Calgary: Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues

If you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about Calgary’s thriving craft beer scene, a brewery tour with YYCTOURS offers a rewarding peek into Alberta’s best breweries. For $82 per person, you’ll spend roughly 3.5 hours visiting three distinct breweries, sampling award-winning beers in each location. Guided by knowledgeable and often humorous guides, you’ll learn about beer styles, brewing techniques, and the unique stories behind each venue.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the strong relationships YYCTOURS has with Calgary’s top breweries mean you’ll visit industry leaders and award winners, not just generic stops. Second, the educational component involves VIP tours, beer tastings, and tutorials on how to evaluate a brew — perfect whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newbie.

A potential consideration is that the tour does not include food or additional drinks, so if you’re a big eater or a cocktail lover, you might want to plan extra. Also, it’s best suited for those over 18, given the focus on alcohol consumption and the need for ID. This tour is ideal for groups seeking authentic, behind-the-scenes experiences with craft beer, coupled with a fun, social atmosphere.

Whether you’re visiting Calgary for the first time or a local looking to explore your city’s breweries, this tour appeals to those eager to taste distinct beers, learn about brewing, and enjoy a relaxed social outing. Let’s dive into what makes this experience a true highlight for craft beer lovers.

Key Points

• Award-winning breweries: Visits include some of Calgary’s best, recognized for excellence.
• Educational experience: Learn about beer history, ingredients, and evaluation techniques.
• Personalized guides: Guides are knowledgeable, humorous, and often certified or in training.
• Inclusive logistics: Transportation is provided, with custom pickup and drop-off for private groups.
• Exclusive perks: Guests receive special merchandise and discounts only available to tour participants.
• All costs covered: Food, gratuities, and additional drinks are extra, but the tour itself offers excellent value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at Calgary’s Award-Winning Brewery Tour

We love how this tour combines education and entertainment in equal measure. It’s not just about tasting beer but understanding what makes each brew special. The fact that YYCTOURS is Calgary’s only locally owned brewery tour company adds a layer of authenticity, as they have cultivated strong local relationships with breweries across the city’s districts. This means you won’t be visiting cookie-cutter venues; instead, you’ll explore industry leaders that have earned recognition through awards and quality.

The Itinerary and Brewery Stops

The tour includes three stops, each at a different Calgary brewery, carefully selected for their industry acclaim and quality. Each location offers a chance to sip award-winning beers while enjoying a VIP tour of the brewing process. This behind-the-scenes access is a rare treat, giving you insights into how different breweries craft their signature drinks.

At each stop, you’ll receive beer flights — a selection of small pours designed to showcase each brewery’s best. This approach allows you to sample a variety of styles, from light lagers to dark stouts, with some breweries even featuring beers made with unusual ingredients like beets, flowers, or coffee. One reviewer mentioned how they discovered a liking for dark beers, which is a testament to the diversity of flavors on offer.

The Guide and Atmosphere

Guests consistently praise guides like Shawn for being funny, knowledgeable, and attentive. The guides don’t just talk about beer; they share stories, history, and trivia that enrich your understanding of Calgary’s craft scene. According to reviews, Shawn tailored the experience to individual preferences, whether you’re into lighter beers or darker, more complex brews. This personal touch makes the tour feel relaxed and engaging.

The group size is kept manageable, and transportation is included, allowing everyone to focus on the fun without worrying about logistics. For private groups, the pickup and drop-off are customized, which is a huge convenience for those who want to keep their experience intimate or tailor it further.

The Value of the Experience

Considering the $82 price, the tour offers excellent value. All beer tastings, tips for evaluating beers, expert guidance, and VIP brewery tours are included. The cost also covers gratuities to brewery staff, ensuring everyone involved is appreciated, which is a thoughtful touch.

On top of that, there are exclusive merchandise and discounts available solely for tour guests, giving you a little souvenir of your Calgary brewing adventure. The fact that everything is paid for upfront simplifies the experience, allowing you to simply relax, sip, and enjoy.

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What to Expect from Your Day

The tour generally runs in the afternoon, making it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing or a relaxed weekend activity. You’ll meet outside the Calgary Tower in the designated loading area, but if your group is larger than four, YYCTOURS can arrange pick-up at your accommodation or other convenient location.

Remember to bring your passport or ID as proof of age — definitely a must for any alcohol-related activity. Since the tour does not include food, you may want to plan for a meal afterward, especially if you’re tasting a variety of beers.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Reviews

Guests like Terri from the US describe the tour as “great,” with Shawn making sure everyone had a fantastic time. Amy appreciated that Shawn tailored the tour to her preferences and was impressed by the variety of beers, including those brewed with unconventional ingredients like coffee and flowers. Isaac found the guide hilarious and informative, emphasizing the visit’s fun and friendly atmosphere.

These reviews highlight that this isn’t just a beer-tasting tour — it’s an immersive, engaging experience led by guides who genuinely care about sharing Calgary’s craft beer story.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adults over 18 who are interested in craft beer, enjoy social activities, and appreciate behind-the-scenes access. It’s ideal for beer enthusiasts wanting to deepen their understanding, groups of friends celebrating a special occasion, or even curious travelers wanting a local perspective on Calgary. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet enriching outing that combines education, superb beer, and good company, this fits the bill.

The Sum Up

This Calgary brewery tour by YYCTOURS offers a fantastic balance of education, fun, and authentic craft beer experiences. For just over eighty dollars, you gain access to award-winning breweries, VIP tours, and expert guidance without the hassle of planning logistics yourself. The inclusion of transportation, exclusive discounts, and personalized guides makes it an especially value-packed outing.

If you’re a beer lover or someone looking to explore Calgary’s vibrant brewing scene with a knowledgeable local, this tour delivers great value and memorable moments. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy tasting a variety of flavors while learning about the craftsmanship behind each brew.

Whether you’re visiting Calgary for a short trip or a local eager to discover new favorites, this tour promises a fun, educational, and authentic experience. Prepare to sample some of Alberta’s best beers, enjoy lively conversation, and walk away with a new appreciation for Calgary’s brewing talent.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 3.5 hours, usually in the afternoon, giving ample time to visit three breweries without feeling rushed.

Are transportation arrangements included?
Yes, transportation is provided, with custom pickup and drop-off available for private groups. This makes the experience more comfortable and convenient.

What is the price for the tour?
The tour costs $82 per person, which includes tastings, VIP tours, guide services, gratuities, and exclusive merchandise discounts.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to the focus on alcohol consumption and legal age requirements.

Can I join the tour spontaneously?
Yes, there are options to “jump on” the tour, making it accessible for last-minute plans, but it’s advisable to book in advance via the reservation process.

Are meals or food included?
No, food is not included. Guests can purchase food separately or plan to dine after the tour, especially if sampling multiple beers.

What do I need to bring?
Bring ID or passport to verify legal drinking age. No other special items are necessary, but comfortable shoes and an open mind are recommended.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

In choosing this Calgary brewery tour, you’re not just sampling beers — you’re gaining insights, enjoying authentic local flavors, and supporting some of Alberta’s most talented brewers. Cheers to a memorable exploration of Calgary’s craft beer scene!

You can check availability for your dates here: