Calgary: Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues

Planning a visit to Calgary and looking to get a real taste of its vibrant craft beer scene? This tour might just be your perfect pick. While I haven’t personally tried this tour, I’ve gone through the details and reviews, and it’s clear that it offers a thoughtful, fun, and educational experience for beer lovers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just someone who appreciates a good brew, this tour aims to deliver a memorable mix of flavor, knowledge, and local charm.

What really caught our eye are the knowledgeable guides—who are often beer judging students or certified cicerones—and the fact that all stops are award-winning breweries. Plus, the inclusion of transportation makes it easy to relax and focus on tasting without stressing about planning logistics. But, as with any experience, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, like the focus on beer and the age restrictions. Still, for those who want an insider’s look at Calgary’s craft beer scene, this tour hits many of the right notes.

One possible drawback is that food isn’t included, so if you’re peckish, you’ll want to plan ahead or enjoy the food options at some stops. Plus, this isn’t a family-friendly activity—only those 18 and over are permitted—so it’s more suited to adults who enjoy exploring local breweries and learning a little about beer production.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who value curated experiences, love discovering new beers, and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere. If that sounds like you, keep reading—I’ll break down everything you need to know to decide if this is your ideal Calgary outing.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable professionals, often beer judging students or cicerones, offering insightful commentary.
• Exclusive Access: All brewery stops are award-winning or industry-leading, ensuring top-quality samples and experiences.
• Educational Focus: The tour includes tutorials on evaluating beer, insights into brewing, and history, making it more than just tastings.
• Transportation Included: You won’t need to worry about navigating or parking, as transport is handled, especially for private groups.
• Flexible Options: You can choose a private tour for your group or join a public ‘jump on’ tour with other guests.
• Taste Varieties: Samples include beers made with unique ingredients like beets, flowers, or coffee, and the tour often features a brewery with great food.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into Calgary’s Brewery Tour Experience

The Core Experience

This brewery tour spans roughly 3.5 hours, a nice chunk of time that balances in-depth exploration with comfort. It’s designed to showcase Calgary’s best craft beer through visits to three award-winning breweries situated in different districts across the city. The fact that all stops are selected for their industry recognition means you’re guaranteed to sample beers that have earned accolades, giving you a taste of what Calgary’s brewing community does best.

The tour is quite structured: you’ll visit breweries that have won awards, enjoy beer flights at each stop, and get a behind-the-scenes look with a VIP brewery tour. This isn’t just about drinking—although there’s plenty of that—it’s about understanding the craft, the ingredients, and the stories behind each brew.

The Guides and Their Role

One of the most praised aspects, based on reviews, is the guides’ expertise and humor. Shawn, the guide mentioned in reviews, is described as hilarious, knowledgeable, and attentive. He personalizes the experience by noting preferences and making sure everyone gets the most out of their visit. This personal touch transforms what could be a simple tasting into an engaging, memorable event.

Having guides who are either beer judging students or certified cicerones means you’re in capable hands. They’ll explain the history, ingredients, and brewing processes—valuable info whether you’re a casual drinker or a beer enthusiast. Plus, they lead tutorials on how to evaluate beer, an unexpected bonus that can deepen your appreciation.

The Brewery Stops

Each brewery stop is carefully curated to include award-winning venues. It’s not just about quantity but quality. You’ll get samples of award-winning beers from a variety of styles, possibly including rare or innovative brews. Some reviews mention trying beers brewed with unexpected ingredients—like coffee, flowers, or beets—which shows the variety and creativity present in Calgary’s craft scene.

The tour includes a stop with excellent food, usually pizza or tapas, giving a nice break and a chance to mingle and discuss your favorites so far. Having this food option enhances the experience, especially if you’re not used to tasting multiple beers in one sitting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistics and Value

Transportation is included—either a custom pickup and drop-off for private groups or shared transportation for the ‘jump on’ tours. This is a major plus, removing the hassle of planning your own transport or parking. The cost of $82 per person is reasonable considering the inclusions: three brewery visits, beer flights, VIP tours, educational talks, exclusive merchandise discounts, and gratuities paid. It’s a package that offers solid value if you enjoy curated, in-depth experiences.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience really suits those who appreciate craft beer and want a deeper understanding of what makes each brew special. It’s perfect for visitors who enjoy social outings, learning about local industries, and tasting unique flavors. The flexible options—private for groups or open to the public—also make it adaptable whether you’re traveling solo or with friends.

If you’re traveling with someone who has specific beer preferences or wants a guided, all-in-one experience, this tour will likely meet your needs. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for children or those uninterested in beer, and food isn’t included unless you choose the stop with food.

What You Get for Your Money

At $82, this tour provides a comprehensive look at Calgary’s brewing scene, along with educational content and guided tastings. The fact that all logistics are handled makes it a stress-free way to explore multiple breweries in a short period. Plus, the exclusive merchandise and discounts are nice perks that add some extra value.

Authentic reviews highlight the personable guides, noting Shawn’s mix of humor and knowledge. Guests also mention the variety of beers—some with surprising ingredients—and the delicious food options, making it clear the tour offers more than just a quick sip at each spot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who loves discovering local breweries, learning about beer production, and enjoying a well-organized tour, Calgary’s Brewery Tour at Award-Winning Venues is a strong choice. It captures the essence of Calgary’s craft scene through carefully selected breweries, expert guides, and a focus on quality over quantity.

While it’s not a tour for those looking to just get drunk or for families with kids, it’s an excellent option for adults wanting a fun, informative, and tasty outing. The combination of education, great beer, and stress-free logistics makes it a smart addition to your Calgary trip.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is part of the package. For private groups, there’s a custom pickup and drop-off, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3.5 hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to sample and learn without feeling rushed.

Can I join a group or do I need to book a private tour?
You have the option to join a public ‘jump on’ tour or book a private experience for your group, depending on your preference.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, this tour is not suitable for children under 18. It’s aimed at adult beer enthusiasts.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers three brewery visits, beer flights, VIP tours, educational talks, exclusive discounts, and gratuity for staff. Food and additional drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just bring your ID or passport. Remember, alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the tour.

Is food available during the tour?
Food isn’t included unless you opt for the stop that features food. The tour does have a stop with delicious pizza, which many guests enjoy.

In all, this Calgary brewery tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience for anyone eager to explore the city’s craft beer scene with the help of great guides, quality breweries, and thoughtful touches that make the time fly by. It’s a solid way to taste, learn, and enjoy Calgary’s brewing talent—all in a relaxed, fun setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: