Calgary: Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues

Exploring Calgary’s burgeoning craft beer scene through a guided brewery tour offers a lively, educational experience that combines local flavor with expert insights. As a visitor, you get to sample some of the city’s top-rated brews, learn about beer-making from knowledgeable guides, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow beer enthusiasts—all in a relaxed, 3.5-hour adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’re in the hands of guides who are either cicerone-certified or beer judging students, ensuring your tastings are paired with expert commentary. Second, the journey takes you across Calgary’s distinct brewery districts, offering a taste of the city’s diverse craft beer landscape. Lastly, the tours are carefully curated to include only award-winning or industry-leading breweries, guaranteeing quality at every stop.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour does not include food or additional drinks outside the scheduled tastings, so it might be best suited for those eager to focus on beer rather than a full meal or mix of beverages. This experience is perfect for casual beer lovers, groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone curious about Alberta’s craft brewing achievements.

If you’re after a fun, authentic, and educational way to spend an afternoon in Calgary, this brewery tour offers exceptional value—especially since transportation, gratuities, and tastings are all included. It’s an experience that balances fun with learning, making it a standout activity for both newcomers and seasoned beer aficionados alike.

Good To Know

• Expert Guides: Guides are either cicerone students or certified beer judges, adding credibility and depth to your experience.
• Award-Winning Breweries: Tours focus exclusively on top-rated breweries recognized for their quality.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: The cost covers tastings, transportation, gratuities, and exclusive merchandise, making it a convenient package.
• Private & Public Options: You can opt for a customized private tour or join a ‘jump on’ group tour, offering flexibility.
• Educational Focus: Learn about beer history, ingredients, and evaluation techniques while tasting a variety of styles.
• Multiple Locations: The tour visits three breweries across different districts, showcasing Calgary’s diverse craft beer scene.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Choose This Brewery Tour?

This tour isn’t just about drinking—though there’s plenty of that—it’s about understanding why Calgary’s craft beer scene has garnered awards and recognition. If you’re someone who appreciates a well-crafted beer and wants to know what makes each brew special, this tour is a fantastic choice.

The guides bring humor and knowledge in equal measure, making each tasting interesting and engaging. One reviewer mentioned Shawn as a guide who was “hilarious and informative,” emphasizing that the experience isn’t just educational but also genuinely fun. The personalized approach, such as tailoring the experience to your preferences in beer and food, ensures that you get the most out of your time.

Plus, the inclusion of exclusive merchandise discounts and tips on evaluating beers adds value for those looking to expand their beer knowledge or pick up a souvenir. The small group sizes (private options available) keep things personable and allow for more interaction with the guides and brewery staff.

The Itinerary Breakdown

While the tour’s exact itinerary can be tailored to your preferences, here’s a typical outline based on what’s offered:

Start Point & Logistics

Meet outside the Calgary Tower in the designated loading area or arrange pickup if your group exceeds four guests. This central location makes it easy to find and convenient for most visitors.

First Brewery: A Top-Tier Establishment

Your first stop is at one of Calgary’s award-winning breweries, located in one of the city’s brewery districts. Expect a VIP tour of the brewing process, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at how quality craft beers are made. This brewery will serve a flight of their award-winning beers, giving you a chance to appreciate their range—from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts.

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Second Brewery: Industry Leader

The second stop continues in a different district, emphasizing Calgary’s diverse beer culture. Here, you might sample brews infused with unique ingredients like beets, flowers, or coffee—experiences highlighted by reviewers noting their surprise at liking darker beers or unusual flavors. The guide will discuss what makes each brewery’s approach unique, helping you understand the craft behind the flavors.

Third Brewery: Industry Recognition & Food Pairing

The final stop often includes a brewery recognized for excellence, with some options offering great food pairings or tapas. Guests can enjoy additional craft products, and the guide will share insights into how different ingredients influence flavor profiles.

Wrap-up & Departure

The tour concludes with a drop-off back at the meeting point or your hotel, leaving you with a better understanding of Calgary’s craft beer scene, some new favorites, and perhaps a few souvenirs.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

• Tastings at Three Breweries: Each includes a flight of award-winning beers, showcasing a variety of styles and flavors.
• Educational Content: Learn about beer history, manufacturing, and how to evaluate different brews through tutorials and commentary.
• Local Insights: Guides share insider knowledge about Calgary’s craft beer community and the stories behind each brewery.
• Exclusive Merchandise: Discounts on certain products available only to tour participants, perfect for beer lovers wanting a keepsake or gift.
• Transportation: Provided for private bookings, ensuring a hassle-free experience between locations.
• Flexible Tours: Options for private groups or larger public tours cater to different preferences.

The Experience Through the Eyes of Past Guests

One guest from the US praised Shawn, the guide, calling him “hilarious and informative,” which speaks to the lively, personable atmosphere. Another reviewer appreciated the customized nature of the tour, noting that Shawn “individualized it to our preferences concerning beer and food,” making it a personal journey rather than a cookie-cutter experience.

Having the chance to taste beers made with unconventional ingredients like flowers or coffee was a highlight for many, as one guest noted, “I found I liked dark beer, which I never would have tried otherwise.” The food options, notably the delicious pizza offered at one location, enhance the experience—especially if paired thoughtfully with the beer flights.

Practical Details & Tips for Booking

• Duration: 3.5 hours, usually in the afternoon, making it a perfect way to break up a sightseeing day or start an evening out.
• Price: $82 per person, which covers tastings, transportation (for private tours), gratuities, and exclusive merchandise—offering good value for a comprehensive experience.
• Group Size: Private options are available, and for groups of more than four, pickup is arranged.
• Age Restrictions: Only open to guests over 18; no children permitted.
• What to Bring: A valid ID or passport is required for age verification.
• What’s Not Included: Food outside the brewery tastings, additional drinks, or gratuities beyond those included.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy learning about local culture through authentic tastes. It’s ideal for groups celebrating special occasions, craft beer enthusiasts wanting to deepen their knowledge, or visitors seeking a fun activity that combines education with socializing. If you’re open-minded about trying new flavors or want a guided, stress-free way to sample Calgary’s best breweries, this tour checks all the boxes.

However, if you’re more interested in a full meal or a larger variety of drinks, this might be more focused on beer appreciation rather than a comprehensive pub crawl.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Transportation is included only if you book a private tour. For public ‘jump on’ tours, transportation is arranged with the guide.

Are food and additional drinks included?
No, food isn’t included, and you’ll need to purchase any extra drinks separately.

Can I join as a solo traveler?
Yes, the ‘jump on’ tours are open to all, while private options are ideal for groups.

What should I bring?
A valid ID or passport for age verification.

What’s the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Guides are either cicerone-certified or beer judging students, adding credibility and insight.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, private tours can be tailored to your preferences, including beer and food choices.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
Yes, larger groups can book private tours, with pickup arranged for groups over four.

What breweries do we visit?
Three award-winning or industry-leading breweries across different districts in Calgary.

Can I get merchandise discounts?
Yes, exclusive discounts on certain merchandise are available only to tour guests.

This Calgary brewery tour offers a well-rounded taste of the city’s craft beer scene, combining expert guides, exclusive tastings, and a comfortable, educational atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way for beer lovers to discover local favorites, learn about brewing, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.

If you’re after a fun, informative, and value-packed experience that highlights Calgary’s award-winning breweries, this tour should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re in town for a few days or celebrating a special occasion, it promises a memorable, flavorful journey into Alberta’s craft beer culture.

For those eager to explore Calgary’s beer landscape with knowledgeable guides and exclusive access, this tour delivers a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and authentic taste.

You can check if your dates are available here: