Calgary Brewery Tour

This experience made our article of The Top 2 Brewery Tours In Calgary.

Exploring the Calgary Brewery Tour: A Genuine Taste of Local Craft Beer

If you’re seeking an engaging way to discover Calgary’s vibrant craft beer scene, the Calgary Brewery Tour offers a solid introduction. This experience, priced at around $89 per person, promises a behind-the-scenes look into three notable breweries, each renowned for their award-winning beers. The tour combines education, local flavor, and social fun, making it a popular choice for beer lovers and curious travelers alike.

What really appeals is the guide’s expertise—one reviewer praised Conner for his knowledge and friendly manner—plus the opportunity to sample a variety of beers at each stop. On the flip side, keep in mind that this tour is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, so it’s not a big-group party, but rather a more intimate, personalized experience. Also, since the tour requires at least four guests to operate, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

Ideal for those who love craft beer and want an authentic taste of Calgary’s brewing culture, this tour isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding what makes these breweries special. If you’re keen to learn about local brewing awards or simply enjoy good company with quality brews, this might be just the right fit. However, if you prefer a very flexible schedule or hotel pickup, you’ll need to consider those factors when booking.

Key Points

• Educational experience: Learn about Calgary’s craft beer scene from a knowledgeable guide.
• Behind-the-scenes access: Visit three different breweries, each with unique stories and styles.
• Tastings included: Enjoy a flight of beer samples at each brewery, providing a broad tasting experience.
• Comfortable transportation: An air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxed journey between stops.
• Small group setting: Limited to 14 travelers, offering a more personal experience.
• Booking in advance: Most bookings happen about two months ahead, so plan early.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect at Each Stop

Stop 1: Bow River Brewing

The tour kicks off at Bow River Brewing, a well-regarded hotel with eight beers on tap, plus seasonal brews that keep things fresh and interesting. This brewery’s variety means there’s likely something for every craft beer fan—whether you’re into hoppy IPAs or smoother lagers. Visitors often appreciate the generous pours, which give you a real sense of each beer’s character without rushing.

The review by Tama_B highlights how the guide, Conner, shared his knowledge about the beers and pointed out local points of interest during the drive. The 45-minute stop allows enough time to chat with staff, sample different beers, and get a feel for Bow River’s approach to brewing.

Stop 2: OT Brewing Company

Next, the tour stops at OT Brewing, a place that emphasizes enjoying the moment. The focus here is on the craft and passion behind the beers, rather than just the tasting. The guide encourages taking a second to savor the experience—“enjoy a great OT brew,” as their mission states.

With another 45-minute visit, this stop offers a chance to try more innovative styles or seasonal options. The laid-back atmosphere and the guide’s insights help deepen your appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each pour.

Stop 3: Born Brewing Co.

The final stop, Born Brewing Co., is all about local engagement and storytelling. This brewery give you a space where strangers become friends over good brews, and the experience is about more than just the beer. You’re invited to write your story, making it a personal part of Calgary’s lively beer culture.

Here, the focus is on authentic connection, and the brewery’s reputation for creating a welcoming environment shines through. The 45-minute visit rounds out the tour with a final tasting and a chance to reflect on everything you’ve learned.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

The tour’s price of $89.07 per person might seem modest considering it includes sample flights at three breweries and transportation. Each brewery visit provides a generous tasting, which, if purchased individually, could add up quickly—making this a cost-effective way to try a variety of local beers.

Booking a guided tour also offers the benefit of insight you might not get if exploring independently. Your guide, praised for their knowledge, helps interpret the brewing process, the history behind each brewery, and what makes Calgary’s craft beer scene stand out.

Authentic Experiences and Local Flavor

This isn’t a touristy tasting at a chain or a generic bar. Instead, you’re visiting real breweries that have garnered awards and local acclaim—like the breweries highlighted in the reviews. As Tama_B notes, “Conner was knowledgeable about the beers,” which enhances the experience far beyond just drinking.

Transportation and Comfort

An air-conditioned vehicle means you can relax and focus on the experience rather than navigating city streets or worrying about transportation. The tour’s timing—about 3.5 hours—strikes a balance between enough time to enjoy each stop and not feeling rushed.

Challenges and Considerations

One aspect to keep in mind is the minimum guest requirement. If fewer than four people book, the tour might be rescheduled or canceled, so it’s worth booking ahead. Also, the tour does not include hotel pickup or gratuities, so plan accordingly. While most travelers will find the 3.5-hour duration perfect for a relaxed exploration, some might prefer a longer experience or more stops.

Plus, the tour may vary in the breweries visited, depending on availability, which can add a bit of unpredictability but also keeps each tour fresh.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is ideal for beer enthusiasts eager to learn more about Calgary’s brewing scene, or for travelers seeking a fun, social outing that combines education with local flavor. It’s suited for those who appreciate small-group settings and are comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and tasting.

If you enjoy discovering local stories behind your drinks and want a guided experience that’s both informative and relaxed, this tour will appeal to you. Conversely, if you prefer to explore independently or need special accommodations like hotel pickup, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

The Calgary Brewery Tour offers an approachable, well-organized way to get acquainted with the city’s award-winning craft beer scene. With knowledgeable guides, a comfortable vehicle, and tastings at three respected breweries, it provides genuine value for those interested in local brewing culture. The small-group setting fosters a more personal connection, and the inclusion of diverse beers ensures there’s something to suit every palate.

While it’s not a full-day adventure, the 3.5 hours are packed with interesting stories, quality brews, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s especially well-suited for curious travelers who want to combine education with taste and enjoy exploring Calgary’s local flavors in a relaxed, social way.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beer novices?
Absolutely. The guide’s explanations and the sampling format make it accessible whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just starting to explore craft brews.

How many breweries will I visit?
You will visit three breweries: Bow River Brewing, OT Brewing Company, and Born Brewing Co., each offering its own unique style and story.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers a guided tour, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a flight of beer samples at each brewery.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed if canceled early.

Are there any restrictions on group size?
Yes, the tour has a maximum of 14 travelers. It requires at least four guests to run, so early booking is recommended.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. The meeting point is at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown.

Is this tour accessible for people with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Since sampling is involved, bring a water bottle and be prepared for a relaxed, social atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded introduction to Calgary’s craft beer scene that combines education, local stories, and good company, this brewery tour deserves serious consideration. It’s an authentic, enjoyable way to taste and learn about Calgary’s brewing talents—just remember to book early!