Calgary Brewery Tour

REVIEW · CALGARY

Calgary Brewery Tour

  • 4.04 reviews
  • 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • From $89.71
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Operated by Canadian Craft Tours · Bookable on Viator

Beer and a driver, built for fun.

This Calgary Brewery Tour is a straightforward 3.5-hour loop built around three brewery stops and a included flight of beer samples at each one. I like the tight structure: you’re not hunting for places, and you’re guided from stop to stop. I also like that the experience is set up for variety—expect to sample a mix that can include things like IPAs and lagers, not just one style.

The main drawback to consider is time. With three stops and about 45 minutes at each, you’ll want to pace yourself—especially if you’re the kind of person who could happily linger over one beer.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Tour

Calgary Brewery Tour - Key Things You’ll Notice on This Tour

  • Three breweries, one route, no stress: you get a clear plan for the afternoon without figuring out transit between stops
  • Flight sampling at all 3 stops: you’ll receive a beer tasting flight at each brewery
  • Small group size (max 14): enough people to feel lively, not so many you lose the guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle: a real comfort boost on warm days in Calgary
  • Guide touches that make the drive better: the host Conner is specifically praised for beer know-how and pointing out local sights

A Simple Calgary Beer Plan That Doesn’t Feel Forced

Here’s what makes this tour work for most people: it’s built like a good evening out. You start with a set meeting point, get into an air-conditioned vehicle, and then you spend your time where it counts—at breweries—rather than commuting or searching.

The tour format also keeps you from overthinking your choices. Craft beer can be intimidating if you’re not sure what you like. This tour leans into tasting instead of committing. You’re given one flight per stop, so you can compare styles and pick up clues about what you should order next time.

It’s also not the kind of experience where you’re locked into lectures. You’re in each location long enough to get a feel for the space and talk with staff, then you roll to the next stop.

You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in Calgary

Price and What Your $89.71 Covers (And What It Doesn’t)

Calgary Brewery Tour - Price and What Your $89.71 Covers (And What It Doesn’t)
At $89.71 per person, the big value piece is that the tour includes three beer flights total—one flight at each of the three breweries. That turns what could be an expensive “just pay for drinks” outing into something with clear structure.

You should also know what’s not included:

  • Gratuity
  • Hotel pick-up

So if you want door-to-door convenience, you’ll likely need to make it to the meeting point on your own. The good news is the tour ends back where it starts, which makes it easier to plan dinner afterward.

Getting Started at Fairfield by Marriott (And Why That Matters)

Calgary Brewery Tour - Getting Started at Fairfield by Marriott (And Why That Matters)
Your day begins at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown, at 239 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1H7. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out your return.

This setup is practical for two reasons:

  1. You don’t need to track a moving pickup location.
  2. You can pair the tour with an easy post-beer plan nearby—especially if you’re already staying downtown.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is listed as offered in English. Confirmation happens at booking, and the group max is 14 travelers, which usually means you won’t feel lost in a crowd.

Bow River Brewing: Tap List Variety and Seasonal Options

Calgary Brewery Tour - Bow River Brewing: Tap List Variety and Seasonal Options
Stop 1 is Bow River Brewing, and the reason it’s a smart first stop is variety. They’ve got 8 beers on tap and offer a mix of seasonal beers, so your included flight isn’t just repeating the same style.

What you’ll likely enjoy most here is comparison. When a brewery has a lineup that spans different seasonal choices, you can get a feel for how their flavor range changes with the time of year. If you like IPAs, you’ll probably find something that fits. If you prefer smoother, lighter drinking beers, seasonal lagers and similar styles may be more up your alley.

One more practical tip: if you’re unsure what you like, this is the place to experiment. Early in the tour, you’re fresher—and you can still adjust your picks for later stops.

OT Brewing Company: A Brand With a Conversation Starter

Calgary Brewery Tour - OT Brewing Company: A Brand With a Conversation Starter
Stop 2 is OT Brewing Company. Their vibe is framed around being present and enjoying a good brew, with a playful nod in their message about what the two-letter name might mean.

In plain terms, this is often where the atmosphere shifts a bit. The tour’s first stop sets the tasting bar; the second stop tends to feel more social. You’re still on a schedule, but you’re also getting a break from the drinking-drinking checklist mindset. You’re encouraged to slow down and enjoy the beer you’re holding instead of treating the flight like a task.

If you’re traveling with friends who have different preferences—one into hoppy styles, another who just wants something smooth—this stop can work well. The “no pressure, just enjoy” tone makes it easier to enjoy the moment even if your pal orders something totally different.

A few more Calgary tours and experiences worth a look

Born Brewing Co.: Where Beer Meets Local Storytelling

Calgary Brewery Tour - Born Brewing Co.: Where Beer Meets Local Storytelling
Stop 3 is Born Brewing Co. Their message is about connecting with Calgary and creating a space where people share laughs and stories. They also describe it as a place for strangers to become friends over good brews.

That matters because breweries can feel like either:

  • a tasting room you pass through fast, or
  • a hangout you remember.

The way Born is described suggests you’re more likely to leave with that second type of memory. Even if you stick to your favorite styles, the atmosphere here is meant to make conversation easier. And the idea of writing your own story fits the overall tour theme: yes, you’re sampling beer, but you’re also stepping into a place with personality.

This is a good last stop. By then, you’ve learned what you like. So you can either savor the final flight or, if you want to keep it simple, use the time to enjoy the space without overthinking.

The Drive Between Stops: Comfort, Local Sight Points, and Small-Group Flow

Calgary Brewery Tour - The Drive Between Stops: Comfort, Local Sight Points, and Small-Group Flow
A tour like this lives or dies on the in-between time. Calgary traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s smart that you’re in an air-conditioned vehicle. Even if the weather is nice, you’ll be thankful to cool down between stops.

The group size—up to 14 travelers—also helps. It makes it easier to hear what’s being said, and it’s easier for the guide to manage the timing.

One detail that stands out from the tour experience is the host named Conner. He’s praised for being knowledgeable about the beers and for pointing out places of interest while driving around. That kind of commentary turns the ride from dead time into part of the story of the afternoon.

Getting the Most Out of Your Three Beer Flights

Calgary Brewery Tour - Getting the Most Out of Your Three Beer Flights
Here’s how I’d plan your drinking so you enjoy the day instead of rushing it.

Start with curiosity, not certainty. Use the first flight to figure out what you actually like today. Do you want hop-forward beers or something lighter and cleaner? Are you into darker styles or crisp lagers? Bow River gives you a good baseline with that lineup and seasonal angle.

Keep a steady pace. You only have about 45 minutes per stop. That means you’ll want to sample, talk, and reset without getting stuck on one beer too long.

Ask staff for quick guidance. Since each stop includes a flight, staff can usually point out what a beer is like in one sentence. That helps you decide which pour you’d choose if you came back later.

Hydrate and plan a food move. The tour includes alcohol, but there’s no mention of food being included. If you’re hungry, consider eating something light before you go. Then you can still enjoy a proper meal after the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour fits you if:

  • you want three brewery stops without doing the planning
  • you like craft beer variety (and styles like IPAs and lagers)
  • you enjoy a guided, small-group experience rather than a big bus
  • you want a fun activity that ends where it starts, handy for dinner plans

It might be less ideal if you’re looking for a deep, slow brewery day with unlimited time at each location. The schedule is friendly, but it’s not a day-long wandering crawl.

Should You Book This Calgary Brewery Tour?

If you’re visiting Calgary and want a craft beer afternoon that’s organized and easy, I think you’ll be happy with this one. The value centers on the three included flights and the fact that the ride and timing are handled for you. The tour also sounds like it has a good host energy—especially if you get a guide like Conner, who’s noted for pairing beer knowledge with local sight points.

Book it if you want a compact, social way to sample Calgary beer and leave with a few clear favorites. Skip it if you hate schedules or you prefer to spend long, unhurried hours at a single brewery.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Calgary Brewery Tour?

It runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $89.71 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown, 239 12 Ave SW and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

You get one flight of beer samples at each of the 3 breweries, plus an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are hotel pick-ups included?

No, hotel pick-up is not included.

Is gratuity included?

No, gratuity is not included.

What breweries are included?

The tour includes Bow River Brewing, OT Brewing Company, and Born Brewing Co.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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