If you’re searching for the best IPA or Pale Ale beers in Canada, this guide brings you straight to the standouts — with a special focus on Ontario’s booming craft beer scene. From juicy hazy IPAs to classic English-style pale ales, we break down what makes these brews great and why MacLean’s Hazy IPA and Original Pale Ale belong on your must-try list.
What Makes a Great IPA or Pale Ale?
Whether you’re a hophead or new to the craft beer scene, understanding what separates a great IPA or Pale Ale from the rest can help you find your next favourite pint.
IPA vs Pale Ale: What’s the Difference?
Both IPAs (India Pale Ales) and Pale Ales are hop-forward beers, but they differ in intensity and character.
- IPAs tend to be higher in alcohol content (6%+), with stronger hop bitterness and aromas ranging from citrus and pine to stone fruit and tropical notes.
- Pale Ales are more balanced — malt and hops share the stage, making them approachable and sessionable. They range from English-style bitters to modern, American-style brews.
Want a deeper dive into the differences? Read more in Pale Ale vs. IPA: Which One’s Right for You?
Choosing the Right IPA or Pale Ale for Your Taste
There’s a reason craft beer fridges are packed with so many IPAs and pale ales — the range of flavour, bitterness, and aroma is huge. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, here’s how to choose one that matches your palate.
- Like juice and tropical fruit? Try a Hazy IPA like MacLean’s Hazy IPA
- Prefer something balanced and malty? Go for a Pale Ale like MacLean’s Original Pale Ale
- Craving crisp bitterness and pine? A West Coast IPA might be more your style
- Want something sessionable? Look for beers with ABV around 4.5% to 5.5%
As with all beer — freshness matters, and we’ll cover that below.
A Quick Look at Canadian IPA and Pale Ale Styles
Canadian brewers have always borrowed from British and American brewing traditions, but over the last decade, they’ve carved out a style of their own — one that’s balanced, flavourful, and approachable.
- Ontario breweries tend to favour clean, balanced beers that showcase hop character without going overboard
- Quebec brewers lean into Belgian-inspired styles with yeast-driven complexity
- The West Coast often focuses on dank, piney IPAs and bold hop-forward expressions
Across Canada, you’ll now find Cold IPAs, New England IPAs, hybrid lagered ales, and even fruited pale ales making waves.
Want to explore more about how these styles evolved? Read The Evolution of Pale Ale Styles
Shop online for local delivery or find MacLean’s at your nearest LCBO, Beer Store, or Circle K using our MacLean’s Craft Beer Map.
Best IPA Beers in Canada (2025 Edition)
1. MacLean’s Hazy IPA (Ontario)
A standout from Ontario’s craft scene, MacLean’s Hazy IPA is a fruit-forward, aromatic beer with a soft mouthfeel and just the right amount of hop bite. Its tropical notes — think mango, pineapple, and citrus — are layered over a creamy body that makes it endlessly drinkable.
- Why it belongs on your list: Balanced, flavourful, and not overly bitter
- Perfect with: Grilled seafood, spicy tacos, summer salads, or fruit-forward desserts
Want more on hazy beers? Check out What Is a Hazy IPA?
2. Bellwoods Brewery – Roman Candle (Toronto, ON)
A modern IPA with explosive citrus and pine notes.
3. Left Field Brewery – Greenwood IPA (Toronto, ON)
A soft and juicy IPA brewed with oats and hopped with Citra and Simcoe.
4. 33 Acres of Sunshine (Vancouver, BC)
Hazy, citrusy, and low on bitterness — ideal for those who prefer fruit-forward beers.
5. Nickel Brook – Head Stock IPA (Burlington, ON)
Bold and hop-forward with tropical fruit and pine.
Read more about the best IPAs in Canada in our upcoming guide: Best IPA Beer Canada.
Best Pale Ale Beers in Canada
1. MacLean’s Original Pale Ale (Ontario)
Brewed with English-style malts and traditional hops, it delivers a balanced, toasty malt backbone with just enough bitterness to keep things interesting.
- Why it’s essential: One of the original Canadian craft pale ales, brewed by Charles MacLean
- Flavour profile: Rich copper hue, caramel malt, earthy hops
2. Great Lakes Brewery – Canuck Pale Ale (Etobicoke, ON)
Light, crisp, and loaded with citrusy hop character.
3. Beau’s – Lug Tread Pale Lagered Ale (Vankleek Hill, ON)
Smooth like a lager, complex like an ale.
4. Driftwood Brewing – Fat Tug Pale Ale (Victoria, BC)
Offers a maltier, old-school profile with West Coast flair.
Read more about top Canadian pale ales in our upcoming guide: Best Pale Ale Beer Canada.
Don’t Forget Freshness: Tips on Storing and Enjoying IPA & Pale Ale
IPAs, especially hazy and hop-forward versions, are best enjoyed fresh. Hop aroma and flavour fade over time, even faster if stored improperly.
Pro tips:
- Check the canned-on date (avoid anything older than 2–3 months)
- Keep beer refrigerated — especially IPAs
- Avoid heat or sunlight, which can degrade flavour
Where to Find These Must-Try Ontario Craft Beers
Most of the beers on this list — including both MacLean’s Hazy IPA and Original Pale Ale — are widely available through:
- LCBO (in-store and online)
- The Beer Store
- Beer delivery services
- Restaurants and pubs with Ontario craft taps
Or order direct from MacLeansBeer.com
Recognition & Praise for MacLean’s Hazy IPA
A recent review from Cranky Old Men Drinking Beers captures exactly why this Hazy IPA stands out:
“In the lazy end of the day heat I find myself pouring and scoring a Lazy Hazy IPAzy. Tropical fruit aroma… First taste is juice and malt bitters with a mild bitter backdrop… a very nice sequence, easy going and refreshing… an almost light that’s just right.”
Described as an “easy drinking session-like IPA” with “lots of tropical flavour for an almost light,” it’s a perfect example of what a hazy beer should be: balanced, bright, and crushable.
Shop online for local delivery or find MacLean’s at your nearest LCBO, Beer Store, or Circle K using our MacLean’s Craft Beer Map.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try This Quick Guide
- Like juicy, fruit-forward flavours → Go with a Hazy IPA
- Want a crisp, bitter beer with pine or citrus → Choose a West Coast IPA
- Like smooth malt with mild bitterness → Pick an English-Style Pale Ale
- Want something easy-drinking and balanced → Try an American Pale Ale
Our picks:
- For juicy fans → MacLean’s Hazy IPA
- For traditional balance → MacLean’s Original Pale Ale
Frequently Asked Questions about IPA and Pale Ale in Canada
What’s the difference between IPA and Pale Ale? IPAs are stronger, hoppier, and more aromatic. Pale Ales are lighter in alcohol, more balanced, and malt-forward. Learn more here
What’s the best IPA beer in Ontario? MacLean’s Hazy IPA is a standout — tropical, smooth, and well-balanced.
Is MacLean’s a craft brewery? Yes — MacLean’s is one of Ontario’s original craft breweries. Founded by Charles MacLean, it has over 30 years of independent brewing tradition.
Where can I buy MacLean’s beers? LCBO, The Beer Store, taprooms, or order directly from MacLeansBeer.com
