steam whistle tour

Steam Whistle Brewery Tour Review

In the historic Railhouse Park and in the shadow of the CN Tower you will find the home of Toronto’s favourite premium Pilsner – Steam Whistle Brewing. Recognized from coast-to-coast for its green bottle and whistleblowing logo, Steam Whistle is a refreshing beer that I have come to enjoy and was eager to try it straight from the source. On my last visit to Toronto, I was lucky enough to do just that. Here is my Steam Whistle Brewery tour review .

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Steam Whistle Brewery Tour

Tours of the Steam Whistle Brewery run every half hour between 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM, seven days a week. Tours cost just $10 and are  best booked online and in advance. I found this out the hard way when I showed up to find all tours were booked up on the day of my visit. This is the one and only time I name dropped and pulled my business card. I’m not proud of it but am thankful it worked.

Tours begin with introductions in the grand Roundhouse Hall. There, tour guides hand out headsets and an ice cold Steam Whistle. The latter was a great touch. There’s nothing more refreshing than drinking a beer while learning about its origins and seeing where it is brewed.

Beer in hand and headset on, you are led through Steam Whistle’s brewing process. This takes you past the brewery floor, through the surprisingly small bottling area, and past the small head office. For such a seemingly large brand, Steam Whistle’s operation is this impressively small. This is because Steam Whistle Brewing only makes one beer. With a motto of “do one thing, really, really, well” I should have clued into this.

A Canadian Brand, A Canadian Story

Like many success stories, Steam Whistle’s vision of making one really great Pilsner was born out of defeat. The three founders worked together at a popular brewery that was bought out by a big beer company and subsequently shut down. During a canoe trip in Ontario, the “three fired guys” hatched a plan to run a brewery of their very own.

How Canadian is that?

Since the spring of 2000 Steam Whistle has been doing just that – proudly becoming Canada’s premium Pilsner brand in the process.

What’s in a Name?

Given the businesses fitting location in the historic John Street Roundhouse you would assume it’s name was derived from that. Not so. During the tour, our guide advised us that the name Steam Whistle came before the location. In reality, it pays homage to a simpler time where hard-working folks ended their hard day at the sound of a steam whistle blowing. The reward? Canada’s finest beer.

If that isn’t a story of most fitting location for a brand, I don’t know what is.

Although the location is fitting and incredibly convenient for tourists and for foot traffic, their hours are not. On my day visiting Steam Whistle I was going to a Blue Jays game at the SkyDome which is conveniently located next door. This makes it the perfect place for pregame beers right? No, or at least not on at an evening game. Steam Whistle closes its doors at 6:00 pm, which contradicts its end-of-the-day homage of a name.

Is this due to an outdated law or a sign that stranglehold the big beer companies have in Ontario? Maybe. A shame? Absolutely.

A T.O To-Do

Touring Steam Whistle ends at its bar with a sampling of unfiltered and unpasteurized beer straight from the tap. This is a great touch and shadows what you will find at the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery in the Czech Republic ( check out my review of that brewery here! ), home to the very first Pilsner. The similarity may not be a coincidence as Steam Whistle brewmaster just happens to be a Pilsner Urquell former employee.

This is just another example of how Steam Whistle is committed to doing it’s one thing, really, really well.

Whether you are pre-gaming (an afternoon) Jays game or strolling the waterfront, touring Steam Whistle’s historic building and its brewery is a must do for beer lovers alike.

What say you? Thoughts on this  Steam Whistle Brewery Tour Review  in Toronto? Let’s hear it!

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Steam Whistle Brewing

The Good Beer Folks would like to welcome you and your friends to come by the brewery for a tour and taste. Learn how Canada’s Premium Pilsner is made, meet our friendly staff and enjoy a sample of our beer. You’ll learn why Steam Whistle Brewery was designated one of Toronto’s ‘green buildings’ and about our railway history. Our tours will educate and entertain! Cheers!

Steam Whistle’s Founding Story

The Steam Whistle story begins in the spring of 1998 when three friends were on a canoe trip in the Ontario heartland. Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps and Greg Cromwell had all been colleagues at one of Canada’s premier microbreweries producing quality beer in the late 1980’s and 90’s – before it was bought out by a national brewer and closed down. As they sat around the campfire, the self-named “Three Fired Guys” dreamed of running their own brewery one day.

They wanted to make a Pilsner that would compete with the best in the world. They wrote a plan and quickly attracted investors with their vision and passion.

Steam Whistle – An Icon of the 50’s Era

Our Brewery is named Steam Whistle, drawing from the inspirational sounds of steam rushing from factory whistles, signalling the end of a fulfilling workday and a time for personal reward. Steam-powered whistles were icons of the 1950’s, a golden era of progress and prosperity, when things were built to last and people enjoyed the simple things in life. It was a time when the marketing of goods relied on a relationship of trust between manufacturers who produced quality goods and consumers who eagerly rewarded genuine results. Steam Whistle Brewery was founded on these forgotten principles.

Steam Whistle is one of the only remaining beers in the world that still adheres to the strict standards of the Bavarian Purity Act of 1516. We brew using only pure spring water, malted barley, hops and yeast. No corn syrup, no foam enhancers, no artificial preservatives.

To you, we offer the fruits of our labour. Let Steam Whistle be the reward at the end of your day!

The Roundhouse - 255 Bremner Blvd Toronto, Canada, M5V 3M9

• 416-362-2337
• https://steamwhistle.ca

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When visiting the city of Toronto there is one attraction that no beer lover should miss, the Steam Whistle Brewery. It’s unexpectedly located right in the center of downtown Toronto, in a squat unassuming historical brick building called The Roundhouse. Steam Whistle is a little brewery with a lofty goal; becoming the best (and number one) pilsner in Canada. We had the opportunity to take a tour of the Steam Whistle Brewery and we enjoyed it so much we decided to share it with the world.

As with many great things, the Steam Whistle Brewery came about in a most unexpected way with rather humble beginnings. The original three founders of Steam Whistle were actually fired from their prior job at the Upper Canada Brewing Company when it was taken over by a larger company. Being fed up and frustrated with macro breweries, they  decided to start their own craft beer brewery. Still sore from being laid off the founders came up with a name for their company to remind themselves of their humble beginnings, Three Fired Guys. Once they had a name figured out, they needed a location. They found their new home by accident one day while visiting the historical Roundhouse in downtown Toronto.

The building had been used for almost a century to repair and maintain steam locomotives, and was sitting empty and unused. Interestingly though, it still had functioning steam, and even housed an operational steam whistle. The founders fell in love with the idea of the steam whistle and how it signified the end of the workday. From there, the pieces fell together and the Steam Whistle Brewery was born.

Now that they had a location, and a much more marketable name, the Three Fired Guys needed the one other major component of their plan, a great pilsner. To make that happen they went on a worldwide search for a brew master and found him in the Czech Republic, the birthplace of pilsners. He agreed to come to Toronto and brew beer for the TFG under two conditions. First, he would require a bedroom in the brewery. His reasoning on this was simple, if the beer never sleeps he shouldn’t either. Secondly, he would only use four ingredients. Even though a beer can use over 100 different ingredients and still be classified as a pilsner, he only wanted to use the original four: spring water, hops, malted barley and yeast.

You can take a tour of the Steam Whistle Brewery every day of the week at multiple intervals, or you can just walk in at any time and simply have a sample!

If you take the tour, they bring you upstairs and treat you to a fresh full bottle of Steam Whistle on the house (in my opinion it’s how EVERY tour should begin :-) ). Then they take you through the brewery and fill you full of fun facts and information. All the while you get to see all the components of the beer production line.

But if you’re a beer lover like me, you’re not here to see hoppers and tanks; you’re here to try the beer! So how was it? I found Steam Whistle to be crisp, have a refreshing mouth feel, combine mild yet complex flavors, and overall be an easily drinkable pilsner. I’m typically not a pilsner drinker at all, and I found Steam Whistle to be very satisfying. This is the kind of beer you can drink all day at a summer BBQ or sip on at the end of a hard day’s work.

It’s everything the founders intended when they set out to make one great beer. It’s no surprise that Steam Whistle is quickly growing out of their original space and distribution is quickly spreading across Canada. If you find yourself in or near the Toronto area, order up a bottle of Steam Whistle and take a sip. You’ll be glad you did. Then take a look at the bottle and you’ll find something interesting. Stamped into the glass in small print you’ll find TFG, a constant reminder of the founder’s humble beginnings.

For more information on Steam Whistle Brewery or for tour information (including costs) take a look at their official website .

If you enjoyed this post about Toronto’s Steam Whistle Brewery Tour You may also enjoy these related posts.

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Good times and great beer! Wish I would have had the chance to check this brewery out as well…

Derek, definitely good times! We’ll have to run into each other again soon.

I did the tour after TBEX with my boyfriend (a non-beer drinker) and loved it! I took almost all the same photos as you (I assure you I didn’t sneak up behind you while you were taking them lol) but I found the value to be totally worth it – at $10 per person, to have a fresh bottle straight from the bottling line, was awesome!

It was a great little tour and the beer was surprisingly good.

I am sure it is a wonderful tour for everybody that loves beer. Part of the fun when you travel is to taste new beers from all over the world. :)

I love visiting breweries but having been in Asia for the longest time it’s something I so rarely get to do anymore, maybe now we’re back in Europe for a short while we can visit a few more over the next few weeks.

Fingers crossed

What part of Europe are you in? I can think of a few countries that would have plenty of breweries :-)

Ahhh dear lord the nomminess of good beer :) Those shots are killing me!!!! Delicious for sure.

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Steam Whistle Brewery Tour

Steam Whistle Brewery is located a stones throw from two of Toronto’s architectural icons: The Rogers Centre and CN Tower. I actually experienced the Steam Whistle tour years ago for my 19th birthday and was looking forward to refreshing and rejogging my memory.

A few weeks ago I had a friend visiting Toronto for the first time and thought the brewery tour would be a great way to showcase an interesting bit of Toronto’s history. Helen had arrived from Barcelona the previous afternoon and we spent that evening together checking out spectacular views of the city from the CN Tower.

The following afternoon we met at the brewery and spent the next hour or so on a tour which showcased the history of the building, the brewery and their brew. It wasn’t until we arrived that Helen advised me that she wasn’t a fan of beer. She did however come out of the experience with a new found appreciation and knowledge of the process. Helen’s experience is actually a great example of how a brewery tour, even for those who aren’t beer enthusiasts can be a highlight for any culinary itinerary.

Fun fact: The brewery only brews one beer, their Steam Whistle Pils. Also be sure to check out their Oktoberfest celebration in the Fall. They put on a seriously fun party!

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» Home » Experience » Steam Whistle Tour, an Experience

Steam Whistle Tour, an Experience

I should start by saying both myself and Shawna have been on the tour numerous times before. Sometimes together, sometimes independently. Which is why these little piles of vouchers generally end up in the hands of our friends, particularly those from out of town.

A few days ago though, I decided to give one a try and give it a proper Boozehound walk through. The tour is a major tourist hotspot and some people might want to know what to expect before making the trek.

The first major change is that they use headsets now. Everyone on the tour puts in headphones and the tour guide wears a mic so we can all hear them without issue. This was a MAJOR improvement as in past tours I remember having a hard time hearing them.

The person who did this tour was quite new and it really showed. They were unaware of what a hops plan looked like an was unable to answer many questions we had. I can’t blame her too much as she was still pretty entertaining for a new person. And the information she did have she knew very well.

The tour consists of going through the general brewery and the process of how the beer is made, bottled and recycled.

Probably the most fun part of the tour is pulling the actual steam whistle itself. It is incredibly loud and is always fun.

This post is starting to get a tad long so I will close in saying that it’s a worthy visit. Not to mention the $10 entry price generally gets you a glass or bottle opener as a souvenir which is fun.

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How to Spend Three Days in Toronto

Published : September 04, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, WA

Table of contents, plan your trip to toronto with aaa.

Boasting amazing museums, gorgeous parks and delicious cuisine, Toronto makes for a great vacation and travel destination. This is where you head for a cosmopolitan experience and the chance to broaden your horizon through exposure to many intriguing experiences and ideas. However, a city so full of varied options can easily appear overwhelming to new travelers.

It's impossible to see everything during a weekend trip to Toronto, but the right itinerary can certainly give you a taste of this remarkable city. To help with the planning process, we've compiled a sample three day itinerary in Toronto for your to consider. There’s no pressure to try and do everything on the list, as leisurely trips can be the most enjoyable. We've simply identified a few memorable options to better enable you to figure out how to spend three days in Toronto for your own ideal trip.

Once you arrive in Toronto and check in to your AAA Diamond hotel , it's time for activities! Here's a sample of what your first day in Toronto could look like:

Start your Trip at CN Tower

• Address: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

For the ultimate introduction to Toronto, enjoy sweeping views of the city from the most amazing vantage point: the renowned CN Tower . This is the Western Hemisphere's tallest free-standing structure — and ascending is not for the faint of heart. Try the EdgeWalk if you're feeling brave; you can conquer the highest hands-free, full circle walk in the world. If you plan to visit the tower, it’s important to keep in mind that this is one of the most-visited spots in the city and therefore you should plan accordingly.

Grab a Bite and a Drink at Steam Whistle Brewery

• Address: 255 Bremner Boulevard Bay 6, Toronto
• Price: $16.95 for brewery tours, $9.95 per pint and $15.95 for signature cocktails

After enjoying some spectacular views, it's time to check out Toronto's craft beer scene for some libations and snacks.

We suggest heading to a local favorite: Steam Whistle, which is a must-visit for Pilsner-loving travelers. While they may not offer a lot of variety, there is no denying that the aficionados at Steam Whistle know how to produce an excellent Pilsner. You could enjoy your drink with a smash burger while taking in the welcoming vibes and then discover the story behind the brewery with their exclusive tour.

After a relatively relaxed Friday check-in day, Saturday is the time to get out and experience Toronto has to offer. We have Saturday filled with exciting things to do and explore with a variety of options for all every kind of traveler.

Get Caffeinated at Neo Coffee Bar

• Address: 161 Frederick Street Unit 100, Toronto
• Price: Varies but at least $4 for most beverages

There are many excellent coffee shops in town, but Neo Coffee Bar offers a modern yet unique style that is known for quality. Neo's cold brew is refreshing in the summer — and even the most dedicated coffee drinkers will be tempted by the delicious matcha latte. Enjoy your favorite beverage with Japanese-inspired pastries before you explore the city.

Get Outside and Explore Toronto Island Park

• Address: Ferries accessible from 9 Queens Quay West Bay Street, Toronto
• Price: $9.11 for adults, $5.86 for seniors and youth

Now that you have your morning energy boost, it's time to get outside and observe Toronto from a new vantage point at one of several islands. These are best accessed by ferry, which is a delightful experience all on its own. Once you arrive, you can stroll on the well-maintained paths, enjoy a picnic lunch, or ride on the carousel at the quaint Centreville Amusement Park. If you want to make the most of your limited time, rent a bike so you can explore the islands at a faster pace.

Choose Your Lunch Cuisine at Chefs Hall

• Address: 111 Richmond Street West, Toronto
• Price: Varies greatly but $12+ for most dishes

You might be working up an appetite by this point, and heading to a food hall with a variety of options is a great idea especially if you are traveling with a group or family. Toronto boasts a multicultural blend of flavors and ingredients. This makes dining a delight, as there is always something intriguing to explore. Some offerings at Chefs Hall from include East Indian dishes such as roti, Jamaican patties and even sushi pizza. From kabobs to poke, miso and even deep-dish pizza, many beloved culinary traditions are easily experienced within this welcoming space.

Learn Something New at Royal Ontario Museum

• Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto
• Price: Varying on a day-to-day basis, admission typically costs at least $24 for adults

Now that you've filled your stomach, fill your mind with some history and culture at Canada's largest museum, Royal Ontario . Because this museum is so vast and so diverse, it's easy to see why it has a prominent place among many visitors to Toronto.

If you're limited on time, prioritize a few top exhibits as you browse this must-see museum. The galleries delve into intriguing cultural traditions and natural history, ensuring that every guest can learn something new and important about worlds past, present, near and far.

Wind down with a dinner at Amal Toronto

• Address: 131 Bloor St W, Toronto
• Price: Prices vary, but most dishes are around $20

After a day of exploring the city and learning, Amal Toronto makes for a great dinner venue. Serving up vibrant and flavorful Lebanese cuisine in a chic, modern setting that blends traditional elegance with a contemporary twist. From mezze platters to savory grilled dishes, this spot is a great spot for a delicious dining experience that offers a touch of Mediterranean flair.

Grab a Nightcap at Famous Last Words

• Address: 392 Pacific Avenue, Toronto
• Price: $15+ for most beverages and $80 per person for cocktail classes

If you are with adults and looking to checkout some nightlife, Famous Last Words is a unique literary-themed bar to check out in Toronto. Here you can discover some truly innovative alcoholic beverages and mocktails in a unique style. Consider signing up for a cocktail class, which will have you shaking, stirring and garnishing in style before heading home for the evening.

As the final day of your 3-day Toronto trip, Sunday is a great time to have a slower day to help prepare for your eventual journey home. We've suggested a few options that fit into schedules whether they run later into the day, or wrap up sooner.

Close out your trip with a brunch at Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge

• Address: 563 Bloor Street West, Toronto
• Price: $18+ for most brunch dishes and $9 for mimosas

Toronto has no shortage of locations for those looking for a brunch spot, where the trendiest spots offer all your morning favorites well into the afternoon. The brunch experience is a bit more laid-back, but still effervescent thanks to mimosas and other enticing beverages. Gear up for a fun day while enjoying a hearty breakfast: French toast, chicken and waffles, or eggs Benedict.

Find the ideal souvenir at Kensington Market

• Address: 68-20 St Andrew Street, Toronto
• Cost: Free to browse

It won’t be easy to leave Toronto without a memento or a trendy outfit. You will likely have encountered at least a few shopping streets during the adventures of the last two days, but it's still worth your while to visit Kensington Market , which captures Toronto's quirkier vibes. There, you'll find many memorable boutiques and eye-catching murals. If you need an alternative shopping destination, head for the upscale Eaton Centre.

After three days of exploring Toronto’s vibrant neighborhoods, indulging in its diverse culinary scene, and soaking in the city's culture, you'll leave with unforgettable memories and plenty of stories to share. Whether you took in the stunning views from the CN Tower, savored local flavors at Chef’s Hall, or enjoyed a relaxing escape to Toronto Island Park, this city has surely shown its charm.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Toronto today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels , rental cars and entertainment tickets.

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135 STEAM WHISTLE DRIVE Whitchurch Stouffville (Stouffville), ON, L4A 4X5

Property Description for 135 STEAM WHISTLE DRIVE

Beautiful 4 Bedrm Detached Home In a Highly Sought Out Community of Stouffville. Builder Starlane Homes, 2 Years New. Over 150K in Upgrades with a Ravine Lot. Walkout Basement, Hardwood Floors Throughout on Main and 2nd Floor, Stunning Staircase with Wrought Iron Railings and a Picture Window Bringing in Lots of Natural Light. Large Open Concept Kitchen With Breakfast Area Finished W/Quartz Countertops & Back Splash & Custom Cabinetry. Large Home Office for those who work from Home. Private Primary Bath with upgraded Shower. Smooth Ceilings On Main Level. Direct Access to Garage. This Home is a Must See. **** EXTRAS **** Built In Fridge with Custom Cabinetry Cover, Custom Built Exhaust Fan, B/I Dishwasher, Washer & Dryer, All existing light fixtures, All Existing Window Cover. AC Unit. Central Vac. (id:38686)

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Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 to steam into Illinois next week. Here's when to see it

The 10-state 'heartland of america' tour will make four stops in illinois, including a public viewing day near rochelle, by nbc chicago staff • published august 31, 2024 • updated on september 2, 2024 at 1:44 pm.

Train enthusiasts in northern Illinois will soon get the chance to see an iconic steam engine as it makes its way across the country on a national tour.

The Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 launched its "Heartland of America" tour earlier this week, a 10-state expedition offering the general public views of the classic steam engine.

📺 24/7 Chicago news stream: Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are

The beloved locomotive is one of 25 built in the 1940s to handle the steep grades in Utah's Wasatch Mountain Range during World War II.

Big Boy No. 4014 is the only locomotive of the 25 built to remain in operation today, and is one of just eight to survive.

The tour includes whistle-stops and a public display day scheduled in Illinois.

Big Boy will be making four whistle-stops during its time in Illinois, along with a free public display day near Rochelle on Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Union Pacific’s Global III Terminal, located at 2701 Intermodal Drive.

The steam engine will be at the following locations in Illinois:

• Sept. 6 – Sterling ,1:30 – 1:45 p.m. CT, , 111 W. 2nd St.
• Sept. 9 – Rochelle , 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. CT, Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. 9th St.
• Sept. 9 – Watseka , 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. CT, North St. Crossing 

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter .

• Sept. 10 – Nokomis , 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. CT, Maple St. Crossing

All attendees must remain 25 feet back from the tracks when viewing the locomotive, and must never take a picture or video while standing on the track or ballast and must never climb on the locomotive or related equipment.

Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park this weekend: What to know

Chicago weather: 20-degree temperature drop, fall-like weather on the horizon

More information on Big Boy's schedule can be found here.

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Book a memorable event at the historic John Street Roundhouse, in the heart of downtown Toronto. From large corporate events to intimate gatherings, choose from one of our unique event spaces with the iconic Toronto skyline as your backdrop. We work with the best vendors and partners to deliver a seamless event experience each time.

We have been the premium venue choice for thousands of corporate meetings, receptions, galas, product launches, film shoots, weddings and private events for over 20 years.  

Pilsner and Locomotive Hall pay homage to the century year old historic landmark, by showcasing the original architecture including; cobblestone patios with locomotive trains and exposed tracks, original brick and beam indoors, and large pane windows with soaring ceilings.  

Across from the MTCC, 2 min walk from GO station and Up Express, surrounded by hotels and at the foot of the CN Tower, all roads lead to Steam Whistle. 

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Stunning, loft-style event space for up to 350 guests. Perfect for cocktail receptions, milestone celebrations, and intimate weddings.

Rustic, elegant event space for up to 800 guests. Perfect for corporate meetings and receptions, celebrations, product launches and weddings.

Enjoy a second-floor private room with a view of all the action for up to 42 guests. Equipped with a large screen, camera and audio technology for a flawless team meeting experience.

Steam Whistle offers a full venue buyout option for those looking to host large scale all-season outdoor events for up to 6,000 attendees.

The Tap Room is a casually elegant 2000-square foot space with a capacity of 180 guests for a cocktail reception or 75 guests for a seated dinner.

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My experience at Steam Whistles was nothing short of exceptional. Their dedication to ensuring every aspect of my event was flawless truly made all the difference. Communication with the Steam Whistle team was crystal clear throughout the entire process, from initial inquiries to last-minute adjustments.   This level of attentiveness eased any pre-event jitters and instilled confidence in their ability to execute flawlessly.”

Thank you so much to Loretta and the entire team at Steam Whistle! Our January wedding went off without a hitch thanks to their incredible team. The weekend truly would not have been the same without their help, and without a venue so incredibly perfect for what we wanted to achieve creatively that it’s almost like it was made for us!

We all had a great time and the feedback we are getting from all of our guests is nothing but positive! The venue, the atmosphere, food and drink were all on point…

We enjoyed Steam Whistle very much. The entire process from site-visit to event day was very seamless working with you guys. I have recommended Steam Whistle as a venue several times since Connect and I’ll continue to do so – Mae Thompson, Three to Be

Our event was a huge success and we had so many compliments on the venue, location and food. I will definitely recommend this to others.

The professionalism, courtesy and kindness displayed by not only the Steam Whistle team but by the vendors they work with speaks volumes to me. 10/10 would party there again.

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