Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, one of Thunder Bay’s popular brew companies, was founded in 2012. It was the first Canadian beer brand and the first independent brewery to open in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Sleeping Giant uses roughly 50,000 liters of lake water per month to produce beers with colorful names like Northern Logger and Mr. Canoehead, said General Manager Kevin Brewer.

Another locally owned brewery along the north shore of Lake Superior, Slate Island Brewing Company, is located roughly two hours east of Thunder Bay in the town of Terrace Bay, Ontario, and shares a similar story.

Slate Island’s beers are also made with Lake Superior water. According to owner Brian Doig, Slate Island uses approximately 3,600 liters of Lake Superior water per month. “The chemical compound of Lake Superior is different so could create a different taste than other beers,” Doig said.

It’s not just the water that makes these breweries special, it is also their location. Both Sleeping Giant and Slate Island are part of a growing culinary tourism scene around Lake Superior. Craft breweries have become an important part of attracting visitors to the region, and they also enhance existing tourism activities.  For example, 18 breweries, including Sleeping Giant and Slate Island, are part of the Lake Superior Circle Tour Ale Trail.

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