Discover the best hops and harvests in New Brunswick's oldest city with this curated weekend guide to Saint John's thriving craft beer scene.
Beyond the Harbour: Why Saint John is Your Next Beer Destination
When the fog rolls off the Bay of Fundy in Saint John, there is nowhere better to be than huddled inside a warm taproom with a flight of locally crafted beer. New Brunswick’s port city has transformed into a powerhouse for artisanal brewing, where history meets hops in the shadow of 19th-century brick architecture. Whether you are a fan of hazy IPAs or robust stouts, this is the ultimate weekend itinerary for your Saint John craft beer exploration.
Where to Base Your Beercation
Saint John is highly walkable, especially if you stay in the Uptown district. To maximize your tasting time, stay within a 10-minute walk of the City Market. 🏨 Find hotels and places to stay in Saint John. If you are flying into Saint John Airport (YSJ), a quick 20-minute taxi or rideshare will drop you right into the heart of the action.
Saturday: The Uptown Brewery Crawl
Start your morning at the Saint John City Market—the oldest continuing farmers’ market in Canada—to grab a local breakfast. Once fueled, walk two blocks to Picaroons General Store. Located in the historic Loyalist Plaza, this is the perfect spot for a pint of 'Best Bitter' while overlooking the harbour.
Looking for local flavours? 🎟️ Browse tours and activities in Saint John to see if there are any seasonal beer-pairing walking tours available during your visit.
Next, head to Hammond River Brewing. While their primary facility is a short drive away, their taproom presence in the city offers incredible small-batch releases. Expect to pay about $8–$10 CAD for a premium pint.
Sunday: Exploring the Craft Ecosystem
Sunday is for the locals. Take a quick Uber or rent a car to explore the outskirts. 🚗 Compare rental cars for your New Brunswick trip to ensure you have the flexibility to visit the independent microbreweries that define the regional craft movement.
Stop by Foghorn Brewing Company for their legendary IPAs. The atmosphere is unpretentious and deeply tied to the maritime spirit of the Fundy coast. It is a fantastic place to chat with the head brewers who are often found working the floor on Sunday afternoons.
Must-Try Local Bites
No beer crawl is complete without the perfect pairing. Saint John’s culinary scene relies on fresh Atlantic seafood. Try the fish and chips at any pub associated with the breweries, usually priced between $20–$25 CAD. Pair it with a crisp Kolsch to cut through the richness of the fried haddock.
Start Planning Your Trip
Ready to raise a glass in New Brunswick's most vibrant city? Use these resources to finalize your weekend plans:
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