Regina’s Hop Circuit is a self-guided tour of six craft breweries, and there are two things I like about craft breweries. They have great beer (often a fruity option) and are usually pet dog friendly. That’s true of five of the six breweries on the Hop Circuit trail in this royal town.

Regina, Saskatchewan is the prairie city named after Queen Victoria. The central downtown street, called Victoria, is home to the very regal and dog-friendly The Saskatchewan Hotel. Victoria just happens to be my dog’s name. (She’s not named after the British Queen, but at times she acts like she is).

So, it’s a bit serendipitous I’d find myself in Regina (unfortunately without my dog) and signed up to check out a few of the breweries on the city’s Hop Circuit. This self-guided walking tour is, well, ‘walkable’ – if you’re willing to walk A LOT (and through some not picturesque areas). Otherwise, stick to the Warehouse District where the grouping of four breweries is actually walkable. Either way, who likes to walk more than the dog? Take your dog on the Regina Hop Circuit tour if you find yourself in the city for a day or more.

Welcome to the dogtrotting guide to the dog-friendly breweries on Regina’s Hop Circuit.

The Warehouse District in Regina, Saskatchewan:

When I visited, this district was currently under construction, though all breweries in the area were open for business. The plan is to create a wide, pedestrian-friendly street lined with shops, restaurants, and of course, support the existing breweries – many, like Rebellion, have been there for years.

Rebellion Brewing Co. (1901 Dewdney Ave)

Rebellion Brewing Co. is the matriarch of the craft brew scene in Regina. Opened in 2015, this brewery restaurant is a popular stop for beer or beer flights and tacos in the (currently under construction) Warehouse District of the city. There’s a colourful Rebellion food truck out front – which I assume travels – and a front patio filled with red picnic tables.

The patio is dog-friendly – a sign on the door says so – and it’s easily accessible for Fido without getting near the indoor taproom and restaurant. The menu, indoors and out, includes tacos and nachos, but everyone is here for the beer. Rebellion Brewing is known for its lentil brew – Saskatchewan-grown lentils, of course. But honestly, my favourite is the newest Zilla IPA.

Copperhead Brewing (1377 Hamilton St)

The newest member of the Hop Circuit, Copperhead Brewing opened in February in a space that’s been occupied by craft brew companies previously. This time, the brews (and can designs) seem inspired by graphic novels or mythology; names include Striker IPA, Medusa (dark fruit flavours), Bite Me, and Athena

Copperhead Brewing also might be the most dog-friendly of the dog-friendly Regina breweries, or at least the most enthusiastic about the concept: No dogs are permitted indoors anywhere food is served in Saskatchewan. However, Copperhead owner Jeremy Brehm states, “Dogs are allowed on our deck at anytime. The only rule we have is that I must be informed, so that I can come pet your puppers.” He adds, “We have plenty of treats and water bowls for the doggos, so don’t worry about bringing your own.”

The deck in question is part of the building on the right (when you’re standing out front), which is the brew pub. The building on the left is where the beer is made. This pub is all about fun with a focus on games (some outdoors), including a pool table, ping pong, fooseball, and giant Jenga.

District Brewing Company (1555^th 8^th Ave)

District Brewing Company might be the most laid-back of the Warehouse District breweries, thanks to large, fenced yard and patio where people and pups gather to eat specialty hot dogs, drink craft beer, and play cornhole, disc golf, and giant Jenga. Like these games, the pet rules at District Brewing are simple. According to Joe Van Heerden, Brewery GM, “We do allow dogs on the patio. We just ask that they are kept on a leash and that customers please clean up after their pet.”

Yet the District is serious about its beer and no-nonsense beer names: Charm Pale Ale, Englishish IPA, German Pilsner Lager, and Bavarian Dark Larger. And what’s really interesting is the brewery’s future forward focus on environmental impact. According to District Brewing, carbon dioxide captured during the fermentation process is used to carbonate beers, reducing CO2 emissions. Plus, all spent grain used during the brewing process is given to farmers to feed livestock. Buy two cases of beer and feed one cow for a day.

Further afield, though still in Regina, which is a reasonably compact city:

Malty National Brewing (1130 15^th Ave)

Malty National Brewing is a very neighbourhood brew pub with a come-as-you-are feel-good vibe. It’s almost like visiting a beachside canteen. The in-house fruity brews are to die for – especially the Watermelon Lemonade Radler – and beer is what people are here for. Snacks are from a vending machine.

However, there’s a dog-friendly patio in the front and a larger backyard patio with picnic tables and corn hole games behind the brewery. Dogs are allowed in the back patio – there’s a separate gate entrance because pets are not permitted through the brew pub. Note, dogs aren’t supposed to jump on the picnic tables, which I suspect has been an issue. It’s understandable, though, because there’s a it’s five o’clock somewhere, dog-park vibe back here.

Pile O’Bones Brewing (1808 Cameron St)

Pile O’Bones Brewing is a certified Metis business with an indoor taproom and an outdoor dog-friendly patio. According to tap room manager Miranda Sanders, “The outdoor entrance to the patio is for animals; we don’t allow them to go through the taproom.”

In fact, the brewery – which is a full-service restaurant serving a varied menu of nachos, chicken wings, and Asian-inspired dishes such as Ssam Rolls and Two Bao steamed buns – has a few other dog rules even on the patio. First, pups must remain on leash and play well with others. Also, they can not jump on tables (this seems to be an issue on a few patios), eat off plates, or drink from cups. I can only assume there’s a story behind some of these rules.

The creative brewery has many popular beers including White IPA and Scarth Street Blonde, and several innovative combinations such as Hibiscus Lime Gose that’s berry-flavoured and pink in colour (which I love in a beer). Blood Orange Blonde takes the prize, however, because it’s a traditional blonde ale with the addition of real blood orange. Plus, if you do go inside (without the dog), the wall of pinball machines is hard to resist.

Regina Hop Circuit Overall…

If you’re considering following the Regina, Saskatchewan Hop Circuit with your dog, I suggest starting at the Warehouse District for two reasons: That’s where four out of the six breweries are located, and it’s a shorter walk between stops. Unfortunately, you’ll have to skip the Bushwakker Brewpub (2206 Dewdney Ave) in the Warehouse District because – sadly – they are not pet dog friendly. (Service animals only). But all others on the circuit are dog-friendly breweries.

You can simply start and stop at the Warehouse District if venturing further afield to see the other two breweries isn’t on your dance card for the day. Visit the other two craft breweries on a different day, after you’ve recovered from round one. Your dog, I think, will love the Malty National the best thanks to the backyard patio.

Note that if you buy a beer at each brewery (maybe a few to take home) get a stamp. Present the fully stamped map at your last stop and receive a prize. (For the record, this isn’t our first pup craft beer tour. We also loved the breweries in Frederick, New Brunswick too).

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria. Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!