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Steam Whistle Brewing
An independent brewery in the historic John Street Roundhouse beside the CN Tower, brewing a Czech-style pilsner, with tours, a taproom and a restaurant.
At a glance
- Type
- Brewery and beer hall
- Area
- Entertainment District, Toronto, Canada
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- steamwhistle.ca
Good to know
- Brewery tours
- Taproom
- Restaurant
- Event halls
Why we recommend it
Steam Whistle Brewing was founded in 2000 by Greg Cromwell, Greg Taylor and Cam Heaps, three former employees of the Upper Canada Brewing Company who had just lost their jobs and called themselves the 3FG. Their brewery occupies bays 1 to 14 of the John Street Roundhouse in Roundhouse Park, at the foot of the CN Tower.
The setting is a big part of the appeal. The roundhouse was built in 1929 as a Canadian Pacific Railway steam locomotive repair shop and served that purpose until May 1988. It is now a National Historic Site owned by the city, and the brewery makes much of its railway past, describing itself as born at the Roundhouse. A working steam whistle on the roof sounds at the end of each working day.
The brewery's flagship is Steam Whistle Pilsner, a Czech-style pilsner made with four natural ingredients, water, malted barley, hops and yeast, which it calls Canada's Pilsner. It is sold on draught, in bottles and in cans. The brewery was also the first customer of the city's Deep Lake Water Cooling system, a renewable energy project.
Visitors can book a brewery tour and eat at the Steam Whistle Kitchen, and the taproom is a relaxed place for a pint before or after a visit to the CN Tower. The brewery also hosts events, including the annual Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival, and its halls, from Pilsner Hall to Locomotive Hall, can be booked for private functions.
Steam Whistle suits beer lovers, groups of friends and visitors spending a day around the CN Tower and the waterfront. Tours are a good way to understand both the brewing and the building. Check the website for tour times and kitchen hours. The brewery has stayed focused on its pilsner: a pale ale, session lager, harvest lager and lemon shandy were made between 2019 and 2022 and then dropped. In 2022 Steam Whistle bought Beau's Brewing Co., which still brews at Vankleek Hill, and it also brews New Belgium beers for the Canadian market. Smaller spaces such as the Tap Room, the Mezzanine and the Station Room are used for events.
The brewery is at 255 Bremner Boulevard, in Roundhouse Park at the base of the CN Tower, so it is easy to combine with the tower and the waterfront.
Steam Whistle Brewing FAQs
When was Steam Whistle founded?
In 2000, by Greg Cromwell, Greg Taylor and Cam Heaps.
Where is the brewery?
In the John Street Roundhouse at 255 Bremner Boulevard, at the foot of the CN Tower.
What beer does it make?
Steam Whistle Pilsner, a Czech-style pilsner made with four natural ingredients.
Can you tour the brewery?
Yes. Tours can be booked through the website.
Is there food?
Yes. The Steam Whistle Kitchen serves food.
What is the building?
A 1929 Canadian Pacific Railway locomotive repair shop, now a National Historic Site.
Are there events?
Yes, including the Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival.
Can you hire a space?
Yes. Halls such as Pilsner Hall and Locomotive Hall are available for events.