The airport isn’t likely the first place that comes to mind when you think about relaxing with a beer or two. But if you travel, you’re going to end up having some time to kill in an airport at some point. And what better way to relax before a flight than to kick back with a beer? Airports across the country are increasingly improving their food and beverage options and beer is no exception.
If you’re not sure where to find the closest cold one the next time you find yourself in a major Canadian airport, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the legwork and sourced some of the best bars and pubs in terminals all over Canada so you can easily enjoy a pint the next time you’re waiting for a boarding call. And we can also help you find the cheapest flight before you go.
Lift Bar Grill, Vancouver International
There are plenty of spots to grab a beer at Vancouver International no matter where you’re travelling or which terminal you’re flying out from. But Lift Bar and Grill is one of the newer options at YVR and one that allows you to combine an elegant meal with your pre-flight pint. You’ll find Lift in the international terminal after security at gate D67, wrapped around the airport’s aquarium. The relaxed restaurants, with a sister location in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, focuses on regional craft brews both on tap and in bottles.
Mill Street Brewery, Toronto Pearson International Airport
Beer fans flying out of Pearson International (YYZ) will want to make a beeline for Mill Street Brewery. The Toronto-based craft brewery has a home in terminal one near gate D20 where you can sample many of their award-winning beers like the Organic Lager, Tankhouse Pale Ale and Mill Street Extra Special Bitter. If you’re hungry, the extensive menu pairs many of its items with a draught beer selection.
Beer Hive, Toronto Pearson International
Beer Hive, located in the international terminal near gate B41 on the departures level, stocks close to 20 specialty craft beers, with more than half being from Ontario-based breweries. Your only problem will be choosing which beer to try first. The 29-seat bar comes equipped with power outlets and iPads at every seat for anyone who wants to check email or get some work done before their flight. If you’re hungry, you can pair your craft beer with one of their many sandwiches and unique pizza offerings.
Molson Brewhouse, Calgary International
If you’re past security in concourse A of Calgary International (YYC), get your beer fix at Molson Brewhouse. The menu features a roster of world-class beers including, of course, Molson Canadian. In addition, there are bottled and seasonal ales and lagers to choose from. If you do order a Molson, it will be poured through a frosted, sub-zero tower for a perfectly chilled pint.
Archibald Microbrewery, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau
One of the best spots for beer drinking if you’re flying out of Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International (YUL) can be found at gate 51 of the international terminal. Archibald Microbrewery, with three other locations in Quebec, serves 10 artisanal brews well worth a sip or two, including La Matante, La Joufflue, La Brise du lac, La Ciboire, La Choute, La Tite’Kriss, La Weiss and more.
Pork & Pickle, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau
New to Montreal’s airport in the former home of Moe’s, Pork & Pickle is located after security near gate 01. Sip your pint while looking out the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the tarmac. Your options include specialty beers from around the world, including Delirium Tremens from Belgium and Lagunitas Imperial Stout from Northern California, as well as many local beers. If you’re looking for something to eat with your beer, choose from small plates, like the Bavarian pretzels or rosemary fried olives and almonds, and larger items, like hand-carved smoked beef brisket.
Byward Taps, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International
Level two of the Canadian/international departures area of Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (YOW) is a good place to be if you like beer. Byward Taps serves a good variety of local brews, which you can pair with a craft burger or other classic and comforting mains with a Canadian twist.
Belgian Beer Cafe, Edmonton International
In the newly expanded domestic-international passenger lounge of Edmonton International Airport, beer lovers can kick back pre-flight at the Belgian Beer Café. This place is nothing if not authentic – a Belgian carpenter was hired to install the bar and floor tiles were imported from Belgium – and, of course, there’s the beer. Choose from more than 40 different bottles of Belgian beer as well as five domestic beers and 10 beers on tap, all served in their own unique glassware, which was shipped directly from Belgium.
Heineken Lounge, Edmonton International
If you’re spending any pre-flight time in the domestic-international terminal of Edmonton International and decide to settle in for some sipping, you can make your way to Heineken Lounge. There are nine bottled beers to choose from, a cider option and five beers on tap. Draught beers include Heineken, of course, as well as Newcastle Brown Ale, Coors Light and Rickard’s Red. On the menu, you’ll find small plates like their cheese board and pulled chicken nachos alongside more substantial fare like roast sausage and mac and cheese.
While their selection may not be as extensive, you can still find a cold one at these Canadian airports, as well:
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Fredericton International Airport
Victoria International Airport
Saskatoon International Airport
Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport
St. John’s International Airport
Now that you know exactly where to imbibe while bound for your final destination, head over to Cheapflights.ca to start your search for flights. And let us know your favourite beer-friendly airport in the comments below.
Feature photo: iStock/ izusek
