arena. In 3 weeks, I'll be hitting the 15th and 16th arenas on my list in Ottawa and Montreal. There seems like a lot going on beer wise, especially in Montreal. Could anyone help me sort through and point me in the direction of can't miss places around there. Here is what I have right now: Bier Markt (due to it's close proximity to the Bell Centre) Beau's (because it's on the way in-between the 2 cities) Brothers Beer Bistro (highly recommended in Ottawa) What bars/breweries can't we miss? What beers should I take home with me? What bottle shops should I make it a point to visit?
Go check out Beyond the Pale while in Ottawa. Their Aromatherapy is awesome, but you'll be able to sample a few things. Brothers is great, further out, in Aylmer on the Quebec side, there's a place called L'autre oeil that has some tough to find stuff.
In Montreal you must go to Dieu Du Ciel brew pub. Vices & Versa was my favorite bar to visit with all kinds of local things on tap.
There is indeed tons in Montreal. Most of it is in other threads and some is already here. If you are looking at stuff that is close to the game, Biermarkt is what you've got. Benelux is relatively close and other than that everything is further east (north to everyone but Montreal). Where are you staying?
Just a heads up, you won't find any bottle shops in Ontario, unfortunately here you're limited to the two big stores the LCBO and The Beer Store. Brewers can however sell from their retail space. They do not refill growlers that are not their own. @Jerk_Store suggestions are great for the Ottawa area, I'd also recommend Tooth and Nail and Dominion City if you have time to stop in.
Yeah I'd agree that DDC is a must. Make a stop some Montreal smoked meat on the way up! While our top 100 list isn't perfect, it is pretty good: https://www.beeradvocate.com/lists/ca/
Don't bother going anywhere near the CTC in Ottawa. Maybe Central Bierhaus in Kanata but that's by far the best option out there. Bars in Ottawa that are worth visiting for beer: Tooth and Nail Brothers L'Autre Oeil (Quebec) The Manx Sir John A Arrow and Loon Union 613 Craft There is more. I'm sure we'll cover the details going forward
I'm staying at the Hotel Espresso right near the arena, so I agree Bier Markt should work before the game. Is it easy to get over to DDC or Vice Versa. via cabs? As an English speaker wearing a Kings jersey, what will I be in for?
You'll be fine no matter where you go. I just wasn't sure how long you'd be here for. If you have the time you'll be able to see a bunch of places. You can do it all on public transportation too. Google will give you solid directions.
In Ottawa, somewhat near the arena (well at least more so than downtown) another spot that came to mind is the Cheshire Cat, it's an English style Pub with a really nice tap list. You can check the website for current brews. Something to keep in mind.
Another brewery between Montreal and Ottawa is Le Castor in Rigaud. Their Yakima IPA is better than anything I've had from Beau's.
I appreciate everyone's input on my road trip. It goes down next week, so I'm pretty excited to see what trouble I can get myself into. Follow up question: I've had several people ask me to bring beers up from Virginia and they all offer Péché Mortel (and its variations) in exchange. While I'm traveling with carry-on only and can't accommodate on my end, I'm intrigued about its availability. Is this something I can find in a bottle and if so, where? I plan on stopping at DDC after the game, but if it's a life changing beer, could I bring it back to Syracuse with me and UPS it home before I get on my plane?
Standard Peche Mortel is available in 4 packs at every decent beer store and even many grocery stores now. You will have no trouble finding it. I don't think you will find any of the variations right now though. The standard is a damn fine beer through!!
Sounds easy enough. Know of a good beer store around the Bell Centre area, preferably walking distance?
You can find regular Péché Mortel in the states in quite a few places (maybe not Virginia, though, I'm not sure). There is a depanneur called Marché Cosmopolitan on Stanley street. They have an atrocious beer selection, but I think it is probably the best one downtown. They should have most of the DDC beer including their stouts as far as I know.
No, but a lot of stores around there sell their beers. Depanneur AS is near there and has a good selection of QC beers.
