Calgary: Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues

Calgary’s craft beer scene has gained a well-deserved reputation for excellence, and this Brewery Tour at Award-Winning Venues offers a fantastic way to explore it. Priced at $82 per person and lasting about 3.5 hours, this tour provides a comprehensive experience in Calgary’s vibrant brewing districts. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just curious about Alberta’s craft brewing culture, this tour is designed to deliver fun, education, and exceptional beer in a relaxed setting. The tour features visits to award-winning breweries across multiple districts, with transportation included to make the experience seamless.

One of the standout features is the knowledgeable guides—all of whom are either cicerone students, beer judging students, or certified members—who bring both humor and expertise to every stop. The tour’s reputation is reinforced by glowing reviews praising the guides’ storytelling skills, personalized attention, and the quality of the breweries visited. While the tour combines excellent beer tasting opportunities with insights into beer history and brewing techniques, it’s important to note that food and additional drinks are not included and are available at your own expense.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $82 per person and lasts 3.5 hours.
• All-Inclusive: Transportation, beer flights, gratuities, and exclusive merchandise are covered.
• Visit Award-Winning Breweries: Stops are only at industry-leading venues across Calgary’s districts.
• Expert Guides: Led by cicerone or beer judging students, ensuring engaging and knowledgeable commentary.
• Educational Focus: Learn about beer history, ingredients, and brewing processes with tutorials and VIP brewery tours.
• Flexible Options: Includes a private group experience with custom pick-up and drop-off, or a casual “jump on” group tour.

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Calgary’s Best Beer Destinations at Award-Winning Breweries

The tour visits three Calgary breweries renowned for their industry leadership. These breweries are selected for their award-winning beers and innovative brewing practices, ensuring guests sample the best of what Calgary has to offer. Each stop includes beer flights for tasting, with time to explore other craft products and selections. The breweries are situated in different districts across Calgary, giving a broad perspective on the local craft beer landscape.

This curated approach guarantees that visitors experience industry-leading venues rather than just typical taprooms. The focus on award-winning beers underscores the quality and creativity found in Calgary’s brewing community. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the exclusive merchandise and product discounts available only to YYCTOURS participants.

How the Logistics Are Handled for Your Convenience

The tour departs from outside the Calgary Tower in the designated loading area, making it easy to find for visitors staying downtown. For private groups of more than four, YYCTOURS offers custom pick-up and drop-off arrangements, enhancing convenience. The tour operator manages all logistics and planning, so participants can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.

Transportation is comfortable and tailored to fit the schedule, with pickup times usually set in the afternoon. The entire process is designed to be stress-free, allowing guests to fully enjoy the breweries without worrying about transportation or planning. The tour maintains a good pace, balancing enough time at each location to savor the beers without feeling rushed.

What to Expect at Each Brewery Stop

At each venue, guests receive a VIP tour of the brewing operations, gaining insight into beer production, ingredients, and brewing techniques. The guides also provide tutorials on how to evaluate beer, helping to deepen understanding and appreciation. The breweries themselves are award-winning and have a reputation for industry excellence.

Besides sampling award-winning beers, the stops may include venues that offer great food options—perfect for pairing with craft brews. Some venues provide exclusive discounts on merchandise and products, making the experience both enjoyable and value-packed. The focus remains on quality, education, and enjoyment, with each brewery chosen for its industry leadership.

The Role of Guides and Their Expertise

The guides leading this tour are either cicerone or beer judging students or certified members, which adds a layer of credibility and knowledge. They are described as funny, engaging, and highly knowledgeable, making the experience lively and informative. The guides personalize the tour, noting preferences and adjusting the experience to suit different tastes in beer and food.

Their ability to explain beer history, ingredients, and manufacturing processes enriches the tour, providing context that elevates the tasting experience. Reviewers highlight Shawn, a guide praised for his hilarious storytelling and ability to connect with guests, making the tour memorable.

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The Food and Additional Offerings

While food is not included in the tour, there is an option for delicious food at some brewery stops, often with great pizza or other offerings. Guests are encouraged to purchase food separately to enhance their tasting experience. The tour also offers exclusive merchandise and product discounts—adding a special touch to the visit.

YYCTOURS also offers Calgary Wine Tours and Distillery Tours, providing options for those interested in exploring other local beverages. The emphasis remains on showcasing award-winning and industry-leading establishments.

Booking, Cancellations, and Flexibility

Booking is flexible: reserves can be made with the “reserve now & pay later” option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment. Cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind for planning uncertain schedules.

The tour is designed for adults over 18, with waivers required for participation. It is not suitable for children. The activity provides an English-speaking guide and typically takes place in the afternoon, fitting well into a day of Calgary sightseeing.

Final Thoughts on Calgary’s Award-Winning Brewery Tour

This 3.5-hour guided tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Calgary’s top craft breweries, combining education, entertainment, and tastings. The focus on award-winning venues ensures guests sample only the best beers, while knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging and personalized.

The inclusion of transportation, gratuities, and exclusive discounts makes this tour both convenient and value-packed. It suits those who want a relaxed, educational, and tastings-focused introduction to Calgary’s thriving brewing scene.

While food is optional and additional drinks are not included, these are minor considerations compared to the overall quality of the breweries visited and the professionalism of the guides. This tour stands out for its industry-leading brewery stops and dedicated focus on Alberta craft beer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the Calgary Brewery Tour?
The tour costs $82 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is outside the Calgary Tower in the loading area.

Are food and extra drinks included?
No, food and additional drinks are not included and are at guests’ discretion.

Can I book a private tour?
Yes, YYCTOURS offers a private Calgary Brewery Tour with custom pick-up and drop-off for groups larger than four.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is included for all stops, with customized pick-up and drop-off options for private groups.

What kind of guides lead the tour?
Guides are cicerone or beer judging students or certified members, making for a knowledgeable and engaging experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it is not suitable for guests under 18 years.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring passport or ID card for age verification.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby