Ontario isn’t just about its stunning lakes and vibrant cities — it’s also a fantastic place for craft beer enthusiasts. With a diverse range of breweries, from historic buildings to modern urban taprooms, Ontario offers plenty of ways to sample the local brew scene. We especially love the Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario for their musical twist and scenic back-road journey, and the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour for its hands-on tastings and local charm. Each offers a different window into Ontario’s growing craft beer culture, making it easier to choose the right trip for your interests.
If you’re curious about what’s out there, we’ve put together a list of the best brewery tours in Ontario. From budget-friendly quick visits to more immersive experiences, these tours show what makes Ontario’s craft beer scene so special. Whether you want a laid-back tasting or a longer, more detailed tour, there’s something here for every beer lover.
1. Locol Brewery Tours in Ontario
The Southsider Tour is a lively mix of music, history, and craft beer, set along the picturesque back roads of Norfolk County. This tour is highly rated — 5.0/5 with 8 reviews — and offers a rich, engaging experience for those who want more than just tastings. At around $111.35 per person for about 4.5 hours, it’s a good value considering the full package.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of entertainment and education. Your guide will explain what makes each brewery’s beers unique, all while you enjoy music and onboard games. The itinerary includes stops at Flux Brewing Co., where you can taste 10 different beers; Wishbone Brewing Co., the newest brewery; New Limburg Brewing Company, which uses a traditional German approach; and the Charlotteville Brewing Company, housed in historic barns. The tour starts at McGonagalls Pub in Brantford, making it easy to access.
This tour is perfect for those who love scenic drives, lively storytelling, and trying a variety of beers. The inclusion of free admission at each stop and the relaxed pace make it a worthwhile choice. If you enjoy a bit of music with your beer and discovering local stories, this is your pick.
Bottom line: A fun, music-filled journey through Norfolk’s breweries with a good mix of tasting and entertainment.
2. Brewery Tour
At number 2, the Brewery Tour in Kenora offers a quick but unique peek into Ontario’s northern craft beer scene. For just $23.70 per person, you get an approximately 45-minute behind-the-scenes visit to the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company — Ontario’s northernmost brewery.
What makes this tour special is its focus on historic buildings and hands-on experience. Visitors get to sample beer directly from the tanks and even ring the old fire bell of the Kenora fire hall. The brewery itself is a heritage site, and the tour highlights how they craft beer using just four ingredients: water, malt, yeast, and hops. This intimate experience is perfect for those interested in local brewing traditions and crafting process insights.
The tour begins at 2:00 pm, giving ample time for a relaxed visit. It’s a shorter experience but packed with authentic details about Ontario’s craft beer history. The guide’s passion for the local brewing scene shines through, making it a genuinely engaging visit.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, authentic look at a heritage brewery and enjoy sampling fresh beer directly from the tanks.
3. Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour
Number 3 on our list is the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour, a four-hour adventure for those wanting a more comprehensive, guided experience. For about $109.82 per person, this tour covers three different breweries, each with its own vibe and specialties.
The Beer Bus guides you through Endswell Brewing, where you taste four 5-ounce samples and learn about the area’s brewing evolution. Next, you visit Collingwood Brewery, which often features food trucks outside, making it easy to pair your beer with a casual snack or lunch. The final stop is Side Launch Brewing Company, where you’ll enjoy a final flight and learn about their brewing process, often accompanied by live music.
This tour emphasizes local flavor and variety, giving you a well-rounded taste of Collingwood’s craft beer scene. The guided tasting experiences are informative, and the leisurely pace allows you to soak in the atmosphere at each stop. The inclusion of live music and food trucks provides a relaxed, social vibe.
Ideal for visitors who want a detailed, social, and immersive experience with multiple stops and a bit of entertainment along the way.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a guided, multi-brewery day with plenty of tastings and a sociable atmosphere.
$23.70 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a lively, entertainment-heavy experience with scenic views, the Locol Brewery Tours is a top pick. For a quick, authentic look at a heritage brewery, the Lake of the Woods Brewery visit is ideal. If you prefer multiple breweries with a guided, relaxed day, then the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour suits you best.
Think about whether you’re interested in music and games, learning about traditional brewing, or sampling multiple craft beers in one day. Also, consider booking early — especially for the more popular tours — to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Ontario offers a rich variety of brewery tours for every type of beer lover. If you’re after a fun, energetic experience, the Locol Brewery Tours deliver with their lively atmosphere and scenic route. For a more intimate, educational visit, the Lake of the Woods Brewery provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into northern brewing traditions. And for those who want a full day of guided tastings and local flavor, the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Brewery Tour hits the mark.
No matter which tour you pick, booking early is wise — Ontario’s craft beer scene is booming, and these experiences tend to fill quickly. So gather your friends, choose your adventure, and get ready to toast to Ontario’s excellent brewing culture.