Island Eats
PEI’s Craft Beer Guide
Ales, lagers, stouts, sours, pilsners — enjoy the full-bodied flavours and abundance of fresh local brews expertly handcrafted at breweries across Prince Edward Island. Their taprooms have become beloved establishments in communities across the Island, creating spaces for both locals and visitors to gather together, often over delicious food, live entertainment, and of course, great craft beer. Whether you’re enjoying a pint or two at your favourite pub or two or picking up a 6-pack for your next beach day, here’s a helpful guide on all the amazing breweries you can tap into all across the Island.
PEI Brewing Company/Gahan House
Established in 1997, The Gahan House Pub and Brewery (formerly known as Murphy’s Brewing Company) made waves as the first brewery on PEI, operating out of the basement of a 19th century home on Sydney Street in downtown Charlottetown and where the Gahan line of handcrafted ales is still brewed to this day. In 2013 they opened a second, much larger location, the PEI Brewing Company, where their entire line of Gahan ales, After Hours Series, Colliding Tides Gin & Vodka coolers and Beach Chair Lager are currently brewed and distributed. The PEI Brewing Company is a popular venue for various local events and weddings, but their taproom is also open for those wishing to grab a taste and a tour, or their favorite beer to go.
Upstreet Craft Brewing
Upstreet Craft Brewing, located on Allen St, is the only other brewery located in Charlottetown. Started by three Island locals it quickly made a name for itself, not just for the beer, but the community they’ve created. Their taproom is host to an abundance of local events and they throw one heck of a block party in the summer for people of all ages to enjoy! In March 2018, Upstreet opened a second location on the corner of Kent St. and Great George St. in downtown Charlottetown, aptly named Craft Beer Corner, that’s become a buzzing spot any night of the week! Here you can purchase their beer to go in cans, bottles, or crowlers or sit in and enjoy a pint from one of their 24 taps showcasing Upstreet and other breweries across PEI.
Moth Lane Brewing
Tucked away in the western end of the Island just outside of Tyne Valley on Mickie Allen’s Shore Rd., you will find Moth Lane Brewing, the first microbrewery to open in Western PEI. Chances are when you grace the entrance of Moth Lane you will be greeted by owner and brewer, Eric Wagner. Moth Lane boasts a 50-person seating area on the second floor and an outdoor seating area, where locals and non-locals alike congregate to celebrate the weekend. Island musicians have been known to land there on a Saturday night and before you know it, there’s a party! Grab a cold pint and some BBQ from their Smokehouse and enjoy the view overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Barnone Brewing
Located in scenic Rose Valley, Barnone Brewing is an award-winning microbrewery originally founded in 2011 by father and son duo, Hugh and Don Campbell. The brewery closed in 2021 but, thanks to a group of community-minded and beer-loving Islanders, has recently made a welcome comeback! While they don’t have a taproom, they open the barn’s doors some days of the week for “growler nights” where you can fill a growler with your favourite brew to be enjoyed at home. You can try their delicious beer at many local Island establishments, such as the Olde Dublin Pub, Claddagh Oyster House, and the Local Pub and Oyster Bar.
Copper Bottom Brewing
Copper Bottom Brewing was the first craft brewery and taproom to open in Eastern PEI, located right on Main St in Montague. Husband and wife team, Ashley & Ken, have been fans of craft beer for a long time, finally bringing their dream to life when they opened the doors of their own brewery in a historic building in the heart of Montague. Being that Ashely is a musician herself, they make music and community a big component of the Copper Bottom vibe. Their taproom is bright and airy, overlooking the Montague River, with a cozy deck perfect for summer hangs.
Bogside Brewing
Bogside Brewing is the second brewery to open in Montague, located only steps away from the Montague Waterfront Marina, and features a 175 seater cidery, taproom, and beer garden. Community-minded from its inception, Bogside shares their spacious taproom with two other Island businesses — Crafters Smokehouse and Famous Pepper’s Pizza. Pair delicious pizza and barbecue with some expertly crafted beers and unique ciders on tap and you’re in for a grand old time.
Evermoore Brewing Co.
Evermoore Brewing Co. opened its doors in the summer of 2018 as Summerside’s first brewery, and has become an established gathering place for the community. Located where the rail meets the water, the brewery made its home in the city’s old train station, meticulously restored to its current shining glory. Evermoore boasts an array of unique, quality brews, ranging from a maple spiced ale to a German Style Hefeweizen, and an elevated rotating dining menu that is not to be missed.
Lone Oak Brewing Co.
Kick off your PEI vacation with a stop at one of the Island’s most popular breweries. Lone Oak Brewing is located in Gateway Village, right off the Confederation Bridge, and is where you can find unique brews expertly and carefully crafted with as many local ingredients as possible. Upon its opening, it didn’t take long for Lone Oak to be put on the map as one of PEI’s most innovative breweries and as a place to get out and enjoy some great brews and great food from their on site restaurant, The Abby. Their taproom is also host to community events from live entertainment to Trivia Nights and Family Feuds. The owners recently announced a second location on the Milky Way Boardwalk, The Lone Oak Brewpub, where they’ll be serving up quality pub food along with drinks from their fully stocked bar.
Village Green
Modern Brewer’s Village Green nano-brewery is owned and operated by Certified Cicerone brewer, Bryan Carver. Bryan brews under the brand Modern Brewer, and you can find an excellent selection of their specially crafted beer at the Village Green, located in Cornwall, PEI. At its core, the Village Green aims to create a culture that celebrates diversity in the beer that they create, the craft beer industry, and the community that surrounds it. Whether you’re staying for a cold pint or looking to grab a 6 pack for the weekend, expect to find exceptional service from knowledgeable staff and full bodied flavours from their various beers.
For more ways to tap into the flavours of PEI, check out 11 PEI Dining Experiences You Can’t Miss, We Scream for Ice Cream, and PEI’s Must-Try Lobster Dishes.