Ontario offers a surprising variety of drinking tours that showcase its local brewing, cider, and even maple syrup traditions. Unlike many regions, Ontario’s diverse landscape—from rural back roads to vibrant Niagara Falls—provides the perfect setting for authentic, memorable tasting experiences.
We especially enjoy tours that combine education with fun, like the Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario that blends music, games, and craft beer knowledge.
They take you through Norfolk County’s historic breweries, with stops at Flux Brewing Co., Wishbone Brewing Co., and more, giving you a taste of Ontario’s brewing history in a lively, local setting.
Another favorite is the Guided Craft Beer Tour in Niagara, which offers a well-rounded day exploring Niagara’s craft scene with stops at Niagara College Teaching Brewery, Silversmith Brewing, and the Niagara Oast House Brewers. This tour not only highlights amazing beers but also provides scenic views and a bit of Niagara’s charm.
Lastly, for something more offbeat, the Brewery Tour in Lake of the Woods lets you explore Ontario’s northernmost brewery with a behind-the-scenes look, tasting beer straight from the tanks and ringing an old fire bell—ideal for those craving a small, local experience.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each tour, helping you decide which one fits your taste, budget, and schedule.
1. Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario
At number one, Locol Brewery Tours stands out because of its lively, music-infused approach to craft beer tasting. The Southsider Tour takes you along Norfolk County’s back roads, with stops at four historic breweries, including Flux Brewing Co., Waterford’s newest Wishbone Brewing Co., and the repurposed barns of Charlotteville Brewing Company.
This tour is about more than just tasting—it’s about learning what makes great craft beer while having fun with music and en route games.
The tour lasts about 4.5 hours and costs $111.35 per person, which includes multiple tastings in a relaxed, friendly environment. The guide explains the differences between beers, making it ideal for those new to craft brewing or anyone interested in the process. The stops are well-curated, with each brewery offering around 35-45 minutes of tasting and exploration.
The highlight is Flux Brewing Co., where you get to choose from 10 different beers, and the tour ends back at the starting point in Brantford.
What makes this tour special is its combination of informative commentary, fun entertainment, and relaxed pacing. It’s perfect for groups wanting a laid-back, engaging afternoon with a local flavor. The price is reasonable considering the length and inclusions, and reviews highlight its entertainment value and knowledgeable guides.
Bottom Line: If you want an upbeat, music-filled brewery experience that blends fun with education, this tour hits the mark.
2. Guided Craft Beer Tour in Niagara
Number two on our list is the Guided Craft Beer Tour in Niagara, which provides a full day of exploring Niagara’s best breweries with a personal touch. The tour lasts about 4 hours and costs $103.93 per person, offering a good balance of value and in-depth experience. The driver picks you up and drops you off at your hotel, making for a seamless day.
This tour shines for its variety. You’ll visit the Niagara College Teaching Brewery, where students craft unique beers and give educational presentations. Next, you’ll sample innovative beers at the Exchange Brewery and relax on the outdoor patio of Silversmith Brewing Co., with time to enjoy their food menu.
Finally, the Niagara Oast House Brewers offers a chance to taste a range of standout beers known to draw repeat visitors.
Reviews are glowing, with one noting, “Excellent beer and lessons learned, with an amazing time,” and another praising the personalized service and the diversity of breweries visited. This tour is perfect for those who want to combine beer tasting with scenic views and a taste of Niagara’s famous surroundings.
Bottom Line: For a well-organized, educational tour that covers Niagara’s craft beer scene and scenic highlights, this tour delivers excellent value.
3. Brewery Tour
At number three, the Brewery Tour in Lake of the Woods offers a behind-the-scenes look at Ontario’s most northern brewery—Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. This private, 45-minute tour costs just $23.70 per person, making it one of the most affordable options.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local heritage and craft brewing in Kenora. You’ll learn how beer is made with just four ingredients—water, malt, yeast, and hops—and get to sample beer directly from the tanks. The highlight is ringing the old fire bell of the historic fire hall, adding a fun, tactile element to the experience.
The tour is ideal for those interested in local history, small-scale brewing, and hands-on experiences. It’s perfect for a quick, intimate visit that combines learning with tasting. The reviews note the friendly staff and the novelty of sampling beer straight from the tanks.
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a quick, authentic look at Ontario’s northern brewing scene combined with a bit of local history, this tour offers great value.
4. Guided Sugar Bush Tour and Beer Tasting from Toronto
Number four offers a distinctly Canadian experience by pairing maple syrup with craft beer. This 7.5-hour tour costs $176.24 per person and combines a guided tour of a working sugar shack with tastings of Canadian maple syrup and local beers.
You start at Elliott Tree Farm, where a Maple Sugar Shack tour explains the process of making syrup, including sampling raw sap and traditional maple taffy. Next, you visit the Maple Syrup Museum for a guided tasting of four different grades of syrup. The day wraps up at GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co., where you enjoy a tasting flight of beer or non-alcoholic options in a cozy setting.
This tour is perfect for those interested in Canadian culinary traditions, combining history, tastings, and rural scenery in one package. The itinerary is well-balanced, offering both educational and tasting experiences. Although longer, it’s ideal for those wanting an in-depth, Canadian-themed outing.
Reviews mention how educational and flavorful the experience is, describing it as “a full maple and beer immersion.” It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy learning about local food production and want a full-day adventure.
Bottom Line: For a unique taste of Canada’s maple traditions paired with craft beer, this tour offers a memorable, full-day experience.
5. Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour
Finally, the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour provides a relaxed, scenic brewery day in Ontario’s popular outdoor and ski destination area. The 4-hour tour costs $109.82, making it a good mid-range option.
It includes visits to Endswell Beer, Collingwood Brewery, and Side Launch Brewing Company. Each stop offers guided tastings of 4-5 oz beers, with time to enjoy the local atmosphere. The tour emphasizes learning about regional brewing history and the brewing process, with some breweries often hosting live music or food trucks, adding to the social vibe.
While it doesn’t have the same detailed reviews as others, the focus on local breweries and the scenic setting make it appealing for visitors with limited time who want to experience Collingwood’s craft scene. It suits those wanting a casual, social outing with an emphasis on regional flavor.
Bottom Line: If you’re in the Collingwood area and want a straightforward brewery experience with some local culture, this tour delivers.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Ontario
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. For a lively, music-filled afternoon, the Locol Brewery Tours are hard to beat. If you prefer a scenic, educational experience blending Niagara’s attractions with craft beer, the Niagara craft tour is a solid choice.
For quick, behind-the-scenes insights into local brewing, the Lake of the Woods brewery offers an intimate, low-cost visit.
Those interested in Canadian traditions and culinary culture might love the maple syrup and beer experience, while outdoor lovers in Collingwood will find the Blue Mountain brewery tour fitting.
Think about what kind of atmosphere you want—fun and energetic or quiet and educational. Also, check the tour duration and whether it includes transportation or additional meals. Booking early is wise, especially for popular Niagara tours or during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Ontario has a rich variety of drinking tours that cater to different tastes—whether you want a lively brewery crawl, a scenic Niagara tasting, or a Canadian maple-syrup pairing.
For a casual adventure, the Locol Brewery Tours won’t disappoint, while those wanting to learn more about local brewing traditions might prefer the Lake of the Woods experience. If you’re visiting Niagara, the craft beer tour offers a comprehensive, scenic day out.
No matter your style, booking early will ensure you secure a spot in these popular tours. Cheers to discovering the best of Ontario’s craft beverage scene—your palate will thank you!