Calgary: Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues

If you’re planning a visit to Calgary and enjoy discovering local flavors through guided tours, the Calgary Brewery Tour by YYCTOURS offers a compelling way to explore Alberta’s vibrant craft beer scene. This experience combines education, entertainment, and a genuine appreciation for Calgary’s brewing community — perfect for beer enthusiasts, curious travelers, or groups eager to sample the best of local industry.

What makes this tour particularly attractive are two key elements: the knowledgeable guides, who are either certified cicerones or beer judging students, and the carefully curated list of award-winning breweries. These features ensure you’ll not only try great beers but also gain meaningful insights into brewing techniques and local industry achievements.

One possible consideration is the price — at $82 per person — but when you consider the all-inclusive nature and the quality of experiences (including transportation, tastings, and expert commentary), it strikes us as good value for a 3.5-hour deep dive into Calgary’s craft scene.

This tour suits those who want a relaxed, informative, and fun afternoon, whether you’re a local wanting to explore more or a visitor eager to taste Calgary’s best brews with a group. It’s especially suited for adults who enjoy craft beer, social experiences, and learning about local industry leaders.

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

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Tastes, transportation, and tips are covered, making it straightforward for you.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, often certified, or beer judging students, providing credible insights.
• Award-Winning Breweries: Only visits to venues recognized for their excellence, ensuring quality.
• Flexible Options: Private tours for groups or open “jump on” tours for solo or small-group participants.
• Community Focus: A locally owned business with strong ties to Calgary’s brewing scene.
• Educational and Fun: Includes beer evaluation tutorials, brewery VIP tours, and behind-the-scenes looks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into Calgary’s Brewery Tour Scene

An Authentic Calgary Experience

This tour offers more than just quick tastings; it’s about connecting with Calgary’s brewing community. The company, YYCTOURS, prides itself on being Calgary’s only locally owned brewery tour operator. That local touch means they have established relationships with the city’s best breweries, which translates into exclusive access, special discounts, and a more personalized experience.

The tour lasts 3.5 hours, typically in the afternoon, which is perfect for those who want a leisurely exploration without feeling rushed. The transportation is included, with custom pickup and drop-off for private groups, making logistics seamless. For solo travelers, there’s the option to jump aboard a scheduled tour, fostering a social and lively atmosphere.

What to Expect at Each Brewery Stop

You’ll visit three Calgary breweries, all recognized for their award-winning beers. Each stop is thoughtfully planned to showcase different brewing styles and local districts across the city. The breweries aren’t just randomly chosen; they are selected based on industry recognition and quality, ensuring your taste buds are treated to the best.

At each venue, you’ll receive beer flights — a curated sample of their specialties — along with time to explore additional craft products. The guide will share insights on beer history, manufacturing, and ingredients, often giving a VIP tour of the brewery. This behind-the-scenes access makes the experience more immersive and educational.

Why the Guides Make a Difference

The guides are a highlight, according to reviews. Shawn, one of the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, is frequently praised for making the tour both fun and informative. Comments like “Shawn was hilarious and informative” and “made sure everyone had a great time” reflect the importance of a good guide. Their status as beer judging or cicerone students adds credibility and depth to the commentary, helping you understand what makes each beer special.

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The Beer Selections and Tasting Experience

Guests rave about the variety of beers sampled, from traditional lagers and pale ales to more inventive brews like those made with beets, flowers, or coffee. One reviewer was surprised to find they enjoyed dark beers — a testament to the diverse offerings. The tutorials on evaluating beer are particularly useful for those wanting to sharpen their tasting skills.

Food and Extras

While the tour doesn’t include food, some of the stops feature a brewery with great food options, often including pizza or tapas, which can complement your beer tastings nicely. Exclusive merchandise and product discounts are available during the tour but are only for YYCTOURS guests, adding a nice touch of value.

What is Not Included

The tour covers the beer tastings and transportation, but additional drinks, food, and gratuities are not included. This allows you to make choices based on your preferences and budget, but it’s worth noting if you’re planning to indulge further.

The Experience in Practice

Imagine starting your afternoon outside the iconic Calgary Tower, where your guide will meet you and lead you to a comfortable van. As you head toward your first brewery, your guide might share stories about Calgary’s brewing history and its modern craft scene.

At each brewery, you’ll enjoy well-paced visits, with enough time to chat with staff, learn about the brewing process, and savor each beer. The VIP tours give you a peek behind the curtain, often including a walk-through of the brewing area, which is quite fascinating.

Guests have described the tours as “great in a beautiful city,” highlighting Calgary itself as a scenic backdrop, especially when visiting breweries across different districts. The private tour option allows your group to customize the experience, whether you prefer more beer, a specific brewery focus, or even pairing with local snacks.

What the Reviews Say

The consistent praise from past participants underscores the value of this experience. One guest from the US shared: “Shawn individualized the tour to our preferences concerning beer and food,” making it clear this isn’t a cookie-cutter tour. Another, from the UK, said, “All my mates had a great time and got to go to some fantastic breweries.”

The Balance of Value and Experience

For $82 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package: tastings, expert guidance, VIP access, and transportation. Considering that many breweries charge for tastings separately, the overall value is high. Plus, the educational component, including beer evaluation tutorials, adds depth beyond just drinking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy craft beer and want to learn more about local breweries. It’s also suitable for those looking for a fun social activity or an informative outing that introduces Calgary’s industry leaders. Since it’s not suitable for children under 18, families with minors should look elsewhere.

The Sum Up

The Calgary Brewery Tour at Award-Winning Venues offers a well-rounded, engaging way to explore Calgary’s burgeoning craft beer scene. With knowledgeable guides, exclusive brewery access, and a focus on quality over quantity, it provides a genuine taste of what makes Calgary’s breweries stand out.

If you value local authenticity, enjoy learning about beer, and want a relaxed yet informative experience, this tour hits the mark. Whether you’re a local looking to discover new favorites or a visitor eager to sample Calgary’s best, this tour offers a memorable way to spend an afternoon.

For those who prefer a tailored, all-inclusive experience that combines education, socializing, and top-tier breweries, this tour is a smart choice. Just be ready for some great beers, good stories, and a fun trip through Calgary’s craft beer world.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transportation, with custom pickup and drop-off for private groups, ensuring hassle-free logistics.

Can I join a scheduled tour if I’m alone? Absolutely. There are “jump on” tours available for any individuals or small groups wanting to join others.

What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, typically scheduled in the afternoon, making it perfect for a leisurely exploration.

Are the breweries visited award-winning? Yes, all stops are to breweries recognized for their industry awards, guaranteeing quality and distinction.

What is the price of the tour? The tour costs $82 per person, which covers tastings, transportation, tips, and expert guidance.

Are food or additional drinks included? No, food and extra drinks are not included, but some breweries do offer food options, and additional beverages can be purchased separately.

Is this suitable for children? No, the tour is for adults over 18, as it focuses on craft beer tasting.

How do I book? You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a fantastic blend of local flavor, expert insights, and social fun — perfect for those wanting to taste Calgary’s best beers while learning about their craft.

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