From charming villages to breathtaking natural landmarks, the Ottawa Valley offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and a chance to disconnect from the busyness of city life. Stay refreshed and relaxed on your journey with visits to these local Cider Houses.
Calabogie Brewing/Ernest Cider
105 Schneider Road
Kanata
www.calabogiebrewing.com
If you’re travelling from Ottawa, be sure to hit Calabogie Brewing on your way out of town. Tucked away on the edge of Kanata, this Brew Pub offers indoor and outdoor seating, serving everything from Calabogie Nachos to Korean Pulled Pork Tacos. Recently acquired by Calagobie Brewing, we recommend the Ernest Dry Original Cider, now on tap. Made with 100% Ontario apples, Ernest offers a wide variety of tasty ciders from Wild Blueberry to Peach Bellini.
1818 Farm and Cidery
1811 Richardson Side Road
Carp
www.1818farmandcidery.ca
Just a short drive to Carp, as the scenery turns to farmland, you’ll discover a new orchard planted by the folks at 1818 Farm and Cidery. Don’t be fooled by the petite farmstand. It’s filled with fresh produce and doubles as a Cider Tasting House. Under the excellent guidance of Kathleen, we sampled a variety of ciders, but our favourite was the austere Golden Hour. Vibrant, rich and complex, it was produced from Golden Russet apples and aged in Brandy barrels. Coming this Fall, a beautiful new 7,000 sq ft building to house production facilities, a commercial kitchen, restaurant and Tasting Room. The building will also be an open, three seasonal space to enjoy delicious cider and food while looking out over the working farm and orchard.
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
3929 Carp Road
Carp
www.diefenbunker.ca
Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for the atomic age or just curious what Cold War paranoia felt like, stop by this secret four-story underground Cold War communications headquarters. The Diefenbunker is a window into the past, bringing history to life through engaging and educational exhibits including a real-life Dr. Strangelove-style war room. “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room!”
Farmgate Cider
4547 Mohr’s Road
Arnprior
www.farmgatecider.ca
Heading into the Ottawa Valley, you will be welcomed by a passionate couple dedicated to the craft of cider making and an equally welcoming golden retriever! At Farmgate Cider, we listened to mouth-watering descriptions and learned about Jim’s combination of traditional and modern techniques in the pursuit of refined and well-balanced ciders. We enjoyed a tasting on the front porch that reflected their diverse portfolio. My hands-down favourite was the Honey and Hops, sweetened with local honey and then dry-hopped, while my partner chose the Too Many Cousins, just slightly off-dry and so refreshing on a hot day! Farmgate Cider is a family affair including their label designs – all oil paintings by Brenda and all beautifully reflect the flora and fauna of the Ottawa Valley.
Bonnechere Caves
1247 Fourth Chute Road
Eganville
www.bonnecherecaves.com
It’s time to stretch your legs and explore The Bonnechere Caves. A one-hour long tour will take you through this fascinating limestone cave system formed around 500 million years ago containing exquisitely preserved prehistoric fossils, stalactites and other geological formations molded by centuries of water dripping through the limestone. Reservations are not necessary and guided tours are included.
Brooker’s Cider
1632 Scotch Bush Road
Douglas
www.brookerscider.ca
You know you’re in the presence of greatness when you’re greeted by a commanding orange tabby. Although ‘Felix’ seemed to be the boss at Brooker’s Cider, owner Craig soon arrived to guide us through his Farm and Cider House. Using the wild apples found on their Farm, he crafts distinctive, natural ciders that speak to the land they come from. Brooker’s apples may be wild, but they hide an inner beauty: bold tannins, sharp acidity, and layers of complex flavours perfect for cidermaking. Each of the ciders we tried reflected that quality, creativity and dedication. We departed with a bottle of Wild & Dry to enjoy at our home away from home.
Bonus Stop
Calabogie Brewing/Ernest Cider
12612 Lanark Road
Calabogie
www.calabogiebrewing.com
Check out Calabogie Brewing’s original location and enjoy a pint by the mighty Madawaska. You’ll also discover the full line-up of Ernest Ciders.
Explore Further
The Tap & Cork Route is your guide to explore the region’s very best craft alcohols. The Tap & Cork Route is a unique collaboration that promotes the burgeoning craft alcohol industries on both sides of the Ottawa River establishing the first interprovincial self-guided tourism route dedicated to showcasing the rich offerings of the craft alcohol scene.
