Calgary: Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues

If you’re imagining a jaunt through Calgary’s lively craft beer scene, you’re in good company. The Calgary Brewery Tour offered by YYCTOURS promises a 3.5-hour journey that blends good humor, expert insights, and top-tier brews. While I haven’t taken the tour myself, I’ve poured over reviews, itinerary details, and what makes this experience stand out—so I can help you decide if it’s right for your Calgary visit.

Two things immediately stand out: first, the guides are described as both funny and knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging than your average tasting. Second, the tour’s relationships with award-winning breweries ensure you’ll sample some of the best that Calgary has to offer. A possible consideration? The tour is pricey at $82 per person, but the all-inclusive nature—transport, tastings, and gratuities—means you’re paying for a well-organized, hassle-free experience.

This tour appeals most to those who enjoy craft beer, are curious about brewing, or simply want a local perspective on Calgary’s vibrant beer scene. It’s perfect for groups seeking a private experience or adventurous drinkers ready to explore industry-leading breweries. If that sounds like your kind of outing, read on for a detailed look at what makes this tour worth considering.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Guides are either certified or studying to be beer judges or cicerones, ensuring knowledgeable commentary.
• Exclusive Access: Tours include visits to award-winning breweries across multiple districts, with VIP-style brewery tours.
• All-Inclusive: The price covers transportation, beer flights, gratuities, and even exclusive merchandise discounts.
• Educational Focus: Expect lessons on beer history, ingredients, and tasting techniques, making it great for keen beer enthusiasts.
• Personalized Experience: Private tours can be tailored to your preferences, offering a more intimate experience.
• Local Connection: As Calgary’s only locally owned brewery tour, YYCTOURS has deep roots in the community, which adds a layer of authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at Calgary’s Award-Winning Brewery Tour

What You’ll Experience and Why It Matters

The Calgary Brewery Tour is designed to be more than just a tasting. It’s about understanding what makes Calgary’s beer scene unique—its award-winning breweries, talented staff, and community-driven ethos. For about 3.5 hours, you’re transported between three different breweries in various districts, each known for its excellence and innovation. The tour is capped at a price of $82, which, considering everything included, offers decent value.

The Logistics and Comfort

Transportation is a major perk. The tour includes custom pick-up and drop-off for private groups—meaning no stress about how to get between breweries. If you’re part of a larger group, you’ll appreciate the comfortable van ride and the convenience of having all logistics handled for you. The tour usually runs in the afternoons, fitting well into a typical Calgary day.

The Breweries and Their Significance

Each brewery on the tour is carefully selected for its industry recognition and award-winning status. Visiting multiple breweries across different districts provides a well-rounded glimpse into Calgary’s creative brewing landscape. Expect to sample a variety of award-winning beers, which could include styles from IPAs to stouts, sours, or even experimental brews with unconventional ingredients like coffee, flowers, or beets.

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Guided by Experts

Your guide isn’t just a chatterbox; they are either cicerone-certified or a beer judging student. This means you’ll get insightful commentary about brewing techniques, ingredients, and the history of each beer. Guests consistently praise guides like Shawn for their funny, engaging manner and for tailoring the experience based on personal preferences.

Tasting and Learning

At each brewery, you’ll receive a beer flight, allowing you to compare flavors while learning how to evaluate beer. This educational component is particularly appreciated by visitors who want to deepen their appreciation for craft brewing. The tour also features tutorials on tasting techniques, which can turn casual drinkers into more discerning connoisseurs.

Food, Merchandise, and Extras

While food isn’t included, some breweries offer that option, and a few stops might feature great food to complement the beers, such as pizza. Guests are also entitled to exclusive merchandise and discounts—a nice bonus for fans who want to take a souvenir home. The tour covers gratuities, removing any surprise costs at the end.

Authentic Local Experience

What sets YYCTOURS apart is its local focus. Having curated a comprehensive Calgary Brewery Map and maintained ongoing blogs about local breweries, they’re clearly passionate about showcasing Calgary’s craft scene. This isn’t a generic tour—it’s tailored to highlight the best of what Calgary’s breweries have to offer, giving visitors a more authentic experience.

From Reviews to Real Experience

Guests consistently rave about guides like Shawn, mentioning his humor and knowledge as highlights. One reviewer said, “He individualized the tour to our preferences concerning beer and food,” showing the flexible and personal touch. Others appreciated the delicious pizza and diverse beer selection, which included beers brewed with flowers, coffee, and even beets—proof of Calgary’s inventive brewing culture.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for beer enthusiasts eager to learn more about brewing and Calgary’s local breweries. It’s also perfect for groups seeking a private, hassle-free outing or visitors wanting an authentic taste of Calgary’s craft scene. The educational aspect and exclusive access make it a good pick for curious drinkers, industry buffs, or anyone looking for a memorable afternoon in Calgary.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the cost—$82 per person. While it covers almost everything, it might be steep for budget travelers or those just wanting a quick taste of Calgary’s beers. Plus, food isn’t included, so if you’re hungry, plan to eat beforehand or buy snacks during the tour.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially if you prefer a private tour.
• Bring your passport or ID for age verification.
• Be prepared to waive any alcohol or drug restrictions—these are not allowed on the tour.
• Wear comfortable shoes—some brewery tours include VIP behind-the-scenes access, which can involve walking.
• Use the meeting point outside Calgary Tower, or opt for pickup if your group is larger.

The Sum Up

The Calgary Brewery Tour by YYCTOURS offers a well-rounded, engaging way to explore Alberta’s craft beer scene, especially for those who want more than just a tasting. With knowledgeable guides, visits to award-winning breweries, and a focus on education, this tour provides both fun and insight—a genuine taste of Calgary’s brewing talent. While the price might be a consideration, the all-inclusive nature and authentic local connection make it a valuable experience for beer lovers and curious travelers alike.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative, and memorable way to spend an afternoon in Calgary, this tour fits the bill beautifully. It’s a chance to enjoy great beers, learn about their origins, and support local industry—an experience that’s as enjoyable as it is enriching.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation with custom pick-up and drop-off is included for private groups, making the logistics simple and stress-free.

Can I join a group or do a private tour?
Both options are available. You can book a private tour for your group or join a ‘jump on’ public tour where anyone can participate.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3.5 hours, usually in the afternoon, giving enough time to visit three breweries and enjoy tastings without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all beer tastings, brewery tours, transportation, gratuities, and exclusive merchandise or discounts. Food and additional drinks are not included.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Guides are either cicerone-certified or beer judging students, ensuring expert commentary and engaging storytelling.

Is this suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to alcohol restrictions.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID for age verification and wear comfortable shoes. No alcohol or drugs are permitted.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if travel plans change.

This Calgary brewery tour offers a perfect blend of fun, education, and premium beer tastings—great for those seeking an authentic taste of Calgary’s brewing scene with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby