One of Ontario’s oldest breweries is a two-hour drive from Toronto and has mysterious caves
If you’re looking for the next endearing small town to check off your road trip bucket list, Neustadt, Ontario, prides itself on being one of the prettiest communities in all of Canada — and is also home to one of the country’s oldest and, in our opinion, coolest breweries.
Between local staples like the adorably named Granny’s General Store, a handful of artist studios and galleries, some antique and clothing stores, and a fish & chips spot in an old stone cottage, there sits Neustadt Springs Brewery, a burly building that you can tell from just one look has a lengthy and storied past.
Now the oldest operating beermaker in the province, the site was founded by one of the town’s first residents all the way back in the 1850s, when the burgeoning locale of Neustadt had a population of a few hundred people, most of them from Germany (hence the name, which means “new town” in German).
Over the decades, the brewery has remained a landmark presence, though it was burnt down, rebuilt, left vacant for years, and converted to other uses (including a town hall) at points before eventually circling back to its original purpose; a purpose that, you’ll learn upon entering, it is very uniquely equipped for.
Under the large fieldstone structure — built from rocks sourced locally by community members during construction, allegedly in exchange for beer — a hidden natural spring flows, providing exceptionally pure waters that the brand uses to make its craft beers.
On your visit, staff can take you through the building’s concealed network of what feel like ancient underground tunnels and caves leading right to the source of where the magic happens, making for one of the most unique brewery tours ever, some eight metres below street level.
Visitors say they can really taste the difference that the spring water makes, and we imagine that enjoying the product while in a secret subterranean cavern carved out of limestone more than 100 years ago really adds to the experience.
You also get to learn about the brewing process, as well as the brewery and town’s rich history along the way, making the stop a must-visit for not just any beer lover but any history buff too.
Being just over two hours from Toronto in Grey County, Neustadt also makes for the perfect little day trip — and the variety of tasty brews, eats, stories, and scenery is definitely worth the trek.
While you can pop into the taproom for sips, bites and good times anytime during normal business hours, visitors should note that tours through the building and caves only take place on weekends and must be booked in advance online (or over the phone if booking same-day).
Neustadt Springs Brewery is located at 456 Jacob St. in Neustadt, Ont.