Kingsville, Ontario, is a small town that offers a unique blend of nature, craft beer, and comfortable accommodations. The town is best known for the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which has been a haven for migrating geese and ducks since its establishment in 1904. Jack Miner, who was once deemed "not suitable for school," turned his passion for the outdoors into a lifelong mission. He is credited with pioneering the practice of tagging migratory birds to study their habits.

Miner's legacy is celebrated in Kingsville, where craft brewery Banded Goose has made its mark. Located in a charming historical building in downtown Kingsville, Banded Goose was founded in 2013 and began serving customers in its current location in 2019. The brewery held a grand reopening last May, further solidifying its place in the community.

Head brewer Jason Wingerden, who has experience at various Ontario craft breweries, oversees the production of a popular core lineup and seasonal brews. The brewery's flagship lager, Larry Wiggly, is a light 4.7% alcohol beer that reflects local tastes. Named after a local sportswriter, it has become the top seller. Other offerings include Jack's Golden Ale, which features subtle hops, and the hoppy Flying V IPA, brewed with Centennial, Citra, and Simcoe hops. For those seeking a more complex flavor, Dark Side of the Moon, a black IPA, combines dark roasted grains with pine and citrus notes.

Banded Goose also experiments with adventurous brews, such as Kick a Ginger, an amber ale infused with 14 kilograms of fresh ginger, and the malty Sex Panther Sweet Nitro Porter. Non-alcoholic options are available from Muskoka Brewery.

For visitors looking for a place to stay, Banded Goose offers a boutique hotel upstairs. The hotel features themed suites inspired by beer, including Hops and Dreams, Malt Magic, and Brew Master’s Retreat.

In addition to Banded Goose, the craft beer scene in the region is vibrant. Railway City Brewing in St. Thomas is set to launch a fundraising beer called Ruff Day in 2026, with proceeds going towards a new animal shelter. An online contest has already chosen the name, and the launch party is scheduled for January 17.

Meanwhile, Storm Stayed in London will host a stout event on November 15, featuring stouts from various out-of-town breweries, including Granite and Nickel Brook. Black Swan Brewing in Stratford has reintroduced its Kindness NEIPA, known for its low bitterness and orange aroma. Sons of Kent in Chatham has also released a new New Zealand light lager called Take It Easy, which has an alcohol content of 3.5%. Pre-orders are now open for the SoK Beer Advent case, which includes 24 mystery beers.

Kingsville offers a delightful mix of nature, craft beer, and unique accommodations, making it a destination worth exploring.