Calgary Brewery Tour

Thinking about exploring Calgary’s burgeoning craft beer scene? This Calgary Brewery Tour offers a balanced mix of behind-the-scenes looks, generous tastings, and engaging guides. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just curious about local brews, this tour promises a fun, educational afternoon. We’ve gathered detailed insights to help you decide if it’s worth your time, and what to expect along the way.

Two things we really like about this experience are the access to multiple award-winning breweries and the knowledgeable guides who make the journey both fun and informative. The tour’s focus on breweries that have won local, national, and international awards means you’ll sample some of Calgary’s best. Plus, the guides aren’t just beer lovers—they’re also storytellers who point out interesting sights around Calgary while sharing their expertise.

However, a potential consideration is the group size and scheduling. With a minimum of four guests and a maximum of 14, it’s a small, social experience, but if you’re traveling alone or in a small group, you’ll need to book well in advance. Also, the tour lasts about three and a half hours, so it’s a good fit for those with flexible schedules looking for a laid-back but immersive afternoon.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy craft beer and want a local, authentic experience in Calgary. It’s perfect for beer aficionados eager to learn more about brewing or travelers who appreciate a good story and a good sip in equal measure.

Key Points

• Visit award-winning breweries with a focus on quality and regional recognition.
• Enjoy generous tastings—each stop includes a flight of samples, making it a substantial tasting experience.
• Learn from knowledgeable guides who share both beer expertise and local insights.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Convenient transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle takes the hassle out of logistics.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

A Closer Look at the Calgary Brewery Tour Experience

This tour, offered by Canadian Craft Tours, is a well-rounded way to explore Calgary’s craft beer scene in just a few hours. It’s designed to be both educational and enjoyable, especially if you’re interested in the stories behind the brews.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown—a central location that’s easy to find and near public transportation. From there, an air-conditioned vehicle whisks you off to three prominent breweries. The fact that transportation is included is a big plus, especially in a city where parking can sometimes be tricky and weather unpredictable.

With a max of 14 travelers, you’ll find that the atmosphere remains intimate enough to ask plenty of questions and get to know your guide. The group size strikes a good balance: social but not overwhelming.

The Breweries: What to Expect

Stop 1: Bow River Brewing

Our journey begins here, where you’ll find eight beers on tap and a good variety of seasonal brews. Bow River Brewing’s offerings cater to all tastes, from IPAs to lagers, and the friendly staff are eager to discuss their brewing process. The 45-minute visit includes free admission and generous pours, allowing you to sample multiple styles.

A reviewer named Tama_B shared that they enjoyed “a fantastic brewery tour with Conner,” praising the generous-sized tap pours and the guide’s knowledge about the beers. She appreciated that the brewery offers a friendly environment where strangers become friends over good brews.

Stop 2: OT Brewing Company

Next, you’ll explore OT Brewing, where the focus is on taking a moment to enjoy the craft. The tour emphasizes the experience of appreciating a great OT brew, no matter what those two-letter initials stand for. The visit offers a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to chat with fellow beer lovers.

Stop 3: Born Brewing Co.

The final stop is Born Brewing Co., which strives to provide a space for you to write your own story with their craft. The brewery aims to foster connections, with a welcoming environment where strangers become friends over good brews. The 45-minute visit allows for tasting and mingling, rounding off the tour on a convivial note.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s value is heightened by the inclusion of a flight of beer samples at each brewery, with each flight offering a variety of styles. Plus, the air-conditioned vehicle keeps everyone comfortable, regardless of Calgary’s sometimes unpredictable weather.

Not included are gratuities and hotel pick-up, so plan accordingly. If you’re accustomed to tipping guides or staff, factor that into your budget.

Authentic and Informative Guides

One of the highlights, based on reviews, is the knowledgeable guides, who not only explain the brewing process but also share local sights and stories during the drive. A guest appreciated Conner’s expertise, mentioning he “was knowledgeable about the beers and pointed out places of interest as we drove around.”

Tour Timing and Booking

The 3-hour 30-minute schedule is ideal for those wanting a relaxed experience without feeling rushed. Booking is usually 59 days in advance, which is typical for popular tours, and the cost is $89.07 per person—a fair price considering the multiple breweries and tastings included.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, this tour provides a chance to sample some of Calgary’s best brews with guidance and context. It’s also great for travelers interested in local culture, as the guide shares insights about the city and its breweries. The tour suits those who enjoy small-group experiences, are open to meeting new people, and appreciate a mix of education and leisure.

Why Choose This Tour?

This Calgary Brewery Tour offers great value for those curious about local craft beers, especially since the tastings are substantial and the guides are genuinely knowledgeable. The small-group format means you’ll get personalized service, and the included transportation makes it convenient to visit three breweries without the hassle of navigation or parking.

While it’s not a party-all-night affair, it’s a perfect introduction to Calgary’s craft beer scene, especially if you want to learn more about the local brewing culture in a relaxed setting.

The Sum Up

This tour is an excellent choice for beer travelers seeking authentic experiences in Calgary. It’s a well-organized, approachable way to sample award-winning brews, learn about the craft from passionate guides, and enjoy the city’s vibrant brewing culture. The combination of small group size, informative stops, and generous tastings means you’ll leave satisfied—and possibly with a few new favorites.

Ideal for those who value education, authenticity, and local flavor, the Calgary Brewery Tour is a practical way to deepen your understanding of the city’s craft beer scene while enjoying a fun, social afternoon.

For travelers on a budget, the price reflects the quality and the inclusiveness of the experience. It’s also flexible enough to suit both casual drinkers and serious connoisseurs.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle to take you between breweries, making the experience hassle-free.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown and concludes back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour involves alcohol tasting, so travelers should be of legal drinking age in Canada.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are not included in the price, so consider tipping guides or staff if you’re pleased with the service.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Definitely. With small group sizes and engaging guides, solo travelers will find it easy to participate and meet others.

This Calgary Brewery Tour offers a friendly, informative, and flavorful way to explore the city’s craft beer scene. It’s best suited for those eager to learn, taste, and connect—all within a relaxed, well-organized setting.