A 5:00 pm start makes it easy to taste your way south. This Quebec craft beer tour strings together three local breweries with behind-the-scenes stops, plus a real dinner, all with pickup from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. I like the tight timing (about 4 hours) and the clear “tasting-forward” plan—no awkward waiting around.

My second big win is the guide energy. One guest called out guide Brandon for making sure they felt included even if their French was limited, and that kind of hosting matters when you’re in a new place and trying beer with strangers.

One consideration: it’s a night tour, so dress for evening weather and be ready to walk around each brewery a bit. You’ll be moving, sipping, and eating—so pack light and keep it comfortable.

Key things to know before you go

• Three breweries, one smooth route: Hull to Gallicus to Old Aylmer, with round-trip transport included.
• 12 beer tastings planned: Expect multiple tasting pours, not just a couple of sips.
• Backstage brewing tours: You’ll see production areas, not only tasting rooms.
• Dinner is part of the program: Burger meal plus homemade chips, with vegetarian/vegan option.
• Small group size: Maximum 14 travelers, which helps with questions and pacing.
• English offered: The tour is listed as available in English.

Why This Quebec Craft Beer Tour Works So Well in About 4 Hours

This is the kind of tour that respects your evening. You start at 5:00 pm, and you’re back on the Ottawa/Gatineau side after roughly 4 hours. That matters because it turns a “we should do something fun” night into a scheduled plan with transportation taken care of.

The structure is also practical. You’re not just handed a flight and told good luck. Each stop includes tasting time plus a production-area look, so you can connect what you’re drinking to how it’s made. And since you’re getting snacks on the minibus, the night doesn’t feel like a string of awkward gaps between meals.

The price—$99.15 per person—is easier to swallow when you treat it as a bundle: multiple tastings, guided tours, and dinner, plus round-trip pickup. If you’re the type who likes craft beer but hates “figure it out yourself” logistics, this format is a good fit.

Getting Picked Up in Ottawa and Gatineau Without a Headache

Pickup is offered from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, with round-trip transportation included. You don’t have to hunt for a van at an exact minute either. You’ll get an email with a pickup time (typically within a 10-minute window) sent about 45 minutes before the tour begins.

That email will also include useful tips on what to bring and what to expect. The tour uses a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you don’t want another piece of paper to manage.

One more practical note: the tour is listed as near public transportation. Even if you’re not using the pickup, the area should be workable if you’re coming from somewhere else in Ottawa or Gatineau.

Stop 1 in Hull: À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale and Dinner at the Brew House

Your first stop is À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale in Hull. This is where the night kicks off with both beer and food—an underrated start for a tasting tour.

You’ll be served 4 tastings, then sit down for dinner: a pulled pork burger, homemade chips, and a garden salad. Vegetarian and vegan options are available for the meal, so you’re not stuck with the sad “bread and water” alternative that sometimes shows up on food-and-beer tours.

Why this stop works: dinner early keeps the pacing sane. If you start with only sips, some people end up over-ordering later. Here, you get sustenance right when the tasting excitement is highest, which helps you actually enjoy the later brewery tours.

Possible drawback: because dinner is included and part of the first hour, you’ll want to arrive on time for pickup. The flow depends on everyone landing together.

Stop 2 at Brasserie Artisanale Gallicus: Oak-Barrel Beers and a Production Room Tour

Next up is Brasserie Artisanale Gallicus. This is the stop for beer nerd curiosity. You’ll get another 4 tastings, plus a private tour of their production room.

Gallicus is known for using oak barrels, and the tour style here leans into how innovation affects the beer you taste. If you’ve ever wondered why one brewery’s flavors feel rounder or more complex, oak aging and barrel choices are often the reason.

What I like about this stop from a traveler’s point of view: the production-room tour turns your tasting into a “connected” experience. You taste, then you get context. That makes your favorite beer feel less random and more explainable.

One caution: barrel-forward beers can run bolder and more aromatic. If you don’t love strong wood or vanillin notes, don’t panic—ask the guide which tasting to start with.

Stop 3 in Old Aylmer: 5e Baron Microbrasserie for a Relaxed Brew Room Moment

The final stop is 5e Baron – Microbrasserie, located in the heart of the Old Aylmer community. This is where the energy usually shifts from “listen and learn” to “slow down and enjoy.”

You’ll get 2 tastings, plus a full beer here, along with a behind-the-scenes tour of the brew room. In other words, you’re not only sampling—you’re also getting time to settle into the place and reflect on what you liked earlier.

Why this stop matters: the tour includes both a tastings portion and a bigger pour, so it’s a good ending for people who want one last “keeper” beer before heading back. The Old Aylmer setting also helps the whole tour feel like more than three indoor stops in a row.

The Real Value: 12 Tastings, Snacks in the Minibus, and Dinner That Actually Fills You

This tour is clearly built around the drinking part, but it doesn’t forget the food.

You’re included for 12 beer tastings across the night, and you also get dinner: a smash burger and homemade chips. Vegetarian and vegan options are available for the meal, and there’s also unlimited snacks in the minibus.

That combo is the value sweet spot. It keeps the night balanced. Beer tasting tours can easily turn into a “just get through it” mission when you’re hungry. Here, the tour design gives you fuel and snacks, so you stay comfortable enough to enjoy the tours and ask questions.

Another practical advantage: with transportation handled, you don’t have to worry about calling rides or parking while tasting. You can focus on tasting and learning, not logistics.

Group Size and Guide Energy: What You’ll Feel on the Bus

The group is capped at 14 travelers, which changes the vibe. Small groups move faster, but they also make it easier to talk to the guide and other people. It’s also more likely you’ll feel part of the group instead of floating on the edge.

The guide role is a standout. In one case, guide Brandon was specifically praised for enthusiastically involving a guest who didn’t understand French. That tells me the guide likely works to keep English-speaking participants engaged, not just passive listeners.

My advice: if you’re even a little unsure about the tasting terms or brewery jargon, this is a tour where it pays to ask. The format is built around explanation, not silence.

Timing and Comfort: How to Prepare for a 5:00 pm Craft Beer Night

Because this is a 5:00 pm start, you’ll be out for a few hours during evening temps. One guest even mentioned that cold didn’t stop the fun in the National Capital Region. So yes—pack layers.

Think about comfort in two ways:

• Wear shoes you’re happy to stand and walk in during brewery tours.
• Bring a light layer for the ride and waiting moments.

You’ll have unlimited snacks on the minibus, but you still want to be hydrated and ready to enjoy all the tastings.

How to Decide If This Tour Fits Your Beer Style

This tour suits you if:

• You like craft beer and want a guided tasting plan, not a random brewery crawl.
• You want production-room access (even if you’re not a full-on brewing expert).
• You’d rather pay for structure than spend your evening coordinating rides and timing.

It might not be your best match if:

• You prefer a long, slow tasting with a lot of free time at one brewery.
• You want a tour with minimal drinking. This is built to taste heavily over multiple stops.

Also, note it’s offered in English, and most travelers can participate. If you’re visiting from elsewhere and don’t speak French, you’ll likely feel more confident with an actively engaged guide.

Should You Book This Quebec Craft Beer Tour?

Yes—if you want a fun, structured craft beer night without planning chaos. The biggest reason I’d book it: you get three breweries, backstage tours, 12 tastings, and dinner, all tied together with round-trip transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau.

It’s also a smart choice if you’re visiting the region and want to see craft brewing beyond just one stop. The mix of Hull, Gallicus, and Old Aylmer adds variety in both beer styles and atmosphere.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you like tours where the schedule is real and the guide helps you enjoy every stop? If your answer is yes, this one is a strong pick.

FAQ

What time does the Quebec Craft Beer Tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 5:00 pm and lasts about 4 hours (approx.).

Is pickup offered from Ottawa and Gatineau?

Yes. You get round-trip transportation from downtown Ottawa & Gatineau, and you’ll receive an email with your pickup time (typically within a 10-minute window) about 45 minutes before the tour starts.

What breweries are included?

You’ll visit À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale (Hull), Brasserie Artisanale Gallicus, and 5e Baron – Microbrasserie.

How many beer tastings are included?

The tour includes 12 beer tastings in total, plus beer service at each stop as part of the tasting schedule.

What food is included with the beer tastings?

Dinner is included, with a Smash burger and homemade chips. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Snacks are also included in the minibus.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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