Tour the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto

Things to Do and Vacation Ideas for Visiting Southern Ontario

Oct 14, 2009

Check out Toronto's Steam Whistle Brewery located in the historic John Street Roundhouse. The tour is fun and is enhanced with samples of the city's best local beer.

The first bottle of Steam Whistle beer came off the line in March 2000. Now this independent brewery is not only hosting thousands of visitors each year but also selling beer in both Ontario and Alberta.

The 30 minute tour gives a behind the scenes look at the process of making beer from the ingredients to the bottling and packaging. Stories of how the brewery began and inside company jokes are mixed in with Toronto history and Steam Whistle's environmentally friendly policies.

The Canadian Pacific Railway has a long and important history in Canada. At one time the city of Toronto had three locomotive roundhouses. The John Street Roundhouse is the last remaining building of its kind. Thanks to the Historical Society (and Steam Whistle) the roundhouse is beautifully restored complete with the original brickwork and beams.

The building was built in 1929, and in keeping with that old fashioned feel, Steam Whistle has photographs on the walls, an antique style Coke machine, even the green beer bottle is modeled after a 1950’s 7-Up design.

Drink Local Canadian Beer

Steam Whistle’s motto of “do one thing really, really well” is carried out in all facets of this local company. They brew one beer, a crisp pilsner that has only four ingredients in it. The bottles are reused up to 39 times before being recycled and they are also the first brewery to use a totally biodegradable cup for all tastings and events.

Steamwhistle Parties, Concerts and Art Shows

Committed to supporting the local arts and entertainment scene, be sure to check out the events listing on the website. The people at Steam Whistle love to party! Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day are always honoured with a big bash, but there are also art shows and live concerts to enjoy throughout the year.

Steam Whistle Brewery sits in the shadow of the CN Tower and is across the street from the Rogers Center (Skydome.) It is also within walking distance to the Air Canada Center, the CBC Building and the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

There are many restaurants and bars along Front Street and Blue Jays Way, both of which are 15 to 20 minutes walking time. Please note that the direct route to Front St. involves a large staircase at the Rogers Center.

Steam Whistle Brewery is open seven days a week with the exception of Christmas Day and New Years Day. Drop by The Roundhouse for a free sample of beer or call ahead to inquire about tour times.

Taking the ten dollar tour of the Steam Whistle Brewery is a great budget vacation idea for Toronto, Ontario.

The copyright of the article Tour the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto in Ontario Travel is owned by Allison Anthony. Permission to republish Tour the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.