By SHANNON KELLY
The Olde Angel Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake was founded in 1789 (Photo: Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Determining Canada’s oldest bars is a delicate matter. First, it depends on the meaning of “oldest”: Is it the oldest continuously operating pubs? The first bars to open in Canada, despite having closed for a period or having changed names and/or locations?
And then there are the establishments with a fuzzy history: they may have closed, they may not have—no one is quite sure. Not to mention that Canada wasn’t even technically Canada until 1867, so—if you’re one to split hairs—bars opened before that date weren’t Canadian.
You see the problem.
Canada’s oldest bars may be a matter of debate, but there’s no question that these pre-1900 taverns are genuinely historic and worth a visit if you like your pint steeped in tradition.
- 69977
- <small>HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA</small><br /> <br /> Though it hasn't always operated from the same location, or under the same name, the <a href="http://www.splitcrow.com/splitcrowHALIFAX.html">Split Crow</a> has been a Halifax mainstay in some form or another since the mid-18th century, making it arguably the oldest pub still in existence in Canada. Originally at Salter and Water Streets, it was the recipient of the first liquor license issued in then New Scotland, to John Shippey, for a tavern he called the Spread Eagle and that became a meeting house and inn frequented by sailors. Today's Split Crow is a casual tavern with frequent live music and weekday $6.95 lunch specials.<br /> <address>The Split Crow<br /> 1855 Granville St.<br /> Halifax, NS<br /> 902-423-7460<br /> <a href="http://www.splitcrow.com/splitcrowHALIFAX.html">www.splitcrow.com</a><br /> </address>
- Photo: courtesy of the Split Crow
- The Split Crow (1749)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Split-Crow-Halifax-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Split-Crow-Halifax.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Split-Crow-Halifax.jpg
- 600
- 490
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/split-crow-halifax/
- split-crow-halifax
- 0
- 0
- Photo: courtesy of the Split Crow
- 70046
- <small>MONTREAL, QUEBEC</small><br /> <br /> North America's first inn, built in 1688, became home to one of North America's first public houses in 1769. The inn was a private home for some time in the 19th century, but was restored to an inn in 1914. Today the bar-restaurant is a swanky hot spot serving charcuterie and châteaubriand, but the original stone-wall architecture has been very much preserved and worked into the chic modern aesthetic.<br /> <address>426 Saint-Gabriel St.<br /> Montreal, QC<br /> 514-878-3561<br /> <a href="http://www.lesaint-gabriel.com">www.lesaint-gabriel.com</a></address>
- Photo: courtesy of l'Auberge St-Gabriel
- L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel (1769)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Auberge-St-Gabriel-Montreal-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Auberge-St-Gabriel-Montreal.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Auberge-St-Gabriel-Montreal.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/auberge-st-gabriel-montreal/
- auberge-st-gabriel-montreal
- 0
- 0
- Photo: courtesy of l’Auberge St-Gabriel
- 70352
- <small>NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO</small><br /> <br /> The Olde Angel been in near-continuous operation since 1789, experiencing only a small hiccup when it was burned to the ground during the War of 1812. It was rebuilt in 1815 in the same location. But 223 years, give or take two or three, is not too shabby. Originally the Harmonious Coach House, the Angel Inn (so named in 1815) is today a charming place to spend the night in a charming Victorian town, and a casual spot for a pint of Guinness or Upper Canada Lager and a hearty meal of steak-and-kidney pie with Yorkshire pudding.<br /> <address>Olde Angel Inn<br /> 224 Regent St.<br /> Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON<br /> 905-468-3411<br /> <a href="http://www.angel-inn.com/">www.angel-inn.com</a></address>
- Photo: Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Olde Angel Inn (1789)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Olde-Angel-NOTL-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Olde-Angel-NOTL.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Olde-Angel-NOTL.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/olde-angel-notl/
- olde-angel-notl
- 0
- 0
- Photo: Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake
- 69982
- <small>KINGSTON, ONTARIO</small><br /> <br /> Not much is known about the history of this waterfront tavern and former hotel, except that it was built around 1809 and it has had a bar on site since it opened, which, being adjacent to a shipyard, was popular with sailors. Today, three bars are housed on the ground floor or the limestone, reputedly haunted Prince George Hotel building (no longer a hotel): the British-style Old Speckled Hen, a martini lounge (Monte's), and Tir Nan Og, one in a <a href="http://www.primepubs.com/#/">Canada-wide chain</a> of polished Irish-style pubs.<br /> <br /> <address>Prince George Hotel<br /> 200 Ontario St.<br /> Kingston, ON<br /> 613-544-7474</address>
- Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/felixmarcus/3674398733/">Marcus Jeffrey</a>
- Prince George Hotel (c. 1809)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Old-Speckled-Hen-Kingston-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Old-Speckled-Hen-Kingston.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Old-Speckled-Hen-Kingston.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/old-speckled-hen-kingston/
- old-speckled-hen-kingston
- 0
- 0
- Photo: Marcus Jeffrey
- 70349
- <small>ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO</small><br /> <br /> Built in 1806, the Mansion House—originally a private home, as per its name—became a hotel and pub in the late 1820s (the exact date is unknown). It's Canada's longest running licensed bar. Today it's a venue for local bands and a relaxed pub that serves standard grub and has popular draft beers on tap.<br /> <br /> <address>The Mansion House<br /> 5 William St.<br /> St. Catharines, ON<br /> 905-685-5651<br /> <a href="http://www.mansionhouse.ca/">www.mansionhouse.ca</a></address>
- Photo: screenshot via <a href="http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMGKX_Murals_The_Mansion_House">Waymarking.com</a>
- Mansion Tavern (c. 1828)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Mansion-Tavern-St-Catharines-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Mansion-Tavern-St-Catharines.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Mansion-Tavern-St-Catharines.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/mansion-tavern-st-catharines/
- mansion-tavern-st-catharines
- 0
- 0
- Photo: screenshot via Waymarking.com
- 70161
- <small>TORONTO, ONTARIO</small><br /> <br /> Though it may not have been in continuous operation (details are fuzzy), the <a href="http://www.where.ca/listings/listing_detail.php?slug=black-bull-wh">Black Bull</a> has stood in the same spot since first serving a pint, either in 1833 or 1838. Its official opening date is also somewhat uncertain. At one time a farm building, the tavern was a wood structure until the late 1800s when the brick walls and mansard roof were added. These days, the Black Bull is a casual hangout that's popular with bikers and an after-work crowd, and is always packed in warm weather thanks to its huge sidewalk patio.<br /> <br /> <address>The Black Bull<br /> 298 Queen St. W.<br /> Toronto, ON<br /> 416-593-2766</address><br />
- Photo: Shannon Kelly
- The Black Bull (1833 or 1838)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Black-Bull-Toronto-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Black-Bull-Toronto.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Black-Bull-Toronto.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/black-bull-toronto/
- black-bull-toronto
- 0
- 0
- Photo: Shannon Kelly
- 70297
- <small>TORONTO, ONTARIO</small><br /> <br /> Possibly the oldest Toronto bar in continuous operation, the Wheat Sheaf has the rare distinction of never having had a name change. Like most taverns, it originally operated as a bar/restaurant and hotel and may have been a onetime gathering place for soldiers at Fort York. The Brit-style pub's large patio, downtown location, TVs showing the latest game and huge menu of appetizers and pub grub make it a busy local meeting spot today.<br /> <br /> <address>Wheat Sheaf Tavern<br /> 667 King St. W.<br /> Toronto, ON<br /> 416-504-9912</address>
- Photo: Shannon Kelly
- Wheat Sheaf Tavern (1849)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Wheat-Sheaf-Tavern-Toronto-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Wheat-Sheaf-Tavern-Toronto.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Wheat-Sheaf-Tavern-Toronto.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/wheat-sheaf-tavern-toronto/
- wheat-sheaf-tavern-toronto
- 0
- 0
- Photo: Shannon Kelly
- 69901
- <small>OTTAWA, ONTARIO</small><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.thelaff.ca">The Laff</a>, as its known, is older than the city of Ottawa itself. It's had many names over the years, beginning with Grant's Hotel in 1849, and was, apparently, a brothel at one point. Its sign out front is the oldest neon sign in Ottawa. The well-worn pub has live bands and open mic nights, a dart room and board games and the usual lineup of draughts and pub fare.<br /> <br /> <address>Château Lafayette<br /> 42 York St.<br /> ByWard Market<br /> Ottawa, ON<br /> 613-241-4747</address>
- Photo: Dominique Labelle
- Château Lafayette (1849)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/The-Laff-Ottawa-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/The-Laff-Ottawa.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/The-Laff-Ottawa.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/the-laff-ottawa/
- the-laff-ottawa
- 0
- 0
- Photo: Dominique Labelle
- 69983
- <small>KINGSTON, ONTARIO</small><br /> <br /> John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, was a regular at the Royal Tavern in the 19th century when Kingston was the capital of the Province of Canada and a glass of whisky here cost 5 cents. The tavern is a bit disheveled these days, but still interesting for its historic remnants such as an 1880s stove, ceramic whisky jugs and official documents of sale signed by Macdonald, who owned the property until 1856.<br /> <br /> <address>The Royal Tavern<br /> 344 Princess St.<br /> Kingston, ON<br /> 613-548-4351</address>
- Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wiless/5788244311/in/set-72157626740301935">Will S.</a>
- Royal Tavern (1851)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Royal-Tavern-Kingston1-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Royal-Tavern-Kingston1.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Royal-Tavern-Kingston1.jpg
- 500
- 500
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/royal-tavern-kingston-2/
- royal-tavern-kingston-2
- 0
- 0
- Photo: Will S.
- 69984
- <small>VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA</small><br /> <br /> The oldest pub in British Columbia, Six Mile Six Mile did close during Prohibition, but it was the original tavern of the Parsons Bridge Hotel, opened here in 1855. It was popular with British soldiers at the nearby Esquimalt naval base in the late 1800s. The sprawling building has a pretty creekside patio, several large rooms with dark wood and stained glass accents. The food is better-than-the-standard pub fare, with locally sourced ingredients—though you'll still find burger options and the requisite hearty British entrees. It showcases BC microbrews, and even has a "brewed within six miles" section of its drink menu.<br /> <br /> <address>Six Mile Pub<br /> 494 Old Island Hwy.<br /> Victoria, BC<br /> 250-478-3121<br /> <a href="http://sixmilepub.com/">sixmilepub.com</a></address>
- Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cogdog/2295347874/">Alan Levine</a>
- Six Mile Pub (1856)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Six-Mile-Pub-Victoria-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Six-Mile-Pub-Victoria.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Six-Mile-Pub-Victoria.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/six-mile-pub-victoria/
- six-mile-pub-victoria
- 0
- 0
- Photo: Alan Levine
- 70310
- <small>KINGSTON, ONTARIO</small><br /> <br /> The city of Kingston is a former trading post dating to 1673 and by the mid-1800s it was the most populous community in Canada, so it's no surprise that it houses several of Canada's oldest bars. The Queen's Inn, which dates from 1839, housed a pub—in the current sports bar—that is believed (by the current owner) to have started serving pints shortly after the inn itself opened. Some of the original brick walls remain; the on-site pub today serves a casual menu of burgers, wings and brew.<br /> <br /> <address>Queen's Inn<br /> 125 Brock St.<br /> Kingston, ON<br /> 1-866-689-9177 or 613-546-0429<br /> <a href="http://www.queensinn.ca/">www.queensinn.ca</a></address>
- Photo: courtesy of the Queen's Inn
- The Queen's Inn (1860)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Queens-Inn-Kingston-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Queens-Inn-Kingston.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Queens-Inn-Kingston.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/queens-inn-kingston/
- queens-inn-kingston
- 0
- 0
- Photo: courtesy of the Queen’s Inn
- 70337
- <small>VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA</small><br /> <br /> A neighbourhood favourite, Garrick's Head is a lived-in pub with a good selection of local microbrews and food of the burgers, steak pie and fish-and-chips variety. It's the second-oldest pub in BC in existence, after Six Mile Pub.<br /> <address>Garrick's Head Pub<br /> 69 Bastion Square<br /> Victoria, BC<br /> 250-384-6835<br /> <a href=http://www.bedfordregency.com/pub.htm">www.bedfordregency.com</a></address>
- Garrick's Head Pub (1867)
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Garricks-Head-Victoria-88x88.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Garricks-Head-Victoria.jpg
- https://where.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Garricks-Head-Victoria.jpg
- 600
- 400
- https://where.ca/blog/slideshow/canadas-oldest-bars-12-historic-pubs/slide/garricks-head-victoria/
- garricks-head-victoria
- 0
- 0
Stay, Dine, Do