Vankleek Hill is roughly 100 km from Ottawa, about an hour by car, and it might be the easiest genuinely good day trip out of the city. No big highway slog, no complicated directions, just a straight shot east on Highway 417 that ends at one of Ontario's most distinctive breweries.
Here's how to make the most of it.
Getting there
The fastest route is Highway 417 east to Exit 27, then north on Highway 34 straight into town. It's about an hour non-stop from downtown Ottawa, and the drive itself is easy: mostly open highway through farmland and small towns rather than anything technical.
If you'd rather take it slow, there's a scenic alternate. Follow Highway 17 east instead and cut over on Cassburn Road at L'Orignal. It adds a bit of time but takes you through some quieter countryside if you're not in a rush.
Make a stop in Casselman
If you're driving the 417 route, Casselman sits almost exactly on the way and it's worth the ten minute detour. Cassel Brewery is right by the old train station in town, a small local spot with indoor and outdoor seating that's become a popular pit stop for people making this exact drive. It's a good excuse to break up the trip and compare notes on two very different Ontario breweries in one afternoon.
What to do once you're at Beau's
Once you roll into Vankleek Hill, the brewery itself is the main event. The taproom is open daily, though hours shift through the week, so it's worth checking the current schedule before you go, especially if you're planning a later stop on weekdays.
While you're there:
-
Grab a pint or a flight in the taproom and try something you can't get outside Ontario
-
Pick up cans or bottles to take home, including anything seasonal that's not on shelves yet
-
If you're visiting during an event weekend, check what's on before you go. Beau's hosts events at the Vankleek Hill site throughout the year
Where to eat in town
Vankleek Hill has a genuinely good small-town food scene for its size. A few worth checking out:
-
The One Eleven Main Street Eatery and Anjou's Pizza both come up often in local recommendations
-
Nicko's Resto Bar and Georgian House 1858 are solid options if you want a sit-down meal before the drive home
-
Le Café Entre Amis is a good stop for coffee and something light if you're passing through earlier in the day
Hours and menus change, so it's worth a quick check before you go, but any of these make a good pairing with a brewery stop.
When to go
Vankleek Hill works as a day trip any time of year, but a few windows stand out. Late spring through early fall gives you the best patio weather in town and at the brewery. Fall adds the bonus of nearby cottage country and countryside driving at its best. If Beau's has a specific event or seasonal release you're chasing, that's worth timing your visit around too.
FAQ
How far is Vankleek Hill from Ottawa? About 100 km, roughly an hour by car via Highway 417 and Highway 34.
Is Beau's open for visits without a reservation? The taproom is open to walk-ins during regular hours, though hours vary by day. Larger groups or events may need advance planning, so it's worth checking ahead if you're coming with a big crew.
Is this a good trip to do in a day, or should I stay overnight? Most people do it as a day trip since it's only about an hour each way. If you want to slow down, pair it with cottage country nearby and make a weekend of it.