There’s something special about a brewery that not only serves up delicious craft beer but also creates a welcoming and memorable experience. That’s exactly what I found at Dune Hopper in Prince Edward County.

My visit was a delightful blend of great beer, friendly vibes, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.

Let me take you through my experience, from the scenic drive to the final sip of Tent Pitcher Lager and Take A Hike – Classic American Pale Ale.

Getting There: The Scenic Drive to Dune Hopper

The journey to Dune Hopper was half the fun. Located at 1613 County Road 12. The brewery is tucked away in the picturesque West Lake area, of Prince Edward County.

The drive itself, with its winding roads and beautiful countryside views, felt like the perfect prelude to a day of relaxation and good beer. It’s not just a destination; it’s a journey that gets you in the mood for something special.

What is Dune Hoppers Address?

You can find Dune Hopper at 1613 County Road 12, Unit B, Picton, ON K0K 2T0. Nestled close to the popular Sandbanks Provincial Park in West Lake, this spot is easy to reach and offers plenty of parking, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to leave your car while you enjoy your time there.

Why Prince Edward County?

Prince Edward County has become a go-to spot for wine and craft beer lovers alike. With its rich agricultural heritage and thriving arts scene, it’s no wonder this region is bursting with unique craft breweries like Dune Hopper.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the County’s charm adds to the allure of visiting places like this.

First Impressions: A Welcoming Atmosphere

When I arrived at Dune Hopper, I was immediately struck by the laid-back atmosphere. The brewery exudes a rustic charm that feels both cozy and inviting.

There’s a sense that everyone is welcome, whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or someone who just wants to relax with a cold one.

The co-owners Colin and Steph VanderMeulen will welcome you with friendly smiles and some ice-cold Bevys!

Everyone was laughing and joking and singing along with the music under the covered patio.

The Covered Patio

One of the highlights of my visit was the covered patio. This outdoor space is perfect for soaking in the fresh air while enjoying your beer.

With plenty of seating and a great view of the surrounding area, it’s an ideal spot to kick back and enjoy the day.

Live Music with Brian Bongard

To make the experience even better, local musician Brian Bongard was performing on the acoustic guitar during my visit. His mellow tunes provided the perfect backdrop to the afternoon, enhancing the overall vibe of the place.

Brian played some 90’s tunes I haven’t heard in forever, Thanks for that!!!

The live music on the covered patio is a regular feature at Dune Hopper, and it’s something I’d highly recommend experiencing if you get the chance.

Craft Beer and Chill Vibes

The combination of good music, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent beer made for a perfect afternoon. It’s clear that Dune Hopper knows how to create an environment where guests can truly unwind.

But now it’s time to talk beer…

What Types Of Beer Does Dune Hopper Make

Here is a list of craft beers that Dune Hopper Brewing offers:

Tent Pitcher Lager – MY Favourite (Just Sayin)

A smooth, crisp lager with a clean finish and subtle notes of malt and hops.

Take A Hike – Classic American Pale Ale

A hop-forward pale ale with vibrant citrus and pine notes, balanced by a slight bitterness.

Midnight – Imperial Dessert Stout

This has notes of roasted coffee and dark chocolate paired with the sweet, creamy flavor of Nanaimo bars. The perfect midnight nightcap.

Nightfall – Breakfast Stout

Bold and toasty notes of chocolate balanced with the mild, creamy sweetness of oats and just a hint of woody mint, perfect for summer sipping.

Solo Trip – Single Hop Hazy IPA with Simcoe hops

A single-hopped beer with punchy Simcoe hops, a craft beer classic with notes of passionfruit, stone fruit, citrus, and pine.

Breakwater – Hazy IPA

If you like hops, this one is for you. It’s considered a strong beer, brewed with Simcoe, Simcoe Dynaboose, Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo, and Amarillo hops. Waves of tropical mango and citrus flavors are balanced by resinous pine. This hazy IPA is delightfully bold, yet smooth and refreshing.

Adventure – Blueberry-Raspberry Light Sour

A berry forward, tart, and refreshing all at the same time. It features a tart blend of blueberry and raspberries. Brewed with almost 30% fruit by volume, this sour won’t be around for long.

Whittle – Light Witbier

This is a lighter twist on the classic Belgian-style wheat beer but with a citrus twist and a hint of spice. 

The Beer Tasting Experience

Of course, the main attraction at Dune Hopper is the beer. As a craft beer enthusiast, I was eager to sample their offerings, and they did not disappoint. Two beers stood out for me during my visit: Tent Pitcher Lager and Take A Hike – Classic American Pale Ale.

Tent Pitcher Lager: A Classic Taste

My first beer of the day was the Tent Pitcher Lager, a crisp and refreshing lager that immediately hit the spot. I prefer lager beer and this one scores a five star. I took some home of course!

Now let’s talk tasting notes.

The Tent Pitcher Lager has a smooth, clean taste with subtle notes of malt and a very slight hint of hops. It’s light enough to be enjoyed on a warm day but still has enough flavor to satisfy those who prefer something with a bit of character.

Pairing Suggestions

If you’re looking for something to pair with the Tent Pitcher Lager, I’d recommend a classic pub snack like pretzels or even a light salad. I took some home to pair with some steak and it was perfect. Its versatility makes it a great match for a variety of dishes.

I paired mine with some opinion rings from the food truck, AMAZING!!

Take A Hike – Classic American Pale Ale: A Hop Lover’s Dream

Next up was the Take A Hike – Classic American Pale Ale, and it was everything I hoped it would be. As someone who enjoys a good hoppy beer, this one quickly became a favorite.

Great tasting notes. The Take A Hike Pale Ale boasts a vibrant hop profile with notes of citrus and pine. It’s well-balanced, with a slight bitterness that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip. This is the kind of beer that keeps you coming back for more.

For this pale ale, I’d suggest pairing it with something a bit heartier, like a burger or spicy wings. The hops in the beer complement bold flavors wonderfully, making it an excellent choice for a meal.

Exploring the Menu: Beyond the Beer

While the beer is the star of the show, Dune Hopper also offers a food truck from Natural Born Grillers with arancini to corn dogs and ice cream sandwiches, everything is lovingly and (fussily) made and prepared by the awesome owners and staff to enjoy during your visit.

The Onion rings were great! Whether you’re in the mood for something light or a more substantial snack, there’s something on the menu to satisfy your cravings.

They do offer vegetarian and vegan options if you are into that!

You can also check out my list of restaurants to visit here in Prince Edward County.

Including the restaurant on The Knoll at the Sandbanks.

They Have Dune Hopper Slushies!

There are currently two types of slushies to choose from, the Cranberry-Raspberry Sour and Bubble Gum Seltzer.

These can be made alcohol-free for those DDs out there as my daughter had one.

Dune Hopper’s Operating Hours

Planning a visit to Dune Hopper is easy, thanks to their convenient hours of operation and welcoming atmosphere.

Dune Hopper is open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. These hours are perfect for both afternoon visits and evening outings.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re looking for a quieter experience, weekdays are ideal and early in the day. However, if you want to catch some live music in the afternoon and enjoy the full Dune Hopper experience, I’d recommend visiting on the weekend.

What Makes Dune Hopper Stand Out

There are plenty of reasons to visit Dune Hopper, but what truly sets it apart is the craftsmanship and attention to detail in every aspect of the experience.

Craftsmanship in Every Sip – Every beer at Dune Hopper is brewed carefully, using high-quality ingredients and a passion for the craft. The team at Dune Hopper takes pride in what they do, and it shows in every sip.

Whether you’re enjoying the smooth Tent Pitcher Lager or the bold Breakwater Hazy IPA, you can taste the dedication that goes into each brew.

See my list of all the other craft breweries you may want to visit.

My Conclusion

My visit to Dune Hopper was a memorable experience that combined the best of what Prince Edward County has to offer: scenic views, welcoming people, and, of course, exceptional craft beer.

Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor exploring the area, Dune Hopper is a must-visit craft brewery here in PEC.

The Tent Pitcher Lager and Take A Hike Pale Ale were standout brews that I’d happily recommend to anyone, but the overall vibe of the place is what truly won me over. With its live music, delicious beer, and relaxed atmosphere, Dune Hopper is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the finer things in life.

Common FAQs

What are Dune Hopper’s hours of operation?

Dune Hopper is open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. These hours make it easy to plan a visit, whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon beer or an evening out.

Where is Dune Hopper located?

Dune Hopper is located at 1613 County Road 12, Unit B, Picton, ON K0K 2T0, in the West Lake area of Prince Edward County. It’s close to the sandbanks park.

Is there live music at Dune Hopper?

Yes! Dune Hopper regularly features live music on their covered patio. During my visit, I had the pleasure of listening to Brian Bongard, a local musician who played acoustic guitar. The live music adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience.

What beers should I try at Dune Hopper?

I highly recommend trying the Tent Pitcher Lager if you’re into classic, smooth lagers, and the Take A Hike – Classic American Pale Ale if you love hoppy, flavorful beers. Both are excellent choices that showcase the brewery’s craftsmanship.

What is the best time to visit Dune Hopper?

If you prefer a quieter visit, weekdays will be less busy However, for the full experience with live music and a lively atmosphere, visiting on the weekend is your best bet. The patio is especially enjoyable during these times, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the local scene.