Where to buy beer!

This post on the vital topic of "Where to buy Beer" has turned out to be one of my most popular!  Since we first bought our chalet here in 2010, the beer scene has changed dramatically (for the better) and so I have completely rewritten this little beer guide.  I'll focus on two areas: bars and pubs to enjoy quality beer on tap, and retail outlets to purchase beer for home/hotel consumption.  Both dimensions have vastly improved over the past decade.

Bars & Pubs
When I consider a place to grab a pint, it's based on a combination of tap quality, atmosphere, service and food, not necessarily in that order.  Each of the places below are favourites of ours and have been written up separately, so I won't repeat all the details here [not a ranked list].

• La Maison du Brasseur (St Jovite) - the latest entrant to the beer scene in Tremblant, and an excellent one at that.  They don't serve food but you can bring your own or order in from several restaurants less than a block away.  Awesome atmosphere, friendly service and 15 taps featuring all Quebec micros.
• St. Arnould Brewpub (St Jovite) - the biggest microbrewery in the area, selling their beer both on premises and via bottles in retail outlets.  The brewpub is conveniently located right beside the major grocery stores but doesn't lack for charm because of it.  Large space, lovely patio in summer time and great food & service.  About 10 beers on tap at any given time with one seasonal offering (wish they'd do more) and have recently started featuring BrewStar beers.
• La Diable Microbrewery (Tremblant resort) - located in the pedestrian village at the base of Tremblant, this is a popular spot for apres-ski or apres just about anything you can do in Tremblant.  Beers are solid although limited to just 6 taps plus a seasonal.  The summertime patio is perhaps the best anywhere and great for people watching.  Our experience with the food has been mixed so we stick with the basics.
• Au Coin (Old Tremblant) - this place makes the list because of location and atmosphere.  The building is an historic site near beautiful Lac Mercier, wonderfully restored.  It's the closest you'll find to a true Irish pub, and has both a bar side and a nice enclosed dining room.  Food and service are great.   The beer list is serviceable, leaning towards large macros (e.g. Carlsberg) or huge micros (e.g. Boreal) but hasn't changed in the decade we've been here.
• Baril Roulante (Val David) - further afield but an amazing little beer spot, the first we found in the region to offer Quebec microbrews.  They have created a mini empire, expanding into a second location in Val David that features an auberge, and also brew their own beer (which we have had on tap at Maison du Brasseur).
• Baril Roulante (Tremblant) - in December 2019, the very successful Baril Roulante microbrewery opened a new location in the old village near the Lac Mercier beach at 1885 Chemin du Village.  They took over an historic little house that has seen businesses and sandwich shops come and go.  A great addition to the neighbourhood.
• Le Pub St Georges (St Jovite) - the St Georges has been an icon occupying the northeast corner of Rue Labelle and Rue St Jovite for years.  This spot makes the list not so much for their beers (a dozen or so typical macros) but for the cosy interior and the sprawling patio, perfect for people watching.

Retail Beer Stores

• Tite Frette (St Jovite) - a private beer store focusing exclusively Quebec beers.  Fantastic selection organized by beer style.  Tite Frette means something like "a little cold one" in Quebecois French.  This is your priciest option but the selection is spectacular and there are beers you can't get anywhere else.  
• IGA (St Jovite) - yes, the IGA.  A few years ago they installed a series of eight-foot wide double sided beer fridges including a section dedicated to singles (bottle and can).  Selection is principally Quebec and eastern Ontario micros, with some fixed labels (e.g. Unibroue) and some rotating beers so you always have something new to try.
• Metro (St Jovite) - the Metro has really stepped up their game recently, adding shelves in the aisle ways dedicated to micros. Like the IGA, they also have a walk-in beer fridge for 12's and 24's of the major brands.
• Depanneur Proprio Marche (Old Tremblant) - looks

  

  Proprio Marche - nice option close to the resort

  like a variety store from the outside, but inside they have a surprising selection of Quebec micros.  a much closer option if you're staying at the Tremblant resort.  The also sell Labatt 50 in king can format if you want to reminisce.
• SAQ (St Jovite) - this is the provincial liquor store and the one in St Jovite is quite good.  This is where we go for wine.  The beer section is quite limited and focuses mostly on European imports.  
• SAQ (Tremblant Resort) - same as above but an option for those staying at the Tremblant resort and perhaps without a car.



Just one of the beer walls at Marche Vaillancourt

• Marche Vaillancourt (Morin Heights) - beer road trip perhaps?  This amazing beer selection is hidden in the back of a small grocery store in Morin Heights, about 35 minutes from Tremblant.  A massive selection of Quebec, Ontario and European beers stuffed into fridges and shelves.  Wish it were closer.  If you make the trip, they are at 878 chemin du village