Ontario is a fantastic place for drinking tours. It’s not just about wine — although Ontario’s wine scene is impressive — but also about craft beer, local spirits, and even maple syrup combined with beer tasting. What makes these tours stand out is their authentic approach: visiting small-scale breweries, exploring historic buildings, and learning about local flavors directly from the creators. We especially love the Locol Brewery Tours for their musical twist and back-road charm, and the Guided Craft Beer Tour in Niagara for its lively exploration of Ontario’s beer scene in a scenic region. Whether you’re a beer novice or an aficionado, Ontario’s diverse options won’t disappoint.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of brewery tours, specialized tasting experiences, and combo tours that include maple syrup and craft beer. Whether you prefer a relaxed 4-hour brewery crawl or a full-day maple syrup and beer experience, each offers unique insights and flavors. For detailed descriptions, see the individual tours below.
1. Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario
At number 1, Locol Brewery Tours stands out for its lively blend of music, learning, and craft beer tasting. The Southsider Tour is a 4.5-hour journey along Norfolk County’s back roads, where you’ll visit four breweries, each with its own character. This tour’s uniqueness comes from its fun, interactive approach: expect music, en route games, and engaging commentary from your guide, who will explain what makes each beer distinct, from Flux Brewing Co. to Charlotteville Brewing Company. The tour includes sample flights at each stop, with 10 beers to choose from at Flux, and free admission to the breweries.
The guide’s knowledge and the small-group atmosphere make this a favorite for those who want to learn about craft beer production while enjoying a laid-back ride through the countryside. The price of around $111.35 per person is quite reasonable given the 4.5-hour duration and four stops, making it ideal for anyone wanting a mix of education and entertainment. The highlight is the Flux Brewing Co. fight of beers, offering a real tasting adventure.
Bottom line: If you love music, craft beer, and a relaxed social vibe, this tour offers a fun, comprehensive experience that’s hard to beat.
2. Guided Craft Beer Tour in Niagara
Number 2 on our list is the Guided Craft Beer Tour in Niagara, a 4-hour adventure that combines beer tasting with scenic views of the Niagara region. This tour is perfect for those who want more than just drinking — you’ll visit well-known breweries like Niagara College Teaching Brewery, The Exchange Brewery, and Silversmith Brewing Company. Each stop provides a flight of beers and an insight into the brewing process. The tour also offers a glimpse of Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, making it ideal for travelers wanting a bit of sightseeing.
The tour is praised for its friendly hosts, variety of beers, and the educational component about craft beer. For around $103.93, you get a guided experience that includes sample flights, a relaxing outdoor patio, and the chance to learn about Ontario’s craft beer industry firsthand. One reviewer called it an “amazing time,” highlighting the quality of the beer and the friendly guide.
Bottom line: This tour offers great value for anyone wanting a scenic, educational, and tasty day in Niagara.
3. Brewery Tour
Number 3 is a more intimate and affordable option: the Brewery Tour at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company in Kenora. Priced at just $23.70, it’s a 45-minute behind-the-scenes experience at Ontario’s northernmost brewery. It includes tasting beer directly from the tanks and ringing the fire bell of the old Kenora fire hall — a fun, hands-on touch. This tour is perfect for history buffs and beer lovers who want a quick but memorable experience.
What makes this tour special is its focus on Ontario’s craft beer heritage in a heritage building. The tour guide shares insights into the brewing process and local history, giving you a personal touch. It’s ideal for a short visit or as part of a larger trip exploring Northern Ontario. Reviewers appreciate the informative tour and the opportunity to sample beer directly from the tanks.
Bottom line: If you’re visiting Kenora and want a quick, fun, behind-the-scenes look at a local brewery, this offers great value and a memorable experience.
4. Guided Sugar Bush Tour and Beer Tasting from Toronto
For something uniquely Canadian, the Guided Sugar Bush Tour and Beer Tasting from Toronto ranks at number 4. It’s a full-day experience, lasting about 7.5 hours, combining a maple syrup tour with craft beer tasting. You’ll visit a working sugar shack, sample raw sap, maple taffy, and indulge in a pancake breakfast. You also explore a sugar museum and taste award-winning maple syrup grades. Afterward, you visit the GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co. for a guided tasting flight of their sustainable beers.
This tour is perfect for families or history enthusiasts who want to experience Canadian traditions along with local craft beer. The $176.24 price includes all tastings, breakfast, and transportation. The tour’s educational aspect — with a certified Maple Syrup Grader leading the way — elevates it beyond a simple tasting. One reviewer called it an “amazing experience,” highlighting the diverse activities and authentic maple syrup samples.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in Canadian food traditions and want to combine that with beer, this is a fun, full-day option.
$176.24 per person
5. Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour
Our final pick is the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour, a 4-hour excursion that’s perfect for local beer lovers. The Beer Bus takes you to three breweries: Endswell Beer, Collingwood Brewery, and Side Launch Brewing. Each stop offers guided tastings with about 4 five-ounce samples per stop. The tour focuses on small breweries and local flavors, with the guide sharing insights into the regional beer scene.
While this tour currently has no reviews, it’s designed for relaxed tasting and learning about local brewing traditions. It’s a good choice for those exploring Collingwood and Blue Mountain or looking for a laid-back, educational outing. The price is around $109.82, and it includes transportation and guided samples, making it decent value for a half-day tour.
Bottom line: This is ideal if you want to explore Ontario’s craft beer scene close to ski resorts or lakes, without a long commitment.
$23.70 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour
When picking among these tours, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. If you love music and countryside, the Locol Brewery Tours is a lively choice. For scenic beauty combined with educational tasting, the Niagara craft beer tour may suit you best. If you’re curious about Northern Ontario breweries, the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company offers a quick, behind-the-scenes look. For an authentic Canadian experience, the sugar bush and beer tour combines food and drink traditions. Lastly, for local flavor near Blue Mountain, the Collingwood Brewery Tour gives a laid-back, regional experience.
Booking early is always smart, especially for tours with limited availability or that are popular during peak seasons like summer or fall.
Final Thoughts
Ontario offers a diverse range of drinking tours. Whether you want a musical countryside cruise, a scenic Niagara adventure, or a culinary Canadian experience with maple syrup, there’s something for every taste. For beer lovers, the Locol Brewery Tours provide a lively, engaging day, while the Niagara craft beer tour offers a scenic, educational journey. If you’re interested in Northern Ontario’s brewing scene, the Lake of the Woods tour is a hidden gem.
For those seeking a full Canadian experience, the sugar bush tour combines maple syrup with beer tastings, making it a memorable outing. Travelers who want to explore local breweries near ski resorts will find the Collingwood Brewery Tour appealing. No matter your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these authentic Ontario experiences.