10 Best Drinking Tours In Toronto

Toronto is a city that celebrates its local brews and historic pubs with a passion that’s hard to match. Its diverse neighborhoods, from the historic Distillery District to lively Old Town, offer plenty of authentic spots to enjoy a drink and learn a bit about the city’s past.

Whether you’re into craft beer, classic pubs, or unique tasting experiences, Toronto’s drinking tours deliver an enjoyable way to explore the city’s beverage scene with knowledgeable guides and memorable venues.

One standout is the Toronto Local Beer Tour, which combines beer tastings with local history in a small-group setting—perfect for those who like their drinks with a side of storytelling.

If craft beer is your thing, the Toronto Craft Brewery Tour offers behind-the-scenes access at Toronto’s top microbreweries, complete with guided flights and insights into brewing techniques. For a more immersive experience, the Old Toronto by Beer takes you through historic pubs with fascinating stories about Toronto’s development through beer.

And for those who want to turn their night into a social event, the Pub Crawl Toronto provides a lively evening visiting several bars with drink deals and local tips. No matter your taste or time constraints, these tours make it easy to enjoy Toronto’s vibrant drinking culture.

1. Toronto Local Beer Tour: 2 Beers at 2 Unique & Historical Pubs

At number 1 on our list, this small-group beer tour offers a relaxed and personable way to experience Toronto’s beer scene over approximately three hours. The tour kicks off in the Hockey Hall of Fame (just a meeting point), then wanders through historic neighborhoods.

You’ll visit three of Toronto’s favorite local pubs, all steeped in history and atmosphere, where you’ll sample a couple of beers—often local brews—that reflect the city’s brewing heritage. Your guide is a beer geek who shares insider tips and trivia, making the experience both fun and educational.

What makes this tour stand out is its mix of historic storytelling and real beer tasting, all within a comfortably small group capped at 12 people. The Distillery District is a highlight, with its converted whiskey factory setting—perfect for photos and soaking in the ambiance. The St. Lawrence Market provides a taste of local life with its vibrant vendors and fantastic food.

Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guide, Kieran, for making the tour engaging, fun, and packed with local secrets. The key is its balance: enough beer to enjoy, enough history to remember, and no rush to get anywhere.

Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a mix of Toronto’s history and beer, with a personal touch.

2. Toronto Craft Brewery Tour

Second on our list, the Toronto Craft Brewery Tour is perfect for those who want a deep dive into Toronto’s microbrewery scene over roughly four hours. Led by a “brew captain”, the tour explores three of Toronto’s top craft breweries in a 10-seater van, providing a much more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours.

Each stop includes a guided tour of the brewery, where you can see their equipment and learn about the brewing process firsthand.

The tastings are generous, typically including a flight of beers at each location, and the guide shares insider knowledge about beer styles and local brewing trends.

Guests love the personalized approach, with reviews highlighting the guide’s passion and extensive knowledge. For example, Bruce, the guide, makes sure everyone understands the art and science behind each brew, making it both fun and educational. The tour also adapts to your preferences, emphasizing different aspects of craft beer or answering questions about the brewing process.

This experience is best suited for beer enthusiasts who want to sample a variety of brews while discovering the stories behind them.

Bottom line: A great choice if you’re serious about craft beer and want to see Toronto’s breweries up close with a small, social group.

3. Old Toronto by Beer: A Craft Brew Adventure

Third, the Old Toronto by Beer tour takes you through Toronto’s past and its brewing roots with visits to historic pubs and the Distillery District. This approximately three-hour experience combines craft beer tastings with stories about how beer influenced the city’s growth.

Starting in the St. Lawrence Market, you’ll enjoy local treats and learn about Toronto’s culinary scene before heading into the Distillery District, a former whiskey hub turned arts and craft area.

What makes this tour special is its focus on local stories and beer. The guide explains how beer played a part in Toronto’s development, making it perfect for history buffs who also love a good pint. The small-group size (max 12) keeps things personal, and the stops include unique, atmospheric pubs with their own tales.

Guests mention how the combination of historic venues and craft brews creates a memorable experience that blends culture and taste seamlessly.

Bottom line: Ideal if you’re interested in Toronto’s history alongside your beer, with an emphasis on local stories and small-group intimacy.

4. Toronto: Craft Brewery Tour

Number 4 is the Toronto: Craft Brewery Tour, which offers a four-hour journey through three prominent West Toronto breweries. This tour focuses on experiencing over 20 ounces of craft beer in a relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities to see how breweries operate. The guide provides official tasting lessons and VIP tours, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.

Guests appreciate the variety of beers and the chance to ask questions directly to brewers. It’s especially suited for those who want a comprehensive tasting experience combined with educational insights. The transportation is included, making it easy to hop between breweries without hassle.

While the reviews are limited, the consistent theme is satisfaction with the quality of beers and the personalized experience.

Bottom line: Best for those who want to sample a variety of local craft beers while learning about the brewing process in a more immersive way.

5. Pub Crawl Toronto

For a lively night out, the Pub Crawl Toronto is designed to introduce you to Toronto’s nightlife without the hassle of planning. Over around five hours, you’ll visit three to four bars or clubs, with drink deals and no cover charge at each stop. Your local guide will take you to popular venues, ensure smooth entry, and provide recommendations for the rest of your night.

This tour is perfect if you’re traveling solo or in a group looking for a social evening. It’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy Toronto’s bar scene with a curated list of venues. Reviewers mention the fun atmosphere and the friendly host who makes everyone feel welcome.

While it’s not a traditional tasting tour, it offers an authentic nightlife experience, especially suitable for those who want a casual, social night out.

Bottom line: Ideal if you want to explore Toronto’s bar scene with a knowledgeable guide and skip the lines, all in one night.

6. Toronto: Distillery District Beer and Cheese Tasting Tour

Number 6 offers a tasting experience that combines locally brewed beers with Ontario artisanal cheeses in the historic Distillery District.

Starting with a tasting of Mill St Brewery beers at their original location, you’ll sample cheeses from Wildly Delicious Fine Foods and end at Old Flame Brewery with a full tasting flight and warm pretzels. This 1.5-hour tour is intimate and perfect for food lovers who enjoy pairing.

What makes this tour appealing is its focus on pairing local brews with cheese, giving a more gourmet twist to your drinking experience. The guide shares stories about the history of the district and the breweries, making it both tasty and informative.

Reviewers highlight the quality of the cheese and beer, as well as the charming atmosphere. It’s a shorter experience, ideal for those who want a quick, delicious dive into Toronto’s local flavors.

Bottom line: Perfect if you want a relaxed, food-focused tasting with local beers and cheeses in a historic setting.

7. Toronto: Private Customizable Partybus Brewery Tour

Number 7 is the Private Customizable Partybus Brewery Tour, offering the freedom to tailor your day. With a flexible itinerary, you can visit multiple breweries, landmarks like Niagara Falls, or customize the experience to suit your interests. This tour is perfect for celebrations or groups wanting a personalized adventure through Ontario’s brewing landscape.

Your guided tour includes engaging activities like trivia, karaoke, and a delicious meal with beer tastings. The vehicle itself is a party bus, making the journey part of the fun. The tour is ideal for birthdays, bachelor parties, or any group eager to explore at their own pace. Reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the customization and fun atmosphere.

Bottom line: Best for groups wanting a tailored, festive experience with the flexibility to include other attractions.

8. Toronto Bar Hunt: Take On Toronto Bar Crawl

Number 8 introduces a unique twist: an interactive scavenger hunt through Toronto’s landmarks and hidden spots. Using the Let’s Roam app, you’ll answer trivia, solve challenges, and explore the city’s character. It’s an active, engaging way to see Toronto while enjoying fun challenges.

This experience is great for adventure seekers and groups who want to combine sightseeing with games. It’s suitable for casual explorers and those who enjoy a competitive edge. Since it’s an app-led activity, it’s flexible and can be done at your own pace, making it perfect for daytime or early evening.

Bottom line: An excellent choice if you want a fun, interactive way to discover Toronto’s sights while playing.

9. Take On Toronto Bar Crawl

The Take On Toronto Bar Crawl offers a shorter, one-and-a-half-hour adventure into the city’s bar scene. Using an app, you’ll visit a series of bars, tackling trivia and puzzles along the way. It’s an easy and quick way to get a taste of Toronto nightlife without committing a whole evening.

Perfect for those on a tight schedule or as a quick fun activity during the day, this tour is accessible and flexible. Reviews currently lack detailed feedback, but the concept appeals to travelers who want a lighthearted challenge while discovering some of the city’s best bars.

Bottom line: Best suited for a quick, playful experience that packs in some sightseeing and socializing.

10. Ultimate Craft Beer Tour Through Niagara

Finally, the Ultimate Craft Beer Tour Through Niagara takes you outside Toronto into the lush Niagara-on-the-Lake region. Over a full day, visit four award-winning breweries, enjoy a three-course Mediterranean lunch, and take in the scenic countryside. The tour includes all transport and lunch, making it ideal for celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a premium beer experience.

This is a premium, private-group tour that blends scenic beauty, local brewing, and good food. Guests mention the quality breweries and the chance to see a different side of Ontario. It’s a more expensive option, but for beer lovers seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive day trip, it’s worth considering.

Bottom line: Perfect for beer aficionados wanting a comprehensive day trip with scenic views and fine dining.

How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour for You

Selecting the right Toronto drinking tour depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you want a relaxed introduction to Toronto’s pubs with a bit of history, the Toronto Local Beer Tour is a standout.

For craft beer enthusiasts eager to see behind the scenes, the Toronto Craft Brewery Tour offers deep dives with VIP access. Those seeking a mix of history and beer will appreciate the Old Toronto by Beer.

For a lively nightlife experience, the pub crawl options provide fun social outings, while specialty experiences like the Beer and Cheese Tasting cater to foodies. If your group wants customization and adventure, the Partybus or app-led scavenger hunts could make your visit memorable.

Consider your budget, the length of the tour, and whether you prefer guided experiences or more flexible, self-guided activities. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure the best times and availability.

Toronto offers a broad spectrum of drinking adventures—from intimate tastings to lively pub nights. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, history lover, or just looking to meet new friends, these tours help unlock the city’s authentic local flavor. So, pick the one that suits your style and start planning your Toronto drinking experience today.