Calgary Street Art & Craft Beer 3 Hour Tasting Tour

The Calgary Street Art & Craft Beer 3 Hour Tasting Tour offers an engaging blend of visual art and local brews in the city’s lively Beltline area. Priced at $80.99 per person, this small-group experience is perfect for those interested in exploring Calgary’s dynamic urban murals while sampling some of the city’s best craft beers. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and features a mobile ticket system, making it easy to join from the centrally located meeting point.

This tour stands out with its focus on exclusive stories and insights into Calgary’s street art scene, guided by personable English-speaking guides. It’s especially suited for art enthusiasts and craft beer lovers who enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of walking and socializing. While the group size is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, the tour requires booking around 51 days in advance on average, so planning ahead is recommended.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants
• Includes eight 4oz craft beer tastings split between two local breweries
• Highlights Calgary’s Beltline Urban Mural Project with two hours of mural viewing and artist stories
• Guides provide local recommendations and detailed background on street art and breweries
• Tour starts at 2:00 pm from Toonie Tours Calgary’s meeting point at 8 Ave SW
• Most reviews give a perfect 5-star rating, praising guides’ knowledge and the art scene

Calgary’s Vibrant Street Art Scene in the Beltline District

The tour begins in the heart of Calgary’s Beltline neighborhood, where the urban murals take center stage. Over two hours, the guide leads participants through a curated selection of murals, showcasing the city’s eclectic and colorful street art. These murals reflect Calgary’s creative spirit, and the guide shares exclusive stories about the artists and murals, giving context that adds depth to the visual experience.

The Beltline Urban Murals Project is a highlight for art lovers, emphasizing Calgary’s efforts to incorporate public art into its cityscape. The murals are displayed on walls in a lively, bustling setting, making the walk visually stimulating and culturally enriching. The guide’s insights help connect the art to the city’s broader urban renewal initiatives, making the murals more meaningful beyond their aesthetics.

Starting at Bottlescrew Bill’s and Buzzards for Beer Sampling

The tour kicks off with craft beer tastings at Bottlescrew Bill’s and Buzzards, two well-loved Calgary establishments. Here, the group enjoys sampling eight 4oz beers, split evenly between the two breweries. This initial stop offers a relaxed introduction to Calgary’s craft beer scene, setting the tone for the rest of the tour.

The visit to these venues combines the social aspect of beer tasting with opportunities to learn about local breweries. The guide provides stories and background information on the beers and breweries, enhancing the tasting experience. These stops are designed to foster conversation and camaraderie among participants, making it a friendly, informal start.

Walking Through Calgary’s Street Art with an Expert Guide

After the initial drink, the group moves on to explore the street murals in the Beltline. The guide, known for their passionate research and storytelling, brings the murals to life with stories about the artists and their work. Expect to see a wide variety of mural styles, each reflecting different themes and artistic influences.

Participants appreciate how the guide expands understanding of the art’s cultural significance, which many would not grasp on their own. The walking pace is comfortable, but some comments suggest the need for good footwear and willingness to walk through the city’s vibrant streets. The murals are displayed in an intimate setting, allowing for close-up viewing and photo opportunities along the way.

Discovering Calgary’s 17th Ave Business District

The tour includes a brief stop at the 17th Ave Business Improvement Area, offering local recommendations for dining and nightlife. This stop lasts about 20 minutes, giving attendees a chance to ask questions or note spots they want to visit afterward.

This part of the tour provides practical tips for making the most of Calgary’s evening scene, whether for dining, drinks, or entertainment. It’s an added value that helps extend the experience beyond the tour, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Calgary’s energetic 17th Avenue strip.

The Brewery Experience: Two Local Breweries and Tasting Notes

The second brewery visit is a central part of the tour’s appeal. Participants visit two favorite breweries, where they enjoy more craft beer samples. The beer flights are carefully curated, and guides share insights into the brewing process and local beer trends.

Some reviews mention a possible typo in the write-up about the beer quantities—noting that they received 4 oz samples instead of 5 oz. The beer quality and variety are consistently praised, with the stops offering a relaxed environment to learn about Calgary’s craft brewing scene firsthand.

Personal Guides with Rich Local Knowledge

Guides like Jamie, Toby, and Aida are noted for their knowledge, personable approach, and storytelling skills. They provide inside information about murals, artists, and breweries, making the tour more engaging and informative.

Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendly demeanor and ability to adapt, such as when last-minute changes occur, like a guide stepping in unexpectedly. This level of professionalism and warmth makes the tour feel personalized and approachable.

Pacing, Walking, and Accessibility

Participants should prepare for plenty of walking through Calgary’s city streets, as part of the mural exploration and brewery visits. While most reviews highlight the tour’s well-paced and enjoyable flow, some mention hot weather or the need for comfortable footwear.

The tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking demand. The tour ends back at the starting point, ensuring convenience for transportation.

The Tour’s Logistics and Booking Details

The meeting point at Toonie Tours Calgary, located at 8 Ave SW, is near public transportation options, making it easy to access. The tour starts at 2:00 pm and is designed for up to 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Most bookings are made about 51 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. Flexible cancellation allows for full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours before the start, providing peace of mind while planning.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

What truly distinguishes this tour is its combination of street art storytelling and craft beer tasting in a small-group setting. The focus on exclusive artist stories and the chance to sample local brews makes it more than just a city walk or pub crawl.

Plus, the personalized guides and local recommendations extend value, helping visitors enjoy Calgary’s vibrant neighborhoods beyond the tour. It’s a balanced mix of visual culture, social fun, and local knowledge in just three hours.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for art enthusiasts, craft beer fans, and curious visitors who appreciate storytelling and cultural insights. The tour suits those comfortable with walking and looking for a relaxed, friendly environment.

While it’s accessible for most, travelers should be prepared for about two hours of mural viewing and a fair amount of walking. The small-group format is perfect for anyone wanting a more personal, engaging tour experience with expert guides.

Calgary Street Art & Craft Beer 3 Hour Tasting Tour: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a unique way to see Calgary’s street murals while enjoying some of the city’s best craft beers. The two brewery visits supplement the visual exploration with tasting experiences that highlight Calgary’s vibrant brewing scene.

The small-group format and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized and engaging experience, with plenty of stories and local tips along the way. It’s an enjoyable outing for art lovers, beer aficionados, and those wanting an authentic taste of Calgary’s urban culture.

While the walking might be a consideration for some, the balance of art, beer, and local insights makes this tour a compelling choice for visitors seeking a fun, informative afternoon in Calgary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Calgary Street Art & Craft Beer Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Toonie Tours Calgary, located at 151 8 Ave SW and concludes back at the same point.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket includes eight 4oz craft beer tastings, visits to two breweries, exclusive stories about murals and artists, and a local guide.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the focus on alcohol tastings makes it more appropriate for those of legal drinking age.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 51 days in advance, though booking earlier is recommended for securing a spot.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours before the tour.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, allowing for a more intimate experience.

Are there any physical requirements?
Expect plenty of walking around murals and breweries; comfortable shoes are advised.

How do guides enhance the experience?
Guides like Jamie, Toby, and Aida bring friendly, knowledgeable insights about the art scene and breweries, making the tour engaging and informative.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour starts at the meeting point, which is accessible by public transit.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and an appetite for local craft beers and vibrant street art.