The 15 Top Drinking Tours In Vancouver: Which Is Best?

Vancouver’s lively craft beer scene, historic pubs, and artsy neighborhoods make it an ideal city for those interested in exploring its local drinking culture. Whether you prefer behind-the-scenes brewery visits, energetic pub crawls, or scenic helicopter tastings, Vancouver offers a diverse range of options.

The Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour stands out for its VIP access to three highly-rated breweries, ensuring you sample Vancouver’s best craft creations without the hassle of driving.

For a more social evening, the Gastown Pub Crawl delivers a fun, line-skipping night of bar-hopping and friendly competition.

And if street art mixed with craft beer sounds appealing, the Vancouver Street Art and Craft Beer 3 Hour Walking Tour offers an artsy vibe combined with local brews.

This guide covers all these experiences and more, helping you pick the perfect way to enjoy Vancouver’s rich drinking culture.

Quick Overview

Vancouver’s drinking tour options range from guided brewery visits like the Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour to pub crawls in historic neighborhoods such as Gastown, perfect for socializing and discovering new bars. For those interested in art and craft beer, the Street Art and Craft Beer Walking Tour provides a creative perspective.

Adventure enthusiasts can opt for helicopter tours with backcountry tasting, like the Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing, offering breathtaking scenery combined with local brews. Whether you’re on a budget or seeking a premium experience, Vancouver’s options cover all preferences.

1. Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour

At number 1, the Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour earns top marks with a perfect 5-star rating from 144 reviews. For around $92.70, you get a 3-hour small-group experience that includes VIP tours of three local breweries. The tour features transportation, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and priority seating — making it both informative and convenient.

Visitors love the chance to sample a variety of local craft beers while gaining insight into Vancouver’s thriving brewery scene.

The guide’s friendly manner and the opportunity to go home with a souvenir beer glass make it a well-rounded experience.

It’s ideal for beer aficionados eager to discover Vancouver’s microbrew renaissance without the hassle of planning logistics.

The only potential drawback is the three-hour duration, which might be a bit long for those with limited time.
Bottom line: Perfect for craft beer lovers who want a comprehensive, guided experience with special access.

2. Gastown Pub Crawl

Number 2 on our list is the Gastown Pub Crawl, which has a perfect 5-star rating from 117 reviews. Priced at just $25.96 per person and lasting about 5 hours, it offers a lively way to explore Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighborhood. This tour includes skip-the-line entry and a drink at each stop, with one free shot per bar.

Highlights include discovering several local drinking spots and enjoying activities like bar crawl bingo, which helps break the ice. Many reviewers emphasize how this tour is great for solo travelers or groups, with new friends made along the way.

The tour ends at the city’s most energetic party bar, The Pint Vancouver. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for a fun, social evening.

The main downside is the long hours, which may be tiring for some.
Bottom line: A fun, social, and affordable way to experience Vancouver’s nightlife in Gastown.

3. Vancouver Street Art and Craft Beer 3 Hour Walking Tour

Ranking third, this Street Art and Craft Beer Walking Tour earns a perfect 5-star rating from 60 reviews. For $89.99, you explore Vancouver’s artsy side while sampling local brews at trendy spots like BREWHALL and Main Street Brewery.

The tour begins at Olympic Village, offering stunning views of False Creek, and continues through Mount Pleasant to see colorful murals from the Vancouver Mural Festival. Your guide shares stories behind the artwork and the city’s vibrant street scene.

The highlight is visiting the Beaumont Studios, where you get a craft beer can and a peek into Vancouver’s artistic community. This tour is perfect for lovers of urban art and craft beer, providing a unique blend of culture and tasting.

The one-hour in-depth studio visit makes it stand out.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in Vancouver’s street art scene with a love for local brews.

4. Vancouver: Craft Beer Tasting and Neighborhood Culture Crawl

Coming in fourth, this Craft Beer and Neighborhood Culture Crawl offers a 3-hour exploration of Brewery Creek. For $53, this tour guides you through three beloved breweries with insider access and expert insights from a Cicerone Certified Beer Server. You’ll sample up to 12 seasonal and experimental beers and learn about Vancouver’s local craft beer scene.

The tour also includes recommendations for other hotspots in the area, perfect for extending your evening independently. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, yet comprehensive, craft beer experience in a hip neighborhood.

The value lies in its intimate access and tastings, making it a good deal for beer enthusiasts.
Bottom line: Great for those seeking a local flavor in a short, engaging format.

5. Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting

Number 5 is the Stawamus Chief Hike & Brewery Tasting, perfect for active travelers who want both adventure and refreshment. At $174.45, it combines a 6-hour guided hike in Squamish with a post-hike visit to a popular local brewery.

The hike offers stunning panoramic views of Howe Sound from the top of the Chief, a must-see for outdoor lovers. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a tasting of craft beers at a local spot, making it an excellent reward for your efforts.

Tour reviews praise the “beautiful view” and the “friendly, knowledgeable guide.” It’s best for those who enjoy physical activity and want to experience Vancouver’s natural beauty alongside its beer culture.

The main consideration is the physical demand of the hike.
Bottom line: A blend of outdoor adventure and craft beer, ideal for active explorers.

6. Vancouver: Street Art & Craft Beer Walking Tour with Tasting

Ranked sixth, this Street Art & Craft Beer Walking Tour combines urban murals with local breweries. At 3 hours and $92 per person, it offers an immersive stroll through Mount Pleasant’s alleyways, highlighting spectacular street art and culminating at The Beaumont Studios.

The guide shares their passion for Vancouver’s street art and the local craft beer scene, making it a rich experience for art and beer lovers alike.

The visit to Beaumont Studios includes tasting and chatting with local artists. Many reviewers enjoy the personable guide and the opportunity to meet other travelers.

It’s suited for those who want a well-rounded cultural experience with a focus on Vancouver’s creative environment.
Bottom line: Perfect for art enthusiasts who also appreciate good beer.

7. Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing

Number 7, the Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing, offers a one-hour helicopter experience for $382.58. You’ll fly over the Coast Mountains, land in remote wilderness, and enjoy a 30-minute tasting of local beers in an unforgettable setting.

The flight provides spectacular views of forests, glaciers, and alpine lakes, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your tasting. The reviews highlight the “stunning scenery” and the “unique experience” of combining adventure with beer.

Best suited for travelers seeking a high-end, adventure-filled experience that combines Vancouver’s natural beauty with craft beer tasting.

The main drawback is the cost—definitely a splurge.
Bottom line: An extraordinary way to combine scenic beauty and craft beer for adventure lovers.

8. North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour

Number 8 is the North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour, which is perfect for those who want an in-depth look at North Vancouver’s craft scene. With a small group size and local breweries like Strathcona Brewing, you’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of guided tasting, including some bites at select spots.

The guide shares insights into North Van’s history and its brewing industry, making the experience both educational and flavorful.

Customers mention the guide’s friendliness and the opportunity to sample a variety of beers in a relaxed, walkable setting.

It’s a good choice if you prefer a more personalized, intimate experience with a focus on quality breweries.
Bottom line: Great for craft beer lovers who want a relaxed, in-depth exploration of North Vancouver.

9. Vancouver: Helicopter Tour with Backcountry Beer Tasting

This Helicopter Tour with a Backcountry Landing offers a 1-hour scenic adventure, including a 30-minute flight over the Coast Mountains and a backcountry landing where you taste local beers. It’s a shorter, more affordable (at $371 per group) option for those who want a quick but spectacular experience.

The guide highlights the stunning landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy craft brews in the wilderness. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a memorable scenic flight combined with a brief tasting.

The reviews note the “amazing views” and the “unique experience” of tasting in remote nature.
Bottom line: Perfect for scenic lovers who want a taste of wilderness and craft beer in one package.

10. Vancouver: Gastown Pub Crawl

Ranking tenth, the Gastown Pub Crawl is a classic, offering a 6-hour night of bar-hopping in Vancouver’s historic district for just $22 per person. It features free cover at all venues, one free shot at four bars, and opportunities to meet locals and fellow travelers.

Many reviews emphasize the fun atmosphere and the chance to party into the early morning hours. It’s ideal for those wanting a lively, social experience and don’t mind long evenings.

Be prepared for a busy, energetic night, which may not suit travelers looking for a relaxed pace.
Bottom line: Best suited for night owls eager to party and socialize.

11. Private Tour: Vancouver Craft Beer Tasting Tour

Number 11 offers a tailored experience with a Private Craft Beer Tasting Tour, priced at $310.98 per person. This 4-hour private outing takes you to four top microbreweries, with tasting fees and transportation included. The guide offers a personalized experience, sharing insights into Vancouver’s craft beer renaissance and the city’s brewing scene.

Guests appreciate the flexibility and the intimate setting, making it a premium choice for beer enthusiasts seeking exclusivity. The stops include breweries like Luppolo Brewing Co., Red Truck Beer, Off the Rail Brewing, and Bomber Brewing.

If you prefer a quieter, more customized experience, this tour fits perfectly.
Bottom line: Excellent for those who want a private, in-depth brewery exploration.

12. Vancouver: Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting

This tour combines outdoor activity with craft beer in Stawamus Chief Hike & Brewery Tasting. For $169, it offers a 6-hour experience with a challenging hike that rewards you with spectacular views of Squamish and Howe Sound. Post-hike, you’ll visit a local brewery for a tasting, making it ideal for active travelers who want both scenery and a cold one.

Guests rave about the “magnificent view” and the “friendly guide.” It’s best suited for those comfortable with hiking and wanting a combination of nature and local flavors.

The main consideration is the physical effort involved.
Bottom line: For energetic explorers who want to combine outdoor adventure with craft beer.

13. Vancouver: Beer Tasting Helicopter Tour with Hotel Pickup

Number 13, the Beer Tasting Helicopter Tour, offers a 2.5-hour experience with a scenic 30-minute helicopter flight and a 30-minute backcountry landing. The tour includes tasting local beers in a remote setting, with hotel pickup included. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to combine luxury, scenic views, and craft beer.

The reviews highlight the “amazing scenery” and the “unique experience” of enjoying drinks in nature’s solitude.

Perfect for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking an exclusive adventure. Costly but memorable.
Bottom line: An exclusive way to combine scenic helicopter flight and craft beer tasting.

14. Vancouver: 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour

Ranked fourteenth, this 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour provides an in-depth look at Vancouver’s craft beer scene. For $86, it includes visits to multiple breweries with tastings and a knowledgeable guide explaining the brewing process.

The tour covers Vancouver’s most exciting craft scene, giving you a balanced mix of history, culture, and tasting. Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to discover new favorite beers in a short time.

It’s perfect for beer lovers who want a comprehensive, guided experience without a full-day commitment.
Bottom line: A solid, mid-length tour for craft beer fans wanting a detailed overview.

15. Jetski to Bowen Island, incl beer, wine, coffee or icecream

Finally, the Jetski to Bowen Island offers a unique way to experience Howe Sound. For $323, you jet ski to Bowen Island, stopping for a favorite drink or treat along the way. You’ll see seal colonies, the Tantalus Mountain Range, and lighthouse parks. This is geared towards adventure-seekers who also love good food and drink, with a focus on scenic exploration.

Reviews highlight the “amazing views” and the “fun experience combining water sports with tasting.” It’s best for active travelers looking for something out of the ordinary.
Bottom line: An adventurous, scenic experience combining water, nature, and local treats.

How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Vancouver

When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If craft beer is your main focus, the Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour offers VIP access and a well-rounded experience. For a lively night, the Gastown Pub Crawl provides an affordable, social option with plenty of time to mingle.

If you’re into urban art and local brews, the Street Art and Craft Beer Walking Tour blends culture and tasting beautifully.

For adventure lovers, the heli-tours and water-based experiences like jet skiing and helicopter rides create unforgettable memories. Remember to book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

Vancouver offers a surprising variety of drinking tours that cater to every taste—from craft brewery explorations and hearty pub crawls to art-inspired and scenic helicopter adventures.

For those seeking a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at local breweries, the Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour is a standout. If you’re more interested in socializing and night life, the Gastown Pub Crawl promises a fun-filled evening.

And for thrill-seekers, the helicopter and jet ski options deliver extraordinary scenery and unique tasting experiences.

No matter your style or budget, Vancouver’s drinking tours guarantee memorable moments—just remember to book ahead to secure your preferred experience.