REVIEW · MONTREAL
The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by City Brew Tours Montreal · Bookable on Viator
Beer city, neatly packaged.
This is a 3.5-hour way to sample Montreal’s brewing scene without turning your day into a bus schedule. I like the round-trip transfers (you ride in an air-conditioned minivan and don’t worry about parking), and I really like how the tasting stays varied, with snack stops that make it more than just another pour-and-go. One thing to keep in mind: timing can feel a bit fast at each brewery, so if you prefer long hangs at the bar, you may want to plan a second stop on your own after.
On this kind of tour, the guide matters, and recent guides like Violet and Jade have been praised for being fun and sharp on beer styles and local brewing. If you’re the type who wants a relaxed cruise through neighborhoods, you’ll likely enjoy the pacing and the group energy—up to 14 people.
In This Review
- Key things that make the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour worth your time
- Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for
- Meeting point at 1717 Rue Berri: show up ready to roll
- Stop 1: 4 Origines in Pointe-Saint-Charles (or Espace public)
- Stop 2: Benelux brewery in Verdun and the snack break
- Stop 3: Messorem—often the start or finish
- What you taste and how the guide keeps it fun
- Timing reality check: why it can feel a little rushed
- Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)
- Small tips to get more out of every stop
- Should you book the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Do I need to be 18 to join?
- Is it an English tour and do I get a ticket on my phone?
- What if there’s a change to the first brewery stop?
- What happens if the tour can’t run due to low numbers?
Key things that make the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour worth your time

- Round-trip minivan transport from 1717 Rue Berri keeps the day simple
- 3 brewery stops with enough sampling to compare styles and breweries
- Food and snack tastings included, so you’re not just drinking on an empty stomach
- Local-guide storytelling about Montreal’s beer culture, not just brewery facts
- Small group size (max 14) means you can actually talk with your guide and fellow beer lovers
- Breweries may shift by date, including a possible replacement for the first stop
Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour costs $82.61 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes. On paper, that’s not cheap—until you break down what’s included. You’re not paying just for beer. You’re paying for transport (air-conditioned minivan), a local guide, snacks, and alcoholic beverages throughout the tour. That matters in Montreal, where neighborhoods are spread out and brewery hopping can turn into a DIY hassle fast.
You also get a practical setup: a mobile ticket and confirmation within 48 hours (when available). The tour runs in English, and the minimum age is 18+, which keeps things straightforward.
The tour is also capped at 14 travelers, which is a big deal. Smaller groups tend to feel less like cattle and more like a guided afternoon where you can ask questions—especially when the guide is the kind of person who’s happy to talk.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Montreal.
Meeting point at 1717 Rue Berri: show up ready to roll

Your tour starts and ends at 1717 Rue Berri, Montréal, QC H2L 4E9. That round-trip structure is one of the best parts for a first-time visitor. You can arrive, meet your group, and then let someone else handle the routes.
The tour is listed as near public transportation, so even if you’re staying a bit away, you’re not forced into a taxi binge just to get to the pickup.
One small heads-up from real-life experience on tours like this: if you don’t arrive a little early, you can lose time finding the exact pickup spot. Plan to be there early enough to get your bearings fast.
Stop 1: 4 Origines in Pointe-Saint-Charles (or Espace public)

You’ll start (or sometimes end) at 4 Origines – Microbrasserie in Pointe-Saint-Charles. Your time here is about 40 minutes, and the admission ticket is free for tour participants.
Why this stop is interesting: Pointe-Saint-Charles is the kind of neighborhood vibe you want in a “learn the city” tour. It’s Montreal with character, industrial edges, and a brewing culture that feels local rather than tourist-plastered.
There’s also a built-in flexibility. Depending on the date, 4 Origines can be replaced by Espace public. That’s not bad news—it just means you should keep a slightly open mind about the exact brewery. If your heart is set on a specific stop, you might want to double-check after booking what’s scheduled for your date (or be mentally ready for a substitute).
Stop 2: Benelux brewery in Verdun and the snack break

Next comes BENELUX – Brasserie Artisanale, with a stop at the Pub Wellington area in Verdun. This part runs about 45 minutes and includes a visit to the brewhouse, plus a snack.
This stop is a favorite because it’s not just drinking. It’s the moment where the tour turns more social and more food-forward. In particular, one highlight that pops up in feedback is a snack like pretzel with mustard—the kind of pairing that makes beer tasting feel more intentional.
The brewhouse visit is also valuable if you’re curious about how beer gets made, not just what tastes good. Even a short behind-the-scenes look helps you understand the difference between styles later in the day.
A consideration: some people prefer to choose their own beers rather than have the pours selected for them. If you’re picky, ask your guide what’s included and whether you can influence choices during tasting time.
Stop 3: Messorem—often the start or finish

The final brewery stop is Messorem, given as one of the better breweries in Montreal. Your time here is about 40 minutes (admission ticket free).
This stop is often scheduled as the finish—or sometimes the first stop—so think of it as the tour’s “anchor.” If it’s last, it gives you a chance to compare your favorites from earlier stops and pick a final pour with confidence. If it’s first, it sets the mood and helps you understand the style range you’ll keep encountering.
One fun detail mentioned in feedback: there can be some unusual options, including a beer smoothie, which people describe as delicious. That kind of departure from classic tasting flights can be a memorable moment, especially if you’ve already tried a couple of standard pours earlier.
What you taste and how the guide keeps it fun

The tour includes beverages, alcoholic beverages, and snacks—plus a food tasting element. That combination is what makes this feel like an activity, not a lab session.
The guide’s job is more than announcing beers. A good guide helps you connect what you’re tasting to what’s happening in the brewing process and in Montreal’s beer culture. Recent guide feedback highlights a few traits that matter to your experience:
- Energy and humor that makes the group feel relaxed
- Style knowledge so you understand what you’re sipping
- Helpful guidance when beer tastes surprise you
Guides like Sara have been described as a real font of knowledge about Montreal’s beer scene, while Violet and Kat are credited with being fun and engaging, and Jade shows up in feedback as both knowledgeable and personable.
Here’s the practical takeaway: if you ask questions—what style fits what you’re eating, how something differs from earlier pours, what to try next—you’ll get more out of your tasting time.
Timing reality check: why it can feel a little rushed

This tour is designed for three brewery stops in half a day. That’s efficient. It’s also why some people feel like there isn’t much “linger time” at each location.
So if your ideal brewery visit is a long, unhurried bar session with repeated refills and a lot of time to browse menus, this may feel like you’re on a schedule. The pacing makes sense for sampling and comparison—but it’s still a tasting tour, not a slow afternoon at one favorite spot.
Another timing-related point: some feedback mentions a “chosen for us” tasting approach. That can be great if you’re not picky and want variety. If you’re picky or have strong preferences (sours only, no stouts, no dark beers, etc.), flag it to the guide early and be clear about what you want.
Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

You’ll probably love this tour if:
- You’re in Montreal for a short stay and want a focused beer plan
- You want to meet people and have a social afternoon
- You prefer structured sampling over DIY brewery hopping
- You’re traveling with friends and want an easy shared activity
It’s also great for celebrations. Several feedback notes mention it as a standout activity for bachelor and bachelorette weekends, mostly because it combines laughs, guide-led storytelling, and multiple breweries in one smooth afternoon.
You might want to think twice if:
- You hate tasting formats and want full bar menu freedom
- You’re the type who wants long brewery hangs rather than quick sampling
- You’re extremely sensitive to being rushed—because the stops are intentionally timed
Small tips to get more out of every stop
A few practical moves can upgrade your experience fast:
- Eat before you arrive. Even with snacks on the tour, starting slightly fed helps you enjoy the flavors instead of just chasing alcohol content.
- Tell your guide your preferences at the beginning. If you want lighter beers, stronger beers, sours, or no certain ingredients, say it early.
- Ask one good question per stop. Something like how the brewery’s style is built or what to look for in the finish. The guides who are praised tend to love that kind of engagement.
- Go with a “compare mindset.” Don’t judge a brewery by one pour—use the tour to learn what you like and what you don’t.
- Plan a follow-up visit to your favorite brewery area after the tour if you want more time there.
Should you book the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour?
If you want a simple, guided way to taste Montreal beer culture—without driving and without building a complicated route—this is a strong pick. The biggest value isn’t only the beer. It’s the combo of transport, guide-led context, snacks/food, and three different brewery stops packed into 3.5 hours with a group size that stays manageable.
I’d book it if you’re traveling with friends, you like craft beer variety, and you’re happy to treat this as a tasting tour, not a long pub crawl.
If your heart is set on slower, deeper time at a single brewery, or you want total control over every pour, you may find the timed stops a little tight. In that case, you could still have fun—but you’ll probably enjoy it more if you pair it with a second plan on your own afterward.
FAQ
How long is the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes and includes three brewery stops.
What’s included in the tour price?
The price includes your local guide, driver/guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, pickup and drop-off from the designated meeting point, snacks, beverages, and alcoholic beverages. Tips for the guide are not included.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 1717 Rue Berri, Montréal, QC H2L 4E9, Canada and ends back at the same meeting point.
Do I need to be 18 to join?
Yes. The minimum age is 18 years.
Is it an English tour and do I get a ticket on my phone?
The tour is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket.
What if there’s a change to the first brewery stop?
The first stop is 4 Origines in Pointe-Saint-Charles, but it can be replaced by Espace public depending on the date.
What happens if the tour can’t run due to low numbers?
There is a possibility of cancellation if minimum numbers aren’t met. If that happens, you’ll be offered an alternative or a full refund. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.























