There’s never been a better time to discover St. Catharines.
This summer, the city is raising a glass to its 150th anniversary with an experience that blends local flavour, community stories, and one-of-a-kind craft beer. The St. Catharines 150th Anniversary Craft Beer Showcase invites visitors to explore limited-edition anniversary brews created by some of the city’s favourite independent breweries, while discovering vibrant neighbourhoods, patios, shopping, waterfront views, and an evolving culinary scene along the way.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for your next Niagara day trip, here’s how to spend a memorable day (or two) tasting your way through St. Catharines.
START DOWNTOWN, WHERE GREAT BEER MEETS GREAT STORIES
Downtown St. Catharines is made for wandering.
Independent restaurants, public art, boutique shopping, patios, cafés, and live entertainment are all within easy walking distance, making it the perfect place to begin your brewery adventure. Every block offers
something new to discover, and the city’s growing culinary scene continues to surprise visitors with globally inspired cuisine, chef-driven menus, and welcoming neighbourhood hospitality.
First Stop: Cold Break Brewing
Begin your journey at Cold Break Brewing, where Niagara’s celebrated wine country inspires one of this summer’s most distinctive beers.
Created especially for the St. Catharines 150th Anniversary Craft Beer Showcase, the Niagara-Inspired Grape Ale combines red and white grape juice with a refreshing blonde ale to create bright notes of white grape, berry, cantaloupe, and subtle hop character. It’s familiar enough for craft beer lovers while offering something completely unexpected.
After your visit, spend some time exploring nearby independent shops, cafés, galleries, and downtown patios before continuing your Ale Trail adventure.
Next Stop: Decew Falls Brewing Co.
Just a short walk away, you’ll discover another uniquely St. Catharines story.
North Street Lager pays tribute to Harriet Tubman’s connection to St. Catharines and the city’s important role in the Underground Railroad. Approachable and refreshing, this commemorative lager celebrates local history while showcasing the creativity of today’s craft brewing community.
It’s a reminder that every pint has a story and in St. Catharines, many of those stories helped shape Canada itself.
Don’t Miss: The Merchant Ale House
No Niagara Ale Trail visit would be complete without stopping at The Merchant Ale House, one of St. Catharines’ original brewpubs.
For more than two decades, “The Merch” has been pouring small-batch beers while serving as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Order one of their signature brews, enjoy live music, and experience one of the city’s longest-standing craft beer traditions.
Follow the Beer Beyond the Brewery 
This summer, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for Lock Street Brewing Company.
While the brewery no longer operates a permanent taproom, the Lock Street team will be bringing its Port Side Pilsner to festivals, community celebrations, brewery collaborations, and special events across St. Catharines and Niagara.
Inspired by the waterfront spirit of Port Dalhousie, Port Side Pilsner is brewed for summer adventures, making every festival and community gathering another opportunity to experience one of the city’s featured anniversary beers.
Check the Niagara Ale Trail and LoveSTC event listings throughout the season to see where Lock Street will pop up next.
MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT
One brewery rarely becomes just one brewery.
Between tasting rooms, take time to discover everything else waiting nearby. Explore chef-driven restaurants and neighbourhood favourites. Find your next favourite patio. Catch a performance at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, browse local boutiques throughout downtown, or enjoy a stroll through Montebello Park before heading toward the waterfront at Port Dalhousie for sunset.
Looking for even more inspiration? Browse LoveSTC’s culinary guides, patios, events, and neighbourhood experiences to turn your brewery visit into an unforgettable weekend.
CELEBRATE LOCAL. WIN LOCAL.
As you explore participating breweries, keep an eye out for the official St. Catharines 150th Anniversary Craft Beer Showcase coaster.
Simply scan the QR code during your visit to enter for your chance to win local prizes throughout the summer including brewery gift cards, commemorative merchandise, and an 18-hole walking golf round at Rockway Vineyards Golf Club.
The more participating breweries you visit, the more opportunities you’ll have to discover the flavours, stories, and people shaping St. Catharines’ thriving craft beer scene.
Plan Your Niagara Ale Trail Adventure
Great beer has always been about more than what’s in the glass.
It’s about the people who brew it, the communities that support it, and the places that bring everyone together.
This summer, discover all three while celebrating 150 years of St. Catharines. From limited-edition anniversary beers and welcoming taprooms to downtown patios, waterfront festivals, and unforgettable local experiences, your next great Niagara getaway is waiting.
Raise a Glass to 150 Years. Sip Local. Explore More.
