There’s nothing quite like enjoying a local craft beer on a patio with friends on a warm summer day. ????(while maintaining social distancing #safetyfirst )
But, if you’re like me, your “friends” include your dog.
And if I can’t bring my dog, I’m not going. #sorrynotsorry
OK, so I have bad news and I have good news. Which one do you want first?
I hope you just said “the bad news” because it brings me joy to imagine people talking to their screen. But also because I’m giving you the bad news first: Ottawa isn’t the most dog-friendly city. By-laws and regulations are restrictive about where dogs are permitted to go. You really have to do your research beforehand to plan an outing with your dog to support local businesses in Ottawa.
Now for the good news. I’ve done the research for you and found 3 local breweries that have awesome patios, are operating responsibly adhering to social distance measures, AND they welcome your dog.
Ready for a frosty pint with your pup? SAME.
Here’s where to go:
Dogs are welcome in the beer garden and in the taproom on rainy days.
2265 Robertson Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 5Z2
7 days/week: 11am-9pm
With 12 beers on tap, there’s something for everyone. We’re talking ales, lagers, IPAs, Pilsners, Hefeweizens and more. If the exclusivity of a seasonal beer is your thing, you’ve got to check out their Grapefruit Radler (it tastes like summertime) and their Černy Dark Lager. No guarantee that these two will be available when you go, though. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for this year. ???? ???? ????
You sure can work up an appetite drinking all that beer in the shade, am I right? (That was rhetorical – I’m definitely right). At Kichesippi all you’ve got to do is get up from your table on the patio and mosey on over to one of TWO (yes, two) food trucks attached to the Beer Garden. Here are your options: gourmet seafood from Ad Mare, or delicious Mexican from Walking Tacos. (I don’t want to alarm you but they have DESSERT TACOS… like, what?! ????)
Kichesippi is right on the Trans-Canada trail and is surrounded by lots of different NCC trails nearby, which makes it a great stop to take a break on your hike. If you need to grab some food or gear for your pupper, Global Pet Food Bells Corners is less than 1km away.
Please keep your dog on a fixed-length leash (max 6 feet). As you would do in any public area, maintain control of your dog at all times. No doggos on the furniture, please. ✌️
Kichesippi is adhering to recommended safety measures including altered seating to maintain social distancing and requiring everyone to wear masks unless seated at your table. For a full list of required measures that guests are asked to follow, click here.
Dogs are welcome on the lower patio. BTP’s about us section on Facebook is “We brew Craft Beer and we're f*cking good at this”. I think that says it all, really…
Unit 108, City Centre Avenue, Ottawa. Ontario. K1R 6K7
7 days/week: 11 am till Late
BTP has 16 beers on tap. They’ve got a dream team of mainline brews (including a stout!), and 9 yummy seasonals. They even have a fan favourite called Yummy. If you’re here, you’re probably a beer drinker. But if you’ve been relunctantly dragged out to BTP by your beer-loving friends, don’t you worry! BTP also serves cider, sangria and wine. Hooray! Alcohol for everyone!
BTP has a solid BBQ menu from the Smoque Shack: Pulled pork, burgers, ribs. But they also have some meatless options like smoqued tofu, black bean burger, and mac & cheese. Also, ONION RINGS. Need I say more?
BTP is on the Trillium pathway, which connects to the Trans Canada Trail right along the Ottawa River. About 2.5km away is the stunning Lemieux Island dog park. Global Pet Foods Hintonburg and Pet Valu Hintonburg are 2km away.
Please keep your dog on leash, and stay on the lower patio. ✌️
COVID-19 measures: When not seated, masks must be worn. Follow the stickers for social distancing, and check with the host before sitting at a table. For more info on BTP’s regulations, click here.
Dogs are welcome (perhaps even encouraged?) on the Stray Dog patio. They’ll even provide treats! Your patio pup could also be featured on the Dogs of Stray Dog Instagram page.
501 Lacolle Way, Orleans
Noon to 8 Friday and Saturday, Noon to 6 Sunday
Stray Dog serves 10 different patio beers. Some of the fan faves like IPA and Stout, but then some that I’m less familiar with (read: I had never heard of them) like a California Common and a Kellerbier. Last time I visited, I tried the Bleu Nuit blueberry saison and it was DELISH. Also, I know you can’t judge a book by its cover but with Stray Dog’s awesome labels and names like “Psycho Keller”, “Jagged Little Pilsner”, and “Shaggin’ Wagon”, it’s hard not to.
Stray Dog doesn’t serve food, which leaves room for more beer. You can bring food or have it delivered if you’re feelin’ hangry, though.
Stray Dog in my stompin’ grounds: Orleans! I know people think it’s far, but it’s worth it. After your trip to Stray Dog, you HAVE to visit Princess Louise Falls. Only 1.2 km away, these falls are such a hidden gem that jump right out at you as you drive down St. Joseph. You can also walk the trails behind the falls. If you have time, check out François Dupont Park, too. It’s a lovely little park connected by trails that opens up to a huge field looking out onto the river. Lots of room to roam and sniff!
Please keep your dogs on-leash, and make sure they’re well behaved and always under your control. ✌️
Tables on the patio are spread out to ensure social distancing and stringent cleaning/sanitizing is being done before and after every guest.
Wow, and you read that whole blog about patio beers? R u ok?
