There is an histoic Railway “Roundhouse” a little to the south of the CN Tower. It dates back to the era of Steam Engines and used to then them around in the shortest possible distance.
This old structure has been converted into a downtown micro brewery and produces a product called (you guessed it) Steamwhistle Beer.
It is a “Premium Beer”, meaning it costs slightly more per bottle than some other (more common) brands. But it is actually a superior product and (in our opinion) well worth the price.
We do a weekly tour (every Tuesday) as one of the hostel’s daily events. You can (for $8) take a guided tour of their facility and watch how beer is made and sample their excellent product as well.
We have decided we might drop the organized tour as a hostel “event” because the tour itself has changed somewhat. (Check out our website where we will soon post an alternate event for Tuesday’s.)
It used to cost just $6 and they were once quite generous with their samples. Those samples have become more and more parsimonius even with the increased price of the tour. We always try to offer our backpacker guests “events” that give them the most for the least.
You can still buy tickets at our front desk and we’ll provide directions to the brewery. (It’s a short 10 minute stroll from the hostel).
If you’ve never tried Steamwhistle Beer, you can purchase a pint at bars very close to the hostel. Alice Fazooli’s – half a block away on Adelaide St. – offers Steamwhistle Beer on tap as does the popular Corned Beef House – one block away at Adelaide and John Streets.
Take it from us, it’s a pretty nice product.
