REVIEW · CALGARY
Calgary: Brewery Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Canadian Craft Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Three breweries in a short afternoon. That mix of beer flights and behind-the-scenes access makes this Calgary stop feel like you’re getting the full story, not just the samples.
What I like most is that the format is simple: you taste widely (from lagers to stouts), and you learn why the beer tastes the way it does, with a guide who keeps the mood light. One thing to consider: meals aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan food around the tour window.
In This Review
- Key things you’ll remember from this Calgary beer tour
- Calgary craft beer in a tight 3-hour format
- Getting to the pickup spot without stress
- How the beer flights work across three breweries
- The behind-the-scenes stop: what all-access usually adds
- Reserved seating and pre-booked venues that keep the pace fair
- Transportation and tour rules you should know
- Price and value: what $87 buys you in real terms
- What you’ll learn (and how to use it during the tasting)
- Who should book this Calgary brewery tour
- Who might want to choose a different plan
- Should you book the Calgary Brewery Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Calgary Brewery Tour?
- How much does the tour cost?
- How many breweries do you visit?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are meals included?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What should I bring?
- What are the age and ID requirements?
Key things you’ll remember from this Calgary beer tour
- 12 styles, from lagers to stouts in a flight format that’s easy to compare
- All-access behind-the-scenes time at one brewery for how it’s made
- Three Calgary craft breweries packed into roughly 3 to 3.5 hours
- Reserved seating at pre-booked venues so you’re not hunting tables
- Connor as host and driver, bringing personality and beer talk to the ride
Calgary craft beer in a tight 3-hour format
This is the kind of brewery tour that respects your time. You’re covering three breweries in about 3 to 3.5 hours, which is great if you want variety without turning your day into a full-day mission.
The trade-off is obvious: you won’t linger for hours at any single stop. That’s not a dealbreaker, though, because the pacing is part of the experience—taste, learn, move on, repeat—so you leave with a bigger picture of Calgary beer than you’d get from just one brewery.
You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in Calgary
Getting to the pickup spot without stress
The tour starts with a convenient pickup outside Fairfield Inn and Suites at 239 12 Ave SW. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for orientation, since you’ll want to get settled before the group heads out.
Your guide will be easy to spot: a black shirt with the Canadian Craft Tours logo on the front. It’s a small detail, but it saves time when you’re standing outside with a camera and a half-dozen thoughts racing through your head.
Bring comfortable shoes (you’ll be on your feet), water (staying hydrated helps you enjoy the whole flight), and a camera if you want brewery photos. And keep your photo ID handy, since the tour requires it.
How the beer flights work across three breweries
You’ll enjoy beer flights featuring 12 different styles, ranging from lagers to stouts. That wide spread matters because it lets you compare styles side-by-side rather than committing to one “safe” beer and calling it a day.
The best part of a flight format is control. If you’re curious but not sure where your tastes will land, flights let you try more without going too hard on any one pour. If you’re a hop head, a malt fan, or a stout lover, you’ll likely find at least a couple styles that click.
And because the tour is built around three local craft breweries, you also get a feel for each place’s approach. The goal isn’t just to drink—it’s to notice differences in ingredients, process, and balance. You’ll get just enough education to make the tasting more meaningful than “this one’s good.”
The behind-the-scenes stop: what all-access usually adds
One of the breweries includes an all-access, behind-the-scenes look. This is the moment that turns the tour from a tasting crawl into a “how it works” experience.
Even without getting too technical, learning the basic brewing process helps you understand why breweries make certain choices. For example, you can start noticing how fermentation time, temperature, and yeast character influence flavor. You’ll also hear about the history of beer in Calgary, which gives the local beer scene a sense of place rather than treating it like a generic craft trend.
A tour guide also plays a huge role here. In the experience details, you’ll hear presentations from your Beer Geek, and the vibe is meant to be fun as well as informative. From the feedback, the host—Connor—stands out for keeping things lively while sharing beer knowledge and humor.
Reserved seating and pre-booked venues that keep the pace fair
This tour is built around pre-booked venues with reserved seating at each brewery. That sounds minor until you’re in a city where taprooms can get crowded and seating feels like a game of chance.
Reserved spots mean you’re more likely to spend your time tasting and listening instead of waiting. It also makes it easier for the group to move through each brewery on schedule, which keeps the whole tour flowing smoothly.
A few more Calgary tours and experiences worth a look
Transportation and tour rules you should know
Transportation is included, which is a big value point for this kind of short itinerary. It saves you from juggling rideshare logistics between three stops, especially if you’re visiting from out of town.
There are also a couple rules that keep things safe and organized. Alcoholic drinks aren’t allowed in the vehicle, so plan on getting your drinks only at the breweries as part of the flights. And since the tour is for adults—participants must be at least 18—you’ll want to bring your valid photo ID.
If you’re the type who likes to plan ahead, pack water anyway. Even though you’ll be offered beer, hydration helps you enjoy every pour and makes the learning parts more fun instead of fuzzy.
Price and value: what $87 buys you in real terms
At $87 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for more than beer. You’re getting:
- visits to three craft breweries
- beer flights built around 12 styles
- behind-the-scenes access at one brewery
- transportation between stops
- reserved seating at each venue
If you priced this out on your own, you’d likely spend time coordinating rides, paying for tasting fees separately, and hoping you can sit down when you want to. Here, the tour handles the hard parts: timing, pickup, seat management, and the tasting lineup.
Also, the price makes sense for variety. A single brewery tasting might give you a good start, but this adds two more breweries and a broader flight lineup, so you end up learning more about Calgary’s craft scene per hour.
What you’ll learn (and how to use it during the tasting)
The tour is designed to be educational without turning into a lecture. You’ll learn about the brewing process and the history of beer in Calgary, and you’ll hear it through a guided presentation from your Beer Geek.
The practical payoff is simple: you start tasting with questions in mind. Is this style driven by hops or malt? Does the finish feel crisp like a lager, or heavier like a stout? Are you noticing yeast-driven flavors? Even if you’re not a brewing nerd, that kind of framing makes your tastings more enjoyable.
You’ll also be exposed to new releases from Calgary breweries. That matters because it keeps the tasting from feeling like it’s stuck in the past. One brewery may highlight crisp, approachable styles, while another might lean into darker, roasty flavors—so you get a snapshot of what’s happening now.
Who should book this Calgary brewery tour
This tour is a strong pick if you want:
- a guided way to see multiple breweries without planning logistics
- a flight-based tasting so you can try a lot without overcommitting
- a bit of local context about brewing and Calgary’s beer culture
It’s especially good for couples, friends, and solo visitors who like structure. You’ll be in a group setting with a host who keeps the energy up, and you’ll have reserved seating so you don’t lose momentum hunting for a place to sit.
Who might want to choose a different plan
This one isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments, based on the tour’s suitability information.
If you’re hoping for a full meal included, you’ll also be disappointed—meals aren’t part of the package. Plan food before or after, and consider eating something light before you start tasting.
Finally, if you want a super slow, long-stay brewery experience, the quick pacing may feel a little fast. The format is built for variety and movement, not lingering.
Should you book the Calgary Brewery Tour?
If you’re visiting Calgary and you want a high-value way to sample craft beer across multiple breweries, I’d book this. The combination of three breweries, a 12-style flight lineup, reserved seating, and an actual behind-the-scenes moment makes the time feel well spent.
I’d skip it only if you’re specifically looking for a meal-included outing, need accessibility accommodations, or you prefer a slow one-brewery deep dive instead of a quick comparison across styles. For most people who want great beer plus local context, this hits the sweet spot.
FAQ
How long is the Calgary Brewery Tour?
The tour duration is listed as 3 hours, and the experience description also notes it runs about 3.5 hours.
How much does the tour cost?
The price is $87 per person.
How many breweries do you visit?
You visit 3 Calgary craft breweries during the tour.
What’s included in the price?
It includes visits to 3 breweries, beer flights at each brewery, a behind-the-scenes tour at one brewery, transportation, and reserved seating.
Are meals included?
No. Meals are not included.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is outside Fairfield Inn and Suites at 239 12 Ave SW, Calgary.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a camera and water.
What are the age and ID requirements?
Participants must be at least 18 years old, and a valid photo ID is required.
