Ontario is a fantastic place for brewery tours. With its mix of rural landscapes and vibrant cities, the province offers a variety of craft beer experiences that go beyond just tasting. Whether you’re after an in-depth look at local breweries or a lively day with friends, Ontario has something for every beer lover.
I particularly like Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario for its engaging music-themed trips along Norfolk County back roads, blending craft beer education with fun en route games. It’s a great way to enjoy the countryside while learning what makes a good brew.
Another standout is the Brewery Tour at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company in Kenora. It’s perfect if you’re curious about Northern Ontario craft beer and want to see a historic building in action. For a more social, guided experience, the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour offers multiple stops with tastings and insights into regional brewing traditions.
Each of these tours offers a unique way to explore Ontario’s craft beer scene, whether you prefer a laid-back afternoon or an immersive behind-the-scenes look.
Quick Overview
This list covers three distinct brewery experiences in Ontario, each providing different ways to enjoy local craft beer. From scenic back-road trips with entertainment to behind-the-scenes tours in historic buildings, these options cater to various preferences and budgets.
For more details about each experience, check out Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, and Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour.
1. Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario
At number one, we have Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario, which scores a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on eight reviews. This 4.5-hour Southsider Tour takes you along the back roads of Norfolk County, known for its scenic farmland and charming small towns. What sets this tour apart is its lively combination of craft beer education, live music, and en route games.
The guide explains the differences in the beers you taste, creating an engaging experience for both casual sippers and serious enthusiasts.
The itinerary includes stops at Flux Brewing Co., Waterford’s newest Wishbone Brewing Co., New Limburg Brewing Company, and Charlotteville Brewing Company. Each stop offers a tasting of local, handcrafted beers, with Flux Brewing serving 10 different beers for you to try.
The tour is particularly good if you want to learn about regional brewing styles in a relaxed, fun setting. The guide’s insights, coupled with the entertainment, make this a memorable day.
Value-wise, the $111.35 per person price includes tastings and entertainment, offering a rich experience for craft beer lovers. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of learning and social fun, especially if you like music and games integrated into your tour. The only downside may be the longer duration, so it’s ideal if you’re ready for a laid-back off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for anyone wanting a lively, informative day that combines craft beer, scenic countryside, and entertainment.
2. Brewery Tour
At number two, the Brewery Tour at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company in Kenora offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience. For just $23.70, you get a 45-minute private tour that’s ideal for those curious about Northern Ontario’s brewing scene, especially since it’s the northernmost brewery in the province.
The tour includes a walk through the historic building, where you’ll learn how this brewery produces beer with just four ingredients: water, malt, yeast, and hops.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to sample beer directly from the tanks and ring the old fire bell of the historic Kenora fire hall. The guide explains the intricacies of craft brewing, making it a perfect choice for those interested in the process rather than just tasting. The personal nature of this tour, along with the historic setting, creates an authentic atmosphere.
Guests often comment on the brewery’s mix of heritage and innovation, making it clear why this tour is a top pick for northern travelers. The small size allows for personalized attention, and the price provides excellent value for a behind-the-scenes peek. It’s best suited for those who want a quick, meaningful introduction to Ontario’s craft brewing outside major urban centers.
Bottom Line: If you’re up for a short, insightful visit to a historic brewery, this tour delivers a genuine taste of Ontario’s northern craft beer.
3. Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour
Our third pick, the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour, offers a full 4-hour guided experience that includes visits to three well-regarded breweries. The tour costs $109.82 per person and is ideal if you want to explore Southern Ontario’s craft beer gems with a knowledgeable guide.
This tour includes stops at Endswell Beer, where you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of four different beers, and Collingwood Brewery, which often has food trucks outside for a break. The final stop is Side Launch Brewing Company, where you’ll sample a flight while learning about the brewing process firsthand. The guide shares history and tips, making the experience both educational and relaxed.
The benefit here is variety. You get to taste different styles, learn about regional brewing traditions, and enjoy the social aspect of multiple stops. The tour’s flexible schedule and multiple tastings make it suited for those who want a well-rounded day of beer exploration. The price reflects the extensive experience and multiple stops, offering good value for a full half-day of fun.
Bottom Line: This guided tour is best for those who want to experience a variety of breweries in one day with a focus on regional craft beer.
How to Choose
Choosing the right brewery tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you want a lively, entertaining experience with music and scenic countryside, Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario is an excellent pick. For a quick, personal peek into Ontario’s northern brewing heritage, the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company offers a unique behind-the-scenes visit.
If you’re after a comprehensive day with multiple tastings and regional insights, the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour covers all bases.
Consider your budget as well—if you prefer an inexpensive but meaningful experience, the Kenora tour is very affordable. On the other hand, if you’re after more entertainment and a scenic drive, Locol’s tour might be worth the splurge. Booking early can ensure availability, especially during peak summer months or weekends.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s craft beer scene is diverse and vibrant, with options that suit every style of traveler. For a fun, music-infused day with a local flavor, Locol Brewery Tours is hard to beat. If you want to see a historic brewery and try fresh tank samples, the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company offers a cozy, authentic experience.
And for those who want to hop between different breweries with a guide, the Collingwood and Blue Mountain tour covers a lot of territory.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable beer adventures. Each of these options highlights a different aspect of Ontario’s brewing culture—so pick the one that best matches your style and enjoy a fun, flavorful day exploring this province’s craft beer bounty.