Trans Canada Brewing Company has become one of those Winnipeg places that works for almost any kind of night: a flight and pizza with friends, a family dinner around long tables, or a quick stop to pick up beer for the weekend. Located at 1-1290 Kenaston Blvd., Trans Canada Brewing Company, known to many as TCB, brings together local beer, food made in-house and Canadian storytelling, all rooted in Manitoba.
“The team at Trans Canada Brewing Company really is a family,” Emma shared. “Being a young company and having so many people who have been here since the beginning, almost nine years ago, is really cool.”
Photo credit Trans Canada Brewing Company
Inside, the space feels open and relaxed, with long communal tables, brewing tanks behind glass and the kind of easy taproom energy that makes you want to settle in, especially on nights with live music. After spending time with Emma Houldsworth, Brand and Marketing Leader for TCB, it was easy to understand why the place has earned such a loyal following.
“The team at Trans Canada Brewing Company really is a family,” Emma shared. “Being a young company and having so many people who have been here since the beginning, almost nine years ago, is really cool.”
With a team of roughly 50, TCB keeps track of each person’s work anniversary and celebrates the people behind the business. Emma shared that owner Matt Tallman and the leadership team have always focused on building a workplace where every team member feels valued. You can feel that culture in the taproom, from the welcome at the door to the care behind every beer and dish.
The name came from Matt’s love of Canada and history. The Trans-Canada Highway connects the country from coast to coast and became the foundation for the brand.
Photo credit Trans Canada Brewing Company
TCB started as Matt’s passion project. Planning began in 2015, and after a two-year process, the brewery officially opened in 2017. Matt had home brewed through college, travelled the world learning about beer and knew that if he built a business, beer would be at the centre of it.
The name came from Matt’s love of Canada and history. The Trans-Canada Highway connects the country from coast to coast and became the foundation for the brand. Every can has a story. Bluebeary Ale nods to Churchill, Manitoba. The IPAs are inspired by aircraft, reflecting Matt’s love of aviation. Lamp Lighter brings in hockey nostalgia, with artwork illustrated by a Canadian artist. The details are thoughtful and proudly Canadian, right down to the labels.
During my visit, Emma took me behind the glass into the brewing area, where I spoke with members of the brewing team. I left with a whole new appreciation for the careful process behind every pour, from testing and timing to getting the flavour and balance right.
My favourite was the Flying Otter Light Lager, which is clean, crisp and refreshing. I also loved the Bluebeary Ale, with its subtle blueberry flavour that does not lean too sweet. Their Create Your Own Flight is a fun way to discover a new favourite.
TCB offers something for everyone, from hoppier IPAs and lighter lagers to fruitier options, seasonal releases and variety packs made for trying a few different styles.
TCB has also put a lot of thought into its non-alcoholic options, including its Dealcoholized Bluebeary Ale. Unlike some non-alcoholic beers, which never had alcohol to begin with, TCB brews a regular batch of Bluebeary Ale, then runs it through a dealcoholizing process that helps keep the flavour and mouthfeel people love in the original.
“It was almost a year of trials,” Emma shared. “We wanted to get as close to the regular Bluebeary Ale as we could.”
That same attention to detail carries into the kitchen, where the food is a major part of the experience, not an afterthought. Almost everything is made from scratch and in-house, including the pizza dough, which is made fresh every morning, and the sauces. Beer is woven into the food, too, from the dough to the caramelized onions.
Their pizza is excellent. Walt and I have stopped in for flights and pizza, and we regularly pick it up for pizza night at home. The Apple Gouda is a favourite with a maple syrup base, smoked gouda, bacon, caramelized onion, sliced apple, arugula, goat cheese and balsamic drizzle. The Pierogi pizza is another standout with a cheddar-mash base, caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, homemade potato chips and sour cream. It is exactly the kind of food you want with a beer, but so good that you would go for the food alone.
Inside, the space feels open and relaxed, with long communal tables, brewing tanks behind glass and the kind of easy taproom energy that makes you want to settle in, especially on nights with live music.
Photo credit Trans Canada Brewing Company
The Beef Tacos are also a must-try, made with soft taco shells from local business Los Comales Morales, shaved beef, pico de gallo and queso. TCB is also launching Taco Tuesdays on select dates from May through August, with the May 5 Cinco de Mayo event featuring live mariachi music from Mariachi Rio Rojo.
The kitchen also works with local suppliers. Ungar Meats, a multi-generational family business, supplies the meat, while La Belle Baguette provides the pretzels used on the sausage platter.
“At Trans Canada Brewing Company, we are proud to partner with local businesses that share our passion for quality, craftsmanship and community,” Emma shared.
That community focus continues through Rooted Giving, TCB’s way of supporting local organizations and causes close to home. It is another reminder that TCB is not just brewing in Winnipeg. It is invested in the community around it.
On Wednesday, April 29, Trans Canada Brewing Company broke ground on its second taproom in Brandon, with a projected opening in late 2026. Fittingly, the new location will sit right off the Trans-Canada Highway, bringing TCB beer, pizza, live music, private event space and taproom energy west to Wheat City.
“We strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome and looks forward to their next visit,” Emma shared.
That welcoming feeling carries through the taproom, which is family-friendly with high chairs available for little ones. It is also a great spot for private bookings, from retirement and bachelor parties to baby showers, rehearsal dinners and even weddings. The main floor can be rented on Mondays and Tuesdays for approximately 150 guests, while the private event space holds about 40.
TCB is also part of Manitoba’s sports and event culture, working with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Goldeyes and community events across the province. You can find their beer at Manitoba Liquor Marts, beer vendors and, of course, right at the taproom.
But the best way to understand TCB is to go there. Order a flight, share a pizza and sit at one of the long tables. Trans Canada Brewing Company is local beer with heart, hospitality and a story behind every glass. Visit tcb.beer or follow @transcanadabeer for menus, events and Brandon expansion updates. If you go, let me know. Cheers, Winnipeg!
Cassandra Morris, Food & Lifestyle Columnist for the Winnipeg Sun, spotlights the city’s best restaurants, shares trusted recipes and cooking tips, and celebrates local businesses through her column Cassandra’s Local Edit.