Canada’s Best Beers and Breweries of Spring 2025: Canadian Brewing Awards Winners Revealed
- Calgary Brewery Tour Guy
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Canada's Best Beers of 2025 Crowned at Canadian Brewing Awards
Canada's best beers of 2025 were just crowned at the Canadian Brewing Awards, held June 6–7 in Vancouver. From coast to coast, standout breweries received national recognition for crafting some of the finest brews in the country. In this full breakdown, you'll find provincial highlights, rising stars, repeat champions, and how to discover or visit these award-winning breweries yourself.
About the Canadian Brewing Awards
This weekend, the Canadian Brewing Awards (CBAs) took center stage at The Nest, University of British Columbia, in Vancouver. From June 6–7, 2025, breweries from across the nation gathered to celebrate excellence in Canadian craft beer.
Established in 2000, the CBAs which are one of two national beer awards ceremonies, proudly stand as the oldest of Canada's national awards ceremonies for beer, recognizing outstanding brewers and breweries through a Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) sanctioned blind tasting across 50 categories. Notably, the CBAs are owned by the same company that also runs the Beer Awards Platform and the Best Beer App, further solidifying their commitment to the Canadian craft beer industry.
A Note on Breweries and Competitions
It's important to remember that while the Canadian Brewing Awards celebrate excellence, not every fantastic Canadian brewery chooses to enter competitions. The absence of a brewery's name on this list doesn't diminish the quality of their craft or the unique experience they offer.
Canada is home to more than a thousand incredible breweries, many of which focus solely on perfecting their brews for local enjoyment. We encourage you to explore your local craft beer scene and discover the many hidden gems that may not have sought national recognition through awards but are equally deserving of your visit and appreciation.
Notable Repeat Performances & Brewing Powerhouses
Several breweries are proving their consistency and excellence on Canada’s national stage:
Flora Hall Brewing (Ottawa, ON) has now led Ontario in national awards three years running, tying for most awarded in 2023, taking the title outright in 2024, and repeating again in 2025 with four Canadian Brewing Awards. With the Canada Beer Cup still to come in fall 2025, the big question is: Will Flora Hall take the national title of Best Overall Brewery in Canada this year?
This Best Overall CBA Brewery took home 5 medals in Scotch Ale, Irish Red, Irish Stout, Berliner Wiesse & Gose, and English Mild.
Four breweries from last year’s YYCTOURS Best Breweries in Each Province in Canada 2024 are back in the spring 2025 edition as leaders in their provinces.
More than a dozen of this year’s winning CBA breweries can be played in BeerQuest, an online game that educates players about beer while awarding prizes every month.
🌲 Alberta
Alberta's breweries are always among the top when it comes to national recognition. The province's rich agricultural resources contribute to the quality and variety of its beers. Alberta secured 16 awards.
(4-Way Tie)
🏅 70 Acre Brew Co – Sherwood Park (2 medals)
🏅 Annex Ale Project – Calgary (2 medals)
🏅 Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company – Edmonton (2 medals)
🏅 Two Pillars Brewery – Calgary (2 medals)
Honourable Mentions: Ale Architect Brewing Ltd (1 medal), Cabin Brewing Company (1 medal), Endeavour Brewing Company Ltd. (1 medal), Ol' Beautiful Brewing Company (1 medal), Prairie Dog Brewing Canada Inc (1 medal), Troubled Monk (1 medal), VaycayBrew Co Ltd (1 medal), Village Brewery (1 medal), XhAle Brew Co (1 medal), Yes (1 medal).
🌾 Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's brewing industry is blossoming, with breweries embracing local ingredients and traditional methods to create distinctive beers that reflect the province's heritage. Last year it was a Saskatchewan brewery that took home the most national awards in the country, leading them to be named the Best Brewery In Canada 2024 by YYCTOURS. And guess who that was, the same brewery that has the most CBA's. Saskatchewan earned 4 awards.
🏅 Pile O' Bones Brewing – Regina (2 medals)Was Canada’s most awarded brewery nationally in 2024, with seven total medals across the year.
Honourable Mentions: Better Brother Brewing Company Inc. (1 medal), Black Bridge Brewery (1 medal).
🌻 Manitoba
Manitoba's craft beer community is characterized by collaboration and creativity. Breweries here are known for their experimental brews and commitment to quality. Not only that, but Manitobans have the highest rate of claims per week in the BeerQuest Game, proving that locals there really enjoy their neighbourhood breweries. Manitoba won 4 awards.
(2-way tie)
🏅 Kilter Brewing Co. – Winnipeg (2 medals)
🏅 Nonsuch Brewing Co – Winnipeg (2 medals)
Honourable Mention: One Great City Brewing Co (1 medal).
🍁 Ontario
Ontario boasts the largest number of craft breweries in the country, offering a diverse range of styles and flavors. The province's brewing scene is both dynamic and deeply rooted in tradition. Ontario was a significant winner at the CBA this year with 29 awards and is always at the top of most competitions.
This is our third year doing these types of breakdowns, and we really wish we lived in Ottawa because this brewery has been the most winningest Ontario brewery on the national stage for 3 years straight.
🏅 Flora Hall Brewing – Ottawa (4 medals)
Honourable Mentions: Godspeed Brewery Inc. (2 medals), Meuse Brewing Company (2 medals), Paris Brewing and Malting (2 medals), Sawdust City Brewing (3 medals), Nickelbrook Brewing (2 medals), Anderson Craft Ales (1 medal), Banded Goose Brewing Company (1 medal), Beau's Brewing Co. (1 medal), Blood Brothers Brewing (1 medal), Brew Revolution (2 medals), Clifford Brewing Co (1 medal), Concession Road Brewing Company Ltd. (1 medal), Gillingham Brewing Company (1 medal), Left Field Brewery (1 medal), Manitoulin Brewing Co (1 medal), Northern Superior Brewing Co. (1 medal), Paris Brewing and Malting (1 medal), Rainhard Brewing (1 medal), Something in the Water (1 medal), Steadgast Brewing Company Inc. (1 medal), Tooth and Nail Brewing Inc (1 medal), Upper Thames Brewing Company Limited (1 medal), Wave Maker Craft Brewery (1 medal).
🍁 Quebec
Quebec's brewing culture is rich and varied, blending European influences with North American innovation. Breweries here are celebrated for their artisanal approaches and unique flavor profiles. Quebec garnered 12 awards.
(2-way tie)
🏅 Bières Ippon / Ippon beers – Quebec (3 medals)
🏅 Microbrasserie des Beaux Prés – Quebec (3 medals)
Bières Ippon continues to shine with three CBA medals in 2025. Last year, they tied for the second-most national awards in Quebec.
Honourable Mentions: Frampton Brasse (2 medals), Microbrasserie La Souche (2 medals), Kahnawake Brewing Company (1 medal), MaBrasserie (1 medal), MicroBrasserie Charlevoix (1 medal), Pie Braque microbrasserie coopérative écoresponsable (1 medal).
🌲 New Brunswick
New Brunswick's craft beer scene is growing steadily, with breweries focusing on quality and community engagement. The province offers a mix of traditional and contemporary beer styles. New Brunswick claimed 8 awards.
🏅 Tire Shack Brewing Co. – Fredericton (2 medals)
Honourable Mentions: Long Bay Brewery (1 medal), Maybee Brewing (1 medal), Novum boreas microbrasserie (1 medal), Saint Andrews Brewing Company (1 medal), Trailway Brewing Company (1 medal).
🌲 Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's breweries are known for their coastal-inspired brews and emphasis on local ingredients. The province's beer scene is both vibrant and welcoming. This year's big winner at the CBA is a name we have seen consistently over the last few years of doing these recaps. Nova Scotia earned 8 awards.
🏅 Tatamagouche Brewing Co – Tatamagouche (3 medals)
Honourable Mentions: Boxing Rock Brewing Company (1 medal), Burnside Brewing Co (1 medal), Garrison Brewing Company (2 medals), Schoolhouse Brewery (1 medal).
🌲 Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island's craft beer industry is intimate and innovative, with breweries creating distinctive beers that capture the island's character. Prince Edward Island received 3 awards.
🏅 PEI Brewing Company – Charlottetown (3 medals)
Tatamagouche Brewing Co (NS) and PEI Brewing Company (PEI) each led their provinces in combined national awards (Canada Beer Cup and CBAs) in 2024 — and both did it again in 2025, with three CBA medals apiece. These two remain strong representatives of the Maritimes’ brewing talent.
❄️ Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland & Labrador's breweries are embracing the province's unique culture and history, crafting beers that resonate with both locals and visitors. Newfoundland & Labrador won 2 awards.
🏅 Port Rexton Brewing Co. Ltd. – Port Rexton (2 medals)
❄️ Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)
The territories' brewing scene, though smaller in scale, is marked by resilience and creativity. Breweries here are producing exceptional beers that reflect the northern spirit. The Northwest Territories claimed 1 award.
🏅 NWT Brewing Co – Yellowknife (1 medal)
🏆 Best Overall Beer in Canada - Spring 2025
While there was no "Canadian Brewery of the Year" named at this year's gala, there was a Best in Show. The BOS beer is decided by the judges and is the last beer evaluated. All the gold medal winners of each of the categories are brought out, and judges carefully compare them against each other to arrive at an overall winner.
🏅 Godspeed Brewery Inc. Toronto, Ontario – Irori – Smoked Beer
🏆 Best Overall Brewery in Canada - Spring 2025
🏔️ British Columbia
British Columbia's craft beer scene is renowned for its innovation and diversity. From coastal cities to mountainous regions, breweries here are pushing boundaries with unique styles and sustainable practices. British Columbia, generally at the top of these lists each year, took home 28 awards in total.
🏅 Smithers Brewing Company – Smithers (5 medals)
Smithers Brewing Co. is a small craft brewery tucked deep in the mountains of northern British Columbia, in the heart of the picturesque Bulkley Valley. Surrounded by towering peaks and just beneath the dramatic Hudson Bay Mountain, the brewery offers more than just good beer—it’s a reflection of the alpine town’s adventurous spirit.
With large windows and garage-style doors that open up to sweeping mountain views, the taproom is a cozy gathering place for locals and travelers alike.
Founded by a pair of longtime friends with a love for good beer and mountain life, Smithers Brewing crafts a mix of staple lagers and creative seasonal brews. Their offerings often draw inspiration from the wild, northern landscape—whether it's a crisp IPA for après ski or a floral sour that hints at alpine meadows.
The brewery is also known for collaborating with local artists and embracing the region’s cultural and natural heritage, making it a true community hub nestled in BC’s rugged backcountry.
Honourable Mentions:Four Winds Brewing (4 medals), Curious Creatures Beer Corp. (2 medals), Grey Fox Brewing (2 medals), Smugglers Trail Caskworks (2 medals), Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. (1 medal), Backcountry Brewing (1 medal), Britannia Brewing Co (1 medal), Coast Mountain Brewing (1 medal), Deadfall Brewing Company (1 medal), Fernie Brewing Co. (1 medal), Field House Brewing Co. Inc. (1 medal), Giant's Head Brewing (1 medal), Land & Sea Brewing Company (1 medal), Mountainview Brewing Co. (1 medal), Mt Begbie Brewing Company (1 medal), Patina Brewing Co. (1 medal), Poco Brothers Brewing Ltd. (1 medal), Powell Street Craft Brewery (1 medal), R&B Brewing (1 medal), Strathcona Brewery Inc (1 medal), Train Wreck Brewing (1 medal), Twin City Brewing Company Ltd. (1 medal).
🧭 How to Explore the Winners
As the CBAs conclude, beer enthusiasts can look forward to discovering these award-winning breweries and their standout beers. Whether you're planning a cross-country beer tour or hunting for hidden local gems, the CBAs offer a trusted roadmap to Canada's finest craft beers.
To take your exploration further, check out BeerQuestGame.com, where you can track and discover breweries across the country in a fun, interactive way. The game is playable in Manitoba, Alberta and in the Okanagan.
For more stories, brewery news, and features on beer history, follow YYCTours.ca, your go-to source for Canadian craft beer content.
And if you're in Alberta, don't miss the chance to take an educational Calgary Brewery Tour—a perfect way to dive deeper into the stories behind the brews and meet the people shaping the scene.
YYCTours.ca is an independent platform dedicated to exploring Canada’s craft beer culture through award coverage, brewery spotlights, and guided tours.